Shiver by Yolanda Sfetsos

eyes shone with rage.
    Knox didn’t condone violence against women, but couldn’t help fantasizing about snaking his legs around this bitch’s neck so he could drag her to him and drink the life blood from her veins.
    If this irritating woman got close enough, would he bite her?
    The thought made his gums ache until the fangs elongated, and he growled to keep them at bay. He refused to become just another violent asshole. There was no denying he was already deep in thrall of the change, but he didn’t have to lose complete touch with his humanity. As strange as it was, remembering what the creepy old lady said helped keep him anchored, encouraging him to keep a tighter grasp on his self-control.
    Knox’s knowledge of vampires wasn’t extensive, but it was enough. He needed blood to survive and would spend the rest of his life sneaking around in the dark. But he wouldn’t admit defeat by turning into a vile monster.
    Meiling crouched in front of him. His determination to remain in control gave everything a surreal edge.
    “Stealing something that doesn’t belong to you wasn’t a good idea, was it, Knox?” Her teeth gleamed under the moonlight.
    “I told you everything I know. What do you want from me?” She was too close, causing his hunger to swell. His skin felt too tight over his bones. If she didn’t step away soon, no amount of restraint would keep her safe. He needed her blood. Now.
    “I just want to know where Keith, Garth and Carrie are. The last time I spoke to them, they claimed to have some precious cargo for me.”
    He avoided her eyes, but could still smell her blood. Her heart beat louder than the others. “I don’t know who you’re talking about.”
    She tsked. “I need to know.” She ran a hand over his bristly cheek. “We all answer to someone, don’t we?”
    Knox squirmed at her cold touch.
    She sighed, her breath cool on his face. He thought she might finally back off, but instead continued to caress his cheek. Her fingertips ran down the side of his neck, leaving a chilly trail along his skin. She paused near the twin bite marks.
    “So these are the scars that mark what you are?”
    Scars? The last time he’d felt the vampire bite, there’d been twin punctures. “Nah, they’re from a work-related injury.”
    She dragged her finger down his shoulder, pausing just above the X she’d cut into his chest. “It’s such a shame to mar this lovely body.” Her index finger slipped between the two cuts, pinching his skin but otherwise not causing much pain. “Are you leaving anything out?”
    “No.”
    “What did you do with my people?”
    “Nothing.”
    “Why did you kill them?”
    “I didn’t.” He gritted his teeth, determined to keep up the charade and pretend her attempted torture was working. The real torture was having her so close, the intoxicating scent of the blood pumping through her body made him ravenous.
    “Who are you, and where do you really come from?”
    He collected his thoughts, trying to clear away the hunger. “I’m a warrior from the Clash Arena, damn it!” Maybe that would get her off his back.
    Shock softened her features, but just for a moment. “You’re one of the gladiators?”
    He clenched his jaw tight and managed a nod.
    “Well, you might be more valuable than I thought.”
    She was still too close. Every bit of his self-control was slowly disintegrating. All he wanted to do was unhinge his jaw because the fangs felt too big for his mouth. He growled and snapped his teeth at her to find any bit of exposed skin, but Meiling pulled away.
    She scrambled backward, glaring at him with shocked, wide eyes. “Control yourself, blood-getter.”
    The man with the rifle stepped closer, his weapon still aimed at Knox. “Shit, I think I remember him. He was one of the last fighters to take the stage before the arena blew up. I thought there was something familiar about him. Boss, that’s when he was bitten! Are you sure it’s a good idea to keep him