Page 131 of Red Ruin

“Whatthe fuck!” Vhex bellows and jerks.

“Stop moving,” Iris shudders, grabbing his hips. “Let Remy try to filter out your venom.”

“Won’t work. My venom is different.”

“Isn’t it worth trying?” she asks much too softly.

I reluctantly shoot him a thought.

I can’t trust myself. To him, I lift my nose.

I shake my head.

“Let me show you, Iris.” I move slowly, fighting to stay in control so close to her perfect pulse. “One bite. I promise to be gentle.”

A vampire may be a cursed creature, but we have our benefits.

The Trezzorans know them well.

Only a vampire’s bite can cure the hypnotic addiction of a devil’s venom. In every era I can remember, we’ve been called to lift their loved ones out of thrall.

If Vhex Trezzoran lacks the knowledge?

I almost pity the devil.

Neither of us was treated like a son.

“Just be fast,” Iris finally sighs. “Make this itching stop.”

Her silks wind around mine, welcoming us home as she tilts her chin and opens her throat.

Beautiful.

If I were being a gentleman, I’d lave her skin until she’s purring in my arms.

I lick once. A long stripe, tracing the path of her jugular.

Passion punch.

My stomach claws up my throat.

Can’t wait.

I bite.

The taste of rich, sweet fruit floods my mouth.

Instinctively, my fangs lock on to the other flavor mixed with her heady blood. On her skin, the venom scents like alcohol.

It tastes like syrup in her veins.

Her made-for-me flavor is already perfection.

Yet… Trezzoran’s cursed venom sweetens the package.

---