Did she realize how vulnerable she was? Of course she did. She didn’t strike Luca as a stupid girl. He doubted he could catch her by surprise if he wanted to attack her. Luckily for her, he didn’t want to attack. Only to kidnap her away from the sun.

This was a trial of his restraint and he was winning. But barely.

Her good eye, though bloodshot and tired, gleamed with mischief. He saw through the bruises adorning her. She was beautiful and conniving.“Are you asking me to run away with you?” She intertwined her bandaged fingers with his the same way she had at the club. He felt control of the situation transferring into her hands as it had then.

His chestnut hair was wild and haphazard, its cut imperfect, just as it had been when he was human — in a century when bladed scissors were below warlords such as Luca cel Rau, who would’ve used his boot dagger instead.

These streets were his. He fed where he pleased and on whomever he wished.

Humans are prey — the lesser species.

Do not test me,” Luca seethed, pulling away from her damning touch. Talking to her was like shearing a pig. Lots of squealing for little wool.

Luca went slack jaw and his brows rose when he turned and found her standing inches behind him. Her impish smirk was painted a crimson so dark it was nearly black. Surprise was the nectar of the gods for an immortal, and she kept him on his toes.

Mael — the first and favorite fledgling of Ţepeș, and prince of the vampires — did not concern himself with being unlawful.He’d gladly lay with humans.