Page 37 of Prey

My hands gripped into the railing of the balcony from the second story, watching the edge of Boyd’s mouth pull back as he flirted with a blonde college-aged human girl. He’d done exceptionally well when it came to not attacking them. Why he’d gone after Tessa was still a mystery. Maybe he’d gone too long without feeding when she appeared. After all, she would have been the only one not bonded in our city. It was an open invitation. But here, these humans didn’t carry any vampire blood within them, and he was so composed. Relaxed, even.

I brought my glass to my lips, drinking down the expensive liquor. The taste was bland, despite the punch it had. It wasn’t what I wanted.

Laughing from a rather large group had my gaze drifting over and I took in the mix of vampire and humans, not having a desire for any of them. I’d fed twice today, just like I did every day to try to curb the cravings for Tessa. It was working to an extent, but I still couldn’t stop the obsession that left me desperate to go to her. Awake, asleep, she was all I saw. All I dreamed of tasting.

My heart jumped and my eyes flickered and narrowed for the briefest moment. I swallowed, placing the glass down. I couldn’t stop my fingertips from reaching up and pressing against my chest. That hadn’t been my pulse skipping.

I pushed it away, refusing to pry into Tessa’s thoughts or emotions. It was the hardest thing of all. I knew it would take the smallest switch and her mind would open for me, but I couldn’t do it. If I did, it would all be over with. The obsession would grow and I’d leave here with only three things on my mind—to taste her, to fuck her, to kill her.

As my heart took turns going up and down in rhythm, I held to the rail like a fucking anchor. Where was her sadness? It had grown on me even though I hated it. But, now…she was different. Sweat was starting to drench my shirt and my throat began to burn at the need to taste her. I grabbed the drink, throwing it back and slamming the glass down. The music began to play a new song and dark lyrics were an aphrodisiac to the fantasies playing in my head. Her fantasies. Blood. I’d cover every inch of her body in crimson and take my time licking it off. Fuck, I wanted to. She wanted me to.

The door flew open and another large group poured in. Long, red hair waved out around a pair of bare shoulders and Crystal had me groaning in irritation. Her men and a large number of women surrounded her. Spying Marie left me even more agitated. My heart thumped in a steady, hard cadence and I shifted uncomfortably. A loud laugh shook Marie’s chest as Crystal said something in her ear. Marie turned in a complete circle, only then viewing who she’d apparently been looking for. Maybe I didn’t have to see. Maybe I already knew. Lavender and jasmine took me over without even getting the smallest trace. I felt the rail on the top of the balcony bend in my grasp.

Dark hair swayed as Tessa was pulled forward. My lips parted as I moaned through her appearance. Black shadowy make-up decorated her eyes and her lips were the exact color of blood. She looked so different and yet…like my darkest dream come true.

Her black dress only went down to mid-thigh and clung to her breasts and hips, accentuating her small waist. The vast amount of cleavage had my fangs elongating. My eyes ate her alive as a smile came to her face. Marie was whispering something and the vampire’s fingertips slid along the side of Tessa’s throat while she pulled her in even closer. I watched the smile on Tessa’s face fade into uncertainty. What the hell was that conniving bitch telling her? I wanted to know. Instinct told me to listen, but the price that would come with doing so wasn’t something I could risk.

My mind cleared and I snapped my eyes to Boyd. He was staring at Tessa just as intently as I had been. He pushed from the chair, entranced. I got ready, just in case. But he didn’t run to her. His steps were determined, but slow. I couldn’t stand it. The predator in me flared, ready to claw him up until nothing was left just for having his eyes on what was mine.

Marie held Tessa’s hand as she brought her to a table full of gifts. I knew there’d be a party tonight, but in no way had I ever thought the events would begin like this. What in the hell was going on? I almost didn’t need to ask. Marie had gone to her. I knew the woman better than most. She thrived at being in the middle of anything she deemed exciting. My stir in the community must have fit the bill. And she was smart enough to know my prey was at the root of it.

I pulled back on my hands and threw my legs over the side of the balcony, landing on the story below. Boyd was getting too close and I had no control as I began to zero in on him. He seemed to catch himself and stop, but his feet were already on the go again. He pushed past two human women, halting ten feet from the table.

“Marie.” His voice called out and she turned, her smile fading as she spotted him. Protectively, her arm came out to Tessa, pulling her into her side. I tilted my head in surprise. There was a sense of possession in her stance that I didn’t like. And it was real, not just for show. It was as if she were claiming Tessa for her own.

“What?” The one word had a warning laced within and Boyd shifted as he took a step closer, only to retreat. I could feel Tessa’s fear. Knew she was trembling at the young vampire’s insistence. She’d feel his need for her, if that were the case.

“May I come closer?” His eyes went to Tessa, only to return to Marie. The brunette vampire turned toward my prey, her eyes searching Tessa’s face. Slowly, she reached up, cupping her cheeks. So tender….so wanting, herself.

I pushed a couple who had gotten too much in my space away from me. My fangs were still out. Still ready to tear anyone apart if they so much as made the wrong move.

“I can see his intentions. Boyd wants to apologize for attempting to attack you that first day you came here. Are you okay with that?”

Even through the music, I could hear Marie’s soft voice.

“But…you told me Marko was watching over Boyd. You said I wouldn’t have to see him.”

Marie’s thumb caressed over her cheek bone. “I didn’t know he was watching over him here. Sweetie, don’t even give him any mind. My men nor I will let anyone hurt you. You trust me, right?”

I nearly laughed at that. Like they could stop me if I wanted mon chaton. The declaration challenged me. Made me almost want to prove Marie wrong.

Tessa only glanced up into her eyes for the briefest moment before she nodded.

“Good.” She turned to Boyd. “You may come.” Marie broke away and Boyd eagerly walked forward. His breaths were light. His intentions…not quite clear. Was he genuinely sorry? He knew he was on my bad side, but did he care? He was a vampire. I knew he’d only look out for himself. I would have if I were him.

“I do want to apologize.” Boyd stepped closer and I circled to the side, placing myself next to a crowd, but leaving myself just enough distance to move in fast if I needed to. “My actions were…deplorable. I’m not usually like that. It had been a rough few days and I…” his head shook. “I’m truly sorry I scared you like that.”

Tessa nodded a little fast. “I believe you. The cravings must be hard for you.”

Relief flooded his face and he smiled, moving closer. “You have no idea.”

Marie grinned as she leaned against the table and I moved a little further back, staying out of view. It didn’t stop the bitch from seeing me. Marie’s smile fell until all that was left was the side of her mouth, edging into an evil grin. My head shook in disgust as I went back to Tessa and Boyd. I knew Marie was up to no good, hoping she’d see a blood bath on my part. She wanted me to fall. She wanted my chair. If Tessa’s life was what took it, she’d sacrifice my prey in a heartbeat. Or would she? I couldn’t ignore the protectiveness I’d seen before she noticed me. Maybe she was just as confused as I was?

Lights flickered over the dark waves down mon chaton’s back and I tried to break the lust that had my eyes traveling to her hips and ass. Fuck, I could bend her over and drive my cock right where it needed to be. Right where it was meant to be.

“Do you dance?”

Boyd’s question had my claws extending the smallest amount.

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