Page 22 of The Ballad of the Vampire Prince

He even tried to kill me.

It’s funny that I’m more hurt because he rejected me instead of that. I really need to have my priorities in order.

“Do you really hate me that much?” I mutter quietly.

Svenn’s head snaps in my direction.

My gaze collides with his and a guttural sound rises from his throat. His face contorts into something sharp, violent. A mountain lion humiliated at the fact a deer is stalking him.

I know then I had made a grave mistake.

I back away slowly.

“Come out, little fawn.”

I suppress a shudder at the command in his voice.

The wolf is going to tear me to pieces. Maybe he’ll just swallow me whole.

But his unsettling russet eyes are saying something else. They’re telling me, almost begging me,

Do not run.

I sprint as fast as I can toward the trees.

Chapter 4 Svenn

Apair of violet eyes is staring back at me across the meadow. They widen immediately as Rhianelle’s curiosity turns to shock. She tries to hide behind the leaves and trees.

Too late for that.

“Come out, little fawn,” I call to her.

Hopefully she won’t do anything foolish like—running.

And off she goes, bolting into the woods like a little minx.

A slow, sadistic smile stretches my lips.

Rhianelle has chosen to play.

Blood rushes to every muscle and nerve in my body. I can never resist a hunt. I give my prey ample time to get a head start before I make a slow, deliberate move.

Stalking her is half the fun after all.

My vision and hearing sharpen as the thrill of the chase courses through my veins. I was a tracker back in my human days. The trait was enhanced when I was made into a Strigon.

I wait just a little longer, then I follow her trail deeper into the forest. The sound of her frantic breathing is a lullaby to my ears. It escalates into something shallow and ragged as fear fuels her run. There is no way she can outrun me.

The sight of her smooth skin and silver hair among the trees demands my attention raptly.

There you are, little fawn.

Once I have her beneath my claw, we’re going to have so much fun. She smells incredible. Like honey and water lilies. I’ve caught the scent of my prey and I’m not letting go. My canines ache with anticipation.

But something strange happens.

Rhianelle’s footsteps are getting fainter, and so is her pulse rate. In a matter of seconds, they disappear altogether.

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