Free Bite at First Sight by Brooklyn Ann

the infuriating, humiliating memory. “It was my temper that did it. I was traveling to London. I’d just begun the journey and had taken up residence in a cave outside of San Sebastian for the day before I could catch a ship. Exhausted from traveling, I didn’t wake up soon enough. A vampire hunter nearly staked me in the heart. I killed the man, but there was another one.” Rafe closed his eyes as regret washed over him. “Blind with rage, I chased the other hunter out of the cave and into the sun. I had hold of him and didn’t let go until my face and arm caught flame. I was such a fool.”
    “We all make mistakes.” The compassion in her eyes was enough to undo him. She opened her mouth to say something else, then gasped, suddenly examining the finger she’d recently pricked more closely. “Your finger is healed!”
    He nodded impatiently. “Yes, we heal very quickly most of the time.”
    “How?” she prodded, undaunted.
    “I haven’t the slightest notion.” With her sitting so close that he could feel the heat of her body and smell her intoxicating female scent, he did not care. “I think you’ve done enough tests and observations this evening. It is time for my payment.”
    Her breath hitched and her cheeks flushed crimson, but she did not cringe in revulsion. Instead she moved her stool closer and gave his own words back to him. “Very well. How shall we proceed?”
    Nearly drugged from her beauty and the warmth of her presence, Rafe reminded himself to tread with caution. He did not want to frighten her.
    “Close your eyes,” he whispered roughly.
    Cassandra gave him a suspicious glance before she obeyed. Reverently, he reached forward to caress her hair, wishing he could use both hands. The heady scent of rose petals perfumed the air between them, charging the narrowing chasm with promise. Savoring the softness of her skin, he trailed his fingers across her cheek before moving lower to grasp her chin. His cock hardened immediately.
    Giving her ample time to pull away, Rafe leaned forward and pressed his mouth to hers. At first her lips were stiff and tense, but then they yielded in exquisite supplication. Warm, so warm. Hunger blazed within him, though not for her blood. What he wanted was more of this. He wanted to pull her closer, devour her mouth, and claim her heat as his own.
    A soft moan escaped Cassandra’s lips, making his cock harden further. Rafe pulled away before he lost control, biting back a growl of savage need.
    Long lashes lifted to reveal sea-green eyes blinking up at him. “Fascinating…” she whispered.
    Rafe stepped back farther, straightening his spine and willing himself to regain composure. “I believe that is satisfactory payment for now. I will leave you to your experiments.”
    Before she could respond, he left the laboratory, not daring to look at her lest desire overcame him and he hauled her into his arms.
    “ Cristo ,” he muttered under his breath as he strode down the corridor to his study.
    He’d never imagined that such a chaste kiss would have such a profound effect. Just one touch of Cassandra’s luscious lips, and he was straining against his trousers like an untried lad.
    Rafe sighed and lit a cigar, willing the tobacco and peace and quiet to calm the raging fires of his lust.
    “My lord.” Anthony entered the study, holding an envelope in shaking hands. “You’ve received a missive from the Elders.”
    The harsh chill of winter seemed to enter the room, stealing the breath from Rafe’s lungs despite the merry glow of the fireplace.
    “Give it to me and leave,” he snapped, hating the way his voice cracked.
    Anthony handed him the letter with a bow, as if hiding his reaction to Rafe’s ire.
    Eyeing the Elders’ crest with dread, Rafe sliced open the envelope with a fang. He winced as the sharp edge of the paper cut his lip.
    Lord Villar,
    We commend you for your promptness in informing us of your prisoner and your summary of the