Page 8 of Blood Legacy (Eternal Descent (MistHallow Academy) #1)

8

GAIDA

Trudging through the hallways, I can feel the daylight hours getting to me. It’s the longest I’ve been up and active during sunlight and it’s draining me faster than I’d like.

“Gaida,” Eldra calls, and I turn, fixing my features into a less depressed expression.

“Hi, Eldra.”

“I spoke with Professor Blackthorn, and he has approved your entrance to Advanced Dark Magick.” She thrusts a new timetable at me.

Surprised, I look down and sure enough at the end of today, it’s tagged on as an extra rather than a substitute to the new class. “Thank you,” I say, looking up. “I really appreciate it.”

“Don’t make me regret it,” she warns with a stern gaze.

“I won’t. I promise.”

She nods and disappears, leaving me thoughtful. Why did Luke agree to something that I want? Huffing, as there are yet more questions with no answers, I stamp my foot and head up the stairs to the dining hall to grab a few cups of synthetic blood to see if I can get the ache out of my bones.

The dining hall is bustling with students of various species. Werewolves huddle in packs near the windows, soaking up the sunlight they crave. Faerie students float around the salad bar, their wings glimmering as they argue over which flowers are acceptable to eat. A few witches sit cross-legged on the table itself, their books hovering in front of them.

I make my way to the blood dispensary at the far end of the hall, trying to ignore the stares. The machine hums as I press the button and wait for it to gush out into a to-go cup. I grab a straw and fiddle with it while I wait. The synthetic blood isn’t as satisfying as the real thing, but it does the job. I grab the cup as soon as it’s finished and gulp it back before thrusting it back under the dispenser for round two.

I tap my foot impatiently as the second cup fills. The synthetic blood might not taste as good as the real thing, but I need something to keep me going.

“Two cups? Someone’s hungry.”

I turn to find a pair of amused eyes staring at me. “Fuck off, Corvus,” I snap. “I’m not in the mood for your version of funny today.”

“Ouch,” he drawls. “But leave some for the rest of us.”

I gulp back the second cup, not moving, but holding up my finger in a ‘hang on’ gesture.

He waits impatiently as I finish up and shove the cup back under for thirds.

“Some of us aren’t used to being up at this ungodly hour,” I mutter, grabbing my third cup. “How are you so... awake?” I glance at the pureblood vampire with narrowed eyes. He is the third of our kind, all smooshed into this academy in a twist of fate I’m sure was on purpose. He isn’t my type, nor do I appear to be his. He is hooked up anyway, so that’s two strikes. Plus, I’m pretty sure he wouldn’t give me what I need. Not like Luke. Goddammit. Fucking Luke.

He shrugs. “Years of practice. My family believes in adapting to the modern world. Can’t do business with humans if you’re sleeping when they’re working.”

I pick up the cup and drop the straw in, before taking a ladylike sip, feeling the synthetic blood work its way through my system. It’s like drinking watered-down juice when you’re craving wine.

“Yeah, well, how nice for you. See ya.” I saunter off as he smirks, and I resist the urge to stick my middle finger up at him.

As I cross the dining hall to head out, I feel another gaze on me, and I pause. Turning around, I see an attractive sorcerer looking at me with a pair of grey eyes that are guarded but full of lust.

I smirk at him and carry on my way. I’m not interested in anyone who isn’t an ancient vampire.

Except Dante.

That fucker keeps worming his way into my mind and it’s pissing me off.

Binning my now empty cup, I duck into the restroom to escape the crowd, slumping against the sink as I consider my options. My new schedule means I have two more classes before Advanced Dark Magick, and I’m already feeling the drain of being awake during daylight hours.

Examining my reflection, I notice the slight pallor to my skin, the faint shadows forming under my eyes. Nothing that would be noticeable to other species, but to a vampire, the signs of daylight fatigue are unmistakable.

Sighing, I splash cool water on my face and then blot it dry with a paper towel. My hands are shaking, and I feel weak. None of these are good signs. Turning to leave, I push the door open and breathe in deeply. I need to get it together to face down the next couple of classes before I can curl into my bed and let the darkness wash over me. Checking my timetable, I head to the library for my free hour. I had better get to work on that essay that Luke wants by tomorrow. I’d rather get it started now. Crossing the courtyard, I shiver in the winter sun. This daylight exhaustion is taking its toll. I slip into the dark library and shake with relief as I make my way up to the top floor to the vampire section which is completely blacked out.

