Just as I would never harm Juliet.
Calina took in Juliet’s bow, then studied Darius’s stoic expression. “You allow this?”
“It’s what society requires of us,” he replied.
“And you accept that?”
“Whether I accept it or not is a moot point. This is the world we live in. If you want to survive, you need to follow the rules. Which you’re doing a shit job of right now by continuing to stare directly at me and speaking to me as though we’re equals.” Darius’s sharp words sliced through the air, drawing goose bumps along Juliet’s arms. She responded so beautifully to his dominance.
Yet I remained captivated by Calina’s shrewd expression as she evaluated everything we said. Darius’s tone didn’t impact her at all, her mind too busy processing the words to consider his delivery of them.
“If you’re now king, you could change this,” she said, her focus shifting to me. “If that’s your desire.”
“I could,” I agreed. “With the right support.”
She remained silent for a long, thoughtful moment. “A strategic game of winning over enough support before you properly take over. That’s why you’ve not publicized Lilith’s death yet. You need more support.”
I merely smiled. “Regardless of what my intentions may or may not be, I need you to learn your place in this world. Failure on your part will lead to a most unpleasant future. And it could also put my life at risk, which isn’t acceptable.”
She took in Juliet’s posture once more. “Erositasused to be revered. She resembles a slave in that position.”
“That’s precisely the point,” Darius said, stepping forward. “She’s my blood virgin. I purchased her from an auction, and she’s here to do exactly what I say. No arguments. No contrary opinions. Just beautiful submission.” He stopped in front of Juliet, his knuckles brushing her cheek. “Isn’t that right, Juliet?”
“Yes, Sire.” Her voice lacked hesitation, not just because she trusted him, but because she’d been taught to act this way.
“Juliet spent twenty-two years at the Coventus, learning how to submit to her future owner. She expected to die the night I purchased her because most blood virgins do. Their blood is rich and addictive, and it’s rumored that they taste even sweeter with their death.” Darius’s touch shifted down to her chin as he drew her gaze up to his. “She plays the part beautifully.”
The compliment painted a pretty blush on her features. “Thank you, Sire.”
“Are you ready to play with her, My Prince? Or can I do the honors?” Darius asked, his formality telling me he’d fallen into the roles I’d suggested when Juliet and Calina had appeared.
Rather than answer him, I took on my own part in this act and ignored him.
“Vampires love the pleasures of life,” I murmured, my gaze holding Calina’s as I approached her slowly, my steps a silent saunter across the carpeted floor of the jet. “We feed. We fuck. And we always take what we want.”
She swallowed, her pupils flaring to thin the vibrant colors of her irises.
“Most of us have lost our sense of humanity over the years,” I continued softly as I paused before her. “We enjoy being the superior race, Calina. We accept all the rewards that come with it and ignore all the responsibilities.”
Or most of us did, anyway. Which was the primary point of the change I desired.
But that was the purpose of our discussion right now.
I lifted my hand to cup her cheek and allowed my thumb to trace her bottom lip.
“Humans have been groomed to submit to our every whim.” I turned her head toward Juliet. “Even now, she remains bowed, aware that it’s my word that will release her. Not her Sire’s. Because vampires and lycans always respect hierarchy and age.”
Calina observed Juliet’s unfaltering pose for another long moment before I guided her back to face me.
“I’m one of the oldest of my kind, Calina. Everyone admires my experience and expertise. Everyone respects me. And everyone does exactly what I say without question. Which is precisely what you will need to do, or I’ll be forced to make an example of you.” It was how our society worked. Disobedience wasn’t tolerated, especially not by humans.
Oh, some vampires enjoyed games. Lycans, too. Many of them lived after playing, but no one went without punishment.
“This is the world Lilith created, the world my kind seems to adore. There are definitely benefits,” I admitted, my gaze dropping to her low neckline and the translucent fabric displaying her erect nipples. “But those benefits are in favor of my brethren, not humans.”
I tilted my head toward Juliet and Darius, my eyes following the motion.
“Show her how we feed when in front of an audience,” I said, the command for Darius. “Consider it practice for what Lajos will desire.”
