Page 19 of Bleed

My eyes widen in horror. “Jesus.”

“Vampires protect their secrets ruthlessly,” he deadpans.

“So what, you wanna cut out my tongue so I can’t spill yours?”

He tilts his head like he’s actually considering it, but Taylor immediately turns a scowl on him, swatting his chest with the back of a hand. “Don’t you dare,” she warns.

I snort, sticking out my tongue tauntingly.

James glares back at me.

“I think what he’s trying to say is that it’s probably not safe for you to keep working for Bite,” Taylor sighs, promptly steering the conversation away from bodily mutilation.

“I don’t think it’s safe for her to be around vampires at all,” James mutters.

I bark a laugh. “Well that feels wildly impractical considering they basically own the city.”

“Exactly,” he growls.

I narrow my eyes, irritation prickling beneath my skin. “Get to the point, James.”

His jaw tightens, his grip shifting on Taylor’s thigh. “I have properties across the country. You can disappear somewhere secure. Live out your days quietly, comfortably…”

I fold my arms with a huff. “No.”

“Told you,” Taylor mutters into her drink.

“Then the alternative would be for a powerful vampire to formally claim you as their source,” James says, his eyes still locked on mine.

I blink back at him. “Like… exclusive donor status?”

“Yes,” he replies flatly. “If you’re claimed, it would be a violation of vampire law for another to touch you without permission.”

A smirk pulls at my mouth. “So basically someone pees on my leg and calls dibs?”

Taylor chokes on her whiskey trying not to laugh, while James looks deeply unimpressed.

“To be a vampire’s source is considered a tremendous honor,” he states.

“Sure it is.” I roll my eyes, leaning back against the sofa cushions. “So, who do you have in mind for this whole…” I wave a hand, gesturing vaguely, “source thing.”

“My progeny Lucien would be suitable.”

I wrinkle my nose, shaking my head. “Hard pass.”

“Really?” Taylor asks, brows lifting. “I thought you two hit it off at the donor gala.”

“Yeah, we hooked up,” I quip. “But it was…” I trail off, huffing a quiet laugh. “Let’s just say our sexual tastes don’t really align.”

She squints. “Meaning?”

“He begged me to step on his balls in six-inch stilettos.”

She makes a strangled noise, her mouth dropping open in shock.

“Hey, no judgment!” I amend, holding up both hands. “I’m not one to kink shame, but that particular kink is just not my thing.”

Taylor whips toward James, wide-eyed. “Did you know he…?”