Free Blood Knot by Tracy Cooper-Posey

inside the back of her jeans, to stroke the upper swell of her ass.
    “ Winter, be careful…” he murmured.
    “ No.”
    “ My canines. You’ve provoked me.”
    She pulled her head away from his enough to look at him properly. “Let me see,” she demanded, for his lips were together.
    He hesitated, then opened his mouth a little and lifted the upper lip. Ending slightly lower than the rest of his teeth were two very sharp-looking narrow pointed teeth that lay over the top of the rest. As she examined them, they retracted into his gums, high up, and disappeared.
    “ They don’t look like they do in the movies.”
    “ No, they don’t,” he said dryly. “We need them for tearing flesh, not siphoning blood. The movies need them to look dramatic, not realistic.”
    She caught his face in her hands. “You’re embarrassed, Nial. Is this something that doesn’t happen to you normally?”
    The furrow was between his brows again. He drew a breath. “No, it isn’t,” he said shortly. “I haven’t lost control like that for…” He gave a short laugh. “I can’t remember the last time. I was very young, put it that way.” He took another breath. “You must guard yourself when you kiss me and my canines are descended. They are designed precisely for tearing human flesh, Winter. And I would much rather kiss you than not.” He gave a small smile. “There are ways…”
    She reached up on tiptoe and kissed him softly. “I think that is the most human I have seen you, Nial, and you are discussing something about your vampire nature. How ironic.” She lifted a hand toward the door of the cabin. “They won’t wait for us forever.”
    He sighed. “And the Ningaloo police report will be waiting in the lounge for us, too.”
     
    * * * * *
     
    Winter had travelled first class and economy class over the years, depending on the roles and requirements of the jobs to hand or the expediency of the available tickets. Generally, she preferred first class for long haul flights simply because it was easier on the body, but she preferred economy for the quicker trips.
    But Nial knew far better than her how to demand and enjoy luxury travel even in a strained economy. Once they passed through the security barriers and into the first class lounge, they never had to pick up their luggage again.
    They checked in and went through customs formalities in the lounge, and while they were waiting for their flight, Winter showered and changed. She got to enjoy an evening meal at the complimentary buffet served in the lounge, afterwards, too.
    As she sat down at the elegantly laid table to eat, Nial pulled up the chair next to her and sat down.
    “ You have news?” she asked, picking up her fork.
    “ A man fitting Sebastian’s description is in Ningaloo. Your memory served us well.” He kissed her temple, making her catch her breath. “But please eat. You must be hungry.”
    “ You don’t mind?”
    He shook his head, his hand settling on her thigh. “I usually resent it, but you make eating look like such a sensual feast, last time I shifted the conversation to a demonstration of my seduction skills just so I could get my hands and mouth on you.”
    From his hand on her thigh she could tell he wasn’t lying. His fingertips moved gently, stroking the flesh of her thigh below the hem of her skirt.
    “ Now you’ve made me self-conscious about eating,” she complained, as her body rippled under his touch.
    “ Good,” he said with a smile. He drew a lazy circle on her thigh with his forefinger. “Is this skirt for my benefit or do you always dress so formally for flying?”
    Winter glanced down at the silk tights and pleated skirt. “I learned a long time ago that trousers are a huge mistake for long haul flights. And I refuse to wear gym pants that bunch up around the crotch and smell abominably after twelve hours. These clothes are wrinkle proof and climate adjustable. I can remove and add layers as I need to, and they