The Last True Vampire(35)
“I haven’t mistreated her.”
“You haven’t lavished her with tender affection, either,” Ronan pointed out. “I hate to break it to you, my friend, but as a general rule, women’s hearts aren’t won through kidnapping and violence.”
Alex pursed his lips, his eyes widening a fraction as though he agreed with Ronan. But rather than speak his mind, Alex busied himself elsewhere, leaving them to their discussion as Ronan poured another Scotch and slid the squat glass toward Michael. Thank gods. He drank deeply, letting the liquor wash away the resurging thirst that burned in his throat. “I’m not interested in winning her heart. Only taking her vein.”
They spoke in hushed tones, though Claire kept her gaze straight ahead, effectively ignoring them. Where was the fiery female who’d begged for his attentions at the nightclub? The woman who’d tried to defy him not an hour ago on the darkened street? Why did he even care? She was here for one reason and one reason only: to provide him with blood and the strength he needed to resurrect his race.
Vampires and dhampirs alike possessed many traits that would be considered primal by human standards. They were predators after all, hunters. They fought like animals, protected their loved ones like animals. Coveted their mates with the fierceness of wild beasts. And there were some who coveted their own souls above all else. The soulless existence of a vampire was seen as an abomination to them, despite the prospect of a tether. Michael’s mate would be seen as a threat. Any creature who sought to do his mate harm would meet a violent end. “Steps will need to be taken to ensure her continued protection.”
“Time to circle the wagons,” Ronan replied with a smirk. “Amass our allies and all that?”
The human had awakened Michael. Her soul had roused his from endless slumber and her blood had given him strength the likes of which he’d never thought possible. “It is time to amass an army,” he replied.
Claire stood from the couch and crossed the expanse of the living room to where Michael and Ronan stood at the bar. Michael straightened, set his glass down on the granite countertop. Her gaze pinned him in place, the intensity of those bright eyes and the stubborn set of her delicate jaw lending her a fierceness that stole his breath. “How long do you think you can keep me here?”
Ronan cleared his throat and set his glass down. “This is my cue to take my leave.” Michael expected Ronan to help him build an army of vampires and the male was ready to tuck tail at the sight of an enraged human female. “I’ll need you here after the sun rises. Alex will be here but—”
“Don’t worry. I’ll be back after sunrise.” Ronan flashed a cocky grin. “I’m counting on you to hold up your end of the agreement.”
Michael inclined his head. “Be careful, Ronan. The Sortiari will be out in force from now on.”
He turned to Claire and winked. “Such a worrier. Take it easy on him until I get back. His ego is delicate.”
The quip earned a sweet smile from Claire, and Michael’s jealousy flared hot in his chest. Ronan shook his head and clapped Michael on the back. “I can see that detachment is working well for you. Good luck, Mikhail.”
All the while acutely aware of Claire’s gaze, Michael watched Ronan leave the room. She placed a hand on her hip as she waited for Michael to look at her. How could three nights’ time make such a difference? She’d been so willing in his arms at the nightclub. And then, when he saw her on the bus, her hands pressed against the glass, he’d felt the bond ignite between them, her need just as powerful as his.#p#分页标题#e#
He’d proved himself capable of protecting her tonight. Killed for her. Brought her here in order to ensure her safety, and yet he felt her disdain like myriad daggers piercing his flesh. “Would you like a drink, Claire? Something to eat?” He could be gentle with her. Hospitable.
“What I want is for you answer my question. How long do you plan to keep me here, Mikhail?”
He let out a long sigh and poured himself another finger of scotch. Might as well enjoy it while his heart still beat and blood flowed. “You’re in my care and you’ll stay here for as long as I say you’ll stay here.”
Claire snorted. “I’m out of here.”
“You’re not going anywhere.”
Her eyes sparked with fire. “Oh no? Watch me.”
She spun around and stalked toward the door, not even bothering to run this time. Rather than go after her, Michael was entranced by the curve of her waist, the sway of her hips and her pert, round ass that all but invited his touch. Though her current petulance made him think that a good spanking might be in order. And that thought did nothing to tame the erection throbbing behind his fly. Good gods. How could he even think about keeping his distance from her when all he wanted was to get closer? To do lewd and desperate things to her?