It’s peaceful up here in the shadows, and I allow myself to slump into a chair at a desk in a dark corner, letting the blessed darkness soothe my frayed nerves. I don’t know how the hell I’m going to make it through the rest of the day.

Pulling out my notebook, I try to focus on the essay. I tap my pen against the page, my mind wandering to how his lips would feel against my throat, his fangs piercing my skin...

“You look like death warmed over,” a voice drawls from behind me.

I whip around to find Dante leaning against a bookshelf. The darkness doesn’t hide his smirk or the way his eyes are cataloguing my every weakness.

“Thanks,” I mutter. “Just what a girl wants to hear.”

He pushes off from the bookshelf and slides into the chair opposite me. “Daylight’s kicking your arse, isn’t it? Why aren’t you resting?”

“Because some of us take our education seriously,” I snap, though there’s less bite in my tone than I’d like. “And I have a paper due.”

“For Blackthorn?” He leans forward, his voice dropping.

“Yes.”

“So you’ve seen him today?”

“Yes, he taught one of my classes. Why?”

“Did you think of my cock when you looked at him? Did you feel me thrusting deep inside you while you gazed into his eyes?”

I give him a seductive smile. “When I gazed into his eyes, all I felt was his penetrating stare and how it made my insides tingle.”

He sits back and props his feet up on the table. “Sure, you did. I happen to know his sire, you know.”

Now that catches my attention. “Oh? Lucius LeClerc?”

“You know him?”

“I’ve heard of him. He and my dad go way back. I’ve never met him. I didn’t even know he was his sire until I did a bit of snooping.”

“He is a nasty creature.”

“How so?” I ask, intrigued.

Dante’s eyes darken, something ancient and cold flickering behind them. “Let’s just say he’s not known for his gentle teaching methods. The vampires he turns or mentors tend to come out... changed.”

“Changed how?” I lean forward, practically salivating at this information. Trying to get information on Luke Blackthorn is like trying to fly to the sun as a turned vampire and expect to live.

Fucking impossible.

Scrubbed records, I suspect.

“Broken and remade. There are rumours that his methods involve breaking someone down to their base instincts before building them back up in his image.” Dante’s voice drops to nearly a whisper. “Some say torture. Others say worse.”

A chill runs through me that has nothing to do with daylight fatigue. “And Luke went through this?”

“For centuries.” Dante’s eyes meet mine, serious for once. “Which is why I find it so fascinating that you’ve managed to crack his perfect composure.”

I scoff, though my heart beats faster. “I haven’t cracked anything.”

“You have no idea, do you?” He leans forward, his face inches from mine. “When I mentioned tasting you, I thought he was going to tear the room apart.”

“You what?” My voice comes out higher than intended.

“I may have implied I’d had your blood.” His smirk returns. “Just to see how he’d react.”

“And how did he react?” I ask, trying to sound casual despite the excitement curling in my stomach.

“Like a vampire who’s fighting very hard not to kill someone.” Dante’s eyes gleam with wicked amusement. “I was in genuine fear for my life.”

“Please,” I scoff. “I doubt it. How did that even come up?” I’m trying and failing to act like this doesn’t affect me. Somehow, I think Dante knows.

“I was in his office earlier. It came up.”

“How?” I hiss.

He blinks slowly. “I told him.”

“Oh, for fuck’s sake,” I growl. “You are a serious arsehole, you know that?”

“I do. It’s one of my many charms.”

“You fucking wish.” I pause before taking a leap I’ve never taken before. “Do you think he wants me?” My voice is cautious, and the scent of my fear is impossible not to notice.

“Oh, he wants you. Chances are he won’t fold, though. He is remarkably controlled. But he has his methods.”

“Meaning?”

“Pain. He administers self-harm to keep a handle on his emotions. Just like good old Lucius taught him to do.”

The blood in my stomach curdles at the thought of Luke experiencing any pain, even by his own hand.

“How do you know Lucius so well?”

“There is an entire dossier on him in my dad’s study back home. After reading it, I researched him, wanting to know what made him tick.” He studies me intently. “He’d be very interested in you, by the way. A pureblood Aragon? He collects rare things.”

