14

“Why shouldn’t you want me?” Even under the heavy beat of the music, I could hear the breathless quality of my voice. I was far more invested in his answer to the question than I should be.

He laughed. “Have you paid any attention in class? Pacts and treaties are the backbone of our society. The Blackthornes and Fallons have sworn to never join. The risk of our species mixing is too great.”

“You’re a Blackthorne?” I went rigid in his arms. I knew exactly what he was talking about. The abominations created when a shifter and vampire joined usually died. Not because one killed the other, but because usually, the vampire turned their mate, and the shifter blood rejected it.

Instead of releasing me, he held me tighter, his eyes laser-focused on my throat. “I am. My father is Cashel Blackthorne, and I am the heir to the Blackthorne bloodline. I’m sorry, I should’ve told you.”

“Then you shouldn’t be spending time with me.”