Chapter 18: Clandestine Offering 2

"Bite me"

She looks at him for a moment then she heard it the pumping of blood on his exposed skin the vein bulging out. She licked her lips and sinked her teeth into his flesh. He let out a gasp and she sucked on his blood like her life depended on it which it did.

As Allegra drinks, she feels a surge of energy coursing through her veins, revitalizing her weakened body. Donovan's scent fills her senses, the aroma of his blood mingling with the faint scent of his cologne. She can feel his heartbeat echoing in her ears, steady and strong, matching the rhythm of her own.

After a moment, she releases him, her fangs retracting as she pulls away. Donovan leans back, a mixture of surprise and satisfaction in his eyes. Allegra wipes the blood from her lips, feeling a sense of guilt and gratitude swirling within her.

"Thank you," she murmurs, her voice barely above a whisper.

Donovan nods, his gaze intense as he meets her eyes. "You needed it," he replies simply.

They stand there in silence for a moment, the weight of their shared experience hanging in the air between them. Allegra's mind races with questions, but she holds her tongue, unsure of what to say next.

Finally, Donovan breaks the silence. "You should rest," he says with a detached tone.

Allegra nods, feeling a wave of exhaustion wash over her. She follows him out of the room, her thoughts swirling with uncertainty and intrigue.

As Donovan enters the dining hall, his presence commands attention. Allegra, feeling slightly refreshed, follows suit, her gaze lingering on the intricate details of the grand hall. Unsure of her way around, she patiently waits for Declan, knowing he would guide her through the unfamiliar territory of his family's estate.

Allegra notices the absence of Olivia, as well as the Alpha, Luna, and grandmother. Her attention shifts to Dante, who gazes at his younger brother with concern etched on his features. Donovan, however, appears distant and detached, his eyes downcast, emanating an aura of sadness and pain. Allegra wonders about the cause of his demeanor, intrigued by the mystery shrouding his troubled expression.

"Donny?"

Dante's attempt to lift Donovan's spirits was met with a vacant stare, devoid of emotion. "Cheer up. Don't mind father, he's always like that. But maybe if you try coming on time or.." Donovan's eyes seemed to hold the weight of the world, reflecting a profound emptiness. Dante carefully chose his words, mindful not to provoke Donovan's unpredictable temper. He remembered the one time Donovan's anger had surfaced—a terrifying display of wrath directed at a witch who dared to harm their mother, the Luna. Even their father had been unsettled by Donovan's ruthless vengeance. Donovan was like a ticking time bomb, capable of explosive outbursts. Dante approached him with caution, knowing that provoking him could have dire consequences.

"Ah, Donny, you're like a sour candy. So sour!" Declan teased, nudging Donovan playfully.

"Don't remind me," Donovan grumbled, rolling his eyes.

"Remember when he was about to have his first shift?" Dante chimed in, a mischievous grin playing on his lips.

"How could I ever forget... especially when you won't let me Deke!" Donovan muttered under his breath, earning a chuckle from Dante.

"He thought he was on his period!" Dante burst into laughter, causing Allegra's eyebrows to shoot up in surprise.

"He said, 'I don't want to be a girl!'" Declan chimed in, doubling over with laughter. Even Donovan couldn't suppress a smile, his dimples faintly visible as he shook his head in amusement. With their matching dark hair, light tan complexion, and blue-grey eyes, the brothers bore a striking resemblance to each other, each towering over the other in height.

"I always thought vampires only drink blood. Never would I have seen it for myself that vampires eat food," Dante remarked, his curiosity evident in his voice. Allegra's gaze shifted to Donovan, noting the subtle pink tint on his cheeks. Perhaps he didn't venture out often, she speculated.

"Do you need blood?" Dante inquired again, his interest piqued. Donovan appeared flustered, "Fuck.." he muttered, avoiding eye contact as he stood up abruptly.

"Where are you going? Grandma—" Dante protested, but his grandmother cut him off.

"Don't 'grandma' me. I'd better go rest... I'm so tired," their grandma interjected, making a swift exit. Allegra watched Donovan go, sensing an air of discomfort surrounding him.

"Same with me. I better get going. Say hi to Theodora for me," Declan chimed in, excusing himself. Theodora was Dante's mate, and Allegra observed the fondness in his tone as he mentioned her.

"So that's it?! I'm left alone??" Dante exclaimed, frustration evident in his voice as he realized he was the only one remaining.

—-

As they arrived at Declan's private manor, he couldn't help but comment on Allegra's fiery display earlier. "Quite some show you put up there. With the fireworks and the wicked tease done to Olivia, remind me not to anger you," he chuckled. Allegra simply smiled in response, the memory of her confrontation with Olivia still fresh in her mind.

Declan paused and turned to her, his expression softening. "Don't let her words get to you... You aren't a slave, okay?" he reassured her. She nodded, grateful for his support and understanding.

"Your room is on the second floor, third room to the right," Declan continued, providing her with directions. Again, she nodded, silently acknowledging his instructions.

"I'll send someone to give you blood," he added before she could disappear into the solitude of her room. With a final nod, Allegra hurried off, grateful for the sanctuary of her own space.

A gentle knock echoed through the quiet of Allegra's room, and she already knew who it was. It was the maid, bearing a rabbit and a jar of warm blood. "I didn't know if you wanted it straight from the source or from a jar..." the maid hesitated.

"Thank you," Allegra replied softly, accepting the offerings. With a swift movement, she took the rabbit and uncapped the jar, drinking every last drop of the warm blood, replenishing herself and satisfying her hunger. As the life drained from the little rabbit, she couldn't help but feel a pang of remorse, but it was a necessary sacrifice to sustain herself.