Chapter 80
Chapter 80
Fresh, wet blood coated Daniel’s throat and stained the front of his shirt. His skin was sickly pale. A scream rose up in Tessa’s throat.
“You’ll be quiet,” Alex said softly, “if you care about the boy p>
The scream died. She stared helplessly at the horror in front of her.
Alex shifted his arm so that he could close one hand around throat. “He’s not dead yet, but he is very, very close. If you wan to have any chance of living beyond tonight, you’ll invite me inside p>
Tessa worked her mouth, but sound wouldn’t come out. She swallowed, tried again. “Come in.” Her voice was the faintest rasp, but it was enough. Alex smiled beatifically and crossed the threshold.
Once inside, he dropped Daniel like a sack of garbage. Tessa gasped as the boy’s head cracked against the floor and dropped to her knees beside him. Before she could touch him, check for a pulse, a cold hand closed around her throat, jerking her back. His touch burned like dry ice, and she felt that cold pain splintering through her veins.
“Leave the dog,” Alex hissed in her ear. “On your feet p>
Tessa staggered but did as she was told. Alex spun her around to face him, keeping his hand around her throat. She hadn’t looked him in the face in a long time. He was even more painfully beautiful than she remembered. His eyes were inhumanly blue. His face was all sharp angles and shadowy contours. His nose was as straight as a blade, and the mouth underneath it was sensuous and full.
He was wearing the sweater she’d knitted for him. It was the first sweater she’d ever knitted after she’d finally moved on from hats and scarves. It was an ugly thing compared to what she was capable
Chapter 80
of doing now, made from a cheap black acrylic yarn that had been on clearance–because she hadn’t wanted to spend too much on something that might not turn out. And it hadn’t turned out. Not very well, anyway. It was littered with twisted stitches, one sleeve was several inches longer than the other, and the collar was wide enough for Tessa to slip over her entire body. But Alex had
treasured it–apparently still treasured it.
I
“Ah, Tessa, I’ve missed you,” he said fervently. His piercing eyes seemed to soften as he gazed over her. “All of this… this disagreement between us is nothing but a misunderstanding. I should’ve explained things to you sooner. I realize that n didn’t want to move too quickly. And I’ll be honest, the blood is amazing. I was reluctant to turn you and lose the vintage forever.” He smiled fondly. “But if turning you earlier than I intended means having you at my side forever, then I’ll happily give it up. Perhaps the two of us, together, can find a replacement who is just as delicious p>
ir
ous
“Please,” Tessa said hoarsely, trying to appeal to the twisted affection he felt for her. “Don’t do this. I don’t want to be a strig p>
He tightened his hand around her throat, cutting off her air. His beautiful face had turned terrifying, stark with fury. “That is their disgusting word. Their lies. They told you I’m a monster, didn’t they p>
She choked for air, clawing at his hand. He eased it marginally, allowing her to draw in a desperate, thready breath.
“They’re jealous. And afraid of what they don’t understand. This is an exalted life I am offering you. This is immortality. An eternity filled with unstoppable power and infinite pleasure. I am a god, Tessa, and I will make you my goddess p>
“Alex,” she pleaded breathlessly. “I don’t p>
He tightened his grip just long enough to silence her again. “You’ll see,” he promised softly. “Once you’re turned, you’ll understand
Chapter 80
what a priceless gift I am giving you. I don’t have the time to convince you right now. The boy is near enough dead that the other beasts won’t be able to sense him, but they won’t leave your little hideaway unguarded for long.” He sighed. “I wanted this moment to be beautiful. I wanted to shower you with pleasure while I bestowed immortality upon you. I wanted our bond to be sealed in ecstasy. But the time has passed for that.” He tilted his head down, regarding her solemnly. “If you accept my gift Tessafully, I will make it very good for you. If you fight me, it will hurt. And when it’s done, I will make you finish draining the boy for your first meal as an immortal p>
Tessa’s heart stopped. “No p>
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