A Fire in the Blood(88)

She glanced at Andrei. How did he stand it without going insane, this constant barrage of sensory perceptions?

“With practice, you’ll learn to tune it out,” he said.

A short time later, Andrei found a young couple leaving a restaurant. Taking Tessa by the hand, he followed them to their car.

Tessa watched as he approached the couple. He mesmerized them both with a look.

She watched as he took the woman in his arms, ran his tongue along the side of her neck, then buried his fangs in her throat. When he finished, he licked the twin wounds in her neck.

“Your turn,” he said.

“I don’t know . . .”

“Put aside your human preconceptions,” he said. “Listen to the beat of his heart. Let his blood call to you. Follow your vampire instincts.”

“How will I know when to stop?”

“You’ll know. And I’ll be here,” he said, smiling. “Just in case.”

Listen to the beat of his heart. Let his blood call to you.

Tentatively, she pulled the man closer, felt her fangs run out as the scent of his blood enticed her, a river of rich red nectar flowing just beneath his skin. Almost before she realized what she was doing, she ran her tongue along the side of his neck. He tasted of salt and fear. It sparked her hunger and then she was biting him, drinking from him. His blood was not as thick or rich or satisfying as Andrei’s had been, but it eased her thirst in a way his had not.

She knew without knowing how when she had taken enough.

She sealed the tiny wounds, licked the blood from her lips.

Why had she feared this?

She smiled at Andrei.

And he smiled back, his expression smug with satisfaction. “Didn’t I say you might like it?”

* * *

Jilly sat on the sofa in Andrei’s living room, nervously chewing on her thumbnail. “Where do you suppose they are?”

Luke glanced at Bailey, one brow raised, and Bailey nodded. It was obvious, at least to the two of them, that Andrei had taken Tessa hunting.

Sighing, Bailey closed her eyes. Tristan had gone to tell the pack what was happening and to make final arrangements for tomorrow night when they would be life-mated. She had only a vague idea of what was to take place. Had no idea if Tessa would be in any condition to attend. What was it like, to be a new vampire? Was Tessa filled with uncontrollable bloodlust? Bailey had only had dealings with two vampires—Andrei and Katerina, and they were as different as night and day.

All things considered, Bailey decided she’d rather be a were-panther.

Rising, Jilly paced to the window and stared out into the darkness. “Luke, go find them.”

“I’m sure they’re fine. She’s with Andrei. He won’t let anything happen to her.”

Jilly whirled around to face him. “What if she’s turned into a monster? What if that’s why they’ve been gone so long? What if something went wrong and he had to . . . to . . .”

Taking Jilly in his arms, Luke said, “Honey, calm down. Andrei would have let us know if there was anything wrong. I know this is hard for you, but try not to worry.”

“She’s my best friend!” Jilly exclaimed, her voice rising. “How can I not worry?”

Urging Jilly to sit down again, Luke went into the kitchen. He returned moments later with a glass of wine. “Here, drink this. It’ll help you relax.”

“I’m sorry. I know I’m overreacting, but I just can’t help it.” She sipped the wine. “What if we can’t be friends anymore?”

“Tessa’s fine,” Bailey said.

“How do you know?”

Bailey shrugged. “I just do. I can sense it through Andrei. They’re on their way home.”

Jilly’s eyes widened.

And then she drained her glass.

* * *

Andrei slid his arm around Tessa’s shoulders. “Are you ready to go home?”

“Yes.”

“No regrets?”

She shook her head. “No. I think, deep down, I always knew this was inevitable.” And then she frowned. “I don’t feel like a monster.”

“You’re not a monster. You’re a beautiful woman.”

“Who just happens to have a craving for blood. Will I be dead all day?” Funny, she hadn’t worried about that when she considered everything she’d be giving up. But it was too late now.

“I wouldn’t call it dead, exactly, but you’ll probably have to rest when the sun’s up, at least for a while. But don’t worry, love, I’ll be there beside you.”

“When do you rest?” she asked. “You’re usually with me during the day, and most of the night, too.”

“I catch a nap when I can. I don’t need to rest as often as I once did. Or feed as often,” he remarked, his expression thoughtful. “And I’ve been eating normal food. I think it’s all because of your blood.”