Page 35 of Bonded Through Bite

And then there’s this need burning in me. Like I’m turned on constantly. The feeling intensifies as soon as I focus on it. Well, Rafael said that I could get more orgasms despite being mad at him. I just might get them from someone else. I’m not above using this other vampire to make a point.

And his voice is so fucking hot.

After unbuttoning the shirt until it’s held closed with only a couple of buttons, I take a moment to ruffle my hair. It feels silky soft against my fingers now, like dying gave it a boost too. It’s also a little longer than I remember.

What happened to the ‘no flashing Rafael’ policy? a snarky voice at the back of my head asks. I huff. Rafael can’t get angry at me for going commando, since he didn’t provide any underwear. It’s not my fault I look damn good in his wrinkled dress shirt. The light blue of the shirt offsets the deeper blue of my eyes, hair… and nails.

I have blue nails now?

That realization distracts me for a second, but I shake myself out of it and check my reflection on the frosty glass. My skin seems to almost glow with health. What a joke that is. Now, if only I had some red lipstick, it would finish this look. I guess I’ll manage without.

Rafael’s blood is red. The very unhelpful voice pipes up again.

Nope. I’m not biting him. I pop open one more button above my breasts and smile. Really, I should get points for putting on any clothes at all. It would serve Rafael right if I walked in on them naked.

Trying to move quietly, I make my way toward their voices. Paying attention to my surroundings would be smart, but I can’t focus. I can scent the stranger now and I get the sense of something sweet and delicious. An image of a lemon-meringue pie floats in my mind and I have to stifle a snort.

I’m not sure why the image also makes me hungry, but it does. It is… was my favorite dessert; maybe that’s why.

The men are arguing about something. I haven’t paid attention to their words since I got a whiff of this Santiago. The closer I get to them, the stronger both of their scents get and I feel myself melting. It’s hard to stay mad at someone who smells so delicious.

I press a hand to my stomach. A quiver of excitement sweeps over me and I can feel myself getting wet. If I had panties on, I would be seeping through them right about now.

How I’ve managed to move quietly enough that they haven’t noticed me is a wonder.

Stopping at the doorway, I take in the scene in front of me. The living room is large but cozy, filled with big and comfortable-looking chairs and sofas. A huge TV hangs on the wall and a few rugs cover the hardwood floor. There are even several pillows on the sofa and a blanket draped over the back of it.

All that is well and good, but the two male specimens standing in front of the fireplace at the back of the room put everything else to shame.

They are both tall. Santiago might be a smidge taller than Rafael, but it’s hard to tell. Both of them have black hair, but Santiago’s is longer and tied back into a ponytail. Not my usual type, but he makes me think about a proud warrior instead of a hipster.

I’m curious about his eye color. I know Rafael has deep brown eyes that melt my lady parts when they turn to shades of black. How will Santiago’s look when he’s turned on or hungry?

They still haven’t noticed me, their arms moving with their argument, and I can tell that underneath those clothes, there are muscles aplenty. Santiago is leaner than Rafael, once again bringing to mind a warrior whose body is sculpted on a battlefield. Damn, my mind is having a field day with that image.

Looking at them is such a turn-on that I need to remind myself that I’m mad at Rafael. I’m here to mess with him, not drool over him. Somehow now that I’ve laid my eyes on Santiago, the fear feels laughable. I’ve nothing to fear from him. Maybe. Probably nothing. Even if I do, the urge to sneak behind him and nick his earlobe with my fangs overrides that sensible warning.

“Well, well, well… What do we have here?” My voice floats into the room. “Rafael, you didn’t tell me we were expecting company.” I smile sweetly at them as they swing their heads my way. Disbelief crashes over Rafael’s face when he takes in my attire, but I ignore him. “If I had known, I would have dressed more… appropriately.” I wink at Santiago.

“Samantha, get back to your room,” Rafael snaps.

“Don’t you mean your room?” I counter with an overly sugary tone.

“Samantha—”

“Rafael,” I interrupt his growling and then once again face Santiago. “He left me all alone and bored. I’m betting you wouldn’t be such a callous bed partner.”

Santiago’s eyes widen and turn a deeper green. I first thought they were gray, but now the green is clearly visible and damn, his eyes are beautiful.

“Rafael, aren’t you going to introduce me to this delightful creature?” Santiago keeps his gaze on mine and when I lick my lips, his smile widens.

“No,” Rafael grouses, the jealousy strong in his voice.

“I’m Samantha, Rafael’s latest complication,” I say and flash my fangs at Santiago.

“A complication?” Santiago laughs and takes a step toward me. Rafael’s arm snaps out and jerks him to a stop.

“Samantha, for the love of god⁠—”