A Mate for York(11)

Her only consolation was that he seemed just as at a loss for words as she was. She watched his Adam’s apple work. He clenched and unclenched his fists and licked his lips.

“I’m Cassidy.” Her voice sounded shaky. Her whole body vibrated with both nervous tension and awareness.

“York.” His voice was so deep, so rich, it almost had her falling to her knees and whimpering.

They had been told that only the strongest of the elite warriors were accepted into the program. They had been pitted against one another in one on one battles until only ten remained. There was no doubt in her mind that the vampire standing in front of her was one of the best. She didn’t need to see an army of vampire warriors to know this to be true. He radiated raw energy and power. It was crazy, because some of the fear left her.

Surely the opposite should be true? Yet, it was almost like her fears from the last couple of weeks and certainly the last few days suddenly subsided.

“Where are my manners?” York said while walking towards her, his hand outstretched. His stunning blue eyes stayed locked with hers.

It was only out of sheer habit that she lifted her hand as he drew closer. His much bigger, much warmer one enclosed hers in a firm grip. She could feel that his fingers were rough and calloused, causing shivers to race up and down her spine.

York finally smiled and she realized that their hands were still clasped. Or rather, she was still holding on tightly to York’s hand.

Without meaning to, Cassidy made a small squeaking noise and pulled her hand away. This was not some good-looking guy, he was potentially a killer. There was no way in hell she was going to drool over him.

Not happening.

It didn’t matter that his shoulders were impossibly broad. That his eyes held a mischievous twinkle. He wore faded jeans and a grey nondescript T-shirt. Both garments clung to him lovingly.

No drooling.

She could do this.

“I can scent that you are a little afraid.” he said, his deep voice washed over her like mulled wine.

“You can smell that?” Stupid question Cassidy. It had been part of the brief during the training session that vampires had greatly enhanced senses. Their sense of smell was so fantastic, that women wanting to join the program had to initially agree to go on birth control pills to prevent ovulation. Apparently, the scent of a woman during that part of her cycle could drive a vampire male insane.

York nodded, his nostrils flared. “You had eggs and bacon for breakfast. Your shower gel scents of vanilla, your lotion is fruity and you’re not wearing any perfume.”

“We were told not to wear any. They said that it can be a little overpowering for your senses.”

He nodded. “We have half an hour…” He glanced at the watch on his wrist. “Make that twenty minutes. Can I get you something to drink?”

Her mouth did feel a little dry but she doubted that something to drink would help. She nodded anyway.

The room, just like her suite, was tastefully decorated in much the same way. It was a living room with a small kitchenette in the corner. York moved to what looked like a minibar and opened it, having to duck down quite low to take a look inside at the contents.

“There is water, soda and juice…”

“A juice would be great, thanks.” At least she was sounding a little more confident now, although the opposite was true. Allison said that if she was in the least bit attracted to the vampire drinking from her, that her arousal would be that much worse. York had to be the most good-looking man she’d ever seen in her life. He’s not a man Cassidy, he’s a vampire. He has long sharp fangs that could rip you to shreds in an instant.

Even knowing that, she couldn’t stop from noticing how great his ass looked in his jeans. How thick his thighs were, how his built stature was that much more accentuated by his narrow waist.

“I’ve got orange, apple or fruit cocktail.”

“Anything. Surprise me.” Why the hell had she said that? He didn’t even know her. Stupid, stupid, stupid.

York glanced over his shoulder at her. A small, mischievous grin toyed with the corners of his mouth.

Oh god!

She thought of telling him that she hadn’t meant to sound flirtatious, but bit down on her tongue instead. With her luck, it would come out sounding all wrong and just make things worse.

Ice chinked into a glass and there was a sound of a can opening. Grinning, York walked over and handed her the glass.

“You didn’t mention tomato juice as an option.” It looked just like blood. Her stomach gave a little lurch at the thought of this man’s mouth on her neck…of his fangs piercing her skin. She also felt a heat low down in the pit of her stomach. Oh god, it was desire mixed in with fear. The thought of his mouth on her both terrified and excited her.