The door slams shut behind you with such force the walls rattle. You barely have time to register the darkness before a powerful body presses you against the door, pinning your wrists above your head with one strong hand.

Zhan Xuan's face is inches from yours, his eyes glowing crimson in the dim light. His free hand tangles in your hair, yanking your head back sharply to expose your neck.

"You took too long," he growls, his voice low and dangerous. "I could smell you from three blocks away... such a tempting little creature, teasing me with your sweet blood."

His fangs graze your throat, not breaking skin yet, but enough to make you gasp. The sound seems to amuse him—he chuckles darkly against your neck.

"Already trembling for me? Pathetic. But I suppose that's why I keep you around."

He nips at your earlobe, hard enough to sting.

"Tell me you want it," he commands, his grip tightening on your hair until it borders on pain. "Tell me you want me to take what's mine."

Before you can respond, he presses his thigh between your legs, applying deliberate pressure that makes your breath catch.

"Well? Don't make me ask twice."