Page 49 of Ice

Nova frowns, but doesn’t ask how Miranda is able to do this.

When the redhead returns, she throws a floaty black dress in Nova’s direction. No underwear, and nothing for her feet.

I roll my eyes, but wait as Nova shrugs it onto her shoulders and zips it up.

It fits her closely and emphasizes her curves. Kole would probably appreciate it, although why he would choose this witch over me is a mystery, to be frank.

Kneeling in front of her, I slide my hands up her legs, past her knees, to her thighs.

I thought I wanted Kole to bleed her for me.

That was what I intended.

But after seeing what she did… what she is… I want to know I can be the one to open her veins and suck her dry.

She does not flinch, just stares down at me, arms resting on the throne.

“I’m going to taste you now, Fire Bird.” I meet her eyes.

Still, she says nothing.

I bare my fangs, slicking them with my tongue, and lift her dress to expose the place I intend to bite.

She watches me defiantly. Not a flicker of pleasure shows on her face.

A snarl vibrates in my throat. I smooth the area with my fingers.

“Are you really going to?” the redhead asks loudly, almost shattering the moment.

I growl loudly and snap my gaze to hers.

She shrugs, unaffected by my show of dominance. “You always tell us not to try the product.”

“I can control myself.” I growl. “You children cannot.”

Nova’s skin twitches beneath my fingertips. I moisten my lower lip.

Then I sink my teeth into her, and the entire world changes.

23

ZEPHYRA

Her blood is liquid gold, gilding the walls of my throat as it filters into my body. Suddenly, I understand. In this moment, I understand everything about her. And I see everything too.

I see her power.

I see what she can be.

And I see how I will use her to shape my empire.

I look up at her, wrapping my arms around her thigh as I drink. She is like a porcelain doll. Expression fixed, eyes staring ahead as if she doesn’t even feel me. I bite harder and drink faster.

The Hunger. That’s what Kole used to call it when he was overtaken by the need for blood.

On the rare occasion I’m forced to come into contact with them, I see it in the eyes of my customers . It makes me pity them.

At least, it did… until now.