Page 67 of Bound by Vengeance
“I never considered my life bleak because itlacked color.”
“It’s not just the lack of color, and maybebleak isn’t the right word. No one is allowed to be an individual,not evenyou, and it’s sad. Or at least, I find it sad, butthey’re not my people, you’re not my leader, and it’s not my way oflife.Iwould be depressed if I lived in such a harshenvironment.”
He was beginning to wish he hadn’t pursuedthis conversation; all it did was emphasize the gulf between them.Gritting his teeth, he leaned against the sink and opened his armsto Vicky. “Come here,” he said.
Vicky didn’t hesitate. She didn’t care ifevery vampire she knew crowded into the bathroom to witness hergoing to him. Sheneededhis touch. Sliding her arms aroundhis waist, she rested her head on his chest as he enveloped her inhis embrace.
“He’s older than you,” she said again.
Nathan kissed the top of her head. “Who toldyou what I plan for Jordan?”
“Kadence. Were you going to keep it fromme?”
“No. I wanted to tell you myself, but youwere exploring.”
“Are hunters like vampires? Do you getstronger with age?”
He should have known she would recall herearlier question. “Yes, but eventually age starts to affect us, asit does with humans. Many women live to be over one hundred fiftywith ease, while many men perish in battle. Jordan is older thanme, been hunting and training longer than me, but he doesn’t havemy bloodline.”
“Nathan—”
“I’m stronger than him.”
“Strength doesn’t always win battles.”
“No, but I’m also more controlled than heis. I’ve been taught to lead, to remain calm and evaluate allsituations before plunging into them. I haven’t had colors todistract me from those teachings,” he teased in the hopes ofcoaxing a smile from her.
Vicky wasn’t at all amused. “A battlebetween the two of you isn’t necessary. Kill him and be done withit.”
“He deserves a trial of some sort, and he’llget one in the ring, against me. The survivor walks away.”
“The hunter moral code of ethics is alsobleak.”
Nathan chuckled and kissed her temple beforemoving his lips lower. For her sanity and his, she should resisthim, but she melted against him while he kissed her with atenderness that left her breathless.
Her ears twitched when she heard a footstepin the hall. She started to pull away, but Nathan leaned out andkicked the door shut.
“Not yet,” he murmured as he clasped herface and kissed her again.
His tongue had just swept in to taste herwhen a knock sounded on the door. “It’s time to go, Nathan,” Ashersaid from the other side.
Lifting his head, Nathan gazed down at Vickyas he ran his thumb over her lips. “I’ll be right there,” he calledback to Asher.
He listened to Asher retreating beforekissing her again.
“Don’t worry about me,” he said, his lipsbrushing against hers as he spoke.
“It was me he attacked; shouldn’t I be theone given an opportunity to face him?” she inquired.
“Iwill make him pay for attackingyou,” Nathan bit out. “Besides, if you kill him, you’ll start tosmell like a Savage, and you’ll be a step closer to becomingone.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time,” shereminded him.
“Jordan is one ofmyhunters. It’s myresponsibility to handle this. I have more training than you, and Iwon’t have you risking yourself.”
“I’m not one of your hunters, Nathan. Ibelong to no one but myself, so you won’t behavingme doanything, and don’t forget that.”
“Vicky—”
