Page 83 of Alpha's Revenge Luna
Desperation drives me to drink greedily, uncaring of the taste that coats my tongue.It will heal me, and it is something in my stomach when I am starving.With each swallow, a tingling sensation spreads throughout my body, accompanied by a rapidhigh that makes me giggle.
Dion gently brushes his fingers through my hair, allowing me to take what I need from him.He doesn’t even seem to mind when I bite down on his wrist again, my blunt teeth causing no real damage.
Dion’s laughter echoes through the room.“You just want to get high,” he teases, pulling his wrist away from my eager mouth.I can’t help but pout as the flow of his blood is interrupted, my body craving the intoxicating rush it provides.
My gaze shifts to the rapidly healing burns on my skin, marveling at the transformation.The pain and discomfort I had been experiencing are now replaced with a tingling warmth that spread throughout my body.It is hard to believe that mere moments ago, I had been in agony.
Dion climbs back into bed and bites down on his wrist once more.Blood wells up around the puncture wounds, and I stare at him, uncertain.Was this a test to see how far I’d go to chase this newfound euphoria?
“Go on before I change my mind,” he says, his voice firm yet gentle.“You’ll sleep better, anyway.”
I hesitate for only a moment before snatching his offered wrist, pressing my lips to the wound and drinking greedily.The rich taste of his blood fills my mouth, sending waves of pleasure rippling through my body.I know I should stop, that I am taking advantage, but I can’t bring myself to pull away.
As I drink, the world around me blurs and spins, my senses consumed by the euphoria coursing through my veins.I feel weightless as if I am floating.
Finally, the sensation becomes too much to bear, and my body gives in to the overwhelming high.I collapse against Dion, my limbs heavy and my mind swimming in a haze of warmth.
Chapter 28
Emery’s presence in the bed is making me uncomfortable,still and quiet.Yet, it’s like a pulse in the room–insistent and drawing my senses tight.Every time she moves, I jolt awake in a panic, thinking she is trying to escape me.
So when I rise, the day’s duties press into my consciousness before I can even rub the sleep from my eyes.My first task is clear: Emery must leave the bedroom.It’s not a request anymore; the refusal to participate in the outside world is growing annoying, and she is becoming clingy.I worry about her mental health deteriorating.She barely fights me anymore, which, as calming as that is, is also unnerving because she isn’t her usual self.
Emery stirs beside me, her eyes fluttering open.Instantly, she withdraws to the far side of the bed, a silent refusal to leave the safety of this room.Today, however, that changes.
“Emery,” I start, my voice firm yet gentle, “You need to come with me to my office.There’s a library attached.You can read while I work.”She hesitates, her resistance written in the tense lines of her body.“It isn’t a choice.I won’t accept no for an answer, so get dressed.”
She’s changed, her motions slow and deliberate as sheprepares to follow me.The tension in her shoulders tells me she’s bracing for the world outside these four walls.Her reluctance weighs on her like chains, but the promise of the library attached to my office seems to coax her forward, a reluctant moth to a flame.
As we stride toward the office, the dining hall comes into view, and a jolt of responsibility hits me.She needs to eat; she hasn’t eaten since dinner yesterday.
Tara, who happens to be crossing the hall, catches my eye.Tara is setting the tables, and I call her over.As Tara wanders over Emery’s reaction is immediate and visceral; her hand finds mine, slipping into my grip like she’s seeking refuge.It’s a gesture of affection, something I haven’t felt from her without the push of the bond, so I find the action odd.Her fingers are a contradiction, cool yet setting my skin ablaze.I stare down at our intertwined hands, her action puzzling.She doesn’t need comfort from Belladonna withdrawals; I was with her all night, so why is she clinging to me now?I squeeze Emery’s hand trying to get her to acknowledge Tara.Instead, she steps further behind me, like she is using me as a shield.
“Yes, Alpha?”Tara’s voice pulls me from my thoughts.
I catch Emery’s behavior out of the corner of my eye; she’s avoiding Tara’s gaze, her body language showing her discomfort.Something doesn’t add up.She likes Tara or so I thought.Maybe they had a falling out?
“She needs to eat.Watch her for me and bring her to my office once she’s done,” I instruct Tara, firm but fair.
Emery protests, shaking her head with an abruptness that belies her delicate features.“I’m not hungry,” she claims, but her body betrays her–the subtle hollowness of her cheeks, the faint tremor in her voice.She hasn’t eaten since dinner last night; she must be starving, and the sound her belly makes proves she is lying.
“Make sure she eats,” I instruct Tara, ignoring Emery’s second attempt to refuse.My growl cuts through the hall, “You will eat!”But Emery resists, her stubbornness a force in its ownright.
I growl, the primal sound ripping from my throat, “You.Will.Eat!”I turn to leave, my final words to Tara hanging in the air as a command, before striding toward my office.
With Emery in Tara’s care, my mind is already turning to the other matters at hand.
Kyrio awaits me in my office, his stance conveying both respect and urgency.
“Morning, Alpha,” Kyrio greets as he steps into my office, his posture rigid with the weight of unsaid words.
“Morning,” I mutter, without lifting my gaze from the stack of papers on my desk.After a moment’s pause, I look up.“Did you get hold of Elder Eric from the council?”
Kyrio nods, a frown creasing his forehead.“Yes, but he’s hedging.He needs proof to sway the council, and he’s barely keeping them from knocking down our doors as it is.”
I laugh, but there’s no humor in it.“What he’s managed to do is stop them from committing suicide by coming here,” I correct him.
Kyrio gives a short, barking laugh in return.“I did point out that much, Alpha.He didn’t respond, but he did say he trusts you’ll deliver the evidence needed.”
