Read Marked for Pleasure [Blood Bond] for Free Online Page B

wouldn’t be feeding her, he’d only take, as was their custom. Females of their race only lived off humans, unless they were mated. To share his blood would be sharing a piece of himself—his essence and power. Something he was unwilling to do.
    Francis had always taught them to have no mercy, no pity. They represented a long lineage of ancient blood. It was a high standard to maintain. Their ancestors were the ones who unwittingly started myths, urban legends, and nightmares. When the first human was administered the life-saving drug which started it all, their unique abilities didn’t go unnoticed. They were called witches and devils, and every kind of story had been created around them over time.
    Keeping vampire bloodlines pure, untainted by pure human blood, was becoming more difficult. Increasing numbers of males and females were mating with humans, falling victim to the weakness of emotion—of love. Christian called it adaption since humans outpopulated vampires more than ten to one. Joseph had always agreed with Francis—only fear was to be revered. Anything else was an Achilles’ heel.
    The past five years, Joseph hadn’t been so sure. That girl. She had poisoned his thoughts, made him think with a conscience. Heidi Walsh should have been one of the women tied up in their basement, satisfying his every need. But he’d watched her from afar, never taking the step to claim what he wanted. She was too good for their games, too pure. According to vampire politics, not worthy as a mate. He shouldn’t care, but he did.
    “More…” begged the vampire whore.
    “Are you allowed to beg, my pet?” He dropped the chain, creating some slack in her binds. Joseph moved against her upright body, grabbed her ass in both hands, and pressed his swollen cock against her stomach.
    “No, master. Forgive me.”
    “Forgiveness? Since when do I offer such luxuries?” For some reason even his natural tendency to dominate and inflict pain was muted. He could only think of one thing.
    Christian’s footsteps echoed on the cold concrete floor behind him. “Stop playing with your food, brother.” He listened to him walk up the stairs and then heard the heavy basement door thud closed behind him.
    Joseph leaned down and licked one of the taut nipples in his reach. This woman did little for his libido, and his bloodlust had been sated when he drained her in the afternoon. That fucking Walsh girl continued to bring out his hunger.
    He stepped back, disappearing into the shadows of the room. Now he’d sleep, and he hoped he’d be able to resist the little human tomorrow, for if he didn’t, he was no better than the vampires who’d betrayed their race.

    * * * *

    Heidi tossed and turned, her body on fire, throbbing and demanding. She cracked open her eyes, the room only lit by a lone candle that continued to burn long after she had fallen asleep. A man was over her, his wide shoulders blocking the pale ceiling from view. She should have screamed, wanted to, but her voice wouldn’t work. Sounds were muffled as if she were underwater. Even the faint ruffling of her covers sounded like ocean waves.
    “Hush, Heidi.” He waved a hand over her face, and suddenly everything was okay. Her fears dissipated and her lingering desire grew strong. She tried to focus through the sleepy grogginess and dim lighting. It was Francis. She was sure of it.
    “What are you doing in my room?”
    “Your body gives you away, little one.” He slipped the blanket off her, letting it fall to the ground. “Very nice.”
    Her stomach fluttered as he took in the sight of her nudity beneath him. Knowing he liked what he saw satisfied her like nothing else.
    “Francis…” Of course this was a dream. Francis hated her, and she couldn’t imagine a hunky billionaire sneaking into any woman’s room at night. She’d have given herself freely if she were awake.
    “You’re a problem for me, Heidi.” He leaned down and laid a kiss between her breasts.