Page 11 of Surrendered to Mate

She regards me for a moment, then nods. "Fine. I'll get you some water. But try anything, and you'll regret it."

As she moves to fetch water, I can't take my eyes off her. There's something about this woman that calls to me on a primal level. For the first time in centuries, I feel a spark of genuine interest, of desire that goes beyond mere physical need.

It's terrifying. It's exhilarating. And I have no idea what to do about it.

I watch her return, a crude wooden cup in her hand. The sight of water does nothing to quench my thirst. What I need isn't something she can fetch from a stream.

"I don't need water," I say, my voice rough. "If you'll let me go, I can handle my own needs."

She snorts, a surprisingly delicate sound from such a fierce creature. "Right. Because I'm just going to untie you and let you wander off."

I can't help but grin. "It was worth a shot. You can't blame a guy for trying."

"I absolutely can," she retorts, but there's a hint of amusement in her eyes.

"At least tell me your name," I say, trying to sound charming despite my parched throat. "It's only fair, since you've got me at such a disadvantage."

She hesitates, then shrugs. "Faye."

"Faye," I repeat, savoring the name on my tongue. "Beautiful name for a beautiful woman."

Faye rolls her eyes, but I catch the faintest hint of a blush on her cheeks. "Save it. Your cheap flattery won't work on me."

"Who says it's cheap?" I counter, surprising myself with my sincerity. "I'm merely stating facts."

She laughs, a harsh, beautiful sound that sends a shiver down my spine. "You're either very brave or very stupid to flirt with your captor."

"Can't it be both?" I ask, flashing her a roguish grin.

Faye shakes her head, but I swear I see the ghost of a smile on her lips. "You're ridiculous."

"And you're intriguing," I say, unable to take my eyes off her. "Come on, Faye. Untie me. I promise I don't bite." The lie slips easily from my tongue, even as my fangs ache with need.

"Not a chance," she says firmly. "I'm not naive enough to fall for your charms, no matter how... persuasive you think you are."

I raise an eyebrow. "So you admit I'm charming?"

Faye snorts. "I admit nothing. Now, are you going to tell me what you are, or do I need to get creative with my questioning?"

The threat should worry me, but instead, I find myself more captivated than ever. "I'll tell you anything you want to know," I say, my voice low and husky. "But I'd much rather show you."

I'm not even sure where it comes from. But the burning desire for her — even more deeply rooted than my ache for blood — is tearing me open. And for her…

Well, fuck. I'm willing to do just about anything for this human already.

What the fuck happened to me?

7

FAYE

Istand there for a second longer than I should. But his flirting tone…it's hard to ignore how fucking hot this guy is. Even though it's a stupid weakness.

As a smile spreads across his face, though, I manage to yank myself back. I'm not buying his act. Or at least, that's what I tell myself.

I pace back and forth, my eyes darting between the strange winged man and the cave entrance. The dying fire casts eerie shadows across his face, accentuating those sharp cheekbones and full lips. I shake my head, forcing myself to focus.

"Let's try this again," I growl, crossing my arms. "Can you at least tell me your name?"

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