The Sacrifice (38 page)

“And lengthen yours to match it,” he says firmly. “I’ll only stay
in the light if I have you with me, darling. I have no interest in living any
length of time without you.”

I know I should say no, should refuse to let him sacrifice
centuries of his life for me, but I can’t help myself. The idea that he wants
to be with me so much, that he doesn’t want to live without me, fills me with
joy so intense I can barely breathe. “Yes,” I whisper at last. “Yes, if…if you
really want to.”

“I do.” His gray eyes shine, reflecting back my own happiness as
he pulls me in to kiss me once more.

“What exactly does forming a life-bond involve?” I ask
breathlessly, when he finally lets me go. “Is it some kind of ritual?”

“Not really.” Aiden shakes his head. “It’s more of a gradual
thing. I’ll take some of your blood and then give you some of mine each time we
make love. Over time, my blood will fill your veins, giving you half of my life
force. And don’t worry, darling…” He strokes my cheek. “We don’t have to
exchange vast quantities of blood at once. A drop or two here and there will
do. Although…at certain times if you have more to spare…”

I realize what he’s talking about and a hot blush heats my cheeks.
“Lexy told me I shouldn’t let you do that—shouldn’t let you go down on me while
I’m…you know, during my cycle.”

Aiden raises an eyebrow at me. “Because it gives me too much power
over you?”

I nod. “I think so.”

“Well, you can tell your cousin her fears are groundless.” Aiden
strokes my hot cheek with his cool fingers. “You, my darling Emma, already have
far more power over me than your blood could ever give me over you.”

This makes me want to kiss him again and as I lean into his
strong, muscular frame, I feel something hard and hot pressing against my
thigh.

“So, Master,” I murmur, when I pull back. “If it takes so long to
form a life-bond, don’t you think we ought to get started?”

“Why, Emma,” Aiden growls. “Are you trying to manipulate me into
making love to you? Are you topping from the bottom again?”

“I guess so,” I admit, biting my lip. “I’m sorry, Master.”

“I’m afraid sorry isn’t going to cut it, darling.” He takes my
chin in his hand and looks into my eyes. “In fact, I think a punishment is in
order. Shall we say…five strokes on your ass and three on your pussy?”

My whole body tingles with anticipation at his stern words. “Yes,
Master,” I whisper, rubbing my naked body against him seductively. “I think
that sounds more than fair.”

“In that case,” Aiden says sternly, unbuckling his black leather
belt. “Lean over the desk, Emma. Assume the position.”

I have never been happier to do anything in my life. As I lean
over the cool wood of the desk, the copy of
Farrow’s
catches my eye once
more and I hear a soft little whisper, so faint I almost miss it.

“Make him happy, Emma. Give him what both of you need so
desperately. Give him what I couldn’t.”

“I will,”
I
promise silently.

And then, with joy in my heart and heat spreading throughout my
whole body, I prepare to take my punishment.

The End