Page 11 of Her Immortal Mate

"I'll heal. Eventually."

"Not before the dark elves track us." I sit back on my heels. "I'm offering. As your healer."

His laugh is bitter. "Is that what we're calling it?"

Heat floods my cheeks. "What's that supposed to mean?"

"Your heart rate spikes every time I'm near. Has nothing to do with fear." His eyes drift to my neck. "Makes it harder to resist."

"Then don't." The words slip out before I can stop them.

The cave falls silent except for our breathing.

And I'm shocked to find that I want him to give into this thing between us. Just like I do.

5

EIKE

Ican't hold out any longer. My body burns with need, every cell screaming for sustenance. But I won't lose control. Not with her. Not when she trusts me.

Not when I don't want to hurt her.

Even if I wanted to know what she tastes like since the first moment I saw her.

Mae lifts her delicate wrist toward my mouth, her skin luminescent in the dim light. I catch it in my hands, cradling it like a precious crystal. My fangs snap down instantly, a visceral response I can't control. The sound makes her breath catch.

"Have you..." My voice comes out rough. I clear my throat. "Have you done this before?"

"No." Mae's whisper floats between us, vulnerable yet steady. Her pulse thrums against my fingertips, a rapid staccato that matches my own racing heart.

I brush my thumb across her inner wrist, feeling the delicate veins beneath. "It'll feel good. I promise."

Her small nod sends copper strands sliding across her shoulder. The scent of her floods my senses - not fear, but something far more intoxicating. Trust. Desire.

I draw a steadying breath, willing my hands to stay gentle as I guide her wrist to my mouth. My fangs graze her skin and I release the numbing agent, ensuring she'll feel only pleasure.

The first taste of her blazes across my tongue - sweeter than anything I've known in my short existence. A small gasp escapes her lips as I drink, slow and careful, savoring each drop like the gift it is.

Her other hand comes up to grip my shoulder, not pushing away but pulling closer. I keep my eyes locked on her face, watching for any sign of discomfort. But her expression is pure wonder, lips parted, pupils dilated.

"Eike," she breathes my name like a prayer.

I know my numbing agent is flooding her bloodstream. Mae's pupils dilate, her chest rising and falling in quick succession. Her nipples strain against the thin fabric of her shirt, and a soft moan escapes her lips.

Each pull of her blood awakens something primal in me, something I've kept locked away since my creation. Not to mention the idea of me filling her…in more than one way.

Reluctantly, I release her wrist, running my tongue over the marks to seal them. Before I can speak, she launches herself at me. Her lips crash into mine, stealing what little breath I have left. A groan rumbles deep in my chest as her soft curves press against me.

"Mae-" Her name comes out ragged between kisses. The taste of her blood still lingers on my tongue, clouding my judgment. My hand slides up to cradle the back of her head, fingers tangling in those copper strands.

She straddles my lap, pressing closer like she can't get enough. Her hands explore my chest, leaving trails of fire in their wake. I capture her mouth again, drinking in her gasps like they're sustenance. The sweet taste of her mingles with the metallic tang of blood still on my lips.

"Need you," she whispers against my mouth. "Please."

I'm too far gone to resist. The blood high courses through my veins, amplifying every sensation. Her skin burns beneath my fingertips as I pull her tighter against me. Nothing in my military career, nothing in my training prepared me for this surge of pure want.

"You're perfect," I growl between kisses. Her hips rock against mine and stars explode behind my eyes. "So fucking perfect."

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