The Red Lily (Vampire Blood #2)(26)

"But I'm not a stranger."

"Well, that may be, but you don't belong. And you're a vampire."

"Am I? What a shocking revelation."

"You're in a mood today. And here I thought my blood might have softened your temper."

He scoffed. "Your blood is burning through me like lava."

Sienna tripped on a branch, but Nikolai caught her by the wrist. For a moment, they were both trapped, suspended without words and staring at one another. His physical touch was enough to send Sienna's pulse tripping ahead double time. And by his sudden intake of breath, she thought he felt the same. There was no denying the attraction flaming between the two of them.

Sienna cautiously spoke, for she felt if she made a move either forward or backward, he would've snatched her close and sunk his fangs inside her throat. And heaven help her, she knew she was no longer thinking clearly on the matter.

"Is this," she whispered, "is this because of the blood?"

"What?" he asked, his gaze focused on her lips.

"Is this … feeling because you've tasted my blood?"

His mouth ticked up on one side. It was intended to be sexy, for he had that cocky air when he spoke, but it nearly melted Sienna on the spot.

"No, sweetheart. It is not. This is pure, burning desire," he said boldly, without hesitation.

Slowly, she stepped back. He squeezed her wrist and held her an excruciating moment longer, then released her.

"We better keep moving," she whispered, her mouth gone bone dry.

"That would be wise."

She moved ahead first, with him a step behind. A rumble of distant thunder echoed ahead in the direction of Lobdell. She pulled her hood up over her head while the wind blew in a cool chill, rustling the silver-white leaves. More floated down onto the path as they walked on, rounding the bend and seeing an opening in the woods up ahead, the trail winding over a grassy hill. Her heart faltered for she knew it was the end of the Silvane Forest. A cold fear gripped her chest and tightened as she wound closer.

Duchess leapt onto the path and padded beside her, angling her hazel eyes at Sienna. Sienna put her hand on the wolf's neck.

"I know, girl. But I must go. Arabelle needs me to do this for her."

Duchess whined when they came to a stop at the edge of the wood. Luca, Hugo, and Kai moved forward out of the cover but not too close to Nikolai. Sienna threw her arms around Duchess's neck and kissed her on her soft fur. 

"I won't be too long," she whispered. "I promise." She looked her in the eyes. "You four need to watch out for Willow and Mildred. They've got plenty to eat and shelter in the barn, but be sure nothing comes in to eat them."

Duchess licked her on the cheek. Sienna laughed, despite the overwhelming urge to cry.

Thunder rolled again, but closer.

"We'd best be getting on," said Nikolai behind her.

With another kiss and a stroke of her pretty head, Sienna said, "Good-bye, Duchess. Good-bye, my boys," she said to the others behind her. Then she turned abruptly and walked swiftly on, crossing out of Silvane Forest.

Her grandmother had warned her time and time again, Do not stray from your path and do not leave these woods unless you absolutely must.

Well, this was her path, which led her away from these woods. Even if her heart warned of some ominous danger, she would do right by Arabelle and the Black Lily.

A heavy loss swept through her as she marched away. Then a sorrowful howl filled the gray morning as Duchess cried out her good-bye. Then Luca and Hugo's deep howls joined hers. And finally, Kai's did as well. She pulled her hood up more to hide the tears streaming down her face. She made not a sound as they crossed the hill, but a thread of dread wound its way around her gut, and for the first time, she wondered if the Black Lily was worth this.





Chapter Eight

Though she'd tried to hide it, Nikolai knew she wept the entire march over the grassy hill and onto the main lane leading toward Lobdell. The dark gray up ahead showed that it was raining already in town.

"You know, we'd get there faster if you let me carry you."

"I don't like traveling that way," she protested, not meeting his gaze.

"Do you like being soaking wet? I can get us both out of the rain faster."

She stopped and whipped toward him. "Well, forgive me for being human. I cannot move at your speed."

"I'm well aware of your deficiencies. Which is why I offer to carry you."

"Damn you, Nikolai." She walked even faster. The wind blew off her hood, and she stopped suddenly. "Fine. Take us to the edge of town, but I will walk on my own feet once there."

Anger burned bright in her lovely green eyes where there was pain a few moments before. Mission accomplished. He'd rather her be angry at him than for her to be heartsick.