Page 79 of Dhampira

Most likely, they were still outside.

But I could probably take them. One slash across the throat, and I’d be free. No one had the right to hold me against my will.

Kill them.

The buzzing filled my head, the sound like an insect’s wings between my ears. A second later, I stumbled back from the doors, my hand still reaching for the latch.

Gods, what was wrong with me?

Fur sprouted over my knuckles. A cry lodged in my throat as I rushed to the mirror. Glossy black eyes stared back at me. My knees loosened, and I gripped the vanity table to keep from falling. I’d drained the werewolf to death. How much longer until I went insane? I wasn’t a full-blooded vampire. What if the madness took me right away?

The fur receded, leaving my hand smooth once more. Drawing a shaky breath, I waited for it to reappear.

A whisper of sound made me spin around. Outside, Vander hauled himself over the balcony railing and dropped to the floor. Putting a finger to his lips, he slipped inside, his silver gaze catching on the dead flowers as he rushed to me.

“What are you doing?” I whispered. Rasimir had spies everywhere.

“Keep your voice down.” Vander pulled a crystal from his pocket.

I glanced at the balcony doors. “Someone might see the ward.” The werewolves served the witches, and werewolves had attacked the ball. And the witches wanted me dead. What if they lurked beyond the Drakhold, waiting and watching for another chance to strike?

Vander shook his head. “It’s like I told you: It’s a rare witch who can see them.” Silver eyes met mine briefly. “And Rasimir can’t see my magic because he’s my sire.”

“He can’t?” I reeled, my shock at seeing Vander replaced with the shock of the revelation.

Vander flashed a bitter-looking smile. “A gift from the gods. Or perhaps an apology. The vulnerability between turned vampires and their sires runs both ways. I can’t refuse Rasimir’s orders without pain, and he can’t detect or benefit from my gifts.” He produced a knife and struck the blade against the stone. With quick, precise movements, he dropped chunks of crystal, encasing us in a tight circle.

“Zid,” he muttered. As blue light flared around us, Vander yanked me against him.

Fury spiked. My fist swung without my permission, snapping his head back.

“I’m sorry!” I cried, cradling my throbbing hand against my stomach. “I don’t know why I did that!”

Vander’s eyes glinted as he shook his head like he meant to clear it. “I do,” he rasped and then he jerked me close and bit my neck.

For one taut second, rage blistered through me. The buzzing in my veins became a shriek, and I clawed at his arms as I fought to break his grip. Then his lips tugged.

And everything changed.

Desire slammed into me like a wave crashing against a shore. I went under, gasping and tumbling. Heat rushed after it. A cord connected Vander’s mouth to my breasts and the juncture of my thighs. With every tug of his mouth, the cord pulled tighter.

Tighter.

It was too much. At the same time, it wasn’t quite enough.

I needed…Oh gods, I needed. The waves crashed harder and faster, threatening to rip me apart. Vander’s lips pulled, and the tug focused between my legs, pulling and pulling and pulling. But it wasn’t what I needed. Squirming, I cried out as my hips jerked without my permission, my body seeking relief. My nipples burned. Wet surged between my thighs. I squeezed Vander’s shoulders as the waves threatened to drag me under and never let me surface.

He lifted his head, my blood glistening on his lips. When I tried to claw him back, he took my face in his hands. “Corinthe, listen to me.”

“No,” I gasped, my teeth chattering. My sex throbbed, the ache so intense I couldn’t hold back a whimper. “I was s-so close. I n-need—”

“I know.” Regret swam in his eyes. “I’m sorry for it, but it’s the only way.”

The chattering spread, tremors racking me. My skirts brushed one of the crystals he had placed on the ground. Absently, I realized I should have asked the dress to change itself. As swiftly as it arrived, the thought fluttered away. My inner muscles cramped, tight spasms making me gasp. The shaking intensified, and my gown brushed the crystals again. The blue light wavered, splashing onto the wall.

Vander gripped my shoulders. “You have to hold still.”

“I can’t!” Frustration rose as swiftly as the heat inside me. “Oh gods, it hurts too badly!” I was burning up, damp flowing between my legs.