Page 67 of Thicker than Blood

“Okay. Where are you?”

Shit. “I’m safe. Don’t worry about me.”

Her delayed response makes it clear she’s suspicious of me.

“Do you promise you’re not in danger?”

Shifting my gaze to Elias, who’s still looking at me with adoring eyes, I nod. “I promise.”

“Okay. I’ll take your word for it. Keep me updated, and no more secrets.”

Ugh. “Okay.”

I end the call and blow out a breath.

“Would you like a bath, darling? Or a meal? I’m sure Benicio could come up with something pleasing to a mortal palate.”

“Gotta work, Elias.” I grab my notebook and flip through my notes, dragging my finger down the page. I don’t get it. What could be causing this weird side effect? Is it the saliva compound? Why would it be? Maybe it’s the isolated vampire plasma I used. Or maybe—I snap my head up to see Elias nibbling on my arm. His sharp teeth prick my skin, but he quickly kisses each spot.

“Elias, could you not?—”

I’m interrupted by the sharp sting of his fangs sinking into the flesh at my wrist. His gaze shifts up to me, his icy eyes glowing bright and luminous, like the moon on a clear night. He moans with pleasure, suckling at the wound he created, and my body floods with warmth. My eyelids flutter and I lie back against the pile of plush pillows.

“Mmm, I have… whew.” My mind grows tired, and I can no longer keep my eyes open.

“Darling,” Elias whispers. “You need to rest now. I’ll be here when you wake.”

“No.” I try to fight off the rapid fatigue taking over me. “I’m not tired.”

“You’re exhausted. Your iron is low and you’re dehydrated. We’ll make you a steak when you wake.”

“B-but Enyo…”

Sleep drags me under in spite of my mental attempts to fight it off. I feel Elias’s tongue lap at my wrist before he wraps his much larger body around mine. I inhale his scent—earthy, rich, like the finest wine. He kisses my forehead, murmuring sweet words to me.

I give up the fight, sinking into his body, and somehow convincing myself that everything will be fine while I rest.

CHAPTER 20

Elias

It’s nearly midnight by the time my consort stirs, rubbing his warm body against mine and murmuring into the crook of my neck. I was close to interrupting his slumber because of the audible growling of his stomach, but his body must have realized he needs sustenance on its own.

Geordi rolls onto his back and blinks slowly several times, smiling as he focuses on me, but then gasping. “Elias.”

“Hello, darling. How do you feel? Rested?”

“Groggy. What time is it?”

“Midnight. You’re hungry. Freshen up and we’ll get you fed.”

“Where is Eny—” He groans as his words are interrupted by a fierce rumbling in his belly.

“Your friend is fine.”

“Can I see him?”

“You can have anything you want.”