Craved (Book #2 of the Vampire Legacy) by Morgan Rice Page A

to know, and she had to ask.
    “I don’t understand why different isn’t okay,” he answered.
    “It’s fine. I don’t care. I guess I just want to know who I’m with.”
    He sighed.
    “My family is pretty intense. I’m sorry. I wish I could tell you more but I can’t. Maybe one day I’ll be able to, and you’ll understand.”
    Scarlet was beginning to feel disappointed. She didn’t understand. Why couldn’t he tell her?
    “What I can tell you is this,” he continued, “I know it’s hard to believe, because we barely know each other, but I care about you. Very much.”
    He turned and looked into her eyes, and the full force of his stare was overwhelming. She felt butterflies.
    “The first second I saw you, in the cafeteria, and when I saw you again outside your house, I felt like I knew you. Like we’re connected somehow.”
    He looked into her eyes and as he did, Scarlet felt her heart pounding. It was eerie, because that was the exact same thing she had been thinking. And she didn’t understand how it was possible, either. It made no sense. They barely knew each other. How could they have such strong feelings?
    “Do you feel it, too?” he asked.
    Scarlet hesitated, not knowing how to respond. She got nervous.
    “Maybe,” she said, her voice trembling.
    He reached up with one hand and gently brushed the hair from her face. As he did, he ran his fingertips along her cheek—and his touch was electrifying. She could barely breathe as he took a step closer, leaned in. He came closer and closer, and she leaned in, too, just a bit.
    And for the first time, their lips met.
    Their kiss sent an electric shock throughout her entire body, and she felt everything she knew about the world starting to change. First, it was a soft, gentle kiss, then he kissed harder, and so did she. She closed her eyes, and felt her world melting.
    She feared she might transform again, might be overwhelmed with a desire to feed on him, as she had been with Blake.
    But to her relief and surprise, the desire never came. She couldn’t understand why, and she was beyond grateful. Her prayer had been answered. She was normal again.
    Suddenly, to her surprise, Sage backed away. He suddenly took two steps back, turned from her, and faced the river. As he did, he raised one hand to his chest, and looked to be in pain.
    She was confused. Had she done something wrong? Was he sick?
    “What’s wrong?” she asked.
    She came over and placed a hand on his back, wondering if he was okay. She was shocked: as fate would have it, the roles had reversed. He was the one that was suddenly backing away—not her.
    “I’m sorry,” he said.
    “What is it?” she asked, wondering if it was her. Had he changed his mind?
    “I wish I could tell you,” he said. “I’m sorry,” he added. “But I have to go.”
    Scarlet stared back, shocked.
    “Did I do something wrong?” she asked.
    He shook his head.
    “It’s not you,” he answered. “It’s my…family.”
    “Your family?” she asked, confused.
    He closed his eyes, as if in pain, and slowly shook his head again.
    “I’m sorry. Here. Please. Take my car. Bring yourself home. You have to leave now. I’m sorry.”
    She looked at him as he held out the keys to his Lamborghini, flabbergasted and hurt.
    “I can’t take your car,” she said, shocked. “I don’t even have my driver’s license. And it’s like a million dollar car.”
    “It’s okay. Take it and bring it back tomorrow. You have to go now. I’m sorry. Please. Go.”
    He held out the keys to her, and would not even look in her direction.
    Scarlet’s heart was breaking. She had never felt more confused.
    She reached up and took the keys, her hand shaking.
    She slowly walked across the patio, heading back towards the house. Her heart was breaking, and at the same time she felt rejected, crushed. And more perplexed than anything.
    If anyone should understand suddenly feeling sick, suddenly running away, it should be her.