Page 16 of Dragon Unleashed

He swipes a hand over his face. “So that’s what this ?denying yourself’ is about? It doesn’t have to be like that, Lorelei.”

“It…it doesn’t?” I risk glancing at him. His expression is so serious I almost believe him.

“What do you think the other vamp students do? Hell, the professors, the dean? They’re not all hanging around in the dark ready to swoop on unsuspecting victims. No matter what the tabloids print. Look, I’ll say this quickly before the others arrive…” Chano glares across the café. The rest of our allegiance are halfway toward us already.

“It’s normal for vampires to feed on their allegiance.”

My jaw drops.

“It’s expected.”

“Ew. No!” I shove the tray away from me, spilling Mrs. Cocci’s precious coffee.

“Chica, it’s not a dirty thing. Feedingstrengthensbonds. An allegiance with a vamp is a strong one.”

The others are rapidly approaching. Even just seeing Farrell this close my anger is already rising.

“I—I can’t, Chano. I can’t trust them. I can’t feed from them, from him. Not after what he did.”

Chano’s big fingers grip my chin, forcing me to look at him. “No one is making you. But you have to feed. So feed fromme. It…” he hesitates, adding almost shyly “…it might bring us closer. Our Aeternum bond might progress.”

Between the anger burning behind my breastbone and the need gnawing at me, I can’t think straight. I can’t let Farrell get close. I won’t be vulnerable around him.

And feeding from Chano? Iwantedto take things slow with him. He’s my Aeternum, but forever is a long time. We’re only nineteen, for Hades’ sake. My second incisor slices through my gum and pokes out my mouth, splitting my lip open.

“Just us, Chano. I don’t know how long I can hold off…”

I push myself up on shaky legs.

“There you are.” Farrell grabs my wrist and spins me to face them square on. “What is wrong with you, Lo—”

The three gasp.

Yeah. I’m sure I look real pretty with fangs that won’t retract and a busted lip. Farrell drops his hand. His pulse pounds invitingly.

Chano pulls on my arm, but I can’t tear my eyes away from the juicy vein. So, so close…

Without warning I’m scooped up and thrown over Chano’s shoulder. I screech as my skirt flips over my head, putting my ass on display.

Chano turns and strides away from the others.

“You’re not involved, traitors. Not wanted. Not needed.” His deep voice vibrates through me as I dangle over his back.

Wriggling, I try poking at him. “Put me down this instant, Chano.”

“Not until we’re in my room, away from everyone, little vamp. Now stay still or I’ll smack your ass.”

I huff, wriggling more.

A red-hot sting on my butt cheek stops me. He wouldn’t dare… Seconds later his hand connects with the other cheek, beforerubbing soothing circles over the burn. He tugs my skirt down into place with a feral chuckle.

Asshole.

Chano’s roommate takes one look at me dangling over Chano’s shoulder and sensibly decides he has other places to be.

Chano unceremoniously dumps me in the middle of his bed. He stands, nostrils flaring, in front of me, eyes alight with need. My gaze runs down his muscled torso, coming to rest on the tent in his gray sweats. It’s been too long. Getting personal time over summer, while staying with his family, was nearly impossible. Licking my lips, I pull on his academy tie, drawing him closer.

“Not yet, little vamp. You want me to surrender my blood? First you surrender to me.”

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