Page 66 of Dark Fate

Confusion crosses my face like a big fat question mark. ButRhyland, catching onto my bewilderment, decides to fill me in on Vampire Biting 101. Apparently, their venom is like a cocktail of chill-out and turn-on, a potent mix of relaxation and arousal. But here's the kicker: it's all about the dosage—just a dash does the trick. AndLucian, being the generous soul he is, overdosed me, leaving me stuck with a side of steamy X-rated specials playing on repeat in my subconscious mind.

"That... asshole," I mutter, simmering in my own irritation sauce. I can't believe he would do something like this, knowing full well the effect it would have on me.

No shocker. He was throwing around that smug grin earlier, fishing for the effects of his little nip. My eyes lift toRhyland, sending out silent SOS signals for him to put a lid on the fury. He is the human embodiment of a thunderstorm, all crackling energy and barely contained rage. His arms are like iron beams, his fists balled up, and he's breathing like a freight train.

I inch forward, my hand tentatively reaching for his. "I thought only your... venom did what it did?" I ask, my voice small and uncertain.

Quick as lightning, he's on me, with a grip around my throat that catapults me straight into shock-central. "I fucking told you not to let him drink from you,Dani," he growls, his voice a low rumble that sends shivers down my spine. "Now look at the mess we're in."

It's like trying to gulp down dinner with a necktie pulled too tight—thanks toRhyland's iron clasp. But damn if my body isn't singing its own rebellious anthem, heat pooling and arousal spiraling to a maddening crescendo despite the frisson of fear threading through my veins.

God, I'm a twisted bitch.

Now, I get the whole 'straight from the source' deal withErik. Why the big secret, though? Couldn't he have spelled it out for me instead of being all cryptic and mysterious?

Annoyance flares up inside like a match to kindling, and I narrow my eyes atRhyland. "I didn't know it would do... that!" I snap, frustration clear in my voice. The last words practically sizzle as they leave my lips, my anger warring with the desire that thrums through my veins.

Rhylandeases his grip around my throat, his touch gentling even as his eyes blaze with a possessive fury. "I know you didn't know," he says, his voice low and rough. "But now, I'm gonna remind you of the only man you'll ever fucking dream about."

Without warning, he lunges forward and captures my lips with his own, his mouth hot and demanding against mine. My body responds instinctively, releasing a low, guttural moan that is quickly devoured by his insistent kiss. His lips are warm and soft, yet beneath his touch is an underlying hunger that leaves me breathless and wanting more.

I melt into him, my hands fisting in his hair as I pull him closer, desperate to feel every inch of his body against mine. The world falls away until there's nothing but the two of us, lost in a haze of desire and need.

Rhyland's hands roam over my body, his touch leaving fire trails in their wake. He cups my breasts, his thumbs brushing over my nipples until they harden into tight peaks, sending jolts of pleasure straight to my core.

"You're mine,Dani," he growls against my lips, his voice rough with possessive need. "Only mine. And I'm going to make sure you never forget it."

"Bite me... please," spills out of me, desperate and raw. It's the only way I can scrub awayLucian's lingering mark, to rewrite my body's memory so it only screams forRhyland.

With a quick and forceful motion,Rhylandviolently pulls down the top of my dress, baring my heaving breasts to the cool air.

"Already planned on it,baby," he growls with a hungry look.

Without another word, his teeth sink into the delicate flesh of my breast, causing me to gasp sharply at the sudden pain. But as quickly as the pain comes, it transforms into an intense wave of pleasure that leaves my body trembling.

My hands tighten around his head, my fingers tangling in his hair as he relentlessly sucks and draws my life force into him. No doubt he's giving me an extra dose of his potent venom. My body becomes liquid fire, my arousal spiking to new heights even though I'm already dripping from my weird sex dream.

His lips are warm and insistent against my breast, sending electrifying shivers down my spine. My body responds eagerly to his touch, my arousal skyrocketing with each passing second.

With forceful hands, he tears away the delicate fabric of my dress, leaving it in tattered shreds. My head spins as he pulls me upright and whirls me around with lightning speed.

I'm bent over, and the sound of his pants hitting the ground echoes through the tent as he positions himself behind me.

Rhylandlifts my leg effortlessly, placing it on the bed. With a sharp smack, he spanks my ass, causing me to wince and let out a surprised whimper. The sting sends a jolt of pleasure coursing through my body. He grabs my hair, pulling me back roughly, and I can't help but moan at the sensation of his rough handling. My mouth falls open, and I can feel my body responding to his dominance.

I'm completely turned on.

"This is your fucking reminder,Angel," he growls before plunging his impressive length deep inside me.

Rhylandand I turned the tent into confetti in the heat of our unrestrained fervor. I love how aggressive he can be sexually. Now we're sprawled out here, savoring the afterglow. Sweat-streaked and panting, riding the waves of our shared breaths.

"We need to get up,Angel. As much as I would love to lay here with you all night, I must take care of something."

I let out a begrudging mutter at his nudge to rise, but I cave because, let's face it, duty calls.AxilyaandFaderynare waiting, and we've got serious brainstorming on the docket.

Rhylandslips into his attire with that vampire swiftness. Then there's me, rummaging around to unearth the leathers I can't escape. With a groan about the irritation bubbling up, I face the music. Because really, my options are limited to this—suiting up in the 'come at me' battle leathers or going the prehistoric route and draping myself in furs.

Rhylandbolts from the tent, a blur of urgency, while I'm left wrestling my boots into submission. I finally catch up, darting out of the tent flap just in time to seeLucianambling over with a troublemaker's grin.

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