Chapter 7

Lucy's POV The human trembled beneath my hands, his heartbeat a thundering temptation. I could smell his fear, taste it in the air, and something dark inside me rejoiced. "Control," Cassie's voice came from behind me. "You're not an animal, Lucy. You're a predator. There's a difference." We were in a private room beneath Constantine Industries, one I hadn't known existed until tonight. The human – a willing volunteer, Cassie had assured me – waited for my bite. "I can't," I whispered, fighting the burning in my throat. "You can and you will." Cassie's voice was iron. "Show me you can feed without killing. Show me you can control the darkness." I lowered my mouth to his neck, letting my fangs brush his skin. His pulse jumped, and the monster in me surged forward— "Stop." Cassie pulled me back. "You're letting it control you again. Remember what I taught you. Precision. Purpose. Power." I took an unnecessary breath, centering myself. This time, when I approached, I was in control