In a split second, he crashed his lips onto hers.
The world around them seemed to still. Skye froze, her breath catching in her throat as his warmth engulfed her. He tasted warm and intoxicating. His hand cupped the back of her neck, and she felt the surge of his power ripple through her body like a shockwave. His kiss was fierce, almost desperate, and yet painfully controlled, as if he was holding back.
His human heart pounded violently in his chest, warning him to pull away before his raw form broke free. But he couldn't. She tasted too sweet, smelled too divine, her rosy scent clouded every reason he had left.
Did all humans taste this way?
Skye's knees trembled as her hand curled around his black cloak, she was young and still inexperienced, so she tried to kiss him back but with the way he consumed her, her lips only trembled beneath his. She looked as though she might pass out at any moment
The kiss had been a surprise, and she had wanted to push him away, but she soon realised this man would be her husband soon. He would own her, and she would belong to him. So she let herself surrender to his hold.
Her whole body caught fire under his touch, awakening feelings she'd never known existed. The power rolling off him was intoxicating, like standing too close to lightning. Each time his lips claimed hers, her consciousness slipped further away.
Her whole body felt hot, completely aware of his touch on her skin, causing her to feel things she had never felt before. The kiss was unlike anything she had imagined. She tried to breathe, to steady herself, then she felt a sharp sting and tasted blood.
She gasped, trying to push him back, but he didn't budge. Zed seemed lost in the kiss, Her vision blurred, the room spinning before her knees buckled as she leaned forward.
He finally pulled away and Skye collapsed against him barely seeing the room in front of her. Zed caught her, holding her limp body close, realization suddenly dawned on him and he lifted her up effortlessly and laid her on his bed, brushing her hair from her pale face. Her lips were red, stained with blood. Midway the kiss, his fangs had pierced her soft lips, but he had not noticed until he began to taste blood.
Leaning down, he hesitated for a second before he bent lower and pressed his mouth to the corner of her lips again, sucking away the blood that trickled down her chin.
He lifted his gaze to the mirror and froze, his reflection barely looked human. His fangs had elongated and were sticking out of his lips, his eyes, once amber had turned into a deep crimson, his claws had already pushed through his fingertips, gleaming in the dim light. His raw form was trying to come out.
Skye had triggered it.
Zed's breaths came ragged, his control slipping like sand through his fingers. He had never kissed a human before. The demon women he'd indulged in could handle him, none had ever drawn out this reaction. But Skye? One innocent kiss from her had shattered his control and had undone him completely.
If a kiss did this… what would happen when he finally made her his. If one kiss could wound her, how could he ever truly touch her?
His father's words echoed in his mind—
"You need a strong woman, a demon. Humans will make you weak."
He looked at her again, sleeping soundly, so fragile against the white sheets.
He clenched his jaw.
Maybe his father was right, maybe he needed someone stronger, someone like him
He would have no choice but to marry again, a demon this time, someone strong enough to withstand him.
•○•○•○•
Skye stirred awake, her head heavy. Her lips felt tender, she stretched out her tongue and licked her lips. No blood remained, but the faint ache reminded her of what had happened.
She pushed herself up ignoring the dull ache in her head. She was still in Zed's chambers but he was nowhere in sight.
She rose to her feet and caught her reflection in the mirror. Light scratches marked her jaw and the base of her neck. They looked almost like claws had grazed them. Her heart skipped a bit at the thought but before she could think further….
Then the lights dimmed. The temperature dropped.
She didn't have to turn around to know he was here.
"I did not mean to hurt you," Zed's voice came from behind her, almost like a whisper, his breath warm against her ear. The sound sent a shiver down her spine.
"I know," she managed, her voice soft but steady. She truly believed it, she had seen the confusion in his eyes, he didn't realize he was hurting her.
"You are quite dangerous, you know," she whispered her eyes meeting his in the mirror and she was happy to see them glowing amber.
"I'm aware," he said, stepping closer until his tall frame loomed over hers. His presence swallowed her completely, making her look so small in front of him.
His hand reached up, fingertips brushing the marks on her skin. His touch burned but not painfully, it was like energy passing from him into her.
She gasped at the sensation. What was he? she thought to herself.
"Turn around," he murmured. She hesitated, but obeyed.
"Open your eyes." he urged and she did and nearly gasped. His face was so close, his expression unreadable but softer than she expected. His beauty was inhuman, she couldn't help but stare at his features, his unnatural hair colour, defined jaw line with a sharp nose, slim pink lips and amber glowing eyes. He almost looked perfect, as if he didn't belong to this world.
"You…You are beautiful." she whispered, her words spilling before she could stop them.
Zed blinked, genuinely taken aback. Then, for the first time, he laughed, not the cruel kind but it was free and real.
If she found his human form beautiful, he wondered what she'd think if she ever saw his real form.
"I know," he teased, lips curling slightly, "but not as beautiful as you." he said his fingers trailing up her neck again making her cheeks turn red and he smiled at the sight.
"I cannot wait for us to be married," he murmured with a smile but it was soon replaced with a frown. He took two steps back as if trying to move away from her. His breath hitched, pain flashing across his face.
"Prince Zed?" she asked, stepping closer, worry filling her eyes.
He stumbled back, clutching his chest. His skin paled, eyes turning blood-red once more.
She could not only feel but see the power emanating from him.
Zed's red eyes gauged her as he struggled for control and shook his head.
He would not take it from her.
"What's wrong?" Skye asked in confusion, her voice trembling.
"Send in one of the servants!" he rasped.
"Male or female?"
"Anyone, just go!" he roared, the sound distorted, like a hundred voices speaking through him. The ground shook beneath her feet at the sound and she clung to the table beside her to steady herself, her heart hammering in her chest.
She saw how desperate he looked and without thinking twice, she rushed into the hall and spotted a young maid passing by.
"You, come quickly!" she called.
The maid ran to her, startled. "Yes, my lady?"
"Go inside," Skye ordered, her pulse thundering.
The maid hesitated, then obeyed, stepping into Zed's chambers and the door shut behind her.
The next minute, she heard the sharp bitter scream of the maid and suddenly everywhere went dead silent.