“Fuck that.” Brant sounded pissed. “I have two guards down and a terrified human. I’ve had to pay her out for today even though only one male drank from her. She may not stay for the duration. We’ve already lost one female today which would mean delaying the start of the breeding program while we bring in a replacement. Three females is the minimum.”
That did it. York tore open his eyes and lurched upright. The thought of another male drinking from the little human had him feeling things he really shouldn’t. It made him want to hit things. Made him want to hit other males…repeatedly.
What the fuck was wrong with him?
It was lust. Not blood-fucking-lust. Just normal regular garden variety lust. The little human had fired his blood. He needed to explain what had happened earlier. He’d hated seeing the horror in her eyes. She truly believed that he was trying to hurt her, which was bullshit. Once she knew the truth, he could leave and get on with his life. Namely, he would meet with the females lined up for the breeding program. Once he was permitted to rut, he would fuck any thoughts of the dark haired beauty right out of his mind. He would find a compatible female within the program and he’d have the family he’d always dreamed of.
Simple.
“Oh look.” Brant smirked. “Someone decided to grace us with his presence.”
“Where is she?” York had never been one for small talk, this was no time to start.
“The human you almost killed?” Brant raised his eyebrows. “Somewhere safe and far a fucking way from you.”
“I don’t have bloodlust.” He worked hard to keep the growl from his voice. Brant was his king and commanded respect. “I didn’t nearly kill her.”
Brant all out laughed. “Like fuck you don’t have bloodlust. I watched the footage and you couldn’t stop sucking on her neck. You actually got more and more agitated as time went on. All that snarling was a sure damned sign. You had to be dragged off of her and fought to get back. What was with the whole mine bullshit?” His face was hard and his eyes were as dark as night.
“I don’t have bloodlust.” This time he growled.
“What you have is a healthy dose of denial,” Gideon chimed in.
“You fucking tasered me.” York gave the male a hard stare. “It hurt like a bitch and was unnecessary.” By the sting on his left butt cheek, he knew exactly where the darts had hit him.
“Our tasers hit at twice the human level. You were knocked with 100,000 volts of electrical energy and we had to shoot you twice to take you down.” York glanced in the direction of the talking male. It was the guard who had touched Cassidy. York growled at the fucker, exposing his fangs in warning. The male flinched and took a big step back.
Damn straight.
“Take it easy.” Gideon said, looking concerned.
“I’m really sorry but I am scrapping you from the program,” Brant said. “I know this meant a lot to you. It’s just that we can’t risk—”
“I don’t have bloodlust. Did I enjoy drinking from her? Hell fucking yes. Did I like it when she bit me back? Abso-fucking-lutely. Did it send me over the edge? No fucking way.”
“Like Gideon said, you are in denial. I know bloodlust when I see it.” Brant turned to leave. “This is not an argument. I’ve seen the footage.” He glanced back. “You are out.”
“I’ll prove it.” York snarled, unable to help himself.
Brant stiffened and slowly turned. “It’s too fucking risky. Take a look at the footage for yourself.” Brant shook his head. “You were out of control, York. I won’t put another human back in the room with you. I won’t fucking do it.” His king turned back and began to walk.
“I don’t have to look at the footage. I know it looked bad.”
Brant kept on walking.
“Despite how it looked, I’m telling you that I know I don’t have bloodlust. Give me another chance…please.” Fuck! How did he prove it? York swung his legs over the bed.
“Where do you think you’re going?” Gideon asked, crossing his arms over his chest.
“I’m going to visit with the human.” He stood. Although he felt a bit stiff, he already felt better than when he had first woken up. Advanced healing was a wonderful thing.
“No, you’re not.” Gideon said, putting himself in the way of the door.
“Don’t do this,” York growled. “We both know you would lose.”
“There are three guards outside your door, they all have a taser and will not hesitate to take you the fuck out. You will stay in this room until the trial phase is over. If you go anywhere near any of the humans once the program kicks off, I’m putting your ass in the dungeon.”