Page 1 of Bonded Through Bite

Chapter One

Samantha

The blood moon casts faint shadows through my window and shivers run down my spine. I’ve always been sensitive to the full moon, but lately, it’s been getting worse, and the red hue of the moon looks dark and menacing.

Or it could be my impending death that’s giving me those vibes. Who knows? I’m sure my witchy best friend would have lots to say on the matter. But even she can’t deny the truth. My time is running out.

I pull out a beautiful red dress from the closet, one I haven’t used in ages. A memory from happier times. It feels like the right choice to wear tonight. I pair it with high heels that have roses in them. The heels look like thorns and are a bitch to walk on, but I’m willing to suffer them tonight.

I’m finally going to give in to the temptation that is Mr. Too Hot To Be True, Rafael Moretti. In fact, I’m going to throw myself at him and pray that he can make good on the promises he made me.

The man is probably listed on every eligible bachelor list in this world. He looks like he’s in his early thirties and he’s a billionaire. What more could you want?

His lack of a heartbeat used to be a deal breaker for me. And his penchant for drinking blood.

I wonder what the gossip sites would say if they knew he was a vampire. Probably lust after him even more.

It’s still a mystery to me how I caught his eye at the Lair three years ago. I was having a girls’ night out, dancing, drinking, trying to forget the news I’d just got, and then he was there. Dark eyes, styled hair, a suit that cost more than my yearly salary at the cleaning service. And he wanted to dance with me.

I didn’t realize he was a vampire at first and when I did, I still had a hard time saying no. I expected him to kill me when he figured out I knew what he was. Supes are super secretive and even my witchy friend, Thea, likes to keep a low profile.

But he didn’t kill me. He didn’t even try to compel me to forget.

The next time I went to the Lair, he was there again. And the time after that. At some point, I found myself talking to him. We never met outside the club. That was my boundary, and he respected it.

He’s been the light in my darkness these last years. Ironic, really, but true.

My escape from reality.

And still, I’ve never slept with him. Never allowed him to even kiss me. For three years.

I’ve been saying no to sex with him for three fucking years.

I’m such a dumbass.

But no more.

That is, if he’s still interested. I hope he is.

Glancing at the moon, I send out a quick wish. I’m not saying no anymore. I’m freshly out of reasons to say no. I’ve got nothing to lose.

I just want to feel alive for one night.

This time the shivers that run down my spine turn to tingles that wake up my body with anticipation. Either he’ll say yes, and I’ll have the best night of my life… or he says no. I’m willing to risk it. It’s not like I have to suffer the mortification for long.

Quickly, I pull on the dress and smooth my hands over the silky fabric. It clings to my breasts as I secure the clasp on the halter top, making it pretty clear I’m not wearing a bra. The dress leaves my back bare and I glance at the purple butterfly on my shoulder blade. It looks ready to fly with me.

After slipping on the heels, I twirl a little in front of the mirror to test my balance. The hem stays just low enough to stop me from flashing anyone, and the heels feel surprisingly comfortable.

My pixie cut hair looks messy but cute, and the shadows under my eyes are barely discernible through the layers of makeup. As a last step, I unclasp the silver pendant from my neck and place it on the bedside table.

No mixed signals tonight.

A smile spreads over my face. I’m ready.

My phone pings with a notification and I grab my little purse, heading out to the waiting cab. The back seat is chilly against my bare legs and back, but I ignore it, focusing on my phone and willing the screen to light up with a message from Rafael.

Streetlights flash by as the car speeds toward downtown. I check the app, just in case the notification didn’t come through, and cringe. No reply. It would serve me right if after all these years, he didn’t show up.