The Vampire’s Kiss(6)
Author: Cynthia Eden

William frowned. “What is this?»

«Henry’s diary.»

His eyes widened in surprise.

She smiled. “I figured you should have it back.»

He carefully unwrapped the precious gift. He peeled the paper away slowly and stared in wonder at the leather volume. His fingers delicately caressed the soft cover. He traced his family’s crest and could have sworn that he actually felt heat, felt life, coming from the book. “Thank you.»

«You’re welcome.” She frowned and looked around the bar. A band screamed lyrics from a lifted stage and a mass of bodies danced vigorously on the small dance floor. “Do you come here often?»

He almost smiled at her question. Almost, and then he remembered his purpose in bringing her to Jake’s. Savannah had a lesson that she needed to learn. He carefully rewrapped the book and tucked it inside his coat pocket. He would explore that treasure later.

«I come here when I have a … need.»

Her brow furrowed. “A need? I don’t understand.»

No, of course she didn’t. But she would.

He leaned close to her, letting his breath fan against the delicate skin of her neck. The scent of lavender rose to tease his nostrils.

«Savannah,” he breathed against her and had the pleasure of watching her shiver. “Look at those people. What do you see?»

She wet her lips and his gaze avidly followed that small, sensual movement. “I see…” He lifted his hand and rubbed it against her thigh. She jumped. “Ah … I see people dancing. Laughing. Having a good time.»

«Really?” he purred. “That’s not what I see.” He leaned forward and lightly licked her neck. She gasped.

He loved the taste of her. So rich. So sweet. He wondered if her blood would taste the same.

And he knew, with sudden certainty, that he would have to find out. He wouldn’t be able to let her go. Not without first having a taste. A taste of her.

«Wh-what do you see?” she asked softly, arching her neck.

He could read her need so easily. She wanted him to bite her. To sink his teeth into her delicate skin.

She still wanted the kiss.

He had to force her to change her mind.

Before he gave in to her need.

His need.

«I see food.” His voice took on a harsh, grated edge. “I see blood.»

She tried to jerk away from him. Effortlessly, he held her in place. “Look at them, Savannah. Look at them. Look at how fragile they are. How delicate. It’s so easy to break them. So easy to kill them.»

She lifted her chin and looked at him. Her eyes glistened with a faint sheen of tears. “You’re trying to scare me.” She shook her head once, almost sadly. “It’s not going to work. You’re not going to make me change my mind.»

«We’ll see,” he growled and pulled her from the booth. She followed docilely, allowing him to lead her onto the crowded dance floor.

Bodies brushed against him as he passed. Scents flooded his nostrils. Cheap perfume. Booze. Sex.

He wondered if Savannah noticed the smells. He doubted it. His sense of smell was ten times stronger than a mortal’s. As was his vision.

He stopped in the middle of the dance floor. Savannah stumbled into him.

«What—»

He paid her no attention. His eyes were locked on the man who’d touched her only moments before.

Like Savannah, he was young, probably in his late twenties. He had sandy hair and blue eyes. He had a long, lanky build, and a tattoo of a black snake circled his upper arm.

The guy was currently dancing with a scantily clad blonde. His hands were locked on her hips, and hers were tunneling through his hair.

William smiled. He would be perfect. And so would she.

«What are you doing?” Savannah asked, fear heavy in her voice. She tugged on his arm. “Let’s go back to the booth.»

«Not just yet,” he murmured. Then he waited.

The guy looked up, seeming to sense William. Their gazes locked. William’s eyes flared red. “Come with me,” he commanded.

The man nodded, his face slack. He pulled away from the blonde and took a step toward William.

«Slade? What are you doin’?” The blonde grabbed his arm. “We ain’t through dancin’ yet!” She turned and noticed William. Her gaze flashed with sudden interest and she smiled flirtatiously. “Well, hi there, honey. You a friend of Slade’s?»

«Not exactly,” William murmured, turning the full force of his burning gaze upon her. “Why don’t you come outside with us?»

She blinked once. Her features softened, her lips parted. “Okay.»

«Stop it!” Savannah whispered. He could feel the tension humming through her body. “Stop playing with them.»

He looked at her, letting her see the blood lust that swirled in the depths of his eyes. He hadn’t fed that day, and the hunger was riding him hard. “I’m not playing.»

He headed for the back door. Slade and his girl eagerly followed. He glanced over his shoulder. Savannah stood frozen on the dance floor, an expression of horror covering her lovely face.

Good. She should be horrified. Her horror would send her running back home. Away from him.

The thought didn’t please him as much as it should have.

The crowd parted easily before him. In moments, he could see the back door, its metal surface gleaming dully in the poor florescent light. With one well-placed kick, he forced the door open, its hinges screeching in protest. He scanned the back alley. A stray black cat screeched and jumped behind a Dumpster.

He smiled, turned to face his victims, and motioned to Slade. “Come here.»

Slade stumbled toward him, almost tripping in his haste.

«Don’t do this,” Savannah beseeched, walking slowly toward him. “Please, don’t do this.»

He was surprised that she’d followed him outside. He would have thought that she’d run from the bar. From him.

Apparently, it was going to take more to frighten her away.

He stared down at Slade, and the man eagerly tilted his head to the side, arching his neck. William felt his incisors burn and lengthen. He looked at Savannah, and he smiled, showing his razor sharp fangs.

«Don’t worry, Savannah. It won’t hurt him … much.»

He lowered his head toward Slade’s vulnerable throat.

«No!” Savannah screamed, shoving against his back. “Let him go!»

William snarled and tightened his grasp on Slade. He wasn’t about to let his prey get away.

«Don’t!” Savannah’s eyes were wide and luminous. Her nails dug into his back. “Just let him go.” She glanced quickly over at Slade’s frozen companion. “Let them both go.»