Page 112 of Bitten Vampire

“Right.” I nibble my lip.

“You can go first,” he adds gently. “Maybe the power boost will help yourvisions.”

“Okay then.” I shift closer on the sofa.

He unbuttons his shirt and slides it off one shoulder, revealing golden skin, muscles and his intricate tattoos.

Oh bloody hell.

“So I just bite?”

“Yes.”

“And it’s not going to hurt you?”

“No.”

He taps a spot on his neck. “Here.”

I swallow hard and lean in. His scent—musk, power, and a faint metallic note of power—fills my nose. I brush his skin; he doesn’t even breathe. My hand trembles.

He rubs small, soothing circles on my back. “It’s all right, let the vampire part of you take over. Your instincts know what to do.”

He taps the spot again. “Just bite.”

Oh, gosh. I’m really going to do this.

But he’s my mate, and this will strengthen the bond. I press a brief kiss to his neck, then steel myself.It is going to be fine.

Fangs out, I sink them in.

His flesh parts easily, as if made for this. Rich, powerful blood surges into my mouth, fizzing with something electric. It tastes nothing like the blood I’ve tried before. His blood is alive with magic.

I take only a mouthful; I don’t want to be greedy. When I draw back, I gently lick the wound clean, sealing it, and press a kiss to his neck.

I didn’t frenzy. I didn’t lose control. It was… nice—pleasant, even. Who am I kidding? It was mind-bendingly incredible!

He looks pained, and I panic.

“V—Valdarr, are you all right? Did I hurt you? I’m so sorry if?—”

“No,” he says hoarsely. “You didn’t hurt me, sunshine. It’s just… a lot. Having my mate bite me. It’s intense.”

“Oh,” I whisper. “Well… would you like to bite me now?”

“Yes,” he says, “but give me a moment.”

He sits motionless, eyes closed. When he opens them, they’re violet—glowing, vibrant, wild. I haven’t seen them like that since he was furious.

I brush my fingers across his cheek; he leans into my palm and kisses it.

“Are you ready,” I ask softly, “to seal the bond?”

He nods, smiling.

He gathers me onto his lap. The evidence of how much he enjoyed my bite presses against me, and I do my best to ignore it.

I slip off my top, leaving me in only my bra. I feel shy when he looks at me, and I cannot meet his eyes.