Page 24 of The Mistress, the Monster and the Marquess

Antony hung his head, swallowing the pain leaching his strength. He had never admitted this to anyone, but now was the time.

“Malcolm never saw my memories when I fed on him, Sil. I loved him and his blood was the sweetest thing I had ever tasted.” Until Benedict’s... Antony silently finished in his own head.

“Then he was not your blood mate, my boy.”

Antony hung his head again. He didn’t want to hear that. For so long he had wanted to destroy himself, lost in the pain and regrets of what should have been. “I did not believe the old stories. I thought one or two of the signs would be enough. I thought what I felt was enough, that it was real.”

Sil put his fingers under Antony’s chin, lifting his head so that they were eye level again. Sil’s green eyes were very dark, with flecks of pale throughout. They were beautiful and seemed all knowing.

“Young one, what you felt was real. You no doubt loved Malcom, but those stories are all true, full, and complete. You can and will have one blood mate who will conquer your heart and soul. They will see your memories and their blood will be the sweetest you have ever tasted. That is the way.” His eyes were kind as he stroked Antony’s cheek once more. “If you have truly found your blood mate Antony, then you need to embrace him. Such gifts do not come often in life.”

Antony sat straighter in his chair, years of pain, isolation and desperation rolling off him. He closed his eyes as the tears flowed down his cheeks.

Sil’s heavy hand landed on his shoulder and gripped hard. “Make sure he is indeed your mate, and then bond with him. It is the only way.”

Antony nodded. It seemed he had no choice in the matter, not if he was ever to be happy again.

Chapter Fourteen.

Benedict took a deep breath and stepped into the darkness, taking just one step at a time. He held the stone wall and counted, drawing in a breath with every step. Ten steps from the bottom, he came into the flickering light provided by candles scattered around the dungeon.

“You have come back, my pet.”

At the sound of Lina’s voice, he smiled, and goose bumps prickled over his skin. He had missed that beautiful tone—the thrill her voice gave him. “Yes.” His foot landed on solid ground, and he opened his arms wide.

She flew into them without a heartbeat’s hesitation.

Her sweet scent filled his nostrils, her cool flesh perfect in his arms. He grabbed her rounded ass and pulled her hard against him, groaning as his cock stirred. “I have missed you,” he said, whispering the words into her ear.

Lina shivered with desire. “I have missed you also.” She snuggled into him.

He smiled again. It was an amazing feeling to be able to just stand still, breathing with her, simply being with her.

“Have you decided what you want to do, Benedict?” Lina’s voice broke into his trance.

His eyes sprung open. How am I going to explain to her what I want? “Let’s sit down,” he suggested, before he led her over to where the old chairs once were. “When did you acquire a bed?” He indicated the huge, ornate sleigh bed that was now a key point of interest in the room.

Lina shrugged and sat down on it.

Benedict sat next to her, pleased to find the mattress firm and comfortable.

“I usually rest during the day on the floor,” she said. “But I wanted somewhere comfortable for you to sleep. For us to sleep.”

Her gesture did not go unnoticed or unappreciated. His heart beat faster and his hope that she would allow him to remain human intensified. “Thank you, Lina. That was thoughtful. It’s beautiful.”

She smiled and stroked the back of his hand with her smooth nails. “Have you said goodbye to your old life, Benedict? Or have you come here to tell me you do not want me?”

The panic her last words evoked was instant and painful. Benedict laid a hand on his belly, trying to quell the feeling. Well, that certainly answered any lingering doubts he had. I can’t leave her. “I have arranged everything as best I can, though I have questions.”

Lina laughed in good humor and threw her leg over his waist, straddling him. Her hands came up to cup his face, her skin cool, needing his blood. “Of course, you do! And I will answer anything you wish to know. I just need to know that you have chosen me.”

Benedict smiled and softly kissed Lina’s perfect pink lips. “I have, though I would like to see Antony, also.” Benedict held his breath.

Lina stiffened in his arms.

This may be a problem for her. But it isn’t nonnegotiable.

“Antony? Why?”

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