21. CORA

“Scream.”

My body jerked, eyes snapping open.

“It’s okay. You’re okay.” The arm around my waist tightened, pulling my body back against his. “We’re home.”

I glanced around, taking everything in. We were back in my bedroom and it still looked the same as it had when I left. Swallowing, I raised a shaky hand to my neck and pressed it to the spot that was still throbbing.

“I healed you,” Axel explained.

“You bit me,” I whispered.

He was silent for a few seconds. “Yes.”

I scooted forward, making his arm slip away. Turning onto my back, I hesitated a moment more before I turned onto my side to face him.

His eyes darted over my face and then dropped down to my neck where his eyes lingered for a few seconds and then snapped up to mine.

“You fed from me.”

“Yes,” he answered after a few seconds of hesitation. “I tried not to resist.”

“Do you always find it hard to control yourself?” I asked him.

Axel’s lips twitched. “No. I usually have better control.”

My eyes dropped to his lips.

Lips