Page 190 of Remnants: Disruption
She turns a little in my arms and presses herself into me, draping her arms around my shoulders.
Her eyes find mine and they’re an incandescent red. Not the soft orange, but a violently powerful crimson.
“Are you okay?” I ask, softly, lips only an inch from hers.
“It has been some time since I was in such a dire state,” she says, eyes studying me. “And I have never had someone here with me to assist.”
“I live to serve,” I say, trying to hide the worry, but failing if her small smile is anything to go by.
“His initial resistance was somewhat vexing, but once I overpowered it, he was simple. I feel as myself again.”
“So, you don’t need me now?” I ask and realize the vulnerability in my words as they leave my lips.
Cass’ smile drops and she pushes further into me, her thigh pressing between my own. “I will no longer tolerate your self-deprecation, Arya.”
Her spicy scent heats my blood, even as my brain wars with the words.
“I—” I begin, but she wraps a warm hand around my throat.
“Never again insinuate that my love for you is only based on what you can do for me. I am not that shallow.”
I nod mutely, not sure if I should feel chastised or turned on.
Probably both.
Her lips meet mine, rougher this time. Incisors that are unnaturally sharp prick at my lips, drawing driblets of blood. I moan at the mixed sensation of spice and copper; the effect is unbelievable.
“Oh, God,” I whimper. “Cass…”
“Be a good girl and take me to bed,” she whispers, and I only nod.
Because who could say no to a goddess?
Chapter 66
Release
November 17th, 1030 A.D., Afternoon
A vampire cannot love. Love requires impartiality. It requires consent. Neither of which exist with a vampire.
Darkrend, in a letter to the village of Sighi?oara, 344 A.D.
“Ihave no idea where I’m going,” I say, walking up the dark stairs that apparently lead into Cass’ home.
“Just follow the stairs, my love,” she says, a hint of mirth in her voice. “Please do not trip—I know you almost did at the Cradle.”
“Because that shit was fucking dark,” I hiss, feeling my cheeks warm. “I didn’t think you noticed.”
I take the steps slowly, because it would be really awkward if our night ended in me falling down the stairs.
“Arya,” she says, her hand at the small of my back as she takes the steps behind me. “I noticed everything about you. You were on my mind every waking moment.”
“Then why didn’t you do anything about it?” I ask, turning at a landing and continuing up.
How fucking far down did this mansion go?
“Because I was too busy worrying about the optics. Apparently the centuries of politics finally wore off on me.”
