Page 25 of The Mistress, the Monster and the Marquess

Benedict stroked Lina’s back and kissed her softly again. How could he explain to her that he wanted both of them? That he needed both of them? He couldn’t sate one blood bond and ignore another... “I have been dreaming more of his memories, Lina, and I would like to see him again.”

Lina’s eyes widened. She cocked her head, leapt off his lap and landed on the floor again with feline grace. She turned her head back again, raising an eyebrow at him. “Your wish is granted, my love. Antony is already here.”

Benedict turned in the direction of the stairs.

The muscular, dark-eyed male vampire was already standing at their base. The solid door and fifty-seven steps were no challenge to Antony.

His presence was calming, despite the hostility rolling off him presently. Benedict could still feel Antony’s presence inside his blood. He saw his visions. And after Sil had confirmed Benedict’s suspicions, he knew they were all linked—not just he and Lina.

Antony nodded his head in their direction, his black eyes heated yet wary. “Benedict, Lina.”

Benedict smiled and nodded back, his heart beating an excited rhythm.

“Lina, I spoke to an Elder and they think I should explore my connection to Benedict.”

Benedict’s stomach dropped. Did that mean the Antony just wanted to have sex with them again? Benedict wanted so much more than just that.

Lina frowned and moved around him so that she partly shielded him. “I know what you mean by ‘explore’ Antony, and I won’t allow you to feed on him again.”

Benedict peered over Lina’s shoulder and watched.

Antony’s mood changed instantly, his eyes pleading as he held up his hands to Lina. “I know you think he only saw my memories because we were sharing him at the time. But I need to make sure. I have to know the truth of it.”

Benedict opened his mouth to breathe easier as he realized what the gloriously sculpted vampire was asking for. Antony wanted to know if they were truly blood bonded too. Thank God for that. He had dreamed about Antony last night, had dreamed of fucking him. Seeing him in the flesh now set off every memory, every lustful thought. He had missed him, almost as much as he’d missed Lina.

“Antony, he is not your mate. I won’t have you feeding on him just because you want to.”

Benedict gaped at her. Lina knew how he felt about Antony, so why wasn’t she allowing him access?

“I don’t mind.” Benedict stepped up close to them before Lina could protest again. He wanted this too. He needed to know why he felt more complete having both of them inside his blood.

Lina inhaled and hissed in surprise.

Benedict was sure that she could tell how aroused he was, how much he wanted Antony. Benedict wasn’t ashamed of it, not anymore. He wasn’t waiting five hundred years to feel complete. He couldn’t believe Antony had. “I want to know too. I have missed you, Antony.” He looked straight at the eternally beautiful vampire and walked toward him, tilting his neck ever so slightly. His heart was beating so hard that he felt almost sick with the pressure of it.

Antony’s eyes widened, then he stepped forward, pressed Benedict up against the wall and bit into his neck without any warning.

Benedict gasped at the brutality. At how Antony’s need to get the test over and done with was almost degrading. Memories flooded Benedict’s mind, just as he knew they would. It was erotic and a deeply emotional thing for him. Antony was not savoring the connection, which was upsetting and pushed him to act.

Benedict grabbed Antony by the ass and pulled him in tight, forcing the vampire to feel him properly.

Antony removed his fangs from Benedict’s neck, blood on his lips.

Benedict rubbed his hardening cock against Antony’s.

Antony met his gaze, his dark eyes wide and fearful.

Benedict didn’t know if Antony was more afraid that Benedict would see something, or he wouldn’t. Well, Benedict had something to ensure power now and he wasn’t giving it up easily.

“What did you see?” he asked anxiously, his heart in his throat.

Benedict smiled rather smugly. He wanted something first. “I’ll let you know after I’ve fucked you.”

Antony disappeared across the room, landing to crouch against the cross in the corner.

Benedict felt cold, and he wanted the weight of Antony’s body back in his arms.

“You saw something more. Tell me now,” demanded the male vampire.

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