The Poisoner (The Poisoner #1)

by I.V. Ophelia

“Are you suggesting that we court publicly?” “Why not?” “You don’t think it would be bad for your reputation?” “You’re intelligent, a uniquely skilled killer, and beautiful beyond my wildest imagination. I think you would be good for my bloodline.” “Very funny,” I scoffed. “Be careful. One might say you almost sound sincere.”

“Now I understand what it is to become obsessed, devoted to possessing someone. Enough to fight the urge to lock you away so no one can set wandering eyes on you again.”

“I want all of you, not just blood. I want every piece of flesh that clings to your bones and more. I want to own every expression that crosses that pretty face. Every hair on your head belongs to me, no part of it untouched by my hands.”

“I don’t belong to you,” I reminded him.

“If you believe that, then maybe you are a fool after all, Alina,”

“You are the fool if you think I could belong to anyone.”

“You say that, but there will come a time when I ask you, and

you will say yes.”

So much energy was dedicated to looking happy instead of actually being happy.

“You get that light in your eyes whenever you look at something you’re curious about. I wanted to see more of it.”

“You belong here, not in a stuffy house surrounded by people who don’t understand you.”

“Eight of the deadliest venoms this world has ever known,” I answered her. “I have friends

in interesting places. I thought maybe you could use them in your research.” I leaned over her as we sat side by side, peering at the box’s contents.

Call me lovelorn, but I adored this woman completely.

“Access to my body in exchange for yours,”

“And when do you suggest that this deal begin?”

“Now,”

“I want to hear you say it. Do you want me?”

“Yes.”

“Please, Silas.” I craved him. “Bite me.”

“Don’t look at me like that,” he said breathlessly, his skin glistening in the warmth. “I won’t be able to stop.”

“Then don’t,”

“You said you wouldn’t,” I breathed. “I lied,” he said lowly. “Why?” “Because you are mine.”

“You said they were supposed to be for your⁠—” “Mate,”

“But I’m⁠—” “You are now.”

“Since when?” “Since I said so.” “And when was that?” “The moment you tried to poison me. The first time. ...

“You were serious about that bloodline quip?” “What reason wo...

“Though as much as it would delight me to introduce you to my bloodline, we both know that wouldn’t wo...

“Then what is the point of such a gesture?” “So your body...

If he were something to be consumed, I feared I would not savor him and would selfishly eat him first—no time for saving the best bite for last. Only the need to have him remained.

I wanted more than to have her close. I wanted her to crawl under my skin and make a home out of my rib cage, for my heart would only beat for her. Not even a single pump of my atria was allowed if it was not for my dearest shadow, my chosen—my Alina.

“Alina,” I whispered, “tell me what you want.” I picked up my pace, burying myself in her as deeply as she would allow. “I…want you,”

“You have me.”

She was mine. All of her. If I had any claim to anything priceless, it was her.

I would give her anything, body, mind, and soul—if I had one. It was all hers to take.

“You are mine,” I whispered against her lips, a smirk forming as I slammed into her as hard as I could. “You will never be rid of me.”

I never thought I could reach the point of craving someone aside from a simple hunger. Starving for her would be more painful than any true hunger. I would rather perish. I was wholeheartedly, pathologically addicted to her.

“Luka,” I warned. “Actually, I rather like Viktor.”

“It will sound so much better falling out in a clumsy mess from your pet’s mouth.”

“Lay a finger on her and I promise you there will be no body for them to find when they look for you.”

“Phoebe”—my voice strained as I pinched the bridge of my nose—“Alina is the Poisoner. How can you be this blind?”

“It’s not my fault that she doesn’t tell me anything anymore now that she’s so busy with you!” she seethed, jabbing a finger at my chest. “You could have told me!”

“Mr. Aston kept you close all these years because he knew that you were a Host. Why do you think his daughter was only allowed one single friend? Do you think a social butterfly like her didn’t keep other friends as a child out of personal preference? She begged for a single friend. It

was the perfect place to keep an eye on you.”

“That can’t be true. She and I grew up together. We are the same age. ...

“You are ...

“That’s because even though we have to be born and grow, we just happen to st...

“She’s just his recent child.” “Recent?” “Yes, well, you’v...

Silas and Phoebe were siblings. Phoebe had been a Vipera this whole time, though she was young.

“Yes! Hosts are approached to serve a Nest or individual. They are paid very well and get to live their lives comfortably,” the maid answered.