Page 58 of Protected by the Vampire

Feed.

“Soren—” My voice came out rough, broken, barely controlled.

He was there instantly. “I know, pet,” he said, calm but firm. “Focus on me.”

I tried. I really fucking did, but his scent—his blood—was right there. Calling to the hunger inside me that didn’t care about control or restraint.

Mine.

The thought slammed into me, not entirely my own.

The bond flared, wrapping tight around my chest, anchoring me before the hunger could take over completely.

“Look at me,” Soren ordered.

I did.

It took effort.

But I did.

His face came into focus, and every detail was absolutely clear. The slight tension in his jaw, the way his eyes tracked every movement I made, ready to react.

He wasn’t afraid. More like he was prepared to handle me if I got out of control.

“Breathe,” he said.

“I don’t—” I swallowed hard, brows scrunching. “I don’t need to.”

His expression shifted slightly. “No. But it helps you focus.”

I dragged in a breath anyway.

The scents hit again, but they were softer this time.

“Good,” he murmured.

The hunger still burned, but it wasn’t all-consuming now. Not with Soren around. Not with the bond steadying me, feeding me something other than instinct.

I flexed my fingers, watching them move like they didn’t quite belong to me yet.

Everything felt sharper. Like I already knew I could move faster than I ever had before.

I flicked my gaze back to him when he produced a blood bag. I shook my head. “I don’t need?—”

He ripped it open, and I lunged for it, but Soren was there, pushing it against my fangs and holding me as I drank it all down.

As I fed, he explained, “Like I explained, you’ll need human blood as well as mine for a short time to get your hunger under control. It’s okay if you prefer mine over these. I’ll drink enough for the both of us so you can do whatever you prefer. My blood is yours to take whenever you want.”

When I drained the bag, Soren placed it on the bedside table, and I saw at least ten other empty ones. Had they been all for him while I drank his?

“Did you have to replenish that much? I didn’t hurt you or do anythin’, right?”

He kissed the top of my head. “I did, but it never bothered me. And no, pet. You were perfect. I’m in awe of your change. You listened when so many others I’ve seen changed haven’t.”

“Good.” I closed my eyes and added, “I can hear everythin’,” I said, my voice quieter now, steadier. “Smell everythin’. See… too much.”

“You’ll adjust,” he said. “Your brain just needs to sort through it all. Get used to the brighter senses.”