Page 29 of Volik

I arch my back.

“Please. I…” I wrap my arms around his neck, pulling him closer.

This stranger.

This vampire.

I don’t know what I’m asking for.

I don’t know what’s happening.

But I know I need him.

I need Volik more than I need air in my lungs.

I need him with me. Inside me.

My heart pounds so hard it almost hurts.

This man… He feels like…

I press up onto my toes.

He presses his mouth more firmly against my flesh.

I can feel the smooth hardness of his fangs. And it feels cool compared to his heated lips.

My nipples rub painfully against the material of my bra.

My core clenches.

This man feels like my salvation.

Like he’ll be my reason for living.

Like I need him to survive.

I’m absolutely sure. Positive. That without him, I’ll die.

I can feel that it’s true.

I open my mouth, pulling in air so I can tell him.

So I can ask him if he feels it too.

“V—”

The rest of his name is stolen from my lips as my heart stops.

Stops.

Ceases to beat.

Volik lifts his mouth from my throat, and my arms loosen around his neck as he pulls back.

Wide eyes stare down into mine.

For a long, silent moment, my heart stays still.