Shadow Kin by M.J. Scott Read Free Book Online Page B

had gained from me even though they were the ones who had given me away. I’m sure they regretted whatever merciful impulse had prevented them from simply snapping my neck when my true nature was discovered.
    But part of what always made Lucius so dangerous was his utter conviction that the world would shape itself to please him. If he chose to discard a flawed blade, then another would present itself in time.
    The gap between my heartbeats seemed endless as I waited to see what he would do. Then the dagger moved, not toward me but across his own wrist, a thin line of bright red blood welling to mark its path.
    I almost jerked backward. So much blood. Normally he gave just a few drops from his finger. Just enough to seal the addiction without slaking the need completely. This . . . this would be ten or twenty times that amount.
    The scent of it called to me. Warm, metallic with that slight edge of something indefinable that lashed the need into a frenzy. Human blood doesn’t smell the same. But this . . . the blood of a vampire. A Blood Lord. Irresistible.
    Irresistible and addictive. I knew what would happen once I tasted it. My body had already started to heat and ache in anticipation of what was to come. But still I hesitated, knowing that the Court were watching, part of me wishing I could die instead of let them see me this way.
    “Drink, my shadow.” Lucius held his wrist toward me, drops of blood spattering to the floor, the scent of them bursting up toward me, melting away resistance, melting away the part of me that could care, melting away rationality and logic until only the need was left.
    I pressed my mouth to his wrist, the ice of his skin searing my lips as the blood filled my mouth. As I swallowed, for some reason Simon’s face swam to mind, before the pleasure rushed through me and I convulsed with ecstasy and fell forward as the orgasm took me.

Chapter Three
     

     
    It was early the following evening before hunger drove me from my room.
    No one had brought me food. Another of Lucius’ subtle punishments. He wouldn’t want me hiding away. Not when being out and under the knowing eyes of the Blood would only serve to reinforce my humiliation.
    But it was early enough that the corridors were still largely empty of Blood, and I made my way down to the smallest of the dining halls, where the newest of the Trusted ate, without encountering anyone I really didn’t want to see.
    Even better, the hall itself was half deserted and I picked a small table in a corner after I’d filled a bowl without particularly paying attention to what was on offer. The stone walls were cool at my back as I started to eat. Comfortingly solid. Nothing could come at me through them.
    Around me, groups of Trusted sat in threes and fours, talking softly as they ate their meals. No Blood sat amongst them. The Blood can eat and some choose to, but they dine in their chambers or in the far grander dining hall near the main hall. There the china was gilt edged and translucent and the crystal gleamed and the Trusted waited on every Blood whim.
    Down here, we ate from earthenware and drank from solid mugs made from the same thick pottery. I didn’t care what my food was served on as long as it was served away from the Blood. I ate mechanically, doing my best not to catch anyone’s eye. I wanted to eat and get back to my room as fast as possible.
    Easing the hunger in my stomach distracted me from the aftermath of what Lucius had done, but only a little. My body still burned. Which was wrong. Feeding should ease the need. But it hadn’t.
    And I didn’t know why. Until I figured it out, I needed to be alone.
    None of the Trusted approached me. I didn’t expect them to. The newer ones were scared of me and the more experienced took their lead from the Blood they served and disdained me, fulfilling any duties they performed for me without acknowledging my existence.
    I didn’t blame them for it. I was not one of them, any more than