Page 26 of The Vampire's Redemption

He needed sustenance from a human, not rabbits.

A lilting laugh. Something thudded against his chest.

What the…

“No, I do not think that would be wise, signore vampire. I did not kill you, but I have no plans to offer myself as food.”

Thud.

There it was again.

Felix gulped, not because he was thirsty.

The realization came to him, slow as molasses at first, then slamming into him with the force of an arrow as another thud sounded against his ribs.

His heart. It was beating.

Impossible.

Now he forced himself to look at his savior, his eyes healing the sun’s damage as quickly as it happened. Golden locks tucked under a wide-brimmed hat, a pixie chin, eyes as blue as the Mediterranean, ivory skin, and cherry red lips turned up in a mischievous smile.

His mate, the thought finally internalized.

Hunger and lust crashed into him, as ferocious as a summer storm, the two so entwined it was impossible to tell them apart. His deepest instincts demanded he take his mate.

Now.

Felix almost moved, if not for the sun’s fatal rays.

He may flirt with death on occasions, but he did not have a death wish.

He also had not lived to almost a thousand without the ability to control the vampire.

His mate tilted her head in confusion, exposing the vein on her neck. Was she making his life difficult on purpose?

“My apologies.” Her soft voice enveloped him and soothed the raging monster within. “I can try to catch more rabbits.”

What a strange creature, saving him and then apologizing for not bringing him food.

“No,” he said, his voice gruffer than he intended. “I do not partake from dead animals.”

“I…”

A sound behind her startled both of them.

“I must go. I will ensure they do not find you. That I promise.”

She ran away, moving faster than one should in her gown. He couldn’t follow her, not during the day.

Felix cursed, his fist hitting the ground.

Was this it? Did he meet his mate only to lose her?

He hadn’t even asked her name.

Present Day

The sun.