The Vampire Pendant Read Free

asked, “Are there gen-vamps inside of the bracelet and ring, too?”
    He nodded. “My brother is inside the bracelet, and our maker, the vampire who turned us into vampires, lives in the ring. Like me, they feed on the women for whom they grant wishes. Then we go back into our homes and wait until Darrin puts us on loan again.”
    “How exactly does Darrin fit into this? Why is he in charge of you and who receives the wishes?”
    “He’s in charge because he owns the jewelry. Technically, we belong to him.”
    “How did Darrin acquire you?”
    “While researching genie magic, he discovered the existence of gen-vamps. Then he spent years searching for gen-vamp jewelry, with the purpose of using our magic to help people. Darrin is a decent man.”
    Tessa wasn’t sure if anyone related to this was decent. “How many gen-vamps does he own?”
    “Six. It’s a small number, considering that there are thousands of us out there.”
    “If Darrin is so wonderful, why doesn’t he just release you?”
    “He can’t. Jewelry owners don’t have that kind of power.”
    “Why are the wishes you grant so short?”
    “Hybrids aren’t strong enough to fulfill lifelong wishes. Being a mixed-breed lessens the magic.”
    She glanced at his untouched cocktail. She’d been right about it being a prop. He apparently didn’t drink anything but blood.
    “May I go to your room with you?” he asked, prodding her for permission.
    She winced. Earlier she’d been fantasizing about sleeping with him, not becoming his meal. It wasn’t fair that she’d been thrown a curveball.
    He persisted. “Tessa, my darling, it’s time to pay the piper or give up the wish.”
    “Stop rushing me. And I’m not your darling.”
    He smiled. “You have a cute temper.”
    She frowned and swigged her Garbo. She wasn’t feeling the slightest bit cute. But she wasn’t ready to return to her ugly self, either.
    Another patron walked by, and Anthony quickly switched his eyes back to brown, looking mortal again. Tessa drained the rest of her drink.
    “I can’t kill you or turn you into what I am,” he said. “I could have when I was a regular vampire, but I’m not capable of those things anymore.”
    She stalled for time. “How long were you a regular vampire?”
    “Only a few months. I barely got my fangs wet.”
    Did that mean that he’d never turned or killed anyone? “Can you drink too much and make me weak?”
    “Yes, but I won’t.”
    “Will being bit by you hurt?”
    “A little. But I’ve been told that it can be pleasurable, too.”
    Her skin went warm. “You mean sexually?”
    He lifted his brows. “Do you want it to be sexual?”
    She shifted in her seat. “No.”
    “That’s good. Because it isn’t.”
    A wave of disappointment came over her, but she willed it away. She wasn’t going to start fantasizing about him again. It was bad enough that she found him so damned attractive.
    “What kind of pleasure is it?” she asked.
    “It creates a euphoric sensation, like being happily drunk or drugged.”
    “How many times will you have to feed?”
    “Once a night.”
    “And how long will the feedings themselves last?”
    “Just a few minutes.”
    She continued to question him. “Are you going to go back into the pendant in-between feedings?”
    “Actually, I’m free to roam while your wish is in progress. I plan on renting a bungalow.”
    Surprised, she glanced at the garden view. “You have money for that? The bungalows are terribly expensive.”
    “I can conjure necessities for myself. Besides, I have a fondness for this hotel. I remember it in its heyday.”
    “That must have been thrilling.”
    “It was.” But clearly he wasn’t in the mood to keep talking about it. “Come now, Tessa. No more dragging your feet. Let me drink from you. Let me taste your human warmth.”
    God help her.
    Unable to give up her wish, she invited him to her room, praying for the strength to endure his bloodsucking bite.

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