Total pages in book: 86
Estimated words: 85552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 428(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 85552 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 428(@200wpm)___ 342(@250wpm)___ 285(@300wpm)
I writhed in torment, aching for the caress of his bite. “Xander. . .please.”
Finally, day left, and the darkness of dusk descended.
Soon, the two moons shone brightly, illuminating the night. Their brilliant light shone through the window and cascaded over my body, bringing some sense of serenity.
Clear thoughts filled my mind and I experienced a newfound peace.
Wait. What did I do? How could I have let him. . .
The faces of my husband and daughters rose in my thoughts. Guilt and regret flooded me.
No.
My eyes watered.
I can’t let him bite me again.
I sat up and hugged my body.
It was too much. . .I. . .needed those fangs. . .too much. . .
Minutes later, the door creaked open. Xander strode in with several bags in his hand, his every step heavily laden with an ominous weight. He did not speak, leaving us in a heavy silence.
The tension in the room was so thick it almost felt tangible, like a suffocating fog.
But, perhaps, it was good that he didn’t say anything.
I could barely look at Xander.
My emotions were a map of chaos, a mix of rage and relief, shame and addiction. Enraged that he had left without a word, I wanted to scream at him. Yet, I was also relieved that he had gone. Nothing could have happened between us. . .no matter how much I had wanted and begged. Therefore, there were some feelings of embarrassment and humiliation.
Meanwhile, his bite had left my body weakened. My head throbbed. My throat burned, and my stomach twisted in agony. And, none of it could be undone.
All I had was a silent misery and a heart full of regret.
Also quiet, I dragged myself out of bed.
No more vampires. I’m done with them once I get back to Zumaya.
We tiptoed around the small room, gathering our things and saying nothing but a few words here and there.
“Here.” Xander handed me a bag of clothes and shoes he’d bought me.
I whispered, “Thank you.”
He turned away.
I rushed off to the bathroom, glad to be out of this gown. His scent saturated the fabric. During the day, I had caught myself smelling it and imagining him.
Absolutely, no more vampires.
Once inside with the door locked, I opened the bag.
Surprise hit me.
What’s this?
I pulled out a white blouse, but that wasn’t what shocked me.
Indigo pants with leather laces and matching boots?
I had never worn pants or boots before—only robes, gowns, and dresses with slippers or sandals.
My father considered pants only a man’s attire. My husband Ethan said pants made the few women who wore them appear unattractive, and of course the Quiet King’s staff outfitted us in only solid-colored robes.
Why did he choose them for me?
Excited, I studied them.
The indigo pants looked like the night sky illuminated with moons. Their laces were intricate and pulled taut enough to be sexy, but loose enough to not hurt the skin. The seams were stitched with precision.
How much did he pay for these?
I ran my fingers along the soft material and then put on the pants. They fit like a second skin, clinging to my curves. They adorned me like armor and gave me strength and confidence.
So comfortable. I’ll never wear a dress again. Ethan will have to just get over it.
I walked out of the bathroom, feeling a bit awkward. I dug my hands in my new pockets and drew in the confidence I’d experienced in the bathroom.
Yes. I can get used to this.
Xander’s eyes went to mine. His mouth curled up at the edges. “I was worried about the size, but everything fits perfectly. Are you comfortable?”
“More than I’ve ever been. Thank you.”
“I figured a dress and heels would be uncomfortable during our journey.”
“Thank you for thinking of me.” I dragged my hands out of my pockets and scanned the room, confirming I’d cleaned up any mess I caused.
The whole time Xander’s gaze followed me.
A torturous pounding thumped over and over in my head like someone was steadily hammering at my skull. I rubbed the sides of my forehead.
“Do you want something for the pain?” Xander walked over to my side.
I shook my head.
“Don’t worry, Camille.” He moved some of my hair out of my face. “Your body will eventually get used to my bites.”
I stepped back. “You won’t be biting me again.”
Those gold eyes brightened for a second before returning to their original hue. “Are you sure about that?”
“Yes.”
“Hmmm.” He walked around me, snatched up the bag that held my old clothes, and slung it in a trashcan near the bed. “During the daylight while you slept, I bought us horses and supplies as well as purchased a kit with some medicine.”
Is that all you did? No doubt, you were pleasuring someone else.
Shock hit me.
Did I just think that?
I blinked a few times.
What is wrong with me? What he does is none of my concern.