Chapter 49
This isn’t just about blood lust. This is about claiming him, marking him mine against the primal pull Eris represents.
His blood explodes in my mouth, warm and spicy. The dark nectar I’ve come to crave more than air.
Rogan stills underneath me, his gasp of surprise echoing in the silent room. I know he’s hurting, but I need him to understand. This is about me too. About our child. About our needs.
He can’t just come here and expect me not to react when he talks about another woman. Especially not when that woman is Eris. His blood slides over my tongue and down my throat, and I swallow, letting it coat everything inside me, letting it infuse me with the strength I need.
Alara may have shown me that I don’t have a physical need for it. But damn…I sure as hell love it.
Once I’ve taken a good amount, I withdraw my fangs and look at him. His green eyes are wide, mouth slightly open, a mix of shock and something else playing across his face. Understanding? Anger?
I lick the small wound closed.
He cups both my cheeks. “I’ve missed you, princess.”
“You say that after I take your blood?”
“I’ve missed…” He runs his hands through his hair. “It surprises the hell out of me. I’ve become accustomed to feeding you. Maybe I need it as much as you do.”
I roll my eyes. “I seriously doubt that.”
His irises swirl. “Never doubt me.”
“Would you let me take care of that cut now? Please?”
I look around, puzzled. Where did Alara go? I thought she was staying with me. She made me tea, for God’s sake. Told me my father would want her here.
“Later, princess,” he says. He runs a hand down his face, looking utterly worn. “Right now, I need—”
I close my eyes and take in a deep breath. Even though I’ve just fed, his musky lupine scent washes over me like a tidal wave.
“You need?” I ask. “What do you need?”
“You.”
All the air leaves my lungs at once, as if he’s struck me. Sex? He wants sex now?
“Rogan…”
“No.” He shakes his head and drops his hands, intertwining his fingers with mine. “Let me finish, Hannah.”
I draw in a breath as I nod.
“I told Eris everything,” he says again, this time in a softer voice. “About us. About our child.”
“And what did she say?” I whisper.
“She was furious, of course.” He tightens his grip on my fingers, his knuckles white against his dirty skin. “She threatened the child, Hannah.”
Though I already knew all this from Alara, a sickening dread clutches at my heart anyway.
“She’s powerful enough to do it,” Rogan continues, “and she’s vindictive as hell.”
“So you came here to warn me,” I say.
“Yes. I couldn’t risk anything happening to either of you.”
I don’t reply at first. This isn’t news to me, but Rogan doesn’t know of my dealings with Alara.
Silence stretches between us. The small life movement inside me feels more vulnerable than ever, a tiny thing against the tempest of the world. The desire—no, the urge—to protect him becomes stronger than ever.
If I have to kill Eris?
I fucking will.
“Where is she?” I grit out.
Rogan doesn’t answer, and it doesn’t matter. I already know what has to happen. I must protect my child no matter what. Not only as a mother, but as a vampire princess. Alara prophesied that this child was destined for something great.
He needs to be born.
And he needs to live.
I already know my destiny. It’s not to kill my stepfather, the demon king, as the demons tried to convince Rogan and me.
It’s to kill Eris.
This is a she-wolf that cut out the hearts of two dead vampires. For what?
“Rogan,” I say, “did you ask her about the vampires’ hearts?”
“I didn’t get a chance. When I refused to mate with her, she ran off.”
“My God…” I rub my forehead.
“Princess…” His voice is low, nearly a growl.
“Yes?”
“I need you. I need you now.”