The blood fever hit Adrian without warning.
He woke burning, every nerve ending on fire, his body demanding Kieran's blood and body with overwhelming intensity.
"Kieran," Adrian gasped, already crawling on top of him. "Need you. Need your blood. Need everything."
Kieran woke immediately, his eyes going red as he sensed Adrian's state. "Blood fever. Happens to bonded mates occasionally. Your body is demanding connection."
"Then give it to me!"
Adrian's fangs sank into Kieran's throat before Kieran could respond, drinking desperately. The taste of Kieran's ancient blood only intensified his need.
Kieran flipped their positions, pinning Adrian beneath him. "If we're doing this, we're doing it properly."
He entered Adrian in one smooth thrust, both of them groaning. Adrian's fangs remained in Kieran's throat, drinking continuously as Kieran moved inside him.
The combination was overwhelming—blood and sex and the bond amplifying everything. Adrian couldn't think, couldn't do anything except feel.
"More," Adrian begged when Kieran's movements slowed. "Harder, faster, more blood—"
Kieran gave him everything, his pace brutal, letting Adrian drink as much as he wanted. They came together explosively, but it wasn't enough.
The fever demanded more.
They made love five times in succession, each as intense as the first. Adrian drank from Kieran throughout, his body needing the blood connection as much as the physical one.
By the time the fever finally broke, Adrian was covered in Kieran's blood and completely exhausted.
"Sorry," Adrian mumbled. "Couldn't control it."
"Don't apologize. Blood fever is natural. You needed me, I gave you everything." Kieran cleaned them both gently. "How do you feel?"
"Satisfied. Complete. Slightly embarrassed."
"Don't be. I liked being needed that desperately."
"Even though I nearly drained you?"
"Even then. You're my mate. My blood is yours."
They slept afterward, Adrian curled against Kieran's chest, the bond between them humming contentedly.