I didn’t allow it.
This wasn’t torture or cruelty. I was proving a goddamn point.
Piper Vanek had immortal blood in her veins. Was she human? Yes. Was she also more? Of course.
The fact that she didn’t believe my words was infuriating.
This little lesson would prove that she ultimately had control. If and when she was attacked again, she would know how to call out to other supernatural beings for help. Syphons were incredibly gifted. Her untapped power within was exciting and unpredictable. I couldn’t wait to see what else she could do and what abilities she would master.
As it turned out, I didn’t have to wait long.
Archer and his fellow ghouls came to her rescue as they kneeled, and I pulled away from her neck. Panting, I stood, watching for the moment when her instincts would take over. She was considerably weakened, but I saw the moment when everything changed. A flicker of her power hovered over her skin in a light pink hue as her body jolted. The ghouls in the room turned as one and stared in my direction. Each wore a scowl or snarl that was impressively feral.
Wow. Piper did it. She was controlling the ghouls.
I fought off their attacks easily without causing any unnecessary harm. She passed in and out of consciousness. Who knew the sexy little human was so intriguing?
My longtime friend was nearly hysterical and begged me to save her life. It was my intention all along to bring her back, but I didn’t say a word and offered my wrist. Piper sputtered and choked on the first few drops but then swallowed greedily, pulling from my vein with an enthusiasm that rivaled any vampire. My loins tightened at the sucking motion of her mouth and tongue as my thoughts drifted and I imagined all the ways those pretty lips could bring pleasure to my throbbing cock.
Dazed, I almost fell to the side when Archer picked her up and started walking away.
I let him carry her limp body across my study to an empty couch where he carefully lay her down and fluffed a pillow under her head. His eyes glowed that eerie greenish-yellow again and for the first time, I realized that he was protective over the little minx. Irritated, I didn’t say a word as I watched him pick up her hand and press his lips to the top, his mouth lingering just a little too long to be platonic.
My reaction was foolish, but the sudden impulse to shove him away couldn’t be helped. Growling savagely, I pushed him halfway across the room and knelt at her side. My fingers were the only ones that would touch her delicate skin. My lips would be the only kisses placed on her curvaceous body.
No other.
I didn’t stop to think how possessive I was behaving.
Only when I caught the self-satisfied smirk of my closest friend did I understand he had done so on purpose. Hissing in his direction, I waved my hand for him to leave the room.
Archer lowered to one knee as our eyes met and his glow seemed to twinkle with humor. “I apologize for my behavior this night, my master.”
I nodded, baring my teeth.
“I do not apologize for protecting the female.”
I didn’t think he was sorry about it anyway.
“You are forgiven.” I ticked my head in the direction of the door and he stood, leaving with all the dignity and grace of a diplomat.
Archer and his ghoul friends returned when she awakened and made a show of kneeling in front of her, offering their protection and allegiance. She didn’t understand the depth of their devotion and I was too irritated to bother with many details. I chose to discuss her true nature instead, exposing her abilities as a siphon. She was too tired and aggravated for a lengthy discussion. I let her rest, knowing I was to blame for her weakness.
Strangely enough, I felt sort of guilty.
What a ridiculous notion.
Furious, I could barely control my raging emotions after I nearly killed that female. Her blood coursed through my veins and sang a sweet, seductive, and alluring melody as my cock twitched in my pants for the hundredth time in her presence and my entire body shuddered. Every muscle contracted at the same time and I was overcome with the urge to hold her down and make her mine. My rigid length grew harder at the mere thought of possessing such a powerful mate.
Wait. Mate?
Why the hell did that thought enter my head?
No fucking way. Piper was the last female I would ever choose, and I was convinced that she felt the same.
My vigil at Piper’s side lasted well into the night. I never left her until the moment she awakened. I offered water to quench her thirst and a fresh tray was sent up with a variety of foods. Archer sent up the expensive tea service as I resisted the urge to comment with a sarcastic jibe. I paid remarkably close attention to which foods she seemed to enjoy. Piper’s eyes twinkled when she bit into a fresh peach and I knew instantly it was a favorite. From this moment forward, I would instruct Archer to keep them on hand at all times.
The night merged into the morning as I stretched, restless but relieved she appeared to have no lasting effects from my blood. I left to freshen up and change my clothes, peeling away the blood-stained garments as I tossed them down the laundry chute. Returning only fifteen minutes later, I paced until she awakened. She didn’t say much and headed toward the bathroom.
Once Piper had showered and changed into a set of spare clothes – I selfishly brought out only my own t-shirt and sweats – I sat next to her on the leather sofa. A moment of awkward silence grew between us until I could no longer stand the lack of interaction.
“I hope you understand that I drained you that low on purpose.”
“It was a test?” Her eyes flashed in fury as a hint of pale violet briefly changed the color.
Oh, what a wonderful way to tell when her emotions were in turmoil. How did I miss this before now?
“Yes, but only because I wished to show you that you’re not helpless. You tapped into your power, Piper. That’s extremely important. You need to learn how to control and use it, but most of all how to access it in case of emergency.”
“And the only way to prove it was to kill me? How thoughtful of you, Salem.”
“Hey,” I chided, grasping her chin as she tried to turn away. “Would you have experienced such a powerful demonstration of your ability if I hadn’t?”
“You attacked me, Salem. You hurt me,” she accused with emphasis, “Just to prove a point. That’s despicable.”
“Is it? Or are you angry simply because I don’t conform to your wishes?”
She jerked her chin away, pouting. “I don’t find any of this funny or necessary.”
“Because you don’t understand the world we live in yet, but you will.” Reaching for her hand, I held it tightly even when she made a show of resisting. “I won’t always be around to save you. You can’t rely on the ghouls or anyone else. You need to be able to defend yourself, pet. This was a hard lesson but a crucial one.”
She sighed dramatically. “I guess that makes sense.”
Delighted that she understood my motivation, I smiled. “Wonderful.”
“It still doesn’t change anything.”
Frowning, I wasn’t sure what she meant. “Clarify.”
“Do you ever stop ordering others around?”
Shrugging, I found the question ludicrous. “This is my home. I am the master. Therefore, my will is to be instantly obeyed.”
“See? That right there. You’re something else, Salem.”