A chill runs down my spine that has nothing to do with daylight fatigue. “I’m not a thing to be collected.”

“Tell that to Lucius.” Dante watches me carefully, his eyes tracking the slight tremble in my hands. “You need blood. Real blood.”

“I’m fine,” I lie, even as the room seems to waver slightly around me. The synthetic blood I drank earlier isn’t enough to combat the drain of being in the daylight for this many hours.

“No, you’re not.” He reaches out, his cool fingers wrapping around my wrist. “Your pulse is weak. You’re pushing yourself too hard.”

I try to pull away, but his grip is firm. “I don’t need your concern.”

“Maybe not, but you need blood.” His voice drops lower and takes on a hypnotic quality that makes my fangs ache. “And I’m offering.”

The temptation is overwhelming. “Right here?”

He smirks and stands up, holding his hand out for me. I take it and he leads me to the back of the stacks in the far corner. The darkness is almost oppressive back here and it makes me feel better just from a few seconds of standing in it.

He pushes me back against the wall, pressing his body close to mine. His hands bunch up the sides of my tight dress. “I want something in return,” he murmurs, brushing his lips over mine.

“You mean a fuck for your blood?”

“Are you up for it?”

I consider his challenge, staring into those soul-deep blue eyes. Cupping his face, I crush his lips to mine, thrusting my tongue into his mouth, dropping my fangs at the same time. He hisses when they slice into his lips and tongue. His hands draw my dress up to my hips and he lifts my leg. I wrap it around him already feeling his hard cock pressing against me.

“Who are you thinking about?” he murmurs, pushing my underwear to the side before unzipping his pants.

“Always him,” I reply with a slow smile, tilting his head to expose his jugular. The vampire inside me has woken up at the thought of feeding from him and I growl low in my throat, pressing my lips to his neck. I bite down harshly, and he thrusts inside me balls deep with a groan that echoes around the library.

His blood fills my mouth, hot and rich with power. The taste of a pureblood is incomparable to anything else. Thick and heady with magick that flows like liquid electricity through my veins. I drink deeply, feeling strength return to my limbs as he thrusts inside me, each movement harder than the last.

His fingers dig into my thigh, bruising the flesh as he pulls me tighter against him.

“Fuck,” he hisses, his free hand tangling in my hair to hold me closer. “Your cunt is as perfect as your bite.”

I pull back, blood staining my lips as I smirk at him. “And your cock is almost as good as your blood.”

He growls, lifting me completely off the ground now. I wrap both my legs around his waist as he pounds into me. The darkness wraps around us like a cocoon, the scent of blood and sex heavy in the air.

“You want him to find us like this,” Dante murmurs against my ear. “You want him to see you taking my cock, drinking my blood.”

“Shut up,” I gasp, but the thought sends a thrill through me that tightens my muscles around him.

“You’re squeezing me tighter now,” he taunts. “You like that idea. Him watching you come undone on another vampire’s cock. You want to make him jealous.”

My eyes roll back as he hits just the right spot inside me. The daylight fatigue is completely gone now, replaced by a feral hunger that demands satisfaction. I sink my fangs into his neck again, drinking more deeply as my climax builds.

His thrusts become erratic, his breathing harsh against my ear. “Fuck, I’m going to come inside you.”

I pull back from his neck, blood dripping down my chin. “Do it,” I growl, digging my nails into his forearms.

He slams into me one final time, his body shuddering as he empties himself inside me. The sensation triggers my release, and I bite down on his shoulder to muffle my scream of pleasure as my body convulses hard around him.

For a moment, we stay locked together, panting in the darkness. His blood has revitalised me completely, chasing away the weakness that had been plaguing me since morning.

“Better?” he asks, his voice rough as he sets me back on my feet.

I straighten my dress, feeling his cum dripping down my thighs. “Much.”

He tucks himself away, watching me with those knowing eyes. He reaches for my underwear and snaps it back into place before he pushes my dress down. “He will go feral when he catches my scent on you,” he murmurs.

The pang of fear is quickly replaced by an excited thrill. Would he? Would he go crazy if he caught Dante’s scent on me? Part of me wants to find out, but the less sure part is afraid he won’t even care.