King of Darkness by Elisabeth Staab Read Free Book Online Page A

at her like she was a Rubik’s cube. “And you drank from her?”
    Hadn’t they established that? “Yeah, well, I’ve never had a mate in my life or anyone else consistent to drink from. Being in the party scene makes it easy because there are huge crowds, a cornucopia of hosts, and usually lots of dark corners where I can do what I need to without being noticed.” She was startled by her compulsion to be so open, but she kept going. Lying to the king seemed wrong.
    “Drinking wine started out as a way to meet people and lower inhibitions, but I guess I started really getting into the scene and everything it had to offer. I love the music. The fact that things don’t get started until late at night is a huge bonus.”
    “So that’s what red wine does? Lowers your inhibitions? I’ve only tasted a tiny amount, and you never know for sure about the stories everyone tells.” His eyes widened with apparent interest.
    She nodded slowly, choosing her words. “It does a lot of things, but that’s one of the biggies. It, uh, it feels really amazing, actually. I mean, individual mileage varies but in general you feel kind of euphoric and buzzy; your senses are heightened. It enhances physical and emotional intimacy. Even if you’re talking to a total stranger, it’s like you’re connected to them. Which is why it’s so easy for me to cozy up to a strange human and drink from them. It always feels really natural in the moment, you know? It’s not just your garden-variety, alcohol-induced mellow, but also a rather sensual experience.” She narrowed her eyes at Thad, who had his eyebrows drawn downward, deep in thought. “I’m weirding you out, aren’t I?”
    His face relaxed, and he chuckled. “A little. I mean, that sort of thing was discouraged when I was younger, and it’s not like I’ve gotten a lot of time off to party. It’s all a little foreign to me.”
    Her face burned hotter. “Yeah, sorry I—”
    He held a large hand up. His fingers were thick and strong. Calloused. He might be royalty, but he wasn’t afraid of a little hard work. “No, wait. Don’t apologize.”
    Isabel bit back the growl that had bubbled in her throat. She couldn’t stand being cut off. By anyone.
    Thad rolled his shoulders a few times and cleared his throat again. Goodness, he did that a lot, didn’t he? “What about negative side effects?”
    Isabel’s arms crossed in front of her chest. Where was this going? Did he think that because of this supposed destiny thing, he could grill her about a little recreational drinking? King or not, where did he get off judging her? It wasn’t like she was the first vampire to ever drink blood from an unsuspecting human who was otherwise intoxicated, and she never hurt them or anything.
    Thad’s eyebrows remained elevated. Fine, he wanted an answer, so she’d give him one. “For humans, too much wine can make them sick or give them headaches. For us, not really. Sometimes you grind your teeth, so it can be rough on the fangs, especially if they’re extended for feeding. I’ve always been extra careful about that one since I can’t just go to any random dentist if I crack one. I’ve heard that on rare occasions males have trouble getting hard for awhile, but like I said, usually it’s a major aphrodisiac.”
    Thad cringed. “There’s a thought to make me feel cold and clammy all over. How rare is the, uh, performance issue?”
    She shook her head. “I don’t think it happens often. This area isn’t teeming with vampires, and I haven’t exactly taken a poll.”
    “Huh.”
    Thad’s far-off gaze gave her pause. She wrinkled her nose and studied him hard. “Thad, why are you asking me about all this?”
    Thad rubbed his eyes and forehead, and took a couple of deep breaths through his nose. Myriad thoughtful expressions seemed to flash across his face, but then he met her gaze head-on. Goodness, those eyes were blue.
    He coughed nervously. “Yeah, well, I’ve been thinking