Page 28 of Collared by the Vampire Prince

I draw the smallest breath, warm and useless at the back of my throat. It takes a split second to remember myself. To summon the driest tone I can manage. “Please, must we quarrel while I’m eating?”

Her hands ball into fists, and I brace for her to swing at me—but she doesn’t.

She sits instead, her gaze scrutinising.

“Why are you doing this?”

“Doing what?”

“Trying to make me…” Her mouth twists. “Your pet.”

“I’m not.” I give her a cool look. “I have no intention of claiming you.”

Her eyes narrow. “You said being the prince’s pet was a coveted position.”

“What I said was that being known as the prince’s pet would afford you certain advantages. There is a distinction.”

“Then why are you doing any of this?”

“For your benefit, not mine.” I lift one shoulder. “Consider it an act of benevolence.”

Her eyes narrow. “Then why collar me at all?”

“That,” I say, “is not a pet collar. It is an enforcer’s restraint—and as I told you, it prevents you from shifting. You are far too dangerous without it.”

Her brow furrows.

“No one at the Academy will know the difference, of course,” I continue. “They will see leather around a shifter’s throat and assume you have a Master. That assumption could be advantageous.”

“If a collar is so advantageous, then why doesn’t every wolf sneak into the Capital and buy one?”

“Because only vampires are permitted to purchase collars, and legitimate student patronages are registered with the Academy. Faking one yourself would be unwise.”

“I still don’t understand how it’s advantageous to me,” she mutters.

“I am not claiming you, Kira. But wearing it will afford you certain protections I would rather you have. For instance, it will prevent your professors instructing you to shift.”

“You don’t want them to see my true form.” Her chin lifts. “Afraid they’ll find me hideous?”

“Hideous?” A short laugh escapes me. That is not remotely the word I would choose. “No. Although my father would call you an abomination.” She winces at the word. “And my father does not suffer abominations to live, let alone attend his school.” I hold her gaze. “Worse than dead, if he grew curious first. I suspect you already know that.”

“I do. I just don’t understand why you care. Why not kill me and be done with it?”

I deflected the question earlier. I see no reason not to do so again. “Because, would you believe, beneath this cold exterior lies a heart of extraordinary tenderness. It would be a shame to put you down like some hopeless stray. I would much rather rehome you. And you may be surprised. There are surely vampires who would find you appealing in both forms, provided we find one capable of keeping your little peculiarity to himself.”

‘Appealing’ is an inadequate word. Beautiful is what I meant. I allow myself one cursory glance over her face before looking away.

Yes. More than appealing.

She stiffens but says nothing.

“So,” I continue, “we keep your appearance secret. Let the Academy believe you have an anonymous Master. Silence costs you nothing and buys you a great deal.” I settle back against the seat and smooth an unnecessary crease from the knee of my trousers, bringing the matter to a close. “Now. Any other questions?”

“Yes,” she says immediately. “What are you doing with the witch?”

My hand stills.

“I am keeping her safe. Keeping her fed.”