The call to awaken came not from within himself but from outside. At the command, his heart took one beat, and his lungs drew in air.
There was pain with his first breath, and Dedari quickly assessed the damage to his body without moving a muscle or flickering an eyelid, without allowing anything else to intrude while he took inventory.
A thick wrist was pressed to his mouth, and he felt, more than heard, the soft command to replenish what he had lost. He knew immediately who was donating so generously to him.
The blood was ancient and powerful, potent as it soaked into his starving cells, carrying with it the energy and strength of a true ancient.
Dedari slowly opened his eyes and stared up at the blond stranger who was his sister's mate.
Dedari savored the effects of the fresh blood pouring into his body, strong, rich, ancient blood, and already he could feel the healing powers working within him.
