Crimson Highlander (Onyx Assassins 2)

“Even Saint?” Ransom folded his arms across his chest. “It’s well documented that he was nearly mad when he went into stasis.”

“I’m sure Samuel would help keep his brother walking the right path,” Alek countered. “And like I said, I haven’t decided yet. There are a lot of variables coming into play.”

The men grumbled their assent, then filed out of the war room, all armed to the teeth. Like Alek, I preferred Glocks, which were holstered at my sides, under my jacket. My daggers were sheathed at my thighs and ankle, not that I ever needed to use them.

My vision blurred as I came to my feet, and I braced my weight on the heavy table until it cleared. It flickered thermal for a second or two, and the fire in my throat threatened to burn me alive if I didn’t quench it. Blood. I needed blood.

“You need to feed,” Alek noted, narrowing his eyes on me. “You’re no good to any of us like this.”

“I fed three days ago.” I pushed back from the table, ignoring the churning of my stomach.

“Right, and exactly how much did you take?” He stepped into my path.

“Enough.”

“Liar.” He clucked his tongue and shook his head.

“I’m fucking fine.” I stepped to the side and walked around my king, heading for the door.

“It’s less each time, isn’t it?” He came after me, and I heard the locks of the war room snap into place as the door closed behind us.

“Why do you have to push the matter?” I growled, climbing the steps. My legs felt like lead. Every step took more effort than it should have.

“Because you’re my second in command, you jackass,” he snapped.

I felt the bond shimmer in awareness. Valor was near, coming down the tunnel from the gym.

My fangs exploded, descending with vicious force in their need. My dick swelled as her citrus scent hit my lungs, the sweat from her workout only reminding me of making her sweat a few hours ago in my chamber. Bite. Taste. Claim.

Oh, fuck off. I slammed my eyes shut and battled my own instincts, cursing fate for giving me a human mate. But the truth of the matter was the real curse—there was no other mate I wanted. Valor’s smart mouth and sharp wit were quickly becoming another addiction I couldn’t live without.

“How bad is it?” Alek asked under his breath, knowing that if he spoke any louder, our brothers would hear, would doubt my leadership.

“It tastes like ash when I feed. I can only manage a few mouthfuls, and then it’s all I can do to keep it down.” We continued our climb, making our way up the steps to the main level of the residence.

“I was the same way,” he admitted. “You remember I went days without feeding when Lyric arrived. Our bodies crave our mates.” He stilled, looking me in the eyes. “You’re at the breaking point, Lachlan. You either give in to that bond and feed from your mate as biology intended, or I chain you with iron and force a few blood bags down your throat, and we both know how much you love the canned shit.”

“With all due respect, my king, fuck off.”

“Once you accept the bond and feed, your body will stop rejecting other blood.” He ignored my outburst and forged ahead, determination in his glare. “It’s just part of the claiming ritual.”

“I don’t need to know how the birds and the bees work,” I retorted. “I get it. When two people love each other—”

“Stop making light of this!” he roared.

“I’m not going to force my mate into a position she has no desire to be in! Would you honestly take something from Lyric that she wasn’t willing to give? Would you?” I stepped into his space, and my muscles coiled, preparing to fight. “Or would you go to your unclaimed mate knowing that every time you feed, it calls up a jealousy she has no understanding of because she’s not one of us?”

“You know the answer. We’re not made to abuse our mates. You accept the bond or reject it, whatever makes you happy, but you’ll fucking feed, or I’ll compel you.” Any other vampire would have backed away. Would have cowered. But Alek wasn’t just my king, or the most powerful vampire walking this earth—he was my oldest friend, and he’d never given a shit when my temper blew hot.

He’d also never threatened to compel me, not in the hundreds of years we’d been at each other’s side.

My nostrils flared at Valor’s scent, and my head snapped to the bottom of the staircase, where she stood with one hand on the banister, Olivia and Avi just behind her. Valor’s eyes were wide, her muscles tense, and her scent carried a pungent hint of apprehension.

And Alek had known she’d been listening.