"Just don’t get too hooked on my incredible blood, vampire," I teased, giving him a lighthearted warning. "The last thing I need is for you to get addicted. Trust me, the last thing I want is a blood junkie trailing me around—especially one who’s so particular about his feeding habits."

He pulled back slowly, visibly holding himself back, his mouth lingering near my wrist for a moment before he licked the tiny wounds to seal them. I could tell it was an effort for him to stop; a flash ...