Page 17 of The Duke’s Bloody Bargain

“Put me down, you beast!” She punched my shoulders. “This is most undignified.”

I released her. “Thank you.”

She scowled and brushed her hair from her face. “Don’t you ever do that again.”

“Perhaps you need the same spell.” I burst out laughing.

“I’m fine.” She put some distance between us. “I’m not fond of vampires or hugs.”

“Neither am I. No, I mean, I am of both.” I wasn’t making any sense. “Anyway, thank you.” I rushed down the path, energy flowing through my veins.

“Remember, there’s a price to pay!” Her voice sounded high-pitched.

“Of course! It’s not a problem.”

My limbs were where they were supposed to be. I hadn’t grown horns or scales, and my—I came to a grinding halt, leaving deep marks on the gravel path. I patted myself down and exhaled in relief when I was sure that I wasn’t missing any important pieces.

But if I was fine…

A chill settled in my stomach at the thought that Irene might have been hurt. Cara had said magic didn’t take a life, but that didn’t mean Irene would be unharmed. What if she missed a limb?

I darted inside the mansion and up the stairs, startling the maids. “Try to work in the west wing if you can, please,” I said, rushing on.

In my eagerness to solve my problem, I hadn’t asked Cara more questions. If Irene was hurt, I would never forgive myself.

“Irene!” I barged into her bedroom.

She jolted on the stool in front of her vanity, a hand on her chest. “What happened?”

“How are you?” I studied her, searching for injuries or missing limbs.

She looked perfect as usual, and her blue dressing gown flowed over her curves like water, highlighting the flare of her hips and the shape of her breasts.

“I’m…fine. What is it? Did something happen?”

I laughed and gathered her in my arms, startling her. An avalanche of sensations washed over me, and for once, they were wonderful sensations.

Her soft body fit perfectly well in my arms. Her plush breasts pressed against my chest. I savoured how different her skin was compared to mine, how small her hands were, how light she felt in my arms.

It was wonderful to hold her without shivering, being nauseous, or controlling my reaction.

“Alex!” She cupped my face, forcing me to stare into her sapphire eyes. “How is this possible?”

“Magic.” I twirled her around and kissed the crook of her neck.

Her sweet scent was tantalising, and my gums hurt in reply. My fangs were eager to come out and sink themselves into Irene’s sweet neck.

Her smile turned into a serious line. “Wait. Wait. What have you done?”

I didn’t understand her alarmed tone. “I can hold you now.” I put her down and kissed her, a quick peck on her lips. “I can kiss you properly now.” I slipped a hand on her nape, lacing my fingers through her silky hair. “Can I kiss you?”

Her frown smoothed. “Since you asked so nicely, yes.”

“I am a nice chap.”

I dipped my head and captured her lips in a long, hard kiss. I’d dreamt about kissing her without worrying about my condition a million times, but reality was deeper, more intimate, and more intense.

I sprawled my hand on her back, and her muscles loosened as she wrapped her arms around my neck. When I stroked her lips with my tongue, we both moaned in pleasure. And life burst within me again. A combination of shock, pleasure, and relief weakened my legs.