Page 36 of When Night Falls

If what he's saying is true, then why did he get so mad at me when I kissed him? Isn't a soulmate a good thing and wouldn't my puerile act of intrigue just help the fact that he's got thistetherto me? Unless he finds no attraction in me and refuses to explore that possibly and only wants to move forward with it because he has to.

I look up at him to see him viscously staring me down. I hate the way it feels all while craving it at the same time. I’ve never had someone look at me so intensely.

What does this anima vinculum provide to you and what happens if I choose to deny it?

I see the three dots dance around before disappearing again as I watch him type out and answer. I turn around to look back atmy bookstore, wondering how my life went from sad and lonely, to now being a prospect to run a vampire kingdom as their queen.

The rush of nerves washed over me as my phone vibrates in my hands.

It is the most powerful tie for vampire blood, creating the most fulfillment our strength could need. If you deny me, which you won't, my blood lust will ruin me and someone else will be named king. That won’t be happening.

Bloodlust?

I'm stuck in my trial period with an intense craving of blood until I find a wife and marry her into my kingdom. I don't have much time before that craving takes over my very being and not only will that be the end of me. I don't expect you to understand but the tether drew me to you, and I have an obligation to respect that part of my nature.

Weakness is not in my name, Lucynda. And honestly, I shouldn't have to explain anything to you.

My heart is racing as I read his response. There's so much to unpack in this text message but I'm afraid answers are only going to get more complicated. Though I will admit, I've always craved something more and maybe this is my chance.

I give him one last look out the window before deciding to step away while texting him another question.

That party you invited me to, you said it was an engagement party for me.

In a way, yes. By now, most of the Society knows who you are and what you are to become to them and I wanted to see how you would react to the atmosphere. They are strict with the respect they have for anyone who is protected by me.

But there were humans there as well? How does that work?

We invite a few select Outsiders to attend our parties, mainly for feeding purposes. The mask protects our identities in case something goes haywire.

Feeding?

I’m stuck on that one word as I reread the text again. Of course, I’m not that oblivious to the lore of vampires, but curiosity begs me for more information.

Vampires require blood, Lucynda. We only take what we need to keep us strong and we erase their memories afterwards.

Something in me snaps. Out of fear or anger or . . .desire? I'm not quite sure what to make of it but my mind jumps back to Rivianfeedingon that girl's neck.

That girl I saw you with. Was she a human?

Yes.

Do you do that often?

The parties or the feeding?

Both.

Yes.

And yes.

Why?

It's a respect thing to the Society. And I do have to indulge, Lucynda. It's my nature.

Thoughts race through my brain, jealousy maybe? Concern for my well-being, surely. I just can't seem to control the spinning of my brain at his confession. But I also can't help but remember the way seeing him do those things to that girl made me feel.

Would you feed on me?