Ascend (The Vampire Destiny Series Book #4) Read Online Free PDF

touch, one arm reached up to bury my fingers in his soft blond hair at the nape of his neck. His thoughts were cautious, bordering on worry.  He'd felt my rapidly fluctuating moods and simply reacted to pacify me, attempting to temper his mood to accommodate me.  My change, while expected, had happened so quickly even he hadn’t had time to prepare.  He was out if his element, and Stefan didn’t like to be out of control.  He hadn't predicted or seen the change.  He was anxious to reconnect, our bond screaming out for one another.
    "What is it they say? A penny for your thoughts?" The deep timbre of his voice had surprised me.  Nestling deeper in his arms, I closed my eyes against the burning tears that threatened to spill over.
    I couldn't slow my mind down enough to focus on one thought.  I was worried about bloodlust, Stefan's own brush with death, my father...the worry of our growing bond. I was almost immobilized when our bond was severed.  How could we ever be apart?
    His hold on me tightened as he read my frazzled thoughts.  A rush of strength flooded through me, his own assurance bolstering my flagging spirits.
    His lips tickled my ear.  "It will work itself out, Josephine.  I will not let you fail.  You are stronger than you think."
    He always knew what to say.  Twisting in his arms, my fingers caressed the planes of his face.  I was still amazed as I took him in, so much more beautiful than my human eyes had ever been able to perceive.  His deep-set sea blue eyes twinkled brightly, his prominently arched cheekbones standing out sharply only to taper to his strong, chiseled jawline.  Light sandy blond stubble darkened his face, tickling my fingertips.
    He captured my hand in his and brought them to his lips.  His warm breath was ragged against my skin as he kissed each finger softly.
    I closed my eyes as his mouth ghosted over my skin.  "Your strength is the only thing holding me together right now.  I feel so much more than before.  It's..."
    "Overwhelming?  Frustrating? I have been there before. It will get easier.  You are hours old."  Stefan finished reassuringly.  "Come."
    He tugged at my hand and led me into the kitchen.  As soon as I stepped away from the window, my throat was on fire.  The most alluring smell filled my nose, my mouth almost watering as I inhaled the intoxicating elixir.   My mind began to shut down, instinct threatening to take over.
    Blood.  It was all my mind could think about.  I wanted it...I needed it.  I began to pull at Stefan’s hand, struggling weakly against the much stronger vampire.
    The one time I thought I might be able to match him in physical strength and I still came up short.  Figures.
    "Enough.  Focus."   His mental voice was sharp and was like a much-needed slap across the face. I stood with my mouth gaping, wide-eyed and cautious. He pulled me to a sudden stop and his hands rested heavily on my shoulders.  My eyes skittered to his face.  His expression was soft, a contradiction to his harsh mental command.
    "I know it is difficult, Josephine.  Your mind is fragmented and it is difficult to concentrate on the smallest of things.  You must focus.  Learn how to control your urges.  Direct it as you do your shield."
    Nodding quickly, I remembered my old trick of pretending to bring a curtain down over my mind, instead directing it to my sense of smell.  Once shielded from the temptation, my mind cleared and my mood settled.  I licked my dry lips anxiously. "It’s much better.  I'm ready."
    His lips curled into a proud smile as we resumed our trip to the kitchen, his hand firmly holding mine.  I swallowed roughly as I noticed the large glass sitting on the counter, my fingers tightening around his.  My sense of smell was closed, but my mouth still watered as I imagined the soothing liquid rushing over my parched throat.  When our eyes met, his eyes were pitch black and I’m sure mine was as dark as his.
    “Fuck," he suddenly