“And we will perform the blood bond now,” she added, feeling bold. “Bite me.”

“Happily,” he murmured, running his teeth against her too-hot skin. The prick of his incisors elicited a sigh from deep within, her angelic soul fluttering excitedly inside. He pulled her essence into him as her wings ruffled beneath her. She’d yet to return to her corporeal state, and perhaps she wouldn’t for a bit.

Caro laced her fingers in his thick hair while he drank from her, and closed her eyes in contentment. He would need more than usual tonight, something she showed, rather than said, by holding him against her.

His body tensed above her, his muscles bunched in a way that suggested he wanted to withdraw, but she applied pressure to keep him in place and arched her neck for even greater access.

It wasn’t until she felt the tingling in her toes and fingertips that she whispered, “Stop.”

He pulled back, his green eyes bright with power. “That’s a rush.”

Yes, she imagined it would be but had never actually experienced it for herself. She laid her palm on his shoulder and nudged him off her and onto his back.

He obliged with an arched brow. “Trying to take charge, Caro?”

“I’m always in charge, Sethios,” she replied, feeling tired from the loss of blood.

“You keep telling yourself that, angel.”

She tried to smile, but her lips were too cold. Her wings retracted as she attempted to roll onto him. Ice slithered through her veins, weighing down her limbs.

Okay. Maybe Sethios took too much blood.

“Here.” His hands caught her hips to pull her on top of him.

She pressed a grateful kiss to his chin before nuzzling his neck and finding his pulse. Yet, as she opened her mouth to bite, her jaw refused to move.

My soul isn’t fully healed from the power exchange with Astasiya, she realized numbly. In her haste to bond with Sethios, she’d ignored her own angelic healing.

She tried to open her eyes to tell him that, but her throat was too raw for words. Damn. She’d have to wait until she healed again and start over.

“Angel?” Sethios lifted her chin and took in her expression. Whatever he saw made his brow furrow. “You weren’t ready.”

She blinked in response while her heart sighed at how well he knew her.

“Hmm.” He nudged her onto her side again, cradling her head against his shoulder, and bit the wrist of his opposite arm. Then he pressed the wound to her mouth. “Drink, love.”

The first drop of his blood hit her tongue, causing her to wince. She’d never indulged in the essence of another being and didn’t know what flavor to expect. He seemed to enjoy hers just fine, so she hadn’t expected the bitter note.

Then it slid down her throat, and her eyes widened.

He chuckled. “Yeah, it can take a minute.”

Oh.

Sweet.

So, so sweet.

Like the finest chocolate mingled with wine.