A Vampire had once charmed me into a back room to make out with him, which I’d done. But they can only charm you into doing something you’re willing to do, even if only a small part of you wants it. At least that was what I’d heard. Unfortunately for him, an even larger part of me wanted him dead.
I pointed my finger at him. “Don’t do that again. If you want to know what I can do, then just ask me.”
“Well, I’m not here to train you how to fight,” he reiterated. “I’m too strong, and I’d break your bones. Vampires don’t need skill to win; only proximity.” He swaggered off and glanced over his shoulder. “Well, either stand there like a marble statue, or come walk with me.”
I fell in step beside him and we began to take laps around the room.
He put his hands in his pockets. “Someone put me in that coffin because I let my guard down. Never get too comfortable, no matter how safe you think you are. It’s the one mistake we all make, time and time again. I hope someday I run into that bag of shite so I can return the favor.”
“What’s your point?”
“No one’s perfect, and that includes Niko. We all have our weaknesses, not just personally, but because of what Breed we are. We also have our strengths—our gifts—and you need to embrace those, even if they’re a part of you that you despise. Vampires have unmatched hearing, but thank the heavenly angels we can tune out all the noise. How unfortunate you didn’t acquire our ears.” Christian stopped and placed his back against the wall, hands in his pockets, one knee bent and his foot flat on the wall. “How often do you use your Vampire eyes at night to see what’s around you? Do you ever taste information from the victims you drain?”
“That’s how I knew how evil they were.”
“Have you ever charmed anyone?”
“No. And I’ve stared into many people’s eyes and told them where they can go, and not one of them got out of their chair.”
Christian tossed his head back and laughed. Small lines appeared at the corner of his eyes, and his white teeth—absent of the hidden fangs—were attractive. Laughter changed the man—made him appear almost human. When he settled down, his wild hair fell across his forehead, a few wisps covering his left eye. “Come here, lass.”
I took a step forward and he seized my wrist, yanking me flush against him.
“Worry not,” he said, looking down at me. “You should at least try it once.”
“Charming?”
“Aye. Center your eyes on mine and reel me in.”
“I don’t know how to do that.”
“The magnetic draw is unmistakable, and it grows stronger with each passing second. You’ll know when you have it. Hold my gaze, Raven.”
I drew in a breath and disappeared into his obsidian eyes, so bottomless that I could have fallen into their depths. I focused, trying to feel a connection forming. He didn’t blink, and it made me wonder if maybe eye color had nothing to do with it. “Kiss me,” I whispered.
“Are you sure about that?”
I turned away, embarrassed I’d fallen for his joke.
Christian laughed, following behind me. “You could have asked me any question in the world. I was halfway expecting you’d order me to fall on a stake, or embrace a life of celibacy. I have to admit I’m intrigued.”
With lightning speed, I spun around and kissed him hard. Our lips clumsily bumped together, and he didn’t initially react, keeping his emotions leashed as I cupped my hands around his neck. His lips were pliant, and he tasted of something dark and decadent. My fangs involuntarily pushed out, and he suddenly embraced me in a crushing hold, kissing me back.
I craved more. I needed more.
When his tongue grazed the pointy tip of my fang, I realized he was right. My Vampire instincts were primal, and suddenly I wanted to feel his tongue across my artery.
With the grace of a panther, he broke the kiss and took a step back, eyes locked on mine like a predator. “Why did you do that?” he asked on a breath.
I touched my bottom lip, my voice unsteady. “Since we’re not going to be partners anymore, I wanted to know.”
“Know what?”
I retracted my fangs. “I think our session’s done. Niko can give me what I need from here on out.”
As I strode past him, my chin high, he reached out and ensnared my arm, turning me around and pinning me against the wall.
His mouth was on mine—his moves so raw that it startled me. I’d never felt this kind of unbridled desire, each kiss he delivered making all others pale in comparison. When his thumbs hooked over the waistband of my leggings, I thought he was going to slide them down.
I wanted him to.
“Are you sure Niko can give you everything you need?” he growled against my lips.