Page 102 of Blood Curse

It released my jaw.

For one wild second, I thought I had won.

Then it used my voice.

“Stellan, feed from Mara until she stops moving.”

18

STELLAN

The command hit before Bryony’s mouth closed.

Silver light snapped around my ribs and wrists. The chains pulled once and dragged my boots across the stone.

My fangs dropped.

Mara’s pulse beat under my palm.

“Stellan,” she said.

“I’m here.”

“Keep your hand where it is.”

My fingers covered the side of her neck. The command tried to turn that touch into a grip that would hold her still while I fed.

I locked my elbow and pushed her away.

My arm pulled her closer.

“Fuck.”

“Useful assessment,” Mara said. Her throat remained exposed, and the two compelled vampires kept her arms behind her. “Any practical ideas?”

“Several. My body dislikes them.”

The Crown drove my head down.

I turned at the last second. My mouth struck my own knuckles instead of Mara’s skin.

People rushed towards us.

“Don’t touch Bryony,” I said. “Give her room to fight.”

Three vampires reached for me.

“And don’t put your hands near my mouth.”

That warning came too late.

A man caught my shoulder from behind. The command used his weight. My body spun, tore his grip loose and threw him towards the nearest table.

I caught the back of his coat before his head hit the edge.

His boots struck the floor. He staggered away.

“Sorry,” I said.