Page 41 of Claiming Her Vampire

She gives me a hateful look and storms out, slamming the door.

I sink into my chair, dropping my head back and running my hands through my hair. Could this day get any worse? It started so well. Having Serenity in my arms, all flushed and sweet. Her moans filled the room. I ached to touch her. I have imagined it many times since we met. How she would feel, how she would smell. What would give her the most pleasure? But my imagintion was nothing compared to living it. I loved sex just as much as the next guy, but it had become monotonous over the years. I went through the motions to get to the goal. Even with Samantha, at first, I enjoyed it, and we were together a few times a month. The last time I was with her was three months ago. I was in denial about her interest in me. I saw only what I wanted to see.

After witnessing the worst of humanity and inflicting my will on others for so long, I become numb to emotions. Finding Serenity has flooded my system with a new outlook. I went through the motions of my life, not living anymore.

I’ve been all over the world, but I find myself with a desire to see it all again through her eyes. I want to travel with her, to watch her face as she gazes in wonder. Just to hold her hand and allow her to drag me wherever she wants.

I need to apologize to her. Beg her forgiveness if I have to. Losing her would end me.

Even if she decides to stay human, I will be with her until the end of her human life and follow her in death. All that matters is giving her the choice of how to live her life. I decide to find her when a jerk in my chest freezes me. Something is wrong. I press my hand to my heart and close my eyes. Pain surges through me, almost bringing me to my knees, and I groan. To already have this deep of a connection to her without having her blood running through me is astounding.

My eyes snap open when I hear her scream my name.

Everything around me stops. I push out my power, searching for her location. I find myself bursting into the woman's bathroom. The scene before me will haunt me until I leave this earth.

Samantha is crouched over Serenity’s still form, blood dripping from her mouth. The walls are covered in red—my mate's blood. My demon yells in fury and revenge. Samantha grins, showing off blood-filled coyote teeth. From the deep scratches on her face, Serenity fought hard, even though Samantha was so much stronger than her.

“I told you. You will regret throwing me away,” she sings, smirking.

I pay no attention to the hallway behind me filled with our concerned friends. I feel Bash close to my back, his rage flowing through the room with mine.

Samantha rises, standing proud over my dying mate, asking for my verdict, excited to see my reaction. When she blinks, I am on her. I bury my hand in her chest. Her shocked eyes widen as I squeeze her heart.

“Usually, you would be at the end of one of my knives, but you aren’t worthy of them. You are not worth breathing the same air as her. Your life means nothing to me,” I say harshly. I contract my hand, relishing her fear. “No one will miss you when you are gone.”

I rip her heart from her chest. I throw it away indifferently. Before her lifeless body hits the ground, I am on my knees, my hands cradling Serenity’s face. I hear her weak heartbeat slowing to a dangerous level. Samantha’s teeth had ripped through her flesh, leaving gaping holes on her legs and chest.

“Serenity? You are not allowed to leave me,” I growl. “Baby, please.”

“Ryker? I called for you,” she whispers, her breath labored.

“You did well. I came.” I can’t hide the pain in my voice.

“Did you kill her?” she asks.

“I did.”

“Good,” she says, as her eyes flutter closed.

“Baby, stay awake,” I demand. She doesn’t open her eyes, and I look at Bash. “We have to get home. I have to change her.”

“No,” Ava steps forward, her hands outstretched.

“Excuse me?” I am not in the best mental state to deal with her, my eyes wild.

“Woman, back off,” Bash yells at her.

“She has to be able to choose for herself,” she pleads. She looks back at me. “Let her make the decision that will affect the rest of her life.”

“I didn’t take that choice from her. That bitch did. But if you think I will let her die when I can save her, you haven’t been paying attention. I will do what I have to, to have her alive,” I say. I pick up Serenity. She remains still, not even flinching in pain. Ava steps in front of me, blocking my path. “Get the fuck out of my way. She loves you. I would hate to explain to her why I hurt you.”

Bash drags Ava out of the way, not caring about her threats of violence.

Jax, the Alpha, takes her place in front of me. “Are you going to lecture me too? I don’t have the time to move you,” I push out through gritted teeth.

“No, I want to help you. Let us take you,” he says, motioning to Harmony. Her sad eyes almost break the rage I am using to cope.

“I can get there faster,” I insist.

---