Hellfire

Chapter Forty-One

The drive down was absolute hell. I had to sit next to Lucius and only coped with it through sheer will. I refused to look at him and the way the lights of the city slid over his ageless features, his powerful grip over the steering wheel, the pointed teeth that glittered dangerously as his bats roared after us, alerting him to any threats to me. I found his scent wouldn't leave me alone however. Ever since I woke, it was so...different. It told me of his hunger, when he wanted me, his mood. Despite never being near him, I could scent in him in the house. Sometimes it was heady with danger, a musk meant to warn, others it was soft, drifting like winter snow, but now I was near, it was sexual, hot and male, a scent that slipped into my lungs and sent my blood wild, making me squeeze my legs together and pretend he wasn't there.

He'll eat you, I reminded myself with a chiding tone.

My heart thudded though, tightening with excitement rather than terror. Before my death, I had been terrified of the thought of him biting me and his teeth a threat to my life, but now a thrill took me whenever I thought of his teeth in me, mine in him, his kisses ravenous and his touch greedy. I blinked it away hurriedly, trying not to think about it or the fact I'd survived sex with him. It didn't matter. It meant nothing and likely managed to escape before he lost control. I recalled how he hadn't left my mind immediately when I'd fled, trying to coax me back, a dark roar and demand I offer my throat and body to him as a ravenous hunger took him. I was still in danger from his hunger.

But no matter how hard I tried to ignore him, I found my gaze drawn to him. My bite burned on my throat, an intense sexual throb that slid white fire into the pit of my belly and demanded to be filled. I didn't feel fear gripping me. I didn't remember the time he ripped out my throat. Instead, seeing him displaying his aggression, power or teeth made him deeply attractive. The more bestial he became, the more tempting he was.

I'm losing it, I realised. Everything was turned upside down since I woke up. I didn't fear his teeth or hunger, instead I wanted it, despite the danger. Clearly death had addled my brain and sense of preservation.

Lucius glanced at me lazily, the blue of his eyes shining in the dark of his car as he took in my side-eyed observation.

'What is it?' He asked lowly, his tone sensually curious.

I tensed up and looked purposefully to the lights beyond. I said nothing, I was not going to talk to him about it, he'd twist it into a seduction to get me to feed, but slamming up walls just made him rumble with amusement.

We slowly slid into the depths of the city, the car being cut before a vast, old building made of impossibly bright glass and jutting cut stone, adorned with leering gargoyles, weeping angels and singing fairies. The Swansong – a theatre hidden from mortals and a place of magical entertainment. Unlike the Belly which revelled in bouts and display of strength, the Swansong was a place for performances of illusions and tricks, songs that dragged you into dreams, and ballads of Sorcerers of old. It was often filled to the brim of the Upper Echelon, dressed to the nines and their wealth of display, and tonight was no different. They were out in force, laughing politely behind gloves hands while staring daggers at one another.

'Tabitha is ahead.' His gaze locked onto me, fierce and cold. 'Remember, stay by my side.'

I glared at him side on, instinctively baring my teeth in irritation. 'I can do this alone.'

'I've little doubt you can, but I'm staying by you regardless.' He informed me as he swept his fingers over his wrist, producing his soft skin and a flowering thin cut. Blood seeped, the scent of him swelling into me, my teeth beginning to hurt and swell. 'Feed first. Humans will be among the number, and I don't want you driven mad. You've not nearly had enough recently.'