Page 26 of The Slave in A Princess Disguise

Something in his tone must have alarmed her, she stopped dead in her tracks. “Lord Vladya?”

“Do. Not. Move.” His breath sounded ragged in his own ears.

She gave a nod, still keeping her back to him.

His senses, already heightened, became even sharper. He could hear the rapid thumping of her heart, the quickening of her breath, and the scent of her fear. Even the faintest hint of musk.

His dick was hard. His gums fucking ached.

"Are you h-hungry?" Her sultry voice reached him, a tremor of fear underlying her words. "Is it the bloodlust?"

Amongst other things.

"I will be fine," he managed, his voice rough. "Just give it some time, I'll regain control."

"You could... you could drink from me," she offered hesitantly.

Vladya's beast perked up at the suggestion. He shuddered, his breath escaping in a ragged gasp.

"Bloody hell,” he growled. "You should not make such offers lightly, Aekeira. I could easily drain you dry."

The girl turned, her lips parting as she nervously licked them. "I would never make such an offer to anyone else. But you saved my brother's life, and I would like to—"

"Are we going to keep milking that cow?" Vladya added with a sardonic edge.

Aekeira flushed scarlet but met his gaze. "Also, you look like you're in pain."

"Why does it matter to you? I inflict pain upon you at every turn. Why would you wish to alleviate mine?" Vladya cocked his head to the side in thought. Was this a trick? A ploy to manipulate him? What was her motive?

"Not everyone is intent on causing pain, Your Highness," she replied, her voice soft yet firm. "Some of us are not wired that way."

Then, under her breath, she added, "But then again, I suppose a male like you wouldn't understand."

Vladya did not take offense. He truly did not understand.

A captive should be aiming to stab her captor in the chest, not pull out the sword already embedded and attempt to apply healing balm to the wound.

She sighed, a hint of disappointment in her eyes. "Nevermind," she murmured, turning away once more.

Vladya watched her retreating figure, war raging within him. What was he doing? Why was he chasing away the one person he longed to drink from again?

To have her blood coat his tongue, to savor the taste for days to come.

But I can resist. I am not a slave to my baser instincts.

The girl took a step away from him.

Vladya moved with lightning speed, pinning her against a tree, his body pressed against hers.

He hadn't even consciously registered moving, only the need to stop Aekeira from leaving.

"Lord Vladya," she gasped, her breath catching in her throat.

Up close, her scent hit him full force, wrecking whatever little chance he had of maintaining control. His gums hurt, his fangs—already extended—throbbed with a burning intensity.

"Drink from me," she whispered, her eyelids fluttering closed as she offered her neck to him.

His fangs pierced her skin and she cried out, arching into him. Vladya moaned, the first taste of her sweet, addictive blood lighting a fire within him.

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