Page 40

“No, we need to talk.”

Draven’s persistence tries my fraying patience. “I ask again. Leave this place. We have nothing to discuss.”

His jaw sets stubbornly. “I cannot, not until you hear me out.” He takes a step closer, and I fight the urge to retreat. “Thorn, I know we are fated mates.”

I inhale sharply, stunned by his bold declaration. Fate be damned, I cannot let him sway me with his pretty words.

“Lies. I forge my own path, Prince. The fickle whims of destiny hold no power over me.”

Hurt flashes in Draven’s eyes, but he forges on. “Why don’t you want this? Am I truly so bad?”

Anger simmers in my blood. How dare he presume to know my heart or my secrets? “You understand nothing,” I bite out. “Now leave, before…”

Luna presses against my leg, either seeking comfort or trying to calm me. I take a deep breath, regaining some composure.

Draven watches me intently. “Thorn… do you know of our bond? Did you feel it too that night we met?”

I falter. The truth presses at my lips, but I force it back down. I cannot give him that power over me.

Perhaps sensing my hesitation, he steps closer, hand raised as if to touch my face. I shy back out of reach. “Please,” he implores softly. “No more lies between us.”

The sincerity in his eyes wars with the fear in my heart. I waver, wanting to unburden myself yet terrified of the vulnerability.

Finally, I drop my gaze. “Yes,” I whisper. “I knew then of our… connection, but it changes nothing.” Lifting my eyes, I pin him with a defiant look. “I choose my own fate. I don’t want a mate.”

“How can you deny what is between us? Do you not realize how rare it is to find your fated mate?” He reaches for me, but I step back sharply.

I harden my heart against the ache in his voice. “Please, just go. We will only bring each other pain.”

Draven shakes his head. “I don’t accept that.” He moves closer, and my pulse quickens treacherously. “We could be happy, if you gave us a chance.”

His hand catches my wrist when I try to pull away. Our skin touching ignites something deep within me, primal and undeniable. I gasp softly as our bond flares, my senses hyper-focusing on Draven with preternatural intensity—the velvet timbre of his voice, the heat of his body so near mine, his woodsy scent mingled now with mouthwatering traces of blood…

Alarm shoots through me as I realize too late it’s been days since I brewed my tea to subdue my vampiric urges. Draven’s nearness is proving too great a temptation. When hungry, even another vampire can be tempting as a meal.

I tear my wrist from his grasp, stumbling back. “Please, I need you to go,” I choke out through the haze of thirst, “before the monster in me takes over completely. Before we cross a line there is no returning from.”

Draven hesitates, confusion in his silver eyes as they search my face.

I wrap my arms around myself, willing him to leave before my fragile control shatters completely.

“Thorn, talk to me,” he implores. “What is this about?”

I shake my head helplessly. How can I explain the dark cravings rising within me, threatening to overwhelm all reason?

“Go, quickly,” I plead through gritted teeth.

Draven does not flee. Instead, he steps closer, radiating concern. “Let me help you. I can see you’re struggling. Are you ill?”

A growl escapes my throat before I can stop it, a feral warning. Draven freezes. We stare at each other, tension crackling.

“Please…” My voice breaks as I meet his gaze beseechingly. I am losing this battle.

Slowly, Draven lifts his wrist to his mouth. My eyes widen as I realize his intent. With a flash of fang, he bites down. Crimson blooms, rich and intoxicating.

He extends his arm in offering, droplets falling to stain the snow at our feet. “Take what you need,” he says gently. “A vampire’s blood can cure almost anything. I can help.”

As my self-control crumbles, I cannot resist the primal urge that consumes me. With a desperate gasp, I grasp his wrist and bring it to my lips, eager to taste his essence. Draven’s blood floods my mouth, hot and metallic and infused with his alluring flavor. Every sip replenishes my strength, fueling the intense desire that courses through my body. I’m careful not to let my fangs descend so as not to reveal myself but lap up every drop.