KissBeforeDying Read Online Free Page A

kiss before dying. It was everything I’d
heard it was and then some. A drifting off that ensured a host didn’t feel any
pain. I remembered the draws at my neck, the weakness, the lethargy, and the
moment I had finally surrendered to his power by closing my eyes.
    I’d died. I knew I had. He’d drained my very life’s blood.
    Sebastian walked around the side of the bed, tossing my mask
and blonde wig to the floor. He was wrapped in his thick plush black velvet
robe, his contrasting blond hair uneven around his neck and wide shoulders. The
bed sank beneath his weight and I peered up at him. Dying without pain I had
contemplated but not this.
    Would I be punished?
    Would I experience a slow, agonizing death minus a
beheading?
    “Marietta told me of your plan.” He regarded me closely, his
blue eyes bright in the dark room. “She said you wouldn’t be swayed to leave
well enough alone, regardless of what she said.”
    “It’s not her fault.” I tried to defend the house witch and
control my panic. I didn’t want to get anyone in trouble for my choice. “I
would have done the same thing with or without her help.”
    Amused, Sebastian said, “Marietta will receive no
punishment. She helped you because I allowed her to do so. I gave her my
permission.”
    With heart pounding, I found the courage to ask, “Why did
you let me to believe you didn’t know? Why didn’t you call me out? Why play
along?”
    “Katja.” He bent over, urging me onto my back. “Do you know
why blood slaves are virgins?”
    I nodded, suddenly solemn and torn. “Our blood is pure, it’s
more potent.”
    “No, love.” He shook his blond head. “Though that is what we
tell our blood slaves to make the need for purity credible.”
    “I don’t understand,” I murmured.
    “Vampire royalty can’t claim a bride who comes into a family
tainted. Just as they cannot claim a bride who doesn’t choose a life with a
vampire for eternity of her own free will.”
    “A bride?” I echoed, frowning.
    “Yes, sweet, a bride.” He smiled and brushed the hair that
had fallen across my forehead to the side. “Keeping our existence secret is of
paramount importance. As our numbers dwindled, we were forced to look at mortal
society to find eternal companions. The chemistry must be there, of course,
which is why we allow a ten-year period for slaves to become attached to their
masters. But only those who would willingly offer their lives to be with one of
us are worthy of the honor of being changed. It’s rare, to be sure. Most
mortals aren’t willing to sacrifice their life for love.”
    Sebastian stood and removed his robe, allowing the plush
material to fall to the floor to reveal his magnificent body. “I am honored to
be so fortunate.”
    “B-but,” I stammered in confusion, almost losing my train of
thought at the glorious sight of his naked frame as he returned to the bed. “I
don’t understand. I remember what happened.”
    “Do you?” he asked, slightly arrogant, one of his least
desirable traits.
    “Yes.” I glared at him. “I died.”
    “No.” He bowed his head and exhaled against my lips. “You
were reborn.”
    His mouth felt warm—lips too—and I shoved at his chest.
“What did you do? What have you done to me?”
    “I changed you,” he said simply, without a trace of remorse.
“You’ve taken enough of my blood in the past to ensure a shift from mortal to
immortal upon a draining. While your body transformed I’ve waited, anticipating
the moment you finally opened your eyes.”
    “Why,” I whispered, slightly afraid. I knew nothing of
created vampires, only those born.
    “I love you, Katja Arianna Morgan.” He spoke with a
familiarity that revealed he knew far more about me than I was aware. “I have
since I saw you on the platform at Telliandria’s auction. Even then, standing
before the lords and ladies with your head held high, I knew you were special.
But…” He sighed, hands forming into fists. “As