Page 15 of Blood

“Did I taste of him?” I whisper, lips teasing his earlobe.

“Yes,” he says. “But now you taste of me too.”

9

MACK

Despite the warm rays, a chill runs through my bones that has nothing to do with the temperature. My body feels like it’s turning against me, muscles aching, the crevices between my ribs creaking.

It’s like an amplified version of the way I used to feel when I needed to shift. Except, now, I can’t. So, there’s no release. Just a pressure cooker building and building.

I do my best to hide my discomfort from the others, but I know Nova senses it. In the back of Tanner’s truck, her eyes keep darting my way, full of concern.

“Are you sure you’re up to this?” she asks quietly.

I fucking hate the way she’s staring at me. Like suddenly she’s the one looking after me instead of me taking care of her.

It shouldn’t be this way.

She might be the most powerful witch in the world, but she’s still learning. She still needs me. Perhaps more than ever.

“We need Thornfield’s contact details. There’s no email listed on the faculty website. If Rev’s aunt can get us in touch with him, then maybe he can shed some light…” I wince as the now-familiar sensation of blinding heat and freezing cold grips my limbs.

Pressure building, ready to crack me open.

“Okay, Daddy.” Nova smiles at me. That word on her lips usually makes me instantly hard. This morning, all I can muster is a twinge of arousal which is soon drowned out by more nauseating heat.

Her features crumple a little, worry creasing the edges of her beautiful big eyes.

Sometimes, I try to figure out which color I like best. The brown or the blue. Truth is, I could spend hours staring into either.

I attempt a smile and put my arm around her, sighing as her warmth nuzzles into my chest.

Up front, Tanner cranks up the radio and starts to sing. He has a terrible singing voice but Sam’s is a little sweeter. When they turn and high-five each other, after reaching the crescendo of the song, Nova grins and joins in.

Her breath is soft on my neck. She rests her palm on my chest, just above my heart, as she sings.

I close my eyes.

I’m tired.

So fucking tired.

“Rhone?” Rev’s dulcet tones make me snap my eyes open. “Are you all right?”

Nova, Sam, and Tanner are outside on the sidewalk, but Rev slides onto the back seat with me.

When did we get here? I only closed my eyes for a second… “I’m fine.” I shuffle to sit up straight, but Rev rolls her eyes.

“Bullshit,” she says frankly, folding her arms so her gold bangles tingle against one another.

“Okay, not so fine,” I admit. “Nova filled you in?”

“She did.”

“Any news on your aunt?”

She shakes her head.