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knee on the bed, followed by one hand and then the other, like a great big cat stalking prey. His gaze was completely focused on his target -- the glistening flesh between her legs. A fog of lust covered his mind. One sample. That’s all he wanted. One taste, then he could leave and never return.
    Bracing himself above her undulating body, he timed his movement just right. Quick as a cat, he swiped at her slit with his tongue. The flavor of her caused his fangs to burst out of his gums and lock into place as his vision bled to red.
    Unable to resist, he went back for more and more until his face was mashed against her, his nose buried in her pubic hair, mouth wide open against her flesh. His lethal teeth nicked the fragile skin of her outer labia, drawing forth a bead of blood.
    His bloodlust took control.
    Like a snake he struck, sinking his fangs deep into the femoral artery running beneath the skin of her inner thigh. He drew strongly, her rich blood rushing through his body and bringing a surge of power with it.
    He was barely aware of her convulsing beneath him as orgasm after orgasm streaked through her body.
    Her blood was addictive -- thick, rich, and powerful. He wanted to gorge. Some small part of his mind screamed at him to pull back. He was taking too much.
    Nikolai’s Wolf
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    He closed the wound and yanked himself away from her. Then licked the last bit of blood smeared on his mouth. His chest fell and rose sharply as he fought against the urge to take her, mark her, and claim her as his own for all eternity.
    He stood rigid beside the bed, eyes closed, hands balled into fists as he struggled to rein in his body, fighting his instincts. He broke the link between them, knowing the distance was necessary, but hated losing contact with every fiber of his being.
    After a period of quiet meditation, he was able to gain control. His fangs retracted, and his eyes returned to their natural black color. His fists loosened. His breathing evened out to a slow and steady rate. When he was ready, he opened his eyes and focused on the woman lying before him. Steely determination entered his gaze. He wanted her, and he would have her. No one would stand in his way.
    Nikolai walked around the bed until he was closer to her head. Once more linking his mind with hers, he placed her under compulsion as he brought his wrist to his mouth and ripped a hole in his skin with his fangs, causing the blood to flow. Pressing his wrist against her mouth, he compelled her to drink.
    When she’d drunk enough of his blood, he commanded her to stop, then licked the wound closed. Instinctively, he started a mating ritual so old it was imprinted on his DNA.
    Two more blood exchanges, and she would be his. Giving her one last lingering look, he dematerialized and left the house.
    Soon. Very soon, he would claim her.

    * * * * *
    Rory wanted to know how Shannon was doing. He hadn’t heard from her since she’d left, which was understandable under the circumstances. Still, he was used to watching over her, making sure she was safe and sound. He knew he needed to let go and let her be her own person, but it was hard to turn off his protective instincts. He was her big brother, although he felt more like her father.
    He swiveled his chair around to look out the office window. She’d only been gone a month. It was too soon to go and check on her, not without a valid reason. While he was wondering what excuse he could concoct that she would believe, his phone rang.
    “McFelan Construction. McFelan speaking. How can I help you?”
    “Mr. McFelan, this is Kyle Wilson. I used to work for you.” Rory remembered him. He’d been a good worker. “What can I do for you?”
    “Well, sir, I was just calling you to let you know that I ran into your sister over in Colbyville. It seems she’s moved to Refuge and needs someone to help her with some remodeling. I still do odd jobs from time to time, so I told her I would help. The thing is, sir, I was