Of Blood and Desire

Chapter OneCammy POV Present Day Cammy’s eyes fluttered open as the first light of dawn crept through the darkness, chasing away the last remnants of night. It was still too early to rise, but excitement buzzed through her veins, making sleep impossible. She curled onto her side, burying her face into her pillow, her copper hair cascading over her cheeks like a silken veil. She willed herself to stay still, to savor the last few moments of quiet before the day truly began, but it was no use. A slow, eager grin spread across her face. Her strange reddish-gold eyes gleamed with delight. She was eighteen today. Taking a deep breath, she sat up. A run would help burn off some of her nervous energy—maybe, just maybe, tonight she would find the one. As much as she had friends, she’d always kept them at a distance, unknowingly shielding her heart. But with her mate, it would be different. No more barriers. No more secrets. She longed for that deep, unbreakable bond, the kind she had

Cammy POV I stared at myself in the bathroom mirror, the bright lights making my already pale skin appear nearly translucent. My dark golden eyes looked almost too large in contrast. The smoky eyeshadow I had applied so perfectly made me look almost unfamiliar. I leaned in closer, inspecting my ghostly complexion, debating whether a bit of bronzer might make me look more... alive. No. The makeup I was wearing was already more than I normally would. Besides, werewolves had sharp senses—if I painted artificial warmth onto my skin, they’d notice. I didn’t want to look like I was trying too hard. My father had always taught me to keep a closed hand, to never let my emotions show too clearly. My stomach twisted in anxious knots, but no one would ever know it. I liked keeping my emotions in check. It was one of the distinct vampire traits I had inherited, something that set me apart from the rest of the wolves. I fit in just enough not to raise suspicion. So what if I was always calm, col

Cammy POVJustine and I arrived at the hotel with Gran and Grandpa. Gran had insisted I ride with them instead of driving myself—likely hoping I wouldn’t need my car when I left. I rolled my eyes at the thought but didn’t argue.The moment we parked, a strange sensation washed over me. My lungs felt tight, though I could go hours without needing to breathe. Still, the pressure was suffocating. As soon as the car stopped, I pushed the door open and inhaled deeply, focusing on slowing my breath. Inhale. Exhale."Cams, wait up!" Justine’s voice pulled me back. I blinked, realizing I had already walked halfway to the entrance, my body moving on autopilot.I had to force myself to stop and wait as she caught up. Gran and Grandpa stood together nearby, wrapped in each other's arms as if they couldn’t bear to be apart. The sight made my chest ache. I wanted what they had.Justine finally reached me, her dark hair shimmering under the glow of the streetlamps. Her light gold eyes were accentua

Kai POV The angel in my arms was intoxicating. Her scent wrapped around me—vanilla and almond—seeping into my veins like an addiction. Every breath I took was filled with her essence, grounding me in a way I hadn’t realized I needed. Liquid gold eyes and fiery copper hair. Stunning. Mesmerizing. Mine. The mate bond pulsed between us, powerful and undeniable, strengthening my wolf. And I revelled in the power surging through me. I had never felt this kind of pull before—a force that demanded I protect her, cherish her. The realization settled deep in my bones: I would never let her go. I was parched after nearly an hour of conversing with every fucking face in the room. If it weren't for the bewitching sound of her gentle voice as she graciously accepted the congratulations, I would have been fucking annoyed. But that voice. I had never heard anything like it before. So feminine. Like tranquil waters. I barely registered the swarming around us, their words blending into a monoto

Kai POV "Let's get out of here." I whispered in her ear. She stiffened in my arms for a second before looking up, meeting my eyes and nodding. I led her up to our room with my hand on the small of her back. My hand buzzing from the contact and sending the sensation through my entire body. Each step forward had the tension building. The ride up the elevator to the 5th floor had me nearly panting at her scent being confined in the small space. Vanilla and almond. She kept glancing at me out of the corner of her eye as I leaned against the side wall of the empty elevator taking her in with my eyes. The fuck-me heels she donned on her little feet accentuated her toned ivory legs. Her sinful red dress hitting mid thigh, leaving much to be desired. And desire I did. The bodice hugging the swells of her breasts. They would fit perfectly in my large hands. Her heart shaped face housed her full red lips, perfectly angled nose and intense gold eyes. The elevator doors dinged open. But I c