Marked for Pleasure [Blood Bond] by Stacy Espino

recognized, was deeply affected by her emotion. When she’d felt rejected and used, he could feel her pain. It tore through him like slash to the chest. Was this what it felt like to be human? It wasn’t at all pleasant. As easily as he could have continued with their sexual adventure, his heart was no longer in it. His power had only calmed her mind, dulled the area of the brain that focused on fear and doubt. Her desire was her own, but he still couldn’t take her virginity if she had any question to their intentions.
    He actually doubted all his well-laid plans. Should he continue with the move and leave her behind? It would be the logical choice, the choice expected of a vampire with his years of experience and control. The thought of leaving was beginning to sour in his stomach. What if the legends were true? If Heidi truly was their mate, even an ocean couldn’t keep them apart.
    He wouldn’t be able to make an informed decision until he tasted her. Francis was certain that once he took in her essence there would be no doubt one way or the other. Until he knew for sure, he wouldn’t burden his brothers with his knowledge of Heidi’s marking.
    When he thought he was home free in the upper hallway, Christian raced up the stairs, taking two at a time. “I’m not done with you!”
    “Yeah, you’re done.” He continued to walk.
    What did Christian expect? For him to admit he’d experienced emotion, that he may have feelings for a human? Appearing weak in his baby brother’s eyes was almost as indigestible as the thought of losing Heidi.
    “The hell I am. What the fuck was all that? I don’t understand any of this. You were breaking her in, enjoying yourself more than I’ve seen you in years, then you just take her home? You told me you were going to be her first.”
    He whirled around, losing his temper. Too much anxiety had him ready to blow his top. “You heard her, Christian. She wanted more than domination, more than sex. She questioned her actions. Heidi wants love, something we can’t give her. The blood whores never asked for that, so I’ve never had a problem taking what they offer.”
    “That’s called empathy. It’s a human emotion.”
    He opened the door to his room. “Don’t test me, Christian.”
    “What about me? I get to have a hard-on all night because you suddenly give a shit?”
    Francis slammed the door, looking for a source to vent his frustration. He’d love to expel his energy in the basement with vampiresses who lived for pain, but he couldn’t go there now. It would only remind him of Heidi’s sweetness, her deep-seated desire for love and acceptance. He felt like a bastard, always taking, never giving back. It seemed that once one emotional floodgate was open, they all let loose, and he swore he’d lose his mind if it didn’t stop soon.

    * * * *

    “Shit!” Christian slammed a fist into the drywall outside Francis’s bedroom. He hoped his brother would come out and challenge him, because he needed to fight, needed to release all the volatile energy pent up within every muscle of his body. The door never opened.
    If he went into town now, he’d make the legends of vampires look tame. He wanted blood in the most gruesome way he could get it. Christian DeVille was in love, had found his mate in the form of a human. It appeared Joseph and Francis were smitten with the same woman, whether both of them knew it or not.
    One moment, he was cool, collected, and boasted being the only brother not ruled by vampiric urges. The next, he was head over heels after just a taste of Heidi’s blood. What did it all mean? Who should he turn to for clarification? Francis would only berate him, telling him he had no place having feelings for a mortal. He’d remind them of their father’s legacy and the safety in keeping human blood out of their lines. Joseph had already proven his jealous streak when the buyer went through the house, so admitting he was certain the woman he coveted