From Slave To Queen (Athena and Michael) novel Chapter 148

Chapter 148

Cassian

His gray eyes acquire a glint that reminds me of the moon. We vampires are usually tied to the night, dark and full of monsters, but I could entrust my life to that satellite for eyes like his. My guards quickly intercept Ciro’s weak and pitiful security, allowing me to step out of the carriage and open the door of hers. She remains completely still in place, frightened–or rather–stunned. I smile and extend a hand toward her, inviting her to come down. She looks at my hand with a certain skepticism.

Stop! Step away from her!”

I turn to see a hooded, burly man. From beneath the hood, a few strands of light brown hair escape, and that characteristic color makes me recognize immediately who’s hiding under it.

My smile widens.

“Abraxas, I think you know me well enough not to do anything stupid.”

“My orders are clear,” he replies, “I won’t let you take her.”

Who said I’m taking her?” I lace my voice with some mockery. “I’m just here for a meeting with Aeron. It was a surprise a pleasant one, if you ask me to find Elara here. I just want to share a few words with her. Seems normal, doesn’t it?” I arch a brow, “After all, she was my bloodbride for a few months and we shared.. moments.”

Out of the corner of my eye, I see Elara’s cheeks flush.

“You have no right to be near her, Abraxas snaps.

I’m not asking for permission, Abraxas, I’m giving you the chance to live.”

I don’t need to see his face to know he’s gone pale under the hood. The fingers of my gift are already plucking at the strings of his mind like a harp, composing a melody that foreshadows a grim end. I don’t let my roguish smile fade for even a second. I’m willing to tear apart anything that stands between me and what I want.

“So what’s it going to be?”

He glances behind him, seeing that Ciro’s men have already been easily restrained by mine. I’m not only the most powerful due to my gift and bloodline, but because over the years, I’ve managed to gather the most brutal and loyal men. I rule with an iron hand–but I reward well.

Abraxas mutters something under his breath, but eventually steps aside. I grab Elara’s hand in mine, and without waiting for her to speak–or for her newly assigned bodyguard to change his mind–I pull her with me toward the forest that borders the road. I drag her far enough to be away from unwanted gazes, although I know avoiding ears is much more difficult. Still, I settle for having her pinned between a tree and my body.

“Have you lost your mind? You shouldn’t have done that.”

“What? Come to a meeting I was invited to?”

Her eyes study mine, just as I study hers. She looks pale and shaken. I sense a slight tremor in her fingers

“Do I need to kill someone, Elara!”

She doesn’t respond right away, which coming from her is more than enough of a sign that something’s wrong. She avoids my eyes, her gaze drifting into the woods. I give her a few precious seconds I’d rather spend tracing her neck and mouth with my tongue. When it becomes obvious she won’t share what’s bothering her, I grab herchin, demanding but not hurting.

“Did he hurt you? Is that it? Tell me.”

it has nothing to do with Ciro,” she finally says in a low voice that seems to stroke every hidden corner of my mind. “I’m changing.

“That, I already know, little beast. I can see it.”

Gently, I turn her face from side to side, spotting again those pale grayish locks. It’s one of the most visible changes, aside from others that might go unnoticed to someone who hasn’t watched her as closely as I have. It bothers me to admit it, but ever since I first saw her

at the Red Auction, my eyes have been drinking in her image without restraint. Now her skin is a bit paler, letting me glimpse her veins

1/2

4:23 PM

Chapter 148

more easily. However, the rhythmic beat of her heart draws all attention. No one can question her human nature as long as that heartbeat is so strong.

“When I see blood, I can distinguish every single note that composes its scent–I go mad, Cassian. I could be a danger to others.”

A low laugh rumbles in my chest, I stroke her cheek, trying to make her focus on me and stop avoiding my gaze.

“I’ll help you control the thirst once we’re together again. You share much of our nature, it’s no surprise you feel frantic around human blood. Luckily, you can still feed on their food, unlike us.”

I don’t want to hurt anyone, Cassian. I don’t want this.”

“You won’t hurt anyone. Elara.” I smile, trying to offer her some reassurance. “I know better than anyone, believe me, that you have a will of iron. Your attempts to hate me speak for themselves. So relax–I know you can control the thirst”

“Is there any chance that… I’ll die if I don’t feed like you do?”

“I don’t think so. You’ve spent most of your life feeding like a human and that hasn’t had any major consequences–though maybe drinking blood will help with your powers and strength.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify