Feral Hunger (2010) by Stephanie Bedwell-Grime Read Free Book Online

sometimes even within the police force. But that was years ago. My department he nodded to his partner, Xandra, and I have worked very hard to ensure fair process for all of our citizens. Resentment crept into his tone, like he took Vlad's comments personally. You should have called us. Rogues are dangerous to us all. We've been investigating reports of women being attacked in the downtown area. This vampire who goes by the alias, Night Incarnate, has been a person of interest.
    Well, you've got him now, Vlad said.
    Jaelyn came to his rescue. Before anyone else got hurt too badly.
    Dante nodded grudgingly.
    Xandra turned in her direction. If you wish to see a medical specialist, we can provide one for you.
    Did she want to see a specialist in vampirism? Jaelyn rolled her shoulders, feeling the increased strength and vitality that came with being a vampire flowing through her body. She searched her feelings. Early this evening, she had been angry. Furious at the strange twist her life had taken. But she'd prevented her attacker from hurting anyone else, which would have been impossible without her new abilities. She glanced up to find Dante, Xandra and Vlad watching her intently.
    She held Vlad's gaze. Worry crossed his face, but he said nothing, merely waited for her response. No, I'm fine. Vlad has promised to help me adjust to my new... situation.
    Xandra gave her one last probing look. If you do need anything, you know where to find us.
    All right then. Dante rose from behind the desk. Xandra joined him. Together they walked to the door. The vampire liaison turned back, his hand gripping the doorknob. I'm sure we'll have further questions. I trust you'll be at the addresses you've given us?
    In other words, don't leave town, we're not finished with you yet.
    Vlad nodded. We'll be there. He looked intensely displeased at the prospect.
    Good then.
    The door closed behind them, leaving Jaelyn and Vlad together.
    Vlad let his breath go. There's something strange about that guy.
    Jaelyn had to agree. The memory of the liaison officer's amber gaze lingered in her mind. Now that the danger had passed, even her vampire strength waned. She tried to lighten the oppressive mood. Is it always this exciting being a vampire?
    He barked a laugh. No, I'm afraid most of the time it's pretty much the same as being human. With a few new considerations, of course.
    Jaelyn raised herself from the chair. I guess we're free to go.
    Vlad stood and held out his hand. Come home with me, Jaelyn. Give me a few days to show you the good things about being a vampire, then you can decide what you want to do.
    What she wanted to do about the rest of her life as a vampire, he meant. Which she guessed was going to be a very long one.
    She gazed at Vlad and he looked back at her with hope in his eyes. His blood sang to her with recognition. Blood bond, he'd said. But it was more than that. She wanted him, both the man and the vampire.
    His shirt gaped open as he stood, having no more buttons to hold it together. She glanced from his dark eyes to that muscular expanse of male flesh and realized she very much wanted what he was offering. Okay, let's go home.
    He smiled, a real smile that crinkled the corners of his eyes. He lost that brooding look when he grinned like that. She decided she liked the effect. She put her hand in his.
    He had no idea what to do now, Vlad thought as they arrived back at his waterfront condo. Jaelyn hadn't said much on the ride back. There was a great deal to talk about, but he didn't know where to start.
    Jaelyn had appeared on his doorstep, an unwanted problem. Since then she'd become so much more. At first he'd wanted her to disappear. Now he desperately wanted her to stay.
    The door swung shut with a click. He leaned against it and studied his new houseguest. She looked wonderful, even with her dress torn and her hair mussed. Her skin had taken on that translucent quality that gave away her vampirism, but her eyes shone. A