As if he would. She was turning into a bloodbag. He’s not into necrophilia.

She inwardly cringed. The fear returned just thinking about what was happening to her body and what would come when morning hit.

“What are you thinking? Are you cold?”

It was warm in the tiny room with them sealed inside. “I’m fine.” She closed her eyes and her head sagged down. “No. I guess I’m not. But I’m not cold.” More memories surfaced. “They attacked Veso.”

“What?”

“Veso,” she whispered. “They said they ‘played’ with him.”

“He can take care of himself against Vampires.” Anger deepened his voice. “Was he with you, then left you alone to face off against them?”

“No. I never saw him during my shift,” she admitted.

“Kira?”

The gentle urge of his voice forced her to look at him again. Tears filled her eyes but she blinked to keep them from spilling. “Will my heart stop beating?” The concept sickened her. “Dad never would tell me all that much about full-blooded Vampires. Do you know?”

“It will slow but not stop while you rest.”

That was a relief, albeit a small one.

“You’ll go into a deep sleep, and with you being so new, probably not be able to waken at all while the sun is up. It’s a defense mechanism for new Vampires. It’s instinctual to sleep when it’s the most dangerous time for you.”

“What about later?”

“Older Vamps can move around fine inside their lairs but it might take you a while to accomplish that, unless the bastard who did this was pretty strong. Then you’ll stay awake if you want. We won’t know for sure what traits you’ll get until you’re done transforming. Right now your body is suffering the changes. You’ll be out today for sure, to complete what was done.”

The idea was terrifying.

“I’ll protect you.” He drew so close their lips nearly touched, his gaze intent. “No one is going to get close to you except me.”

Their childhood friendship must account for why he broke the rules. Anyone else except her father would have ended her life as soon as they realized what was happening to her body.

He tensed, his muscles bunching as he lifted her. She understood how a doll felt as she was turned in his arms once he’d stood, and he pulled her against his chest. She hung there limp and tried to wrap her arms around his neck. They sluggishly moved enough for her to at least rest them over the top of his shoulders. The door opening chilled her as cooler air hit her body. Lorn walked slowly, every inch of the front of her rubbing against him.

The bed was close and she got her first look at his den. It wasn’t a big place, dimly lit, but it had all the comforts of a nice hideaway. A kitchenette had been built in the corner, there was a table built for four but with only two chairs, and the bed took up most of the space. He took her to the table and laid her down across the top of it. The wood was smooth against her back.

“Okay,” he whispered. “This is the tough part.”

She blinked up at him. It was embarrassing to be so weakened in front of him but her body just refused to work right.

“Thank you.” She wanted to make sure he knew how grateful she was. He was taking serious risks by protecting her from clan law. He’d be punished if anyone discovered he harbored a bloodbag.

He turned away to stalk to a cabinet, coming back with towels. He dropped them on the back of a chair before frowning. “Close your eyes.”

She did as he asked, hearing the sound of his movements. Then immediately peeked, too curious to know what he was doing.

It was a shock to find him bent over as he removed his soaked boxers. His ass was as tan as the rest of him. She closed her eyes again.

He took a deep breath. “I have a towel wrapped around me. I’m decent but we need to get your wet clothes off and get you dry. Once I do that, I’ll put you to bed.”

He would see her helpless and naked. It just got worse, in her opinion. First, she was turning into what he’d consider an enemy, and now he was about to see her totally nude. She just gave a sharp nod and kept her eyes closed, too humiliated to watch or see his reactions.

His large hands were gentle when he gripped the front of her bra. One hard tug and material tore. She hadn’t expected that and her eyes flew open, staring at him. He held her gaze, avoiding looking at her breasts as he carefully stripped the bra from her arms and tugged it out from under her. A towel dropped over her chest.

“I’m not looking.”

To prove his point, he squeezed his eyes closed. His hands gripped one side of her underwear after feeling for her hip with his fingertips and he gave it a quick jerk. The wet material didn’t stand a chance against his strength. He repeated the process on the other side and blindly reached for the last towel, laying it over her from stomach to knees. He finally looked at her.

His hands stayed on top of the towel as he rubbed. It was near torture to have him finally touching her but under such horrible circumstances. Numbness was spreading through her body so she couldn’t even enjoy it. He leaned over her, his wet hair dripping a little, and carefully lifted her in a way that sat her up. One of his arms stayed around her middle to help her remain seated as he tugged the towel around her to pat her back dry.

“How are you doing?”

“Tired,” she admitted. “Cold.”

He leaned back enough for her to clearly see his face. He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple bobbing. “I’ll bring you to bed and keep you warm, okay? I won’t leave your side. Know that you’re safe. Nothing can breach the den and even if it did, I’d never allow anything to get within ten feet of you while you’re helpless.”

“Than—”

“Don’t,” he snarled, the sound loud and full of anger.

She closed her mouth.

“Never thank me for keeping you safe.” His tone softened. “I’m just sorry I wasn’t there when you really needed me.”

“You were there when I needed you the most. I’m still alive.” Is that accurate? I think my heart is still beating. She wasn’t sure since she didn’t know much about Vampires and her body felt so strange. “You’re saving me, Lorn. Anyone else would have taken me out the moment they found me and realized what had happened.”