Page 58 of Blood Day: Part One

Sodangerous.

She wasn’t the only one who could be punished for this. Although, I’d just say I’d wanted to keep my toy alive a little longer. Silvano would forgive it with a smirk, then either see how much her strengthened form could take before breaking or kill her outright.

Both outcomes irritated me, something I accidentally conveyed through my hand against Lily’s throat. She flinched in response, and I immediately loosened my grasp.

“So delicate, my flower,” I whispered, pressing my forehead to hers. “I don’t mean to hurt you.”

It was the closest I could come to an apology, the words meant more as an explanation than an excuse. She was just so inferior, which was part of my draw to her and also a deterrent.

I wanted her stronger. Fiercer. An equal. But that wasn’t possible. To make her immortal would result in an immediate death sentence for her. And Silvano would be forced to punish me in that situation as well.

Vampires could no longer choose their progeny.

Over ninety percent of the human race had been exterminated, leaving us with a limited food source. Creating too many immortals would impact the blood rations.

Hence the need for the Immortal Cup. Only two humans were granted immortality every year, and their placement among the regions varied annually. Next year’s picks would go to Clemente Clan and Jace Region.

My choice would be Jace in a heartbeat, and not just because of his vampire lineage. He ruled his territory with an air of fairness that most others in his position lacked.

Others like Alpha Walter of Clemente Clan.

Silvano, too.

The very concept of “fair” didn’t apply to them. Let alone the notions of choice or equality or the desires of others within their regions. Rulers like Walter and Silvano only cared about their own needs.

But Silvano’s penchants were a concern for another day.

I kissed Lily again, giving her more blood and sighing as I felt the power trickle through her being. By the time I pulled away, her eyes were brighter and widening with wonder.

“Vampire blood heals,” I said, stating the obvious. “Which is why this is forbidden.”

“A secret,” she replied, echoing our conversation from last night.

“Yes.” I brushed my lips across hers before leaning back to grab one of the waters. I twisted the cap and brought the bottle to her lips.

She swallowed greedily, confirming my predictions about her thirst. However, she winced a bit after a few gulps, so I pulled the bottle away and arched a brow.

“Cold,” she said, wincing again.

She was probably used to room-temperature water, or worse.

I considered her for a moment, then took some liquid into my mouth to warm it before pressing my lips to hers. She jolted in surprise but opened her mouth and swallowed eagerly.

I repeated it, adding a little blood to it as well and giving her the nutrients she required to feel truly alive.

Her expression held so many questions when we finished the bottle, the blue in her multicolored irises glowing once more.

“You can speak freely,” I said when she remained silent. “I won’t punish you.”

I set the empty bottle aside and settled next to her against the headboard. She still had her towel clutched around her like a shield. It’d be easy to demand that she remove it and converse with me naked, but that would lead to distractions. And I very much wanted her to voice some of the thoughts dancing behind those beautiful eyes.

“Why are you healing me?” she asked.

I shrugged. “Because I can. And because I want to.”Because you’re mine.

Well, not really.

But for now, I considered her mine.