Page 51 of The Duke’s Bloody Bargain

That came out of nowhere because, while the thirst never left me, I wasn’t particularly hungry, but her sweet scent, steady heartbeat, and lovely veins were a temptation I couldn’t resist. It was as if someone else was sharing my mind and body, someone who didn’t care about anyone.

She narrowed her gaze. “Again?”

“I didn’t like Tanner’s blood.” I inhaled her orange blossom scent.

She put a hand on my chest. “We should talk about what happened in that alley, and you need to change clothes.”

I didn’t know what to say.

She stepped back from me. “Tanner was a thug, and the city is safer without him. But you didn’t have to kill him. Certainly not like that.”

“May I hold you?” I needed to feel her body against mine.

“No!” Her chest heaved. “You must understand the seriousness of your behaviour.”

“I’m confused.” I ran a hand through my hair. “On the one hand, Tanner deserved it. On the other hand, I feel like I’m about to throw up.” Just saying the words caused my stomach to churn.

She stepped further back in reply. “You’re a rogue.” Her voice cracked. “We must do something to save you. Alex, you must listen to me. You’ve taken a very dark, very wrong path.”

She moved towards the door, and sheer panic overwhelmed me. She was leaving me. I couldn’t be alone right now. If I was, I would go mad.

“Don’t leave me,” I pleaded, but my voice was so low that she didn’t hear me.

My power burst out of its own accord. My bond with Irene was special because she was my first provider, and I’d given her my blood when she’d been turned into a wili. I was her master and able to give her orders she couldn’t refuse.

“Come here.” A quiver ran through me with the strength of the order.

I needed her close to me. Only that.

Her back straightened, and her arms dropped at her sides as she dragged herself towards me. The cross she was holding slipped to the floor when her fingers flexed open.

“What are you doing?” She flushed, and the scent of her blood grew stronger.

“Don’t leave me.” I slid a hand behind her nape and drew her closer.

Her scent filled my senses.

“This isn’t you.” Tears streamed down her cheeks. “You’re caring and gentle.”

Something cracked in my chest at the sight of her tears. They hurt. Intimately. I hated seeing her cry, and she was crying because of me. I’d made her cry.

She turned her head away from me. I stroked her creamy skin wet with her tears.

“Stop. This isn’t you.” Her voice became distorted by my control over her.

I dipped my head, but I couldn’t sink my teeth into her flesh as the thirst ordered me. A sickening lump crawled into my throat. I was so close to her perfect neck that her warmth reached my lips. Yet I didn’t inch forwards.

“I fell in love with you because you were kind and compassionate.”

I stared at her. “Love.”

She’d never told me she loved me. Not in so many words.

“The mi-mirror.” The words came out slowly and stuttered from her.

I looked at my reflection. There was none. All that was left of me was a vague, smoky blur. My soul was gone. It was as if a bucket of icy water had been poured over me.

“Irene?” Darius’s voice came from the other side of the door. “Are you all right? Answer me.”