Bite: Book 2

Bite

Book 2

Ella Price

This book is a work of fiction, and does not represent real events. Characters, names, places, and incidents are works of the author’s imagination and do not depict any real event, or person living or dead.

Copyright © 2017 by Ella Price

All rights reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form.

Cover by AEPBOOKCOVERS.COM

Chapter 1

I stood watching as the werewolves scurried around, following the orders Jayden barked at them. It was obvious he was in a mood and no one wanted to cross him. I was remaining silent as well, hoping not to draw his attention. At the moment, his attention was unwanted. He wanted someone to blame for the death of his two wolves. He was currently convinced it was a vampire, and by the way he was acting, any vampire would do.

Almost an hour passed since he gave me a choice. I could stand with him or stand against him. He claimed there was no in-between. My favorite position was in-between. I didn’t like being on one side or the other. I preferred to keep my options open. Jayden was limiting my options and it was a little annoying.

He was busy ordering everyone around. He didn’t come seek my decision. Maybe he didn’t want to know what my decision would be. I was standing out of the way, leaning against a tree. Maybe he forgot I was even present. It would be nice if that were the case, but I highly doubted it. He was avoiding my answer … hell, I was avoiding my answer. I liked my somewhat quiet life. I had a few hiccups, but that was due to me getting involved with others. I was starting to realize why I avoided relationships for so long. This was just too much. I wouldn’t even call what Jayden and I have a relationship. We were more like friends with benefits, as the humans would call it. Friends may even be too strong of a word. I would say more like mildly disgruntled acquaintances with benefits.

Jayden looked up as if he sensed me looking at him. His eyes narrowed as he straightened a little more. He started toward me.

I sighed, fighting the urge to roll my eyes. I caught his attention, and now he was going to bark orders at me.

He came to a stop a few feet in front of me. Why are you still here?

I shrugged. Nowhere else to be.

His expression darkened even more. So does that mean you’re going to stand with me?

I smiled slightly. It means I have nowhere else to be.

He clenched his fists and stepped even closer to me. Get out of my territory, Elise.

This time I did roll my eyes. Please Jayden. You aren’t going to pull this bully bullshit with me.

He growled, stepping closer to me. Maybe I’ll make an example of you, like they did them.

I was pretty sure it was meant to be threatening, but I wasn’t threatened at all. My skin prickled in response to him. I smiled playfully as I ran my hands over his chest. You don’t mean that, Jayden. I know you’re angry, but making more enemies won’t help you.

He smacked my hands away and stepped away from me. Get your human and leave. He turned on his heel and walked back toward the others.

I sighed and straightened. I looked around. I hadn’t seen my human since I first arrived. I walked toward the house, deciding it would be best to do what he asked. I would retrieve Will, and then go back to the bar. I needed to check on Kayden anyway. He was on his own, and I was sure he was causing havoc.

Will was still sitting at the table when I walked in the house. He wasn’t doing anything in particular. He was just sitting there. His eyes met mine when I walked in the room. He quickly stood. Are we going home?

I nodded and offered him my hand. If you’re sure it’s what you want.

He nodded and quickly hurried to my side. He took my hand in his. I didn’t feel like walking, so I transported us back to my apartment below the bar. I was surprised the bed was made and nothing was out of place. I could hear the thump of music upstairs. It sounded like the party was just starting.

Will’s arms snaked around my waist. He pressed his lips to my neck. His hands slid over my abdomen, and then up to my breasts. He slid the straps of my dress down off my shoulders. His lips continued to trail kisses along my neck and collar bone. Are you angry with me? He whispered.

No. Why? I was mildly confused by his hurt tone.

I let you down. I betrayed you … with her. His voice was cracking.

I turned in his arms, and cupped his face, forcing him to look at me. I was never angry at you. I was angry at myself for not protecting you. You didn’t betray me. She will pay for what she did.

Relief flashed in his eyes. He leaned forward, pressing his lips to mine. His gentle kiss made me moan. He tangled his fingers in my hair, deepening the kiss. He buried his tongue in my mouth, kissing me like it was the last time he would be able to. The way he was touching me unsettled me. I was feeling things I didn’t like. I pulled away from him. His confused blue eyes met mine. Sleep, I ordered without really thinking about it.

My words had an instant effect. He collapsed and I caught him. I looked him over, admiring his perfect features. I was going to get him killed. The thought was plaguing me.

