Page 15 of Her Immortal Protector

I rush to his side, my own injuries forgotten. Up close, I can see the extent of the damage. Deep gashes crisscross his torso and back, blood seeping from wounds that should have killed a normal man.

"Oh God, Christos," I murmur, my hands hovering over him, unsure where to touch without causing more pain. "What... what was that thing? What are you?"

He looks up at me, his green eyes filled with a mixture of pain and resignation. "I'm sorry, Aria," he says, his voice weak. "I never wanted you to find out like this."

I shake my head, knowing that we can't stay out here, not with me bleeding. Looping my arm around him, I pull him to his feet. "Let's get back to the cabin."

9

CHRISTOS

Islump against the cabin wall, my strength ebbing away. The fledgling's attack took more out of me than I expected. Aria's eyes are wide, a mix of fear and concern etched across her face.

"I'll get you help," she says, her voice trembling.

"No." The word comes out harsher than I intend. "I just need to hunt."

I try to push myself up, but my limbs feel like lead. The wound in my side throbs, a constant reminder of my weakened state.

Aria's gaze flicks to the window and the trees beyond, then back to me. I see the moment realization dawns in her eyes. She takes a deep breath, squaring her shoulders.

"You need blood, don't you?"

I freeze, caught off guard by her directness. "How did you-"

"I'm not stupid, Christos. I've seen things. Those men before... and now this." She gestures at my wound. "You're some kind of vampire, aren't you?"

I want to deny it, but the words stick in my throat. She takes a step closer, her scent washing over me. My fangs ache, desperate to extend.

"Take mine," she says softly.

The offer hangs in the air between us, electric and dangerous. My body screams for me to accept, to sink my teeth into her soft flesh and drink deeply. But I can't. I won't.

"Aria, you don't know what you're offering."

She moves closer, kneeling beside me. "I do. You saved my life. Let me save yours."

Her pulse thrums in her neck, and I want it. But this is a different kind of hunger… I clench my fists, nails digging into my palms.

"You don't understand. If I start, I might not be able to stop."

Aria reaches out, her warm hand cupping my cheek. The touch sends a jolt through my entire body.

"I trust you," she whispers.

The air between us crackles with tension. Her scent envelops me, intoxicating. I can hear her heart racing, see the slight tremble in her hand. Yet beneath the fear, there's something else. Desire.

I lean in, drawn by a force I can't explain. Her breath hitches as my lips brush her neck.

"Are you sure?" I murmur against her skin.

She nods, tilting her head to give me better access. "Yes."

I can't resist any longer.Please don't let me hurt her, I beg to Akeldama, to anyone.Please.

I've never bitten something without out Changing them or draining them, and I'm terrified. But I need to heal or I'll black out and kill her on accident. And I need to protect her.

Determined not to hurt her, my fangs extend, a weird taste flooding my mouth with it, and I gently pierce Aria's skin. She gasps, her body tensing for a moment before relaxing into my embrace.

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