Page 145 of Hunt Me

Luka heard the moment her breathing changed. He glanced at her, and found her staring straight ahead with her fangs bared.

“Tilda.”

“I am in control.”

He raised a brow. “Who told you that you needed to be?”

“No one,” she whispered.

“There is no need to hold yourself back. Do as your thirst commands you.”

Finally, they arrived at the cell. Draven wrestled against his chains when Luka produced a key. “What do you plan on doing to me?” he asked, noticing the murderous gleam in Matilda’s eyes.

The door swung open. Draven backed away when Matilda floated in.

“I formally challenged King Alesi for his throne. Whatever grievance you believe you have against me is irrelevant. There are laws!”

“Are there?” she questioned.

“My challenge was legitimate!”

Matilda continued toward him.

“I don’t care about your challenge.”

“You cannot simply execute me!”

“This isn’t about Luka.”

Draven’s back met the wall.

Matilda stopped before him.

“You murdered two children, and you left their bodies beside that river because you knew I would find them. Then you threatened to continue slaughtering innocents until I agreed to assassinate Luka.”

“I did what was necessary.”

Whatever remained of Matilda’s restraint disappeared.

“They were children,” she hissed, seizing him by his tunic. Draven had barely managed a shout before Matilda drove him against the stone. Her fangs sank into his throat.

The first rush of blood nearly overwhelmed her, and then hunger took control.

She drank greedily, gripping Draven tighter when he began struggling. His fists struck her shoulders. His feet scraped uselessly against the floor.

Luka remained at the entrance, watching as Draven’s struggles weakened. His blows became feeble until they ceased altogether.

Still, Matilda drank until the frantic pounding of his heart slowed until silence filled the cell.

Finally, she released him. She stood over his body that had crumpled at her feet—blood staining her mouth and chest rising and falling as the terrible burn in her throat finally subsided.

Luka approached cautiously.

“Are you satisfied, my love?” he asked, gently wiping blood from the corner of her mouth.

“Deeply.”

Luka leaned in and kissed her temple. “As am I.”