Page 16 of Bite The Terror That Feeds

“It’s so small, it’s not worth the trouble.” It was a cabin with two beds and a fireplace. Some of the shelves had dry goods, but it was mostly empty. The beds weren’t even clean, but it was better than sleeping on the ground outside.

She set her blade by the front door and removed her armor, stripping down to her clothing underneath. It’d been a long ride on a cold day, so she sat in the armchair by the fire to thaw her frozen body.

I undressed as well, glancing out the window to see that darkness had arrived. “We’ll leave before dawn.”

She pulled one knee to her chest and snacked on the nuts she’d brought. The glow of the fire hit her face in a spectacular way, bringing color to her cheeks, a warmth to her eyes. Her appearance changed throughout the day, sleepy and beautiful first thing in the morning, fierce in the afternoons, and then seductive in the evenings. I appreciated every look, just the way I used to appreciate every season.

She must have felt my eyes on her because she turned to look at me.

I didn’t cover up my stare by looking away. My stare was reserved for her, and I wasn’t afraid to show it. If I couldn’t hide my emotions, then why should I bother hiding anything else.

“Your father sounds formidable.”

“He’s a bit rough around the edges.”

“And I thought you were rough around the edges.”

A faint smile moved on to my lips. “I’m pleasant by comparison.”

“Why is he an Original, while you and Viper aren’t?”

“Because he’s our father—and should therefore sire us.” It was a bullshit excuse. All about power. Status quo.

“And how are Originals different from Kingsnakes?”

“Stronger. Faster. Superior in almost every way imaginable.”

There was a hesitation in her eyes, a moment of fear.

“My father and I aren’t on the best of terms, but he wouldn’t cross that line.” I’d claimed this woman as my prey, and every vampire had to respect that, regardless of the power in her blood, the addiction that could bring a strong man to his knees. “Aurelias, on the other hand, might be more difficult.”

“Aurelias?”

“My other brother.”

Her eyebrows jumped up her face. “You haveanotherbrother?”

“Yes.”

“Okay… Are there any more?”

“No, that’s the last one.”

“Any sisters?” she asked.

I grinned slightly. “No.”

“Aurelias… He isn’t named after a snake like the rest of you.”

“He is—technically. It means gold.”

“Because he was made by a Golden Serpent…”

“Yes.” I’d wondered when she’d fully understand her circumstance, and judging by the look on her face and the depth in her voice, that moment had arrived.

She dropped her eyes back to the fire, immediately lost in thought.

I studied her face, watched her struggle with the horrible realization.