Christina woke in slow increments, like a kitten just learning about the world around it. Sebastian watched her from the side of the large bed, waiting for the moment when she’d realize she wasn’t alone.

“I bet you’re hungry.” He was enchanted by the sleepy look in her eyes as she met his gaze. Rubbing her tummy, she looked like she was considering his words.

“I feel strange.”

He nodded and moved closer, sitting on the edge of the bed. “That’s to be expected when you’re newly turned.”

“Then it wasn’t a dream?”

“No, my dear. It was most certainly real.” He dipped his head closer, smiling so she could see his fangs. He was hungry too, it seemed. “You’ve been deep in healing sleep for more than two days. That’s longer than most of the newly turned, but you were gravely injured, so I encouraged your sleep.” He tugged at the sheet that covered her, inching it away. “I’ve decided on a course of action some might consider reckless.” He paused. “Do you trust me?”

She seemed to think that one over before answering. “I think so.”

“What I’m going to ask of you will seem strange, but I need you to believe it is for your own welfare that I’ve even considered this.” He pulled the sheet a little lower.

“Now you’re frightening me, Sebastian.”

“That’s not my intent. But I need you to know that what comes next is necessary for your future. I want you to be strong enough to deal with Jeff Kinsey on your own. I believe standing up to him—and winning—is the only way to face the rest of your years, now that you are immortal. If you let him win, even the smallest confrontation, it will set a tone for your new life that could prove disastrous.”

“Did I mention you’d already scared me enough?”

Sebastian was glad to see a spark of humor in her wary eyes. It made him feel a little better about what he was about to do, though other aspects of his plan still made him uneasy. There was jealousy for one thing. It was likely to eat him alive before long. Good thing the task could be accomplished quickly. He knew he couldn’t take too much of this.

“I’m sorry, Christina. What I propose will not hurt. On the contrary, it will bring you great pleasure, but it is somewhat…risqué. I know from your friends that you’ve never been very adventurous sexually. That will have to change.”

She looked wary, but receptive. “What exactly are you talking about?”

“Your body is fully healed now, and its chemistry forever altered. Now it’s time for your lessons to begin.”

“Lessons?”

“I promised to teach you everything you need to know to survive in your changed state. Those lessons begin now, with our most basic needs-blood and lust. You need to feed.” He dipped his head, kissing her savagely. He didn’t mean to do it, but her soft lips were so close, so inviting, he couldn’t resist.

Sebastian reveled in the sweet taste of her, delving deep with his tongue as her petite fangs began to emerge. He ran his tongue over them, encouraging their arrival. He’d forgotten how it felt to kiss one of his own kind. It was beyond erotic. It was nearly orgasmic in itself.

When she jumped, he pulled back, looking past her beautiful, bare body to see what had scared her. Sebastian understood her alarm when he saw Matt. He’d come in and prowled right up to the bed, taking a seat near the foot as if he belonged there, while Sebastian had been distracted. It was a shock to realize he’d been so lost in her kiss, he hadn’t even sensed Matt’s arrival. Matt’s knowing wink didn’t go a long way to soothe Sebastian’s self-recrimination, but it did make him smile. The lad was audacious, but Christina needed a little nudge to guide her on this path. Before the night was through, Sebastian knew she’d need to put all her inhibitions behind her and Matt Redstone was just the creature to help her do it.

“I invited a mortal friend to help you learn how to feed both bodily and psychically.” He waved one hand toward Matt, releasing her slowly. “He is were. You might note the difference in his scent from ordinary mortals. He’ll make an excellent first feeding for you to grow strong and he’s agreed to let us use him as our guinea pig for this evening. It’s a rare honor. You should be thankful.”

Christy looked at the gorgeous, muscular man who sat on the edge of her bed and began stroking her legs. “Um, thank you?”

Copyright (c) 2007 by Bianca D'Arc. All Rights Reserved.