Fire's Kiss by Brittany Pate

Author:Brittany Pate [Pate, Brittany]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Emma Annette Press
Published: 2018-12-05T06:00:00+00:00

Chapter Sixteen

Consciousness reclaimed her by degrees.

Embyr stretched, enjoying the feel of the soft sheets against her bare skin. Her muscles protested the movement just enough to let her know she was still alive. She rolled to her side and came face-to-face with Ryder. His actual face, not the mask. His black stubble had grown a little thicker and there were dark smudges under his eyes.

“Hello,” she said.

He released a tense breath. “How are you feeling?”

“Better.” Which was a surprise, considering how close she’d come. “I suppose you got the blade out?”

“Yes, though I feared I hurt you worse in my haste. You almost died.”

“I seem to do that frequently.”

“That was not just a close call,” he said, voice tight.

He tried to keep his tone neutral, but his bedraggled appearance suggested otherwise. It touched the part of her that had grown fond of him during their time together.

“I’m sorry.” She reached over to brush the hair from his eyes.

He caught her hand and brought it to his lips, kissing the palm. “Do not ever do that again.”

“I’ll do my best.” She squeezed his hand, nibbling on her lower lip. “What happened to Katrina?”

“She fled when I killed the vampires.” His face hardened. “Otherwise, she would be dead right now.”

Embyr flinched. “I mean what happened to make her attack me?”

He was silent for a long while, cold eyes searching her face. “I believe she is under a very strong persuasion.”

“Pardon?”

He sat back in the chair. “The urge you felt to protect the vampire child was a persuasion, though it was a weak attempt and you seem to have some resistance to it. Only the eldest and most powerful vampires have that power. Not even Michael could accomplish one. The more powerful the vampire, the longer a persuasion can last.”

An icy feeling knotted her stomach. Fearing she already knew the answer, Embyr plunged ahead. “What vampire is powerful enough to do that?”

“Atrarius.”

She released a breath and nodded. “Can it be reversed?”

“In most cases,” Ryder said. “However, Atrarius has had several weeks to push the command on her. Persuasions can be dangerous to the victim.”

“So, there is a chance Kat might not recover?”

“Your friend is almost as stubborn as you are,” he said, rising to a stand. “Her mind will be difficult to break. Nelda also has some experience with helping the victims. If saving her is possible, we will do it. You should rest now.”

Embyr sat up, clutching the blanket to her chest. “Thank you. For everything.”

Ryder opened his mouth to say something, then closed it again. He sat on the bed next to her, cupping her cheek in one large hand. Slowly, as if seeking permission, he leaned over to brush his lips across hers.

She wrapped one arm around his neck, pulling him closer. He groaned against her lips. The fire climbed higher and their kiss turned desperate, both of them clinging to the other. The joy of being alive sang in her blood, increased her need and made her reckless. She shifted to straddle him.

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