Page 51 of Infernal Bonds

“When we exchange blood, my magic responds to foreign blights within your system. Your blood activates the healing properties in mine.”

It was easy to understand why she looked confused. Why speak of blood exchange when, beneath the covers, her body burned?

“The starmin isn’t leaving your system fast enough. The effects of one piece last less than an hour in full-blooded Shyrlivi, and they are nowhere near this potent.” I held her gaze. “I want to get it out of your system. Prolonged exposure to the active ingredient may harm you. It already brings suffering.”

“Do it.”

I wouldn’t lie. Her immediate consent surprised me, but I kept my face impassive. Her compliance left no doubt that this situation had gone far beyond sexual gratification.

I tugged my sleeve up to my elbow. “I don’t need to restrain you like before, so this will go a lot easier.”

“What if…” Her scent bloomed, and my nostrils flared. “Never mind.”

“Raelynn,” I said, my voice firm.

She squirmed and looked away. Her flushed cheeks spoke of both arousal and embarrassment.

I pushed the faintest amount of power into my voice. “Stop.”

She shuddered and moaned.

Another reaction I’d failed to anticipate, though I found myself intrigued nonetheless.

I softened my voice but kept it firm. “Look at me.”

Her glazed eyes met mine.

“Tell me what you intended to say.”

“Do I have to?”

“No.”

Her eyes widened. “What? I don’t? But I thought…”

“You thought?”

“I thought you wouldn’t accept no.”

I understood why she believed that. My brothers looked to me for guidance. I led our unit. Father expected me to take over as head of the council. I’d refused several things in her presence.

“Blind obedience does nothing for me.” When she said nothing, I added, “If you wish to follow my instructions, I’ll give you what I think you need.”

“What do you think I need?”

While the answer went deeper than surface necessity, now wasn’t the time for such a discussion.

“Right now? Sleep.”

She sighed. “What if you restrained me?”

I studied her, trying to discern what had prompted her to share something she’d seemed so hesitant to reveal. Something I didn’t quite understand.

“I mean, you don’t have to.” She deflated with a heavy sigh. “I can’t believe I’m doing it again.”

“What?”

“Throwing myself at one of you because of this stupid candy.”