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"Then you want to keep this binding?" Scarlet asked, skeptically. She took a step closer. "Even though it breaks down your integrity as a sentient being?" Another step closer. She could almost touch him. "You don't care about me humiliating you for my personal entertainment so long as it has a few perks?" She took the last step, close enough to breathe down his neck. "You want me to finish the binding and own you completely?"

Scarlet stroked Jericho's head like he was a beloved canine companion. "Your blush told me as much. But now I'm not sure what to do with you. If you were more experienced, I would have no qualms about using you. But you have been so tormented for so much of your young life..."

She sighed. Most of the time, she didn't have a problem inducting young men into the pleasures of physical intimacy. And this particular young man was so very tempting--werewolves were famous for their stamina. But did she dare add one more stain on her blackened soul when she knew taking advantage would be so horribly wrong?

"Tell me how to complete the binding, precious," she finally said. "At least that way, no one else will harm you."

Scarlet didn't hesitate. She used the sharp nails of one hand to slice her other palm. Then she pressed it to the blood on his chest.

"I will care for you, precious," she promised. Then she pulled her hand away and licked it clean. His blood was woodsy and savory. Now that she'd had a taste, it would be even harder to resist. But she was good at keeping herself in control.

Scarlet knelt by his body, concerned. She placed a firm hand on the seal--he had said it could ease pain. She could tell the binding was taking effect, but she didn't like how painful it was. Gently, she placed his head on her lap and stroked his hair affectionately.

"Always, precious," she whispered. She scooped him up, and easily carried him to her bed. She tucked her blankets in around him and tousled his hair once more. "Rest. I'll sleep in your room, so you will be safe tonight. We'll do more tomorrow."

Instead of going to the adjacent chambers, Scarlet went to her study first. She wrote a quick message to her brother, asking him about tattoo bindings--he would know something was up, but wouldn't actually drop in unless she asked. He was a good brother, that way. Next she sent a servant to her library to find a book on werewolves, and studied it until the sun was almost up. Frustrated with her fruitless efforts, she called one of her consensual donors and ate quickly. Human blood wasn't nearly as rich as lycan, but it was satisfying.

Finally, she checked on Jericho again. She impulsively kissed him on the forehead and left for her bed for the day. Her consort's chambers were cozy and comfortable. Without any windows or skylights, it was lit with warm lamps. She stripped and burrowed under the covers of the smaller bed, and then quickly fell into the death-like trance that passed for sleep among her kind.

As soon as the sun set, she woke.

Scarlet looked over at the wine glass full of rich lycan blood. Her mouth watered. She really shouldn't indulge. It wasn't good for her. It would only make her want more, and that could be complicated. She really really really shouldn't...

Too late; the glass was completely drained.

Scarlet licked her lips self-consciously. She got up and went back to her chambers. Jericho was gone, but he would be easy enough to find. She slipped into a fresh skirt and bodice, and then rushed through castle with blurring speed. She tracked him to the kitchen where he was doing chores.

"You know, precious, I have a rather extensive staff to take care of that," she told him by way of announcing her presence.

Scarlet came up behind him and gave him a hug.

"Well, I think you look absolutely adorable," she insisted. "And as for something to do...Have you eaten yet? Because if you haven't, there's a stag in the forest behind the house who is always eating all the tender bits out of cook's garden. It's a menace to vegetation, but it's so swift that none of my groundskeepers can catch it."