King Hall (Forever Evermore, #1)(59)

He grinned, because he was a dog that way. “Thank you. I’d prefer not to fall asleep on her when I’m supposed to be—”

I slapped a hand over his mouth, stopping that info. “Don’t want to know.”

His grin widened under my hand, but he kept quiet.

“How do you prefer it?” Ezra asked smoothly.

“Throat,” I answered honestly.

He didn’t even blink an eye, and began piling some pillows behind him against my headboard. Once he had a huge mound in place, he rested on them in an almost sitting position, but reclined enough so that he wouldn’t fall if I took too much.

I cleared my throat. “I need to—”

“I know,” he interrupted, patting his legs. “Hop on.”

“Okay,” I whispered, and moved to straddle him, climbing on top of him.

“He didn’t do that to me earlier,” Pearl mumbled.

Ezra educated them. “On a bed, unless she wants to lie to the side, this is the most comfortable for someone as short as her going at the throat. And, really, she won’t be able to reach if you’re standing, which is a bad idea in case of a fall. I’m taller, and was able to maneuver around you in the limo without pressing on you, but she wouldn’t be able to do that. Although, she could do it from behind if I wasn’t lying against the headboard, which she could do for you or Jack. Whatever you’re comfortable with. I’m used to this position, though, so it doesn’t bother me.”

“Hmm,” Jack hummed. “I’m thinking my mate won’t like her on me like that.”

We stopped. Stared. That was such a bizarre comment coming from his mouth.

He cleared his throat. “You know what I mean.” Yeah. We did. It was the mate bond.

Gently, I lifted Ezra’s chin, and lowered my face, strangely nervous.

He stated gently, “Don’t be nervous.” Damn nose. “You won’t hurt me.”

“I know that,” I muttered, staring at his mocha skin where his pulse throbbed. “But, I only ever did this with Dominic before. I don’t know what…vibes to send you.”

He chuckled, getting my point. “At first, it might take a few pulls to change your approach, but that won’t bother Jack or Pearl because they’re mated. I don’t mind being your trial run. Just focus on it, and work through your kinks.”

“Alright,” I mumbled, trying to figure out how to do this without turning him on. “Well, here goes my first bite of someone not my mate.”

I didn’t strike like Ezra had done with Pearl. I wasn’t that used to doing this without harming my donor, plus, I was a little rusty. Instead, I gently placed my mouth against his neck, and felt his pulse with my tongue, and then I let my fangs slice into his throat. He didn’t gasp or flinch like Dominic had always done, and I tentatively took my first pull.

My heavy groan followed.

Dear God, he was delicious. After bagged blood, it was like having fine dining instead of fast food. His flavor…Oh my God. Another pull. His blood was laced with dark spice. And power. I knew instantly that he was more powerful than Dominic had been. It was there in the spark of his blood but, through the haze, I realized I hadn’t done anything to make it comfortable for him.

I paused in drinking — doing so was really freaking hard — and pushed my Vampire power, shoving emotion through his blood but, like a bad habit, not even recognizing what I was pushing on him.

Even as I began pulling again, drinking his scrumptious blood, he groaned low, his hands slamming on my hips, and his voice was deep as he whispered, “Something else.” Instinctively, I sent another wave, and his grip tightened. “Sweetheart, try to think of something else.”

Moaning, my mind clouded with his taste, I couldn’t understand why he wanted me to think of anything else but his blood, so I sent another wave more forcefully, trying to get him to stop moving.

“Jesus H.,” he groaned, his Vampire riding his tone as his fingers dug into my hips.

It was what “popped” up under me that made reality sluggishly set in.

Ezra.

Best friend.

Not…

Shit.

I pulled again, and sent a wave of serenity. Peace. Not pleasure, like I had been.

He panted, mumbling, “Better. Much better.” His body started relaxing under me, and his arms wrapped around me lightly. “Try to focus on what that feels like. Send it again. Harder. Remember it. Make it natural.”

I took a slow pull, focusing as much as I could, trying to do as ordered. It wasn’t as easy as I thought it would be switching emotions. After more focus, I ultimately got it.

He whispered, “Good.” Completely peaceful.

Listening to his heart, I pulled back fifteen seconds later, gently swiping my tongue over the wound. Watched it instantly disappear. If I needed any further indication he was more powerful than Dominic had been, it was right there with his healed skin. Dominic had been a really fast healer, but that was just insane.

I leaned back enough to look him in the eyes. His lids were drooping, but from below them I could see his spring green orbs traveling over my face. He appeared all kinds of relaxed, with his lips slightly lifted at one corner. Reflexively, I listened to his heart, double-checking I hadn’t taken too much. It was strong and steady, barely slower than normal. He was good. Tired, but good.