Dead Awakening

“You have a question for me?” she asked. Her voice was deep, sexy, sliding across his skin like silk. Although she appeared composed, he saw her hands tremble as she reached for the cards.

He tried to speak but couldn’t. His gaze was transfixed on the long length of her neck. Her life’s essence beat just beneath her ivory skin, calling to him. He nearly groaned with the need to take her into his arms and sample her. Her corseted breasts rose and fell rapidly. The full swells inviting him to touch and caress.

Mine. The thought entered his head uninvited.

She adjusted her stance, taking a step backwards, as she nervously glanced over his shoulder. “It’s getting dark.” The place was nearly vacant, except for a few people milling about. “Perhaps you could return next Friday.”

Quickly, she began to gather her cards. They made a sharp sound as she tapped them against the wooden table to straighten them. Then she once again began to fold them in the scarf patterned with multiple versions of Celtic knots.

When Etienne found his voice, he said, “No.” His abrupt word made her gaze snap back to him. She silently scrutinized him. He thought to touch her mind, but her worldly blue-green eyes captivated him. He knew immediately that her young life had not been a happy one.

“Then we must hurry. Sit.” The legs of her chair screeched across the porch floor.

“Not here. Your place,” he demanded with a little too much authority.

Her eyes widened. She stopped mid-way of sitting down. “What?” Her voice thinned into a high-pitched squeal. Her backbone went rigid as she stood. A little attitude was present in her rising brow.

Etienne could see clearly at night, but he doubted she could and the night was approaching. Gently, he pushed her will with his mind for compliance.

She shook her head, a frown twisting her lips when she realized what he had done. “D-Don’t ever try that again or I’ll walk.”

Now it was his turn to be shocked. No one had ever thwarted his mind-control, but she did. She slammed the walls of her defenses around her so tightly that he bumped into nothingness.

He had never apologized for invading a human’s mind, but this woman was different. “Forgive me.” His hands itched to touch her, feel her writhe beneath him as he made love to her. An indescribable need to bind her to him with blood tore through his heart.

Apprehension shimmered in her eyes. “Who are you?”