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“That is enough,” I said sharply to the girl.

She bit her bottom lip, her eyes filling with tears. Surprisingly, she stayed silent.

Standing, I turned to Adem. “A little sip every night will probably be wise considering my situation. It is best if I do not hunt with any regularity in the city for fear of drawing attention. ”

“Agreed. I shall send one of my men to your door every night at the hour of your choosing. ”

“Thank you. I do appreciate your assistance in the matters of my security and comfort,” I said, and meant my words. I was maudlin and agitated by my circumstances, but his presence was strangely comforting.

He smiled, the scars on his cheeks and lip tugging oddly on his flesh. “It is my pleasure. Shall I take the girl with me?”

Katya fumed, her gaze imploring me.

“No. No. I must feed tonight and a sip now and again will keep her. . . ” I turned study her flushed, eager gaze, “. . . sated. ”

Her smile at Adem was triumphant and he bowed his head to my wishes. “Until tomorrow, dear Countess. ”

“Good evening, Adem. ”

With one last concerned glance at my guest, Adem left the room and I locked the door after him. I turned to find Katya near. She was breathing heavily, her chest heaving, her pale skin flushed, and her eyes dewy with need.

“Please,” she whispered, turning her head to expose her slim throat.

I felt my teeth growing sharp and my stomach felt hollow. The hunger was whispering through my veins as I stepped toward her. My arm caught her about the waist and she moaned with pleasure as she swooned. Since she was taller, I found myself at a disadvantage. I lowered her to the floor, resting her head gently against the wood. Her blond hair was radiant in the firelight and reminded me vividly of Cneajna. Leaning over her, I opened my mouth, my fangs sharp against my lips. Katya trembled beneath me, her fingers tangled in her skirts, clutching them.

With a quick lunge forward, I sank my sharp teeth deep into her flesh and reveled in the first great burst of blood in my mouth. I drank in the rich fluid, feeling it rushing through my body like warm wine. I took small sips from the girl’s throat, my hands gripping her shoulders tightly. Her moans of delight were disconcerting, but I ignored them as I fed. Quickly satiated, I withdrew my fangs and licked the blood from my lips.

“More,” she cried out softly. “More!” Her hands gripped at my arms as I drew away. She followed me up, her hands pressed to my neck and cheek. As I ran my tongue over my bloodied lips, she pressed her mouth against my cheek, murmuring.

I stood sharply, disturbed by her seduction. I snatched up my handkerchief from my desk and pressed it to my lips. I felt her hands on my skirt, pulling on it, begging me to drink again.

“You can go now,” I told her.

Rising, she drew close once more, her hands rising to her bodice. “Please, drink from me. You may drink from me however you want. I do not care. Please!” Exposing her creamy breasts to me, I saw the scars of Vlad’s teeth on her soft skin.

“Cover yourself!” I felt a flash of anger and jealousy at the sight.

Trembling, she obeyed. I could see her fear, bewilderment and desire. “Perhaps here then?” She raised her skirt, exposing her thighs. I could see his bites there as well.

I gripped her arms and shook her. “I do not want to use you as he did. Do you understand?”

She shook her head in confusion. “Please. . . ”

“Leave me!” I threw her away, disgusted. I was mortified by the corruption of such a young woman by Vlad. But was I not the same as her? My bites did not scar, but I knew his bite intimately. The pleasure it brought caused me to burn at the mere thought.

Climbing to her feet, Katya let out a plaintive cry. “Please, mistress, forgive me. Do not shun me. I will not. . . try to do this again. I will. . . ” She timidly approached me. “I will not touch you or seduce you. Just let me feel your kiss. Please. ”

My anger leaving me, I reached out and stroked her cheek. “I will let you feel my kiss. But I am not my husband. I will not defile you as he did. ”

Relieved, she kissed my hand and reluctantly went to the door. I could see that she wanted to once more fling herself into my arms and beg for my bite, but she refrained. Unlocking the door, she slipped out into the hall. I saw Adem’s keen eyes watching from the doorway across from my room. Inclining his head, his gaze did not stray from my face until I closed the door and locked it.

Trembling, I threw myself across my bed and wept.

May 8, 1820

Dearest Astir,

I am pressed to secure passage to my next destination, so I write this in haste. Have you received word of Count Vlad Dracula and Lady Glynis? I am most concerned for their safety considering the attack on their home in Buda.