Kiss Before Dying(7)

As he fed, I longed to wrap my fingers in his hair. Sebastian loved to be petted, especially when he drank. Determined to do so, I tried. My heart sank when I realized I lacked the energy. My languid limbs refused to obey. My body was dying, scattering to ash from the inside out.

The light from the fireplace dimmed. I watched the reflected licks of flame and fire dance across the ceiling, creating shadowy figures and shapes that mingled together. I listened to the sounds of his rhythmic swallows and lowered my lids when they became too heavy, allowing my eyes to drift closed.

Everything I thought it would be. Everything I hoped.

This was our moment. I’d finally gotten what I’d wanted most.

I didn’t want it to end, holding on as long as possible.

Darkness swirled, becoming dark.

Then, there was nothing.





Chapter Three



I lifted extremely heavy eyelids, lashes fluttering rapidly against my cheeks. I was disoriented and confused, trying to remember where I was and how I had gotten there. The room was dark. A fire in the hearth had nearly gone out. I shifted and found I was sore, but in the most wondrous of places.

Suddenly the night before came rushing back, and I thrust a hand to my face. My fingers landed on my nose and bare cheeks. Oh no. I couldn’t conceal my identity without the mask.

“Are you looking for this, Katja?”

I stilled at Sebastian’s voice, heart hammering.

I remembered the kiss before dying. It was everything I’d heard it was and then some. A drifting off that ensured a host didn’t feel any pain. I remembered the draws at my neck, the weakness, the lethargy, and the moment I had finally surrendered to his power by closing my eyes.

I’d died. I knew I had. He’d drained my very life’s blood.

Sebastian walked around the side of the bed, tossing my mask and blonde wig to the floor. He was wrapped in his thick plush black velvet robe, his contrasting blond hair uneven around his neck and wide shoulders. The bed sank beneath his weight and I peered up at him. Dying without pain I had contemplated but not this.

Would I be punished?

Would I experience a slow, agonizing death minus a beheading?

“Marietta told me of your plan.” He regarded me closely, his blue eyes bright in the dark room. “She said you wouldn’t be swayed to leave well enough alone, regardless of what she said.”

“It’s not her fault.” I tried to defend the house witch and control my panic. I didn’t want to get anyone in trouble for my choice. “I would have done the same thing with or without her help.”

Amused, Sebastian said, “Marietta will receive no punishment. She helped you because I allowed her to do so. I gave her my permission.”

With heart pounding, I found the courage to ask, “Why did you let me to believe you didn’t know? Why didn’t you call me out? Why play along?”

“Katja.” He bent over, urging me onto my back. “Do you know why blood slaves are virgins?”

I nodded, suddenly solemn and torn. “Our blood is pure, it’s more potent.”

“No, love.” He shook his blond head. “Though that is what we tell our blood slaves to make the need for purity credible.”

“I don’t understand,” I murmured.

“Vampire royalty can’t claim a bride who comes into a family tainted. Just as they cannot claim a bride who doesn’t choose a life with a vampire for eternity of her own free will.”

“A bride?” I echoed, frowning.

“Yes, sweet, a bride.” He smiled and brushed the hair that had fallen across my forehead to the side. “Keeping our existence secret is of paramount importance. As our numbers dwindled, we were forced to look at mortal society to find eternal companions. The chemistry must be there, of course, which is why we allow a ten-year period for slaves to become attached to their masters. But only those who would willingly offer their lives to be with one of us are worthy of the honor of being changed. It’s rare, to be sure. Most mortals aren’t willing to sacrifice their life for love.”

Sebastian stood and removed his robe, allowing the plush material to fall to the floor to reveal his magnificent body. “I am honored to be so fortunate.”

“B-but,” I stammered in confusion, almost losing my train of thought at the glorious sight of his naked frame as he returned to the bed. “I don’t understand. I remember what happened.”

“Do you?” he asked, slightly arrogant, one of his least desirable traits.

“Yes.” I glared at him. “I died.”

“No.” He bowed his head and exhaled against my lips. “You were reborn.”

His mouth felt warm—lips too—and I shoved at his chest. “What did you do? What have you done to me?”