Page 34 of First Bite
“Another mystery?” I asked.
“Yeah, you’re turning out to be quite different than the average Life Blood. Not to worry, Cole’s on it and hasn’t stopped studying what the hell is going on since Braden drank from you that day.”
“That’s what he’s researching?” I questioned.
“We need to know as much as we can about you and your blood. We get that we are bonded stronger to you now and that your blood is the only thing we can drink. It’s why he’s intent on finding out everything he can. He has to be sure we’re not fucking anything up because we’re only able to drink from you.”
“Nice,” I said. “Wait. What do you mean you’reonly ableto drink from me?”
Silence, except for the Jeep plowing its way through thick bushes.
“Well,” Logan finally spoke up, looking over at me. “All of us have tried to gain nourishment from other blood, but after you and Braden connected however you did,” he raised an eyebrow at me, “Something changed with him, and since we are connected on a mental level, it changed us too.”
“What happens if you drink—”
“We can’t,” Zac interrupted me. “We can’t keep it down. Right now, it’s taking all our energy not to feed on you.”
The Jeep halted on top of a cliff that overlooked a breathtaking waterfall with blue pools of water below.
“What are we doing?” I asked. “We’re not going back to the beach house?”
“We’re taking a fucking swim,” he said, seemingly annoyed, exhausted, and needing to change the subject. “And no, we’re not going back to the house. We’ll figure that shit out later. This area is secluded and safer than sitting on a beach until that coven has been dealt with.”
“Thank God,” I said with relief. “You’re sure we’re safe?”
“We wouldn’t be resuming our daily activities if we thought otherwise. We’re miles away from people—vampires or human—and I, for one, could use a good swim,” Zac said.
“Wait.” I stopped the guys after we all got out of the vehicle. “This is the third time that some creeps have gotten a hold of me, and I couldn’t defend myself. Can one of you teach me some fighting moves or something to defend myself?”
Zac’s eyes studied mine. “Whatever we teach you will only be effective against humans. Vampires are too fast for you.”
“Fuck that,” Logan smiled. “Yes. We need you up and defending yourself in case some shit like this happens again. We’ll give you some basics of fighting off assailants, but can we go for a swim first?”
“Good. And yes,” I answered. “A swim in our own private slice of hidden paradise sounds splendid after today’s mayhem.”
I walked to the ledge where I saw a steep path that led down to the pool of water below, most likely created by goats or whatever animals lived on this island. No one was in sight, and it was exhilarating to know we’d be swimming in this small piece of heaven alone.
“Hey, maybe this swim will cool your blood off, and Logan and I won’t be craving you like we are right now. Another fun fact is that after we use our energy to take out supernatural creatures,” Zac eyed me with a flirty, vampy stare, “our craving for blood is magnified.”
“Go call Braden and Cole and let them know we just took down three vamps and we may have an issue with a vamp nest here,” Logan said. “Tell them we’ll figure the shit out after we get Elle home later.”
“I’ll see you guys in a few,” Zac said turning back toward the Jeep.
“Ready for a swim?” Logan asked.
Before I could respond, Logan gripped my waist and lunged out, and we were sailing through the air and heading like missiles toward the deep pool of water below us. I screamed, feeling my stomach in my throat the entire way down. We shot into the water, Logan releasing me once we entered it.
I popped up, hearing Logan laugh and swim after me as I tried to find a shallow area in the water. I was too slow for him. He caught me by the waist, and drew me close to face him. He brushed my soaking wet hair from my eyes, and his sapphire blue irises were filled with amusement.
“Wasn’t that incredible?”
“You’re an asshole.” I shoved him off me.
My feet found the sand as I got closer to the shoreline. I managed to peel my drenched sarong off and toss it on a rock. I turned back to see a shirtless Zac swan dive into the water, and Logan swam over to his cousin.
I swam to where the waterfall splashed into the pool next to a sandy stretch of shore. The spray from the falls was glorious, and I closed my eyes as I stood under it, imagining this tropical paradise wasn’t just another hideout from psycho vamps.
I only had a few moments of solace before my insides started to throb, and I began to feel aroused.Where is this coming from?It wasn’t like I didn’t welcome it. I had two vampires to choose from who I knew were probably just as willing as I was to have sex here and now.
