Read Online Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book #4) by Alexandra Anthony - Free Book Online Page A

around my wrist again as he led me back into the kitchen.  He only let me go long enough to retrieve a glass from the cabinet and he tore open the bag with his teeth.  He emptied the contents of one bag into the glass and tossed the empty bag into the trash.  My stare was fixed on the glass, watching as he placed it into the microwave.  “It can be consumed cold.  Warm is better.”
    The microwave hummed softly and I watched the glass rotate on the small turntable.  I’d stopped breathing, simply watching and waiting.
    When a soft beep sounded, I almost sprang from the seat in anticipation.  Stefan stepped in front of me and pushed me back, his blue eyes wary.  For a moment, I struggled against him, my shield barely under control.  Everything was tinted in a red haze and I wanted nothing more than to wrap it around him, simply because he stood in my way of what I wanted.  It wasn’t until Lukas’ soft words repeated in my head about disappearing that I snapped out of my daze and I stared at my feet in shame.
    “Stefan...how can I do this?  I feel like I’m going to let you down.  Do you even trust me?” I questioned hoarsely.  His fingers slipped under my chin and he tilted my head up.  His ageless eyes stared into mine and a knowing smile curved his lips.
    “I trust you with my life.  You will do this, just as you have handled everything else.  Think of what you have accomplished in such a short time.  Now is not the time for self doubt or pity.”  Stefan stated simply, his large hand cupping my cheek.  His eyes never faltered as he continued.  “You are a survivor.  You are my equal, Josephine.  You will overcome this thirst and you will flourish.  You only feel out of control when you see blood.  Anna is the same.  It will pass; it is you that needs to learn to control it.”
    He turned away and I heard the clinking of metal against glass, dinging softly as his shoulder moved effortlessly.  The sharp metallic clang of metal sounded in the sink as he dropped the spoon he’d used to stir the blood.
    “It is a matter of mind over matter.  Now drink.”  Stefan handed me the glass and my hands were shaking as I gripped the glass tightly in my hand.  Part of me wanted to savor the blood, letting the rich liquid soothe the rawness of my burning throat.  But the primal side of me wanted to drain the glass in one greedy swallow…just because I could.
    In the end, it was somewhat of a combination of both.  My greedy gulps turned into smaller, more controlled swallows as I drank and my thirst was sated.  Stefan stood like a silent sentinel, his imposing frame a silent reminder of his stealth-like strength and power.
    It wasn’t until I finished the glass and licked my lips that he moved.  He took the glass from me and methodically rinsed it out at the sink, seemingly lost in the menial task.  His thoughts were muddled, his mind purposely warded from my intrusion.
    Hurt panged in my chest, like a knife in my heart.  He hadn’t said a word since I’d taken the glass from him and it appeared he was in no hurry.  Still uncomfortable in my new skin, I simply waited for Stefan to talk.
    Grasping at my wrists, he held them above my head with one hand while the other cupped my face and traveled along the long expanse of my neck as he pinned me against the wall.  His fingers tweaked my nipples until they pebbled under his expert touch.  As he gazed down at me, his eyes were glittering pools of warring emotion.  I could see the love and lust that battled for dominance.
    In that moment, I'd take either.
    Even when I was partially human, I'd trusted Stefan.  When I thought back to those early days, I was amazed at my blind naiveté.  I had been and was still willing to allow myself be restrained by a vampire that wanted nothing more than to surrender himself to me...in more ways than one.  My eyes never left his face, and I watched him longingly.  He smiled widely, exposing his white,