Severin looked at his friend.Thefact thatRavikhad asked a coherent question pleased him, but he had other things to worry about.
“The virus is still active in her blood,” he said carefully.
Cassandra’s big brown eyes went wide and her whole body went very still.
Clearly sensing her fear,Ravikgrowled, low and dangerous.
“But the infections isnotfollowing theVisskouspathway,”Severinadded quickly.“Youarenotbecoming one of theInfected,Cassandra—not in the ordinary way.”
Her throat moved as she swallowed.
“Okay, that sounds…maybe good?Exceptfor the part where you said ‘not in the ordinary way.’Whatdoes that mean?”
Severin took a deep breath.
“It appears that your body is resisting the virus by using the biological materials it has already encountered—Ravik’sscent, his honey exposure, and his seed.Thosemarkers are actuallystrengtheningyour anti-viral response.”
Cassandra stared at him.
“My body is using his seed to fight the virus?”
Severin nodded.
“Yes—exactly.”
Her cheeks went scarlet.
“Oh myGod.That’skind of crazy.”
“Actually, it makes perfect sense.Butthe virus is adapting to that pathway as well,”Severincontinued.“Sinceit cannot create a classic flesh-hunger response in you, it appears to be rerouting the compulsion through reproductive and bonding pathways.”
Cassandra shook her head.
“InEnglish, please.Notall of us havePhDsinXeno-virology.”
Severin’s jaw tightened.
“InEnglish,” he said, “the virus isnotmaking you crave flesh—it’s making you crave sex and seed.”
Her eyes widened and she stared at him for one long, stunned moment.Thenshe pointed a finger at him.
“If this is your idea of a pickup line, it is the worst oneIhave ever heard.”
Despite everything,Severinfelt his mouth twitch into a smile.
“I assure you, it isnot.”
Ravik leaned closer toCassandraand inhaled.Hiseyes darkened with obvious desire.
“Cassie smells hot,” he rumbled.“Needy.”
“Thank you,Ravik, that isincrediblyunhelpful,” she snapped, but she was blushing again.
Severin saw it then—the way she pressed her thighs together under the hem of the nightgown.Theway her nipples had tightened against the silk.Theway her breathing had changed.
She was flushed, not merely from embarrassment but from heat.Herpupils were slightly dilated and her scent was filled with arousal pheromones.Hisnostrils flared as he breathed her in—the symptoms had already begun.
Cassandra saw him sniffing the air and glared at him.
