Page 16 of The Mistress, the Monster and the Marquess

Benedict’s eyebrows furrowed in thought. “Did I say something wrong to Antony?” he asked. He reached over, stroking her face gently.

Lina leaned into the caress, love winging through her chest. She had not been shown tenderness like this since before she had been turned. Lust, yes, paternal caring, yes. But true tenderness from a lover was a very rare commodity, indeed. Especially due to her need to Domme them.

“No, Benedict. Antony is just sensitive when it comes to Malcolm.”

Benedict ran his fingertips down the bridge of her nose, exploring every inch.

Lina wanted to purr in enjoyment.

“The man I saw?”

Lina sighed and nodded. She didn’t really want to talk about this now, didn’t want Benedict to know just how strongly she felt about him. However, she must. “Yes, you described Malcolm perfectly.”

Benedict leaned forward and kissed her gently on the lips.

Lina’s belly trembled; she wanted him again.

“Malcolm was Antony’s mate, his intended mate for all time. But Antony refused to believe that the legends were true, despite all the signs. He was scared and he fought their connection. Especially as his mate was male...”

Benedict shuffled closer and smiled kindly at her. He liked to listen, how unusual for a man. “What happened?”

Lina looked away from Benedict’s intense stare, fearful herself now. This conversation was going to lead into waters she herself did not want to venture. “Antony moved away, went searching for something else—someone else—hoping to forget what he’d felt. He couldn’t though, no matter how hard he tried.”

Benedict leaned forward and kissed her gently on the neck.

Lina shuddered as warmth curled through her body. She must finish the story. It would stand as a warning for all vampires who knew of the blood mate story. “When he returned to claim his lover, Malcolm had died.”

Benedict inhaled sharply, going pale. “They both lost.”

Lina nodded sadly. “It’s worse for Antony, of course. Malcolm would have missed Antony as any man in love would, but Antony had tasted his mate’s blood, claimed him in the flesh... For a vampire there is nothing more binding. He will mourn Malcolm for as long as he lives, which could be for several centuries more.”

Benedict nodded, his quick intellect putting everything together.

Lina watched it happen, relieved, and yet terrified. She couldn’t make Benedict bond with her.

“How old are you?” he asked.

Lina laughed, relieved for a moment. Her cheeky human was back.

“I have lost track a little over the years, but four hundred years or so.”

Benedict inhaled sharply; his eyes wary. “And have you found your mate in that time?”

She smiled, leaned forward, and kissed him for the first time. His lips were soft and yielding. Ready to receive and give pleasure in return.

Lina pushed Benedict onto his back and straddled him, feeling him grow hard beneath her. This was the most important moment of her existence, and her hands shook as she cupped her lover’s face in her palms. “I found him just two weeks ago. I have been very lonely for you, Benedict.” She sat up on him and moved her long hair off her shoulders to give him the best view of her body.

Benedict smiled up at her sweetly, a slightly incredulous look in his eyes. “You want me?” His hands came up to cup her breasts, stroking the plump flesh before squeezing each nipple in turn.

She moaned at the pleasure, intense and instant. Lina’s fangs began to elongate, and she closed her eyes for a moment, forcing them back. “Yes, we will be mated, and I will turn you so that we can be together forever.” She began moving her wet pussy against Benedict’s cock, hoping it would harden faster. She needed him again, though she needed to abstain from feeding from him.

She was still lightheaded from his blood, the strength of it intoxicating and dizzying. She had never tasted anything better. It was richer than any wine, and more decadent than any flavor of food she had ever tasted as a human. He would be her life source until she turned him. Then we will feed on other humans together.

Benedict’s hands stilled her movements.

Lina opened her eyes.

Benedict was glaring up at her. “What do you mean, when you turn me?”

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