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My words came out more suggestive than the tease I’d intended, and he inhaled sharply as his eyes flashed red. I hurried on.

“I guess I just don’t understand why you’d need me for events… And—” A thought occurred to me. “Was I ever in danger while I’ve been with you? Sometime not at the party?”

“Once.” His answer was hoarse, his eyes haunted. “But I sorted it. The threat is neutralized. With me is the safest place you can be. Never wander away, never move from where I tell you to stay. I will always protect you, Leia.”

“But I really don’t understand.” My tone verged on desperate. “I don’t understand what’s going on. Being a casino owner’s arm candy was strange enough, but I was willing to do it for all that you offered me. But you’re a vampire. You don’t need me, so why am I here?” I took a deep breath and met his gaze. “What could a vampire possibly need with me?”

Chapter 18

Nic

I sucked in a sudden breath I didn’t know I’d needed, and it wedged in my chest like something sharp. As soon as Leia started asking questions, I should have known where this was headed.

I’d been stupid to think I could sit around being honest without it coming back to bite me. I should have just shut the conversation down, taken what I wanted, turned her for her own protection. Forget my own selfish requirements for my full ascension and reign. I could still fucking rule…it just wouldn’t be the same for either of us if I didn’t come into my full powers.

And I needed my full powers to truly be the male worthy of Leia. My head pounded, and I considered another mug of blood. But it tasted even worse than usual with Leia sitting across from me, her scent teasing me every time she moved.

I upended the mug and drained the dregs of my drink, ignoring the gritty texture of the last mouthful. Then I stood and walked to the small stainless sink in the corner, buying myself time as I washed the mug rather than simply rinsing it. I dried it, too, and selected the exact perfect spot in the cupboard where it should sit until I needed it again.

All that time, Leia didn’t speak. She barely even seemed to breathe. She just waited. And usually, I excelled at a game of chicken. I was a patient man. I played the odds. The house always fucking won.

Always.

But I’d never played this game. And not with so much on the line.

I was about to fucking reveal my hand.

I’d planned to keep my distance and lay everything out carefully, concisely, matter-of-factly. But as I turned and looked at Leia, I couldn’t. I couldn’t stay away, I couldn’t be detached.

It was all too important to be clinical and scientific. And Leia was more to me than that.

I sat next to her, probably taking up more room than I needed, and reached for her hands. She didn’t resist, but there was no encouraging curl of her fingers around mine, either. I lifted her hand to my cheek, nuzzling it a little before I pressed a kiss to her skin, my gaze never leaving hers as I did.

Her cheeks pinked, and hope hammered my heart. She still reacted to my touch.

“Leia…”

She lifted an eyebrow. “A Leia moment? Must be important.”

I kissed her hand again. “You’re Leia, and I’m Nic.”

Her lips parted, and I wanted to kiss them, but I needed to tell her our story first.

“And I know that’s who we are, the only thing that matters, because…you’re my true mate.” I swallowed, seeking the words to make it plainer. “My bride.”

She flinched a little, and I reflexively tightened my grip and pressed her palm to my cheek, unwilling to lose her or let her slip away. I watched her to make sure she was okay. I didn’t want to hurt her. I just wanted to hold her close to me a little while longer while I explained everything.

“I need a bride, a virgin bride—”

She gasped.

“Don’t worry. I’ve always known. I can tell.”

“But how?” He cheeks darkened further.

I shrugged. “It’s a difference in your scent.”

A difference that aroused me more than I could describe. My gums itched, and I swallowed, trying to focus on something else that wouldn’t make my fangs think it was time to come out to play.