Darkyn's Mate

She rested her cheek against his, and they breathed the same air, his steady and hers erratic. Deidre felt the wetness of her tears. She was confused again, unable to shake the memory of Gabriel or fully accept this new fate.

"That means something important, doesn't it?" she asked.

"It means I accept you as my mate," he said. "It means you can fight me now."

"How about running?"

"Try it and see."

"I'm not ready for that," she replied. "I'm not ready for this. For you."

"The bonds are complete." His shifted, and his tongue flickered out to capture her tears. "There's nothing else between you and me, except you accepting it."

Deidre wasn't expecting his version of kindness. He was too hard and cold to offer much in that way, but he spoke the truth softly and then kissed her hungrily. She responded, her sorrow and confusion feeding her need. He lifted his head.

"No more tears," he said. A cunning smile crossed his face.

She stared, not understanding. She smelled it suddenly and jerked, scouring his body to find the blood whose scent stirred her senses. She spotted the maroon drops on the pad of one thumb and drew his hand up to her lips. Before she could capture the drops, he lifted his hand above his head, out of her reach. He stood.

"What are you doing?" she asked, confused. She rose with him.

"Provoking you."

Hunger roared within her. Deidre stretched but couldn't reach. He pushed her away and moved towards the bed. The sensations within her churned and burned in a way that demanded she do something. She treaded to him and pulled his head down to kiss her then nudged it aside instead to reach his neck.

Darkyn pushed her away again. Madness was settling into her at the scent and sight of his blood. She could neither control her body's reaction to it nor satiate it.

"Come on. I'll teach you to play with your food." The light of challenge was in Darkyn's eyes. He waited.

Deidre caved, unable to take the newfound hunger. She went to him. She ran her hands over his chest and leaned forward, nipping him hard enough to draw blood.

"Nice try," Darkyn chuckled. He grabbed her hips, kissing her hard and leaving her breathless. He drove her back onto the bed, pressed her down and rested on top of her.

Deidre reached for him, straining to ease the need to taste him. Darkyn played keep away, until she was drowning in heat, desire and the hot hunger that felt like it was going to consume her. His solid body was on top of hers yet unattainable. He withheld kisses and blood, refusing to sate either of her cravings.