Page 98 of Filthy Rich Vampires: For Eternity

Tears salted her lips as I claimed her mouth. Her mouth parted, welcoming me, and I deepened the kiss. I would never get enough of her, but this was different. She hadn’t been directly threatened, but I wasn’t stupid enough to ignore the danger she was in.

For a moment there was only the rustle and whisper of clothing as we undressed each other, as she shucked my bloody clothing from me. Her fingers coasting along the ridges of my abdomen, reaching lower to wrap around my cock. I groaned as she pumped her fist, leaning to kiss her bare shoulder. My tongue lashed down her neck, nipping at the pulsing veins in her pale skin.

Claim me.

It wasn’t a demand. Instead, the thought was edged in desperation. I had no idea what drove her need, but I felt the same raw hunger. Pulling back, I looked into her eyes and gave in to the darkness inside me. Thea’s throat slid as she watched my eyes go black. Then she turned her head, offering me her neck.

I wanted her blood nearly as much as I needed her body. Somehow she knew.

A growl tore through me as I lifted her and carried her to the bed. Giving into that hunger growing between us, I pushed in an inch, pausing to enjoy the tight stretch and her accompanying moan before I buried myself in her. My fangs protracted, and I sank them into the pearly scar tissue on her fair skin, beginning to move.

Thea wrapped her arms around my neck, holding me there as I fed and fucked. Her hips rose to meet each thrust as if she, too, wanted me deeper, needed me to fill any lingering atom left untouched.

It was primal and raw, driven by a need I knew neither of us quite understood but both felt. I gave into it,

The world disappeared as we crested together, and I spilled inside her.

I rolled us on our sides, still connected, and held her. Neither of us spoke, and I lost track of time. It could have been hours or days or years. It didn’t matter. The only thing I cared about was wrapped half-naked around me.

We lay there for a long time, our bodies fused together, unwilling and unable to let go of this moment.

Finally, I spoke. “So, my mother surrendered?”

“For now.” Thea sighed as we found our way back to the real world together. “It’s a long story.”

“Since I plan to be buried inside you forever, you might as well tell me.”

“Not yet.” She nuzzled into my neck. “I just need a minute. What about the Mordicum? Did you learn anything?”

“Maybe.” I shook my head, stroking my palm down her bare back. “It’s hard to know who to trust.”

Instantly, Thea bolted up as if my words had triggered her. “The letter!”

“What letter?” I reached for her, determined to steal a few more moments before we faced the world again.

But Thea was already on her feet. She disappeared from sight for a moment. I pushed myself up to find her digging in the pockets of her pants. Finally, she held up an envelope, sealed with a familiar crest. Ginerva’s symbol. Now Thea’s.

“What is that?” I asked suspiciously.

Thea’s eyes widened, and she swallowed before forcing a grim smile onto her face. “That’s what we’re about to find out.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-NINE

THEA

“I don’t understand.” My fingers shook as I read the letter again, but no matter how many times I read it, I couldn’t make sense of it.

Julian held out one hand, his other pressed reassuringly to the small of my back, and I passed him the yellowed piece of paper. “It doesn’t,” he agreed, his eyes flashing as he skimmed its contents.

Thea, it began. How did she know my name?

You will have questions, and I wish I had more answers. As I write this, my death draws nearer. I feel it coming for me, and it will come for you, too, if you do not heed my warnings. The Queen-killer is gone but not lost. Do not trust the other Queens. One moves against our throne. Neither will accept what you are.

But you must. Vampire blood runs in your veins, but that is not why the crown chose you. You must not give in to the Frenzy. The Gods chose you as they chose your mate. It is only together that you can face what is coming. Trust Julian, but choose the rest of your friends carefully. One will betray you. I can see that much, but I do not know who it is. Just as I see my own betrayal looming and do not know whom to trust.

That is my blessing and my curse. I hope knowing will be enough to save you.

And don’t be too angry at Julian for what he must do. He’s really a simple creature.

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