The Dark Ones (The Dark Ones Saga 1)

"Genesis." Her name on his lips had me hissing aloud.

He grinned wider.

I imagined myself strangling him then removing his head from his body.

"Cassius," Genesis whispered.

The room was completely silent.

Cassius held out his hand.

Genesis looked at me, refusing to take his hand.

"Ah, he's taught you well." Cassius drew his hand back. "Apparently, your mate doubts your ability to stay true. If you really loved him… if the bond has truly worked… you'd be able to touch me and feel nothing. Did he tell you that?"

"Yes," she lied.

I could kiss her. I hadn't told her the truth — was afraid to — because of my own insecurities.

"I just don't want to disrespect Ethan."

Cassius's eyes narrowed in on Genesis. "Interesting."

Stephanie appeared by Cassius's side; he pulled her close to his body, his eyes going from blue to white then back again after releasing her. I didn't understand their special type of friendship, and a part of me didn't want to.

Sirens could become just as addicted to Dark Ones, and I hated to think that Stephanie had fallen into his trap like so many others before her.

Though her eyes stayed blue, and she didn't give off the normal chill a woman claimed would.

"Tell me, is the party to your liking, Genesis?" Cassius asked.

"It's beautiful." She wrapped her arm around my body, placing her head on my chest. "But Ethan promised me we'd spend some time alone tonight, so we're actually leaving."

Brave girl.

Cassius's eyebrows shot up.

"And does Ethan speak for himself these days, or do you do that for him?"

"Cassius," I warned. "Perhaps I like hearing her voice. I've been alive so long I've tired of hearing my own."

People around us laughed.

Genesis looked up at me adoringly.

So I did what any male would do in my position. I kissed her — hard. Our mouths fused together, our tongues tangled, and I forgot completely that I was in front of Cassius — or anyone. I lifted her against my body, my hands digging into her hair as she let out a little moan.

"Enough!" Cassius grunted out. "This isn't a brothel."

I released her, though it was hard, considering all I could focus on was the pulse of her heart through her swollen lips. I wanted to bite — again.

"Control yourself, Ethan," Cassius sneered. "Her blood will still be there when you get home. Then again, you're probably not going to be taking her blood, will you?"

Genesis hung her head.

"You know…" Cassius shrugged. "I wonder if it would be considered fair or loyal to your old mate? Taking a new one and destroying her as well?"

I released Genesis and pushed against Cassius's chest. "Take it back!"