Page 87 of The Ballad of the Vampire Prince

Oh gods, heavens, Un, and the saints above… he saw.

He takes a step forward. The movement spawns a devastating fear in my stomach.

Carefully, I return the button to the rest of my collection and gather the box into my arms.

Then I run as fast I can.

Chapter 13 Svenn

That same morning, several moments earlier…

The rustling of my wings is almost as frantic as the thundering inside my chest cavity. My back shrieks in protest when I forcefully beat them rapidly to catch the drift of the southeastern wind. Things are spiraling out of my control fast. I tear through the sky as if I’m being chased by the pressing shadow of the night itself.

‘Tragic, but it does make for a spectacular sight.’

Ruth once said that when he saw one of the made-vampires, the ones these elves called the Nightwalkers, combusted under the sunlight.

That’s exactly how I feel when I look at Rhianelle encased in her sheer nightgown this morning. I can almost see the outline of her breasts through the wispy fabric.

I need to be inside her, feel her heat wrapped around my cock. If she won’t become mine, then I’ll make her. It’s a hassle to find another castle, so I’ll just conquer this one. I’ll keep some of the elves, the ones to cook and care for Rhianelle, the ones she adores to keep her in line.

If she tries to run, I’ll chain her to the wall and make her my plaything. I will break her to the point she hates me, to the pointshe hates herself for wanting me. She’ll resist me at first, but it won’t be long before she surrenders everything to me.

Fuck off,the wolf beast snarls at the bond.

Get a grip, asshole,Coinneach adds.Nel will never want us that way,

Their rough reminder snaps me from the bond’s vile suggestions.

Fucking hell.

My mind is a goddamn mess. I’m in no state to be near Rhianelle. The impulse to covet her is so strong it terrifies me. I straighten my shoulders, flaring my wings wide to put as much distance as I can from Windhaven.

The peak of the Arcille mountain range is within sight. I need to reach it before I start losing my fucking shit again. My landing on one of the lower hills is less than graceful. I simply crash on the hard granite and soil like a fallen rock from the sky.

Nothing accompanies me in the quiet place other than the sound of my harsh breathing.

Another close call.

I can’t even put a name to this strange carnal urge filling my heart. The effect of the bond has been overpowering lately, drowning my thoughts. I slam my hand to my chest to calm it.

It fucks me knowing that had the beasts not intervened earlier, I might have actually turned around and ravage her.

We’ll end you if you try that,they warn.

For the first time since my millennials of existence, the beasts and me are in agreement with something. Nel must be protected at all costs.

Even from myself.

I inhale several deep breaths until clarity returns and chase away the fog in my head.

I wonder if Rhianelle is experiencing the same thing. My little fawn has been avoiding me lately. She thinks she’s sneaky,but I’ve seen her little head, spying and sneaking behind my back. Surely, she can also feel the pull?

There is a force drawing us together that’s stronger than gravity.

It’s probably just my own imagination, but I suspect the stupid bond is getting out of control because of our recent rift. This can’t go on. I need to talk with her soon.

I haul my ass up and move to the peak of the hill. Pollens sweep into my eyes as the evening breeze picks up. I don’t let the mild irritation deter me from my current task. Carefully, I tuck my wings tight and plan my steps before trudging through the sea of wildflowers.