Page 41 of The Vampire’s Prey

"Who are you?" I am vaguely aware that the sheet is halfway down my waist, exposing me to this stranger. Willing a bit, I try to burrow further under, but that doesn't seem to fix the problem.

Tisking softly, she makes her way over to me and slides the sheet fully up my body. "Are you injured, miss?"

I just stare at her for a second and move my wrists back and forth against the bed. "I'm tied up. Do I look okay to you?"

She just stares at me for a second then laughs. "Are you under the impression that I'm here to rescue you? Master Adrian has instructed me to keep an eye on you to make sure you were not hurt by your punishment. Though, if you ask me, he's never usually this attentive with any ward he brings with him."

"Wait, he's brought others here?"

She crosses her arms, fluffing up her ample bosom. "You don't actually think you're the first woman he's had here do you? I thought you might be naive, but not like that."

Scowling, I pin her with my darkest glare. "I'm not naive...I just thought…"

"Now that you mention it though, you are the first woman he's ever allowed a bed for the night. No one spends the night with the master.” Her fingers brush against the apron about her waist. "Now, if you're quite well and through with these theatrics, I will be going back to the kitchen. He has me making you some special food for the next few days, and I want it done by time he gets back. Unlike you, I don't get a swat on the bum when I make a mistake. I'm actually reprimanded."

I watch her flounce off and loneliness slips in mingled with guilt. So much is happening all at once that I don't think I'll ever catch my breath. Exhaustion overtakes me, and I can no longer keep my eyes open. Normally my sleep is void of any dreams, but tonight, I'm plagued by my demons.

7

Adrian

That little minx. I am going to have to watch her a lot more carefully from now on. She can loophole her way out of anything. As I head out to pick up a few things, I mull over some of what she’s revealed. It’s nowhere near all of it, but little by little, it will come out of her. I know it. I can see it in her eyes. She has that same torn look that I am haunted with every time I close my eyes. War is never pretty. And sometimes it reveals the most monstrous of people. I know she’s been hurt, but I cannot tell by whom yet. My gut tells me her adoptive family has something to do with it, but that’s not something you can just confront someone with. I need to draw her closer to me not push her away.

The air is still and quiet, a balm to my busy mind. Her taste still lingers on my tongue, and it takes every ounce of willpower not to turn around and have her again. If I am not going to allow her to pleasure herself, so she can heal, I sure as hell am not going to push her either. Before I know it, I am back in front of Evangeline's apartment. What is it I expect to find? I slip her keys from out of my pocket and open the door. I grimace as the smells hit me again. Now that she is not here, I can take my time and really get a feel for what is going on.

Looking over at the bed, I see the flogger. Dried blood coats its edges. Shuddering, I pick it up and examine it. The design is simple but effective. I have seen similar models at convents and monasteries, but not usually for personal use. A cross adorns the front and looks to be well worn. How often did she do this to herself? What could she have done that was so bad? If it truly is our night together that has her in knots, I must find some way to rectify this in her mind. Principles are one thing, but suffering needlessly is not about to happen on my watch.

Sighing, I sit down on the bed and absently run my fingers over the cross handle. Memories of my own training bombard my senses. My creator is a good man. He is fair and just; however, he is just as obsessed with honor as my little one is with penance. This will never do. I know firsthand the mental harm and anguish it can cause.

Looking around the room, I eye the cloves of garlic again. It is so specific. Why have them at all? Every time she is around me, she treats me like I am a human, and yet, she has all the accoutrements of someone afraid of vampires. Luckily for both of us, none of this kitschy stuff actually works. I make my way over to the garlic and crosses and run my fingers over them. What is going through that brain of hers?

I make one more sweep through, just to double check that she didn’t actually leave anything valuable behind before stepping out into the night and locking up. My heart is conflicted. There is a part of me that wants to shake her and demand she tell me what is going on. However, I also know that she is immune. She has likely been programmed. By what, I don’t know. All I will do by demanding is frighten her into silence.

I need to talk to Lucius. Something isn’t right, and I can feel it in my core. The small drive back to the club zips by in a blur. By the time I am back inside, it is about an hour until last call. Scanning the middle level of the club, I don’t see Lucius. The next best bet would be downstairs.

Nodding to Augustus, I slip past him and head to the underground club. Walking over to the bar, I ask for a shot of what is on tap before making my way to Lucius' throne.

"Fancy seeing you here. I guess you've decided to give up on your girl?"

Grimacing, I down the shot and shake my head. "That’s why I am here. We need to talk."

His face falls into a frown. Leaning over, he kisses Selene before motioning me towards the entrance back to the club. "Let's talk in my office."

It takes us very little time to maneuver around the humans and head to the top floor. Down another long hallway, we step into an office. I whistle softly as I take in my surroundings. The huge desk, of course, is what catches my eyes first.

Lucius chuckles and pulls out two glasses and a bottle of wine. He gives me my glass before going around to sit down at his desk.

"Everyone seems to be impressed by the desk. I dare say, it's one of my better purchases.” He slides his hands across the gleaming wood lovingly. "Now then," his expression turns serious. "You are not normally one for dramatics. Something must really be troubling you if you want to speak to me. Is it your human? Do you need me to help you turn her?"

"What? No!" I sigh. That came out way too harsh. "Forgive me. I’m not even anywhere close to making a decision like that."

Lucius nods at me. "Good. I was hoping that was the case. Now then. What is it you need to discuss?"

I stare down at my glass for a few moments, trying to collect my thoughts.

"I really want this place on high alert."

He straightens up in his chair and pins me with a serious stare. "What makes you think this is necessary?"