Page 15 of Caller of Crows

All because things weren't going exactly to plan?

Was he really that weak?

He bit his lower lip, feeling that spot Altair had sucked on last night. It was still a little sore, and the memory of the desire the vampire's kiss had sparked in him made him feel all sorts of conflicting ways. Guilty, most of all.

What was wrong with him that he enjoyed being touched by a vampire?

Wanting another kiss was beyond stupid.

Sven's body seemed to have a mind of its own, though.

Wasn't that the real reason Keegan's offer of an escape was so tempting?

Because it would mean he wouldn't have to face Altair again?

If he left this place, he could try again with a different coven. Go for a different sort of approach.

He pinched the bridge of his nose to ease a forming headache.

Altair's coven was his best shot. All his careful research had led him here. He'd made some miscalculations, yes, but did that mean it was time to throw in the towel?

His first plan had been to make a deal with Altair.

That hadn't worked, and now he had nothing to offer in a negotiation.

But that didn't mean he was out of options.

There were other ways to entice a vampire to turn you.

Sven glanced at the book he'd been reading before Keegan came in. A History of Vampires.

The text stated that vampires turned mortals for one of three reasons. For power, for companionship… or for love.

Sven didn't have much to offer in terms of power, but what if he could make the vampire fall in love with him?

It was a wild thought, a ridiculous plan that Sven wanted to dismiss the moment it formed in his head… And yet, he couldn't deny that there was something between him and Altair. Not love. Lust, maybe.

If Sven built on that… if he seduced Altair, maybe he could make him see Sven as something other than a blood source.

Sven's mind flashed back to his earlier encounter with Altair. How close the vampire had been to kissing him again, to drinking from him. His thoughts spun while heat built low in his belly.

If Sven pushed Altair just a little harder…

What would Altair do?

Behind closed eyes, Sven pictured the vampire pressing him against the wall, his hands roaming over Sven's body. He imagined the feel of Altair's lips on his neck, the sharp sting of his fangs piercing his skin.

Sven's breath hitched at the thought.

He couldn't lose himself in these fantasies, couldn't afford to lose sight of his ultimate goal. If he was going to seduce Altair, it had to be for a purpose.

He'd just have to be very, very careful to keep that purpose hidden from Altair.

ChapterSix

Sven was pacing in his room when Keegan walked in — without knocking this time.

"Have you thought more about my offer?" Keegan asked casually, looking at Sven as if he didn't care one way or the other.