Page 120 of Eternal Obsession

“No,” Alex said.

“No, she’s not for that,” I whispered. “I thought you might be thirsty. I feel your need and I’m concerned.”

Alex lowered his voice, self-conscious. “I don’t feed like this. I never drink from mortals . . . Daumia, why is she so calm?”

The woman responded to my gesture and drew toward Alex, gazing at him, smiling. In a seductive gesture, she pulled her hair back, revealing her neck, offering. He stared longingly at her perfect skin, her golden locks framing her carotid. He was captivated, the blood thirst thinking for him.

“Get out,” he warned her.

“He’s just shy,” I said.

Alex covered his face.

“I’m tempted to take her for myself.” I gestured to the chair and she sat down. “Ah, succumb to it. Trust me. She is for you. Why would I offer you something dark? I think more of you than that. This way is so much more natural. It is more pleasurable. Do as your brother does. Her dreams and fantasies will become yours. Savoring her blood will be more than you ever imagined. Now drink slowly. She is fragile. See how she gives herself willingly.”

“She has no idea,” Alex said.

“She wants this.”

“I can’t.”

“She will never grow old, never suffer disappointment or pain. What a gift you give to her. A human form of immortality. Now do it.”

“Where is Catherine?” Alex said.

“She wants you strong first.”

“Catherine would never want me to drink from an innocent.”

“She’s changed, as have you. It’s time to evolve, Alex.” I patted his arm.

He gazed at the girl with hungry eyes.

“Gently,” I said.

I brought my hand up to Alex’s eyes and held it there.

Alex’s senses filled with her scent. The moment was perfect. All three of us stood as if in a theatrical performance, waiting for the other. The young female glanced at me questioningly. I smiled at her, placing a finger over my mouth, instructing her to be quiet and admiring the vulnerable mortal who would soon be bled dry. Another life extinguished in a moment.

The blood thirst drove Alex on, his instincts lost to logic. My hand rested on his arm and he opened his eyes. I pressed my body against his, savoring the mood, fascinated by Alex who was mesmerized. He leaned against me, his breathing fast.

Alex oozed sensuality, but the fact that he was oblivious to this was part of his charm.

I sighed as I reveled in the unfolding of all his reckless drama.

A knock at the door broke the spell. Alex turned, facing the wall, crouching in the corner. Head in hands, he sobbed. His suffering rose from the fear of being abandoned for another two centuries. A dread knotted in his gut and taught him relentlessly. He was terrified of choosing wrong, just as he was terrified of choosing right because either path could cost him everything. There was no good choice left and he knew it.

“Yes?” I snapped to the ill-timed intrusion.

The door opened, and Marcus appeared. “Sorry to disturb you, sir.”

“What is it?” I said.

“May I have a word?”

“What?”

Marcus scowled. “He’s upstairs.”