Page 51 of Surrendered to Mate

We move silently through the trees. I'm amazed at how easily I avoid twigs and leaves, my footsteps as quiet as a shadow. The dae's scent grows stronger, and my throat burns with need.

Suddenly, it's there - a magnificent creature, grazing in a moonlit clearing. Before I can think, I'm moving, faster than I've ever moved before. The dae looks up, startled, but it's too late. I'm on it in an instant, my newfound strength easily bringing it down.

My fangs sink into its neck, and warm blood floods my mouth. It's like nothing I've ever tasted - rich, complex, life itself flowing into me. I drink deeply, lost in the sensation.

"Faye," Cassius's voice cuts through the haze. "That's enough. You need to stop now."

I growl, not wanting to let go. But Cassius's hand on my shoulder grounds me. With effort, I pull away, gasping.

The dae's lifeless body lies before me, drained. I should feel remorse, but all I feel is... alive. Powerful. The burning in my throat has eased, replaced by a warm satisfaction.

"How do you feel?" Cassius asks, watching me carefully.

I lick my lips, savoring the last drops of blood. "Incredible," I breathe. "Is it always like this?"

He smiles, a hint of sadness in his eyes. "The first time is... intense. But yes, it's always satisfying."

I nod, processing. Then a new scent catches my attention - smaller, faster heartbeats nearby. Without thinking, I'm off again, chasing down a pair of suru. They're quick, but I'm quicker. In moments, I've caught them both, draining them in quick succession.

As I finish the second suru, I feel Cassius's presence behind me. "You're a natural," he says softly. "But we need to be careful not to overhunt. Balance is key."

I nod, understanding. The initial frenzy has passed, leaving me clear-headed and more in control. I stand, wiping my mouth with the back of my hand.

I wipe the last traces of blood from my lips, savoring the lingering taste. As the initial frenzy fades, my senses sharpen even further. A new scent catches my attention - familiar, yet intoxicating in a way I've never experienced before.

Cassius.

His scent calls to me, a song I can't resist. I turn, my eyes locking onto him. He stands a few feet away, watching me with amixture of pride and something else... something that makes my newly heightened pulse quicken.

Without conscious thought, I move towards him. My movements are fluid, predatory. I feel like a wildcat stalking its prey.

"Cassius," I purr, reaching him in an instant. My arms snake around his neck, pulling him close. Our lips meet in a fierce kiss, and I'm lost in sensation. Every touch, every taste is magnified tenfold.

He chuckles against my mouth, his hands settling on my waist. "Easy, sweetheart," he murmurs. "You'll get used to this feeling, too."

I pull back slightly, grinning up at him. "Who says I want to get used to it?" I tease. "I love how this feels. My body... it's incredible."

To emphasize my point, I step back and stretch, reveling in the power coursing through my limbs. "I'm strong now," I say, flexing my fingers. "Fast, too. Probably faster than you."

Cassius raises an eyebrow, a playful smirk tugging at his lips. "Is that so?"

"Mhmm," I hum, circling him slowly. "Want to test it out?"

His eyes darken. "Run, sweetheart." I turn ready to dash just when I hear him let out a low growl that has my core clenching. "But if I catch you, I'm going to fuck you."

I dart through the trees, my newfound speed thrilling. Behind me, Cassius gives chase. His prowess in the forest is breathtaking. The wind whips my hair, as the scent of damp earth fills my nose. But my senses are overwhelmed by him—by the promise of what's to come.

His footsteps gain on me, swift and sure. Excitement courses through my veins, a mixture of the thrill of the hunt and the anticipation of being caught. I can almost feel him, his breathhot on the nape of my neck, his presence like a wave about to crash.

In an instant, he’s there, his strong arms encircling me, pinning me to the rough bark of a tree. His body presses against mine, every line of him hard and insistent. My heart pounds, echoing in my ears, as his lips brush against my ear.

"Got you," he whispers, his voice low and full of promise. The words send shivers down my spine, pooling warmth between my legs.

I can't move, can barely breathe. His grip is iron around my waist, possessive and unyielding. He reaches around, his hand circling my throat, a gentle but firm hold that sends a pulsing heat through me. I’m caught, trapped, and utterly at his mercy. The realization is intoxicating.

His other hand slides down, tugging my pants down with a rough efficiency that leaves me exposed and vulnerable. I whimper, a sound that’s half protest, half plea. His breath is ragged in my ear as he whispers, "Time for my prize, sweetheart."

The words send a jolt of desire through me, setting every nerve ending on fire. His hand traces down my spine, leaving a trail of shivers, before he grips my hip, his fingers digging into my flesh.

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