Page 16 of Trapped for Her Blood
“I…” She turns onto her side and pulls her legs into her chest. “I’ll be okay.”
The scent of her blood is stronger now—much stronger—and it pulls me toward her again. My nose leading, it travels to the fur where her head struck. I sniff.
Driven by an overpowering need, I lick the thick liquid spilled there, tentatively at first, but then my face drops to the fur.
I suck and lap, pulling every drop of blood spilled on the wolf pelt. When it’s gone, I take her head in my hands and draw the blood from her hair, lapping the wound until it’s healed.
“Whaaat?” her voice is a high-pitched squeal of terror.
My sanity regained, I release her head gently, lay it down, and then back away from her, appalled by my behavior.
And the tiny taste of blood I’ve had isn’t near what my cursed body needs. My horrid act has only amplified my need to drive my fangs into her throat.
“I’m sorry.” I hang my head. “Your blood. It’s been a very long time since I’ve fed.”
She pushes up to sit, drawing her knees into her chest and wrapping her arms around her shins. She’s shaking, in spite of the warmth of the fire.
“May I help keep you warm?” I walk toward her.
She shifts as I approach, her body moving as if hers is the magnetic opposite of mine. Like I’m literally repulsive.
“The blanket,” I say gently, hoping to explain my motives. “You’re cold.” I reach for the blanket behind her, and she lets me put it around her shoulders, but the thick wool doesn’t quell her body’s shaking.
Clearly the cause of her trembling is me.
I should move away. She’s frightened. But instead I remain crouched directly in front of her, looking into her eyes.
“I’m sorry for hurting you.” I bow my head, shame washing through me. “I thought—”
Her fingers lift to hover an inch from my lips, silencing me with surprise, and it’s like there’s electricity generated in the air between us. Her fingers are so close and I want her to touch me.
“I understand,” she says softly. “After what you told me about how magic was used against you, I get why you were suspicious of me. Alarmed.” Her fingers remain so near my lips I could kiss them.
“But I mean you no harm.” She laughs lightly, shaking her head, and her fingers drop to her leg. “It’s laughable to think I could hurt you, but even if Ididhave a way—which I don’t—I would never use it.”
“I’m just an ordinary human,” she continues, “I have no defenses against someone like you—a vampire, a shifter—a man. Please,pleasedon’t hurt me again.” Her eyes fill with tears as she continues to tremble.
Looking deep into her glassy eyes, I nod. “I willneverhurt you again. Not ever.”
An overwhelming feeling floods my chest. For the first time since my family was murdered, for the first time since I was turned into a vampire, I feel like my life has a purpose, a valid reason to exist.
I will do anything to protect her.
“Will you hold me?” Her voice is low and shaky. “I’m so cold. I haven’t had enough sleep and after everything that’s happened…”
Her eyes are pleading, full of fatigue and terror, but I’m not the catalyst for her terror anymore. Her capacity to forgive is astounding given how I threatened her, mistaking her for a witch.
Moving behind her, I sit and wrap my limbs around her small form, drawing her close but careful not to squeeze too tightly.
Inhaling her scent, I will myself to breathe slowly, as her fear evaporates along with the trembling that arose from deep in her body. Her head falls back against my chest and she sighs, her eyes fluttering shut.
“Sleep,” I whisper softly. “Sleep now, Ember. With me you will always be safe.”
Chapter Six
Zuben
My thirst is sopowerful that it takes over an hour to recover from the vicious beating the guards delivered when they brought me back down, and I remain on the stone ground where they left me, motionless and waiting for my strength to return.