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)
Xander loudly cleared his throat. “Zumaya is a two-day ride. We’ll have to camp outside during the day. I also bought us a leather tent and other supplies. Blood for me. Some meat for both of us to eat as well as dried fruit and nuts for you. I’m not big on sweets.”
I quirked my brows. “Just one tent?”
He frowned. “Yes.”
“We should have two. . .if we can afford it.”
A growl erupted from his throat. His eyes widened with surprise. Then, he put his back to me. “What is the problem with one tent?”
“I just wouldn’t want to make this trip. . .even more awkward by sleeping together.”
Would it have been too much for you to come back after a few minutes, Xander? Now everything is weird.
I folded the gown I’d slept in and put it on the bed.
Stop it, Camille. Stop these stupid thoughts.
Still, it enraged me to no end that I cared or at least wanted to know what Xander did while he was gone.
Did you feast on another?
Suddenly, his voice flowed into my mind. No, Camille. I sat in the bar, thinking of you and trying to calm my body down. It took the whole day.
My fingers trembled. “Please, don’t do that.”
Needing some space, I headed for the door and began to step out into the hallway.
Within seconds, Xander got in front of me.
He’s too fast.
My heartbeats sped up.
He frowned. “Don’t do what? Read your thoughts or speak in your mind?”
“Both.” I hurried around him and quickened my pace.
Right when I got to the stairs, he was suddenly there again. Fast, he clasped his hand onto my wrist, twisted me around and pulled me to him. Xander’s herbal scent swarmed all over and claimed my senses.
What is wrong with me? I’m embarrassing myself and being irrational.
“You have nothing to be embarrassed about.” He pressed me up against the wall. “We’re linked now. It’s normal for you to wonder about me and be a little jealous.”
I shook my head. “I was connected to the Quiet King and never jealous.”
Xander sneered. “He’s not me.”
I blinked.
Sighing, he closed his eyes for a few seconds and then opened them. “Besides, the Quiet King didn’t bite you. The bite changes things.”
That sneer never left. “The very thought of him coming so close to tasting you makes me want to split his head in two.”
Xander’s unwavering gold gaze burned into me.
I looked away.
This is insane. I just need to focus on going home to Ethan.
Growling, Xander released me. “Well, don’t worry about that. I kept you nice and clean for your money greedy husband.”
“Stop calling my husband names.” I shoved Xander, but he remained there like a metal wall. A malicious grin twisted his face, revealing one long fang.
I shivered—partly in desire and the rest in fear. “And. . .”
He growled, “And?”
I poked his chest. “And unless it’s extremely necessary, don’t talk to me in my head or read my thoughts.”
He raised the other corner of his lip, exposing both sharpened fangs.
My nipples stiffened. “The bond was made so I wouldn’t tell your secret, not so you could take advantage of my mind.”
“Hmmm.”
“And no more kissing or anything else. I won’t be drunk off your bite anymore.”
He leaned his head to the side. “So according to you, last night was the only time I will bite you?”
“Yes.”
“My hormones are inside of you.”
I swallowed down my unease and stepped around him.
He called after me, “We’re not done talking.”
“Yes, we are.” I raced down the stairs. My feet thundered with each step.
Before I could reach the bottom, his strong arms wound around my waist like iron bands, trapping me in his grasp.
He’s faster than before.
I shuddered and looked up at him.
His gold eyes glowed and blazed with rage. Those fangs lengthened further, and I knew in that moment that he was truly the predator, and I was only prey.
He hissed. “Be very careful with how you address me. We’re bonded and through our blood I am your king and master.”
Trembling, I gathered as much strength as I could. “Do not try to bully me.”
He tucked the fangs away.
“And you’re many things right now, but the titles king and master don’t come to mind.”
“Did I do something wrong, Camille?”
“You fled the room like I had a disease and stayed away for hours,” I blurted. I’d thought I had calmed down, but my own anger rose within me.
“You know why I fled.”
“Yes, but. . .we wouldn’t have had sex. I-I was coming down from that high—”
“No. You weren’t. Do you even remember how you were acting and what you said?”
I cringed.
He licked his lips. “Should I remind you?”
“No,” I mumbled. “Things are awkward and uneasy already.”
I must sound crazy.
“You don’t sound crazy.” His breath caressed my skin.
“Stay out of my mind.”
Those eyes brightened some more. “Maybe.”
I pushed against his chest. “Move please.”