Page 23 of Surrendered to Mate

Immortal beings that feed on blood to survive.

Like when I gave him that carcass that he seemed not to eat from. He drained the blood.

I watch Cassius closely, noting how his breathing has become labored and his skin seems even paler than before. The realization hits me like a punch to the gut - he needs blood to heal.

And I have none. I have no animal to offer him, and I can't go hunt. Not if there are dark elves out there in the forest. There's only one option.

My heart races as I consider the implications. I should be terrified, disgusted even. But something in me, some inexplicable pull, makes me take a step closer to him.

"You need to feed, don't you?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Cassius's dark eyes lock onto mine, a flicker of surprise crossing his face. "Yes," he admits, his voice strained. "But I won't force you-"

I cut him off, rolling up my sleeve. "Do it," I say, trying to keep my voice steady despite the fear coursing through me. "You saved my life out there. Let me help you now."

He hesitates, his gaze flicking between my face and my exposed wrist. "Are you sure?"

I nod, swallowing hard. "Just... be careful."

Cassius takes my wrist gently, his touch lighting me up. He sucks in a deep breath, looking up at me with those dark brown eyes. "If it's too much, tell me." I nod, and he swallows hard, looking half-dead already. "It won't hurt," he promises me. "My venom…it's meant to be pleasant."

I nod. "Just take what you need." He brings it to his mouth, and I feel the sharp prick of his fangs breaking my skin.

I gasp at the initial pain, my body tensing. But then something shifts. As he drinks, a warmth spreads through me, followed by an unexpected wave of pleasure. It's intoxicating, making my head spin and my knees weak.

I find myself leaning into him, my free hand gripping his shoulder for support. The cave around us seems to fade away, leaving only the sensation of his mouth on my wrist and the building heat in my core.

Just as I feel myself starting to get light headed, Cassius pulls away. His eyes, now flecked with green, meet mine, and I see a mix of gratitude and something else - something I feel stirring deep in me.

"Thank you," he murmurs, his voice low and husky.

I nod, unable to form words as I try to process what just happened. The bite on my wrist is already healing, leaving behind only a faint mark and the lingering memory of his touch.

I feel dizzy, my body humming with an unfamiliar energy. The spot where Cassius's fangs pierced my skin tingles, sending waves of warmth through me. I can't seem to tear my eyes away from him, his presence magnetic.

Without thinking, I move closer. "Do you... need more?" I ask, my voice barely above a whisper.

Cassius's eyes, now a mesmerizing mix of dark brown and vibrant green, lock onto mine. He shakes his head slowly, a look of concern crossing his features. "No, sweetheart. I don't want to push you too far."

His words are gentle, but I can see the struggle in his eyes. There's hunger there, not just for blood, but for something else. Something that makes my heart race and my skin flush.

I find myself swaying towards him, drawn by some invisible force. "I'm okay," I murmur, though I'm not entirely sure if that's true. My mind feels foggy, my body alive with sensations I've never experienced before.

Cassius reaches out, steadying me with a hand on my arm. His touch sends a jolt through me, and I gasp softly. "Easy there," he says, his voice low and husky. "The venom... it can be intense the first time."

I nod, trying to focus on his words, but all I can think about is how close he is, how his scent envelops me. "I didn't expect it to feel like that," I admit, my cheeks burning.

A small smile plays at the corners of his mouth. "It's designed to be pleasant," he explains. "To make the feeding easier for both parties."

"Pleasant is an understatement," I mutter, then immediately regret my boldness. But it's true. It feels euphoric.

And I need more.

I don't even think as I move closer to him, his hand still on my arm. He doesn't stop me as I shift, as I slide my leg across his lap and clutch his shoulders to steady my body. I feel light, like I'm floating, and I want more.

I want him.

Fuck, I've thought Cassius was hot since the second I saw him. But right now, now that he is brimming with life, with the taste of me….I can't think of a reason to keep away from him.

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