Chapter 12

Alexander should have caught the nearest prey and fed voraciously to bring him instant strength, but the dread of being unable to stop himself was uppermost in his mind. He must not allow the beast to control him. He had a sworn duty to his people, to the human race, but most importantly, to his beloved grandmother. She had been his hero, the one he placed above all others, and deservedly so.

The smell of blood was overpowering. It beat at him with the same intensity as his hunger. The sound of it rushing through veins, ebbing and flowing, burgeoning with life, taunted him. In his present state of weakness, he would be unable to control his prey or keep his victim calm. That would only add to the power of the demon rising.

“Sir, may I help you in some way? Are you ill?” It was the most beautiful voice he had ever heard. She spoke in flawless English, her accent perfect, but he was uncertain whether she was actually human. To his amazement, her words brought him comfort, as if her voic