It is amazing how frail they are, is it not? Christian’s voice pulled me from my thoughts.

I straightened, immediately on guard. What are you doing here? I demanded. I hadn’t seen him since the night he saved Annalise from my wrath. I wasn’t going to easily forgive him for that.

I came to see you, of course. I think we have a lot to discuss. He took a few steps toward me, and then stopped. Our eyes locked.

I felt like prey when he looked at me. It was a feeling I knew would never go away. I turned away from him. I carefully laid Will on the bed. I don’t see what we have to discuss, Christian. Perhaps you should just tell me what you want because there is no bargaining with you.

He laughed and the sound made my skin tingle. You have grown up, Elise. At least you are learning.

I turned and looked back at him. I would hate to take up too much of your time. Tell me what you want, and then leave.

His eyes glittered with amusement, but he didn’t speak. I held his gaze. He was suddenly in front of me. He moved so fast, I barely saw him move. I went to step back, but he grasped my waist with his hands, pulling me against his chest. I want reassurances, Elise.

I scowled. What reassurances could you possibly need, Christian?

His lips brushed mine. Our eyes met again as his mouth hovered close to my lips. Our bodies were pressed together. I could barely focus when he was this close. There are rumors … rumors that you will turn against me. I don’t want to kill you, Elise. He gently brushed a strand of my hair behind my ear.

I smiled slightly. You didn’t have any problem the first time.

I gave you a choice. I didn’t kill you, he said firmly.

I held his gaze for a moment, and then pressed my lips to his. I tangled my fingers in his hair as I deepened the kiss. I hated the way he made me feel. He was my only love as much as I hated to admit it. I always thought it was just the bond we once shared, but the feelings were still very much alive even now. I couldn’t blame a bond for that. All I could do was blame myself. I loved him as sick and twisted as he was. He was everything to me. I wasn’t sure I wanted to imagine a world without him in it. I constantly looked for another man that could give me the feelings he gave me, but I had yet to find that man.

He broke the kiss with a light laugh. I expected a fight, Elise, not affection. You’ve disarmed me completely.

My mouth was dry. I was trying to regain some of my composure. I had no intention of betraying you, Christian.

His fingers brushed my cheek. My eyes met his. He smiled slightly. I believe you, Elise. I suppose they were just rumors after all. He hesitated. I do, however, need insurance.

I looked at him confused. What do you mean? I give you my word, Christian. I’m not planning to betray you. Fear welled up inside me and I hated it. I hated that he had the power to scare me like he did.

He smiled slightly. We don’t always plan … things just happen. He moved to step around me.

No! I blocked him, attempting to plead with him. Things don’t just happen.

His expression darkened slightly. He leaned closer to me. All my years on this earth have taught me many things, Elise. He lunged forward, sinking his fangs into my neck.

I gasped, attempting not to pull away. I didn’t want him tearing my skin. I didn’t want it to hurt any worse than it already did. I pressed my hands to his chest, steadying myself. I felt my body getting heavy and weak. He was draining me. He released me and I slid to the floor. He moved away from me.

I attempted to focus. Christian, I whispered breathlessly. The room was spinning. I was terrified of what he would do next. He was walking toward the bed, where Will was lying. He ignored me, and leaned over the bed.

Christian! I half yelled, half pleaded as I attempted to stand. The room spun and I collapsed to my knees again.

Will gasped, catching my attention. Christian was feeding from him. Christian straightened after a few minutes. He bit his own wrist and pressed it to Will’s mouth. I knew whatever he had planned wouldn’t end well.

Christian, please! I managed to get to my feet. I stumbled to the bed. I attempted to push him away from Will.

Christian shoved me down to the floor. He raised his eyebrows in annoyance as he looked down at me. Your human is going to be my leverage. Betray me and he suffers.

No! I attempted to reach for him. Please! Leave him out of it.

He laughed. The only time you seem to care is if one of your friends is at stake. He yanked Will’s head to the side, breaking his neck.

My chest tightened. Christian’s grand plan was to turn Will. He was making Will his fledgling. He would be able to use Will against me whenever he wanted to. Christian stood, drawing my attention. I looked up at him. I couldn’t think straight enough to figure out what I felt. Hate … anger … sadness … there were so many emotions raging through me.

He reached down and touched my cheek. I pulled away and looked down. He leaned closer to me. Now I have my insurance, Elise. Betray me, and I will make him pay. Maybe now you understand what I am capable of.

I