Page 56 of Bite at First Sight

Rafe stopped and raised himself on his elbows to look down at her. “Is this what you want, Countess?”

His eyes glowed amber fire, his scarred face and bared fangs the epitome of predatory hunger. A small part of her knew she should be afraid, but all she could feel was utter and complete exhilaration.

“Yes!” she whimpered, certain she would die if he didn’t take her soon.

His weight left her body, and she heard the harsh sound of fabric tearing as he removed his trousers in a blur of speed. Then he was on top of her again, his hot flesh pressed to hers.

With a low growl, Rafe thrust deep inside her. Cassandra cried out at the intense sensation. It was like being overtaken by a storm. Wrapping her legs around him, she rocked her hips to match his thrusts, urging him deeper. The feel of him brought her closer and closer to the peak of soul-rending ecstasy. A small scream escaped her lips as she was sent over the edge.

While she was still gasping and shuddering beneath him, Rafe suddenly grasped her thighs and thrust into her harder, taking her with unchecked savagery. Her body rejoiced in overwhelming submission. The sound of his flesh striking hers brought her arousal to new, unfathomable heights.

“Oh my God,” she gasped. This was not what she expected. This was far more…

The thought fled as his fangs plunged into her neck, triggering another orgasm. Unbelievably, his thrusts deepened, intensifying the climax and sending her into a new realm of consciousness in which the universe seemed to simultaneously explode and unite.

Rafe let out a primal growl and collapsed in her arms. Cassandra quivered beneath him, reveling in the feel of his heart pounding against hers. His mouth nuzzled her neck, inciting aftershocks of her climax.

When he rolled over, pulling her into his embrace, Cassandra gasped. “Well, that was quite…vigorous and…well…overwhelming.”

Rafe raised a brow. “I didn’t hear you asking me to stop.”

She blinked and curled her fingers around his hair. “I suppose I didn’t.”

She waited for him to say more, but he remained silent, running a soothing hand down her back. Blissful tingles ran down her body, and once more she was filled with wonder at his dynamic juxtaposition of roughness and gentleness.

I love you… She clamped her lips shut before she could voice such an illogical statement aloud. Surely it was an overreaction to his introducing her to physical passion.

Instantly, her heart protested, but Cassandra shunted its dangerous assertions aside. For now there was nothing she could do except savor the peace and comfort of being in his arms. Besides, surely things would be further resolved when he Changed her.

As if sensing her thoughts, Rafe pulled her closer. Cassandra laid her head on his chest with a sigh, contenting herself to play with his silken hair and caress the captivating angles of his face before sleep claimed her.

Seventeen

“The time has come to take this city from Rafael Villar’s reckless clutches,” Clayton declared to his audience.

The assembly of vampires cheered in accord. He fought to hide the bright surge of triumph that swelled within him. Nearly half of the London vampires were here tonight.

“How are we to accomplish such a substantial feat?” Elizabeth, one of the wealthier and more powerful vampires, inquired blandly. “We cannot exactly storm Burnrath House with torches and pikestaffs as if it were the Bastille. The mortals would take notice.”

Clayton concealed an irritated frown. He’d never liked Elizabeth. As they were nearly the same age, she had been his biggest rival in the vampire hierarchy. However, she seemed to have soured on Rafe’s reign as well. Why else would she be here? He scratched his chin and eyed her speculatively. If he could guarantee her loyalty, she would be his best choice to serve as his second-in-command.

“We will not be doing any such thing, Elizabeth,” he said with an indulgent smile. “Aside from drawing unwanted attention from the humans, that type of action would not be honorable. We will issue an official challenge and meet Rafael Villar and his meager company of allies in a discreet location to demand his surrender and negotiate terms.”

“And if he doesn’t peacefully step down and allow you to take over?” she asked politely, though with an unmistakable note of challenge.

His eyes narrowed. “Then we fight.”

“Are you certain that taking such drastic measures is a wise course of action?” Elizabeth continued to argue in a damnably reasonable tone. Had she been a man, she may have made an excellent lawyer. “You are speaking of civil war. Lives could be lost. Not only that, but the Elders would be angered. We could all be punished severely for this rebellion…perhaps even executed.”

“This is not a rebellion. This is a revolution. And revolution is the only course of action,” Clayton said firmly. He raised his voice, addressing every member of the congregation. “As I’ve since made clear, Rafael Villar has placed us all in danger with his involvement with that mortal female of his. I was reluctant to say this before, lest I cause a panic, but I see now that it is necessary to tell you all…”

“Tell us what?” many vampires echoed. “What has the Spaniard done now?”

Elizabeth remained blessedly silent and watched him with avid interest.

Clayton’s fists clenched in righteous outrage as he faced them intently. “He is harboring a mortal who may be even more dangerous than a vampire hunter…which I am still not convinced that she is not. You all saw that she carried a journal when Villar presented her to us, yes?”

“Yes!” another vampire called out. “She tried to write in it during the meeting, before the Spaniard stopped her.”

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