Vlad lay beside Kai, who was fast asleep. He could still taste the slave's blood on his tongue. It was a strange sweetness mixed with bitterness—something rare, something that shouldn't exist in this world. His hand traced the iron collar around the slave's neck, slowly moving down, brushing over the bite marks that were starting to turn black around the edges.
The scent of blood heightened his appetite. He licked his lips, staring at Kai's body lying there—so tempting. Tempting to be devoured. His skin was pale, smooth like porcelain, with faint blue veins beneath the surface. So fragile, yet so alluring.
Vlad growled softly, holding back with all his strength to resist drinking Kai's blood again. But he couldn't resist.
Maybe a little more wouldn't hurt. Just a drop, he thought. Just to ease the burning itch in his throat.
Vlad brought his fangs closer, his breath brushing against Kai's neck, just as John called out from outside the room.
