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“You’re not supposed to know that.”
“She didn’t tell me,” she lied, fearful he could read her, “I saw it when she took a bath.”
“I know you’re trying to protect her, but your pulse gives you away. It’s admirable that you care so deeply for her, but this is me, Donja. I can read you so please, no more lies.”
“I’m sorry,” she mumbled. “But you admitted that you lied, so I guess we’ve both lied, at least once.”
“You’re right and I promise you from this day forward, no more lies.”
“Okay, I promise the same.”
“Good. Now to your question. Gage does bite her groin to feed, but when he bound her to him, he bit her neck. Marking must occur on the neck, so just keep your hair down for a few days and no mortal will be the wiser.”
“But what about other Iridescents, you said one might try and take me?”
“Not anymore for you bear my internal marking.”
“I don’t understand.”
“Your blood, which is Rh-null, is the only human blood with no antigens. Iridescents have double antigens on the red cells. I have shared them with you and they instantly attach to your cells. Now, we are one, forever sharing the exact antigens. It’s kinda like a fingerprint.”
“And all your kind will know.”
“Yes, with a single glance they will know, not only that you’re taken and that there is no chance of reproduction with anyone but me, but that to be caught even lusting after you is death. It is the law of our clan. You’re safe, my love.”
Donja breathed relief and then it occurred to her that he said, my love.
She faced him.
Did you mean that?
She gazed deeply into his eyes searching for answers and then by no will of her own, took a dive, warmth washing over her, the promise of…
He leaned in and kissed her, gently, rocking her in flames. He pulled back. “Let’s get out of here and grab a bite to eat. We need to meet Gage and Makayla in less than an hour. Are you hungry?”
“Yes.”
“What do you want?”
She met his eyes which held her captive.
For you to tell me that you love me, instead of just need me.
Realizing that wasn’t going to happen, she forced a smile. “Well, if you must know, my body wants you, all of you, but my mind,” she whispered, dropping her eyes to his groin, “is a little scared of that venture.” She raised her eyes. “So how about Italian?”
“That’s right up my alley. Good choice, but don’t worry about size. There’s ways to get you so hot, you won’t even notice.”
“Do you promise?” she asked with a hushed whisper.
His lips curled into smile as he gently stroked her cheek with his bent finger. “Yes, I promise and furthermore, I’m going to enjoy watching you squirm Donja Bellanger.”
“Pardon?”
“One day soon, I’m going to kiss every inch of you, from the inside out.”
Moving On
Anna Bellanger stepped off the plane at O’Hare International in Chicago. Inside the terminal she walked in a tight queue among people with baggage in tow. Minutes later, following the ground level exit signs, she made her way to the glass doors of the terminal. She stepped outside, the smell of exhaust fumes wafting and hailed a cab.