Total pages in book: 53
Estimated words: 51358 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 257(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 51358 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 257(@200wpm)___ 205(@250wpm)___ 171(@300wpm)
My stomach churns at the thought. I know Dagon doesn’t want this bond. That’s why I’ve been so hesitant to speak to him about it. When we first discovered it, I’d told him it didn’t have to mean anything. I didn’t want him to run away. I thought I would be strong enough to manage the bond without accepting or rejecting it. Take our time and figure out what was best for both of us, but the instincts are relentless. All I want is to be with him.
If I’m being honest with myself, I’ve relished his company long before the mark showed up. And now…I don’t know what to do. I only know that I don’t want to lose him. But I’m terrified that’s exactly what’s going to happen.
“You look stunning,” Daphne says as she heads across the ballroom to join me. “Have I told you that?”
I smile at my friend. I’d chosen a gown tonight that did well to cover my lower back—a long-sleeved silver number that made me feel like a million dollars.
“Thank you,” I say, then motion to her. “But have you seen yourself? You look like a queen.” And she really did, the black glittering gown she wore hugged her body in all the right ways, accentuating her slight curves. “Black looks amazing on you.”
She grins. “Thanks.” She scans the room, almost like she’s looking for someone.
I furrow my brow. “You know the demon king would never crash Alek’s personal party, right? Even if he can break the wards with half a thought.”
Daphne gapes at me. “I know that,” she breathes the words then sips from her champagne flute. “I wasn’t looking for him.”
I hold back my smile. “Sure,” I say, nudging my friend. “And this dress? You maybe had hopes of him seeing you in it?”
Daphne snorts and shakes her head. “I’m sure he already has.”
I raise my brows.
She shrugs. “He pops in and out of my dorm building all the time. Never my room,” she hurries to add. “But, I spot him in the shadows sometimes.”
A shiver races down my spine. “That doesn’t bother you?”
She sighs, her eyes on the couples dancing. “No,” she says. “Not after everything he’s done for me.”
“You don’t owe him anything,” I say, not for the first time. We’ve spent many nights trying to deconstruct the motives of the demon king when it comes to her. All to no avail.
“I know that,” she says. “And you know he drives me absolutely crazy.” She takes another drink of her champagne. “But I can’t explain it. I like it. Knowing he’s watching. It excites me. Does that mean there’s something wrong with me?”
“Not at all,” I assure her. “You know I don’t think that. You can’t control who and what you like. Who and what steals your breath.” I glance across the room toward Dagon, then back to her. “I just want you to be safe.” I nod to the flute in her hand. “I don’t want us to be a bad influence on you.”
Daphne laughs at that. “Do you know how much the other students in my dorm drink?” she finishes her champagne. “It’s a hell of a lot more than a glass of sparkling wine.” She eyes me. “Speaking of wearing dresses for attention,” she motions to me.
I laugh, then shrug. “Yeah,” I admit. “I had hoped Dagon would take one look at me and be desperate to peel this off my body and spend the rest of eternity with me.” I emphasize the dress. “It’s still on.”
Daphne laughs.
“He’s barely looked my way tonight,” I continue.
“Ugh, men can be so ridiculous,” she says. “Even vampires.”
“Or demons?”
“Especially demons.”
We both chuckle, and my heart warms at spending time with her. I missed her while we were gone, despite the fun I had on the island. I yearn for those nights when things weren’t as complicated between Dagon and myself.
I sip my champagne, hating that nothing has quenched my thirst lately. Even before the mark showed up, feeding had been difficult, and now I know why.
“You okay?” Daphne asks, noting the shift in my mood.
“Yeah,” I answer. “Just hungry.” I flash her a predatory smile. “Want to give me your neck?”
Daphne bursts out laughing, then dramatically exposes her neck. “Go for it,” she says. “I’ve always wondered what it would be like to get bitten.”
I laugh. “I can’t decide who would kill me first,” I say. “Valor or the demon king.”
Daphne shakes her head. “They’d have to go through me first.”
I grin down at her. “You’re really the best,” I say. “Do you know that?”
“Not even a little bit,” she laughs, then nods toward Valor, who is waving her over to the snack table. “See you later,” she says before heading that way. “Try to eat something good tonight,” she teases.
“I’ll do my best,” I tease.