Love and Blood

3.

Days passed as I sat stone-still in the corner of the room. I hadn't moved an inch since Rowan left. My body was beginning to feel weak from malnourishment for the first time since I'd been turned. My limbs were weak, my lips chapped and cracked, and I could feel my collarbones sticking sharply through my shirt. A persistent ache gnawed at my stomach, making me feel nauseous and like I was being punched all at once. There was one small benefit to my solitude, however.

I had time to come to terms with myself.

It was not my fault that I was in this situation.

Chase's betrayal stung more than anything. We'd been attached at the hip since we were toddlers. I couldn't believe he'd sold me to some gangster vampire. And for what?

I still didn't have that answer.

I didn't want to be a monster. I didn't want to prey on innocent people. So I swore to myself I would do everything I could to retain my humanity. I will get out of here. I will see my family again.

Footsteps sounded through the stone hallway on the other side of the door. My ears perked, listening as the dress shoes clacked against the floor. The familiar, alluring aroma of Rowan drew closer and closer.

My cold body suddenly felt smoldering again. My undead heart was beating wildly in my chest, and anticipation grew within me.

Was this what he meant by a bond?

I'd thought of nothing but how much I despised him in my time alone, so why was my body betraying me?

I heard Rowan chuckle on the other side of the door, and wetness spread between my legs.

What was happening to me?

The door swung open, revealing the vampire who had gotten me into this mess.

His once-perfect hair was messy and hanging in his eyes. His white shirt was unbuttoned, showing off his gleaming, chiseled abs, with the sleeves rolled up carelessly along his arms. His black pants were wrinkled and worn. This was not the sight I had expected, but my lust for him grew. His black pupils expanded as he inhaled deeply, his gaze zeroing in on me in the corner.

He grinned, wicked and beautiful all at once, revealing his sharp canines. For once, he didn't look frightening to me. My head was clouded by want, by need, and all I could feel was attraction. He growled lowly and stalked toward me.

I squeaked quietly, pushing myself back into the wall. My body wanted him badly, but I still had control over my mind.

He stopped in front of me and kneeled down. The smell of fresh blood mixed with his intoxicating scent and I instinctually threw myself around him. He chuckled as he caught me, but grabbed the back of my hair to stop me from plunging my fangs into his neck.

"I see you've had some time to think," he said as he carried me to the bed. He laid me down gently and smoothed the wrinkles from the shirt I was wearing. His fingertips grazed the bare skin of my stomach, making me squirm with desire.

"Are you hungry, kitten?"

Not trusting my voice, I nodded. Rowan smiled at me and reached for something behind him. I'd been so entranced by his presence that I hadn't realized he'd brought in a cooler filled with blood bags. He reached in and plucked one out, then emptied it into a new goblet.

"Here. It's not as good as fresh, but it'll fill you up."

I took the goblet in my palms, staring down at the liquid. My gums ached as my fangs descended and my stomach twisted in agony. I tried to swallow, but my throat was so dry I ended up coughing on what little saliva I had. I glanced up at Rowan, and he gave me a firm look. Taking a deep breath, I took the goblet to my lips and took a sip.

The taste was unlike anything I had ever experienced before. Delicious and satisfying, I groaned as I chugged the rest of it back in three big gulps. I tossed the cup to the other side of the room and clambered to my feet.

"More," I gasped, trying to reach behind Rowan.

He grasped my needy hand and pulled my body toward him.

"Not yet, darling. I have other plans in mind for you right now."

I was momentarily distracted from the blood craze, feeling lust rush over me once more.

With the energy of someone else's blood flowing through my veins, I leaned forward and put my lips to Rowan's neck. He inhaled sharply and crushed me closer to him. I opened my mouth and scratched my fangs against the jugular and used my tongue to lick the small beads of blood that bubbled there. Rowan groaned and leaned into me, biting my shoulder in return. I moaned in response and began moving my hips against him.

Suddenly, I was being thrown on the bed once more. Confused, I looked up at him, only to see his nostrils flared and a look of anger on his face.

"You're crossing a line here, Winter."

"Must be the bond," I replied in a pained tone. My breathing was heavy but I scooted myself to the headboard to put some distance between us. We stared at each other for a moment before he finally spoke.

"Do you know why you're here, Winter?"

I shook my head.

"Speak when you are spoken to," he commanded.

"No, I don't", I complied.

Rowan cracked a smirk. "Your friend got himself into some trouble with some of my men. He didn't want to turn into one of us himself, so he made us a deal. I didn't care who he brought me, as long as it was someone I could make mine."

Tears stung the corners of my eyes.

"What do you mean?"

"You were sold, kitten, to pay off a debt."

Waves of pain crashed over my body.

He had really done it.

Chase had sold me.

I sobbed uncontrollably.

The one person I had been the closest to for all of my life threw me away without a care in the world.

Rowan sat there with a stoic look on his face as I cried out all my tears. When I was finally able to speak again, I asked him, "What is happening now?"

He leaned forward and put his elbows on his knees. I inhaled as he released his scent fully to me, making my body ache for him once more.

"Like I said, you're mine to do what I please with. And I have many, many plans for you."