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“If you had no collar and leash, they would devour you,” I whispered.
From the way the girl’s eyes widened, she couldn’t have been from Ichoryllia. I’d ask later. For now, she moved closer to me until I felt the warmth of her body against the coolness of mine. A deep rumble resonated through my chest as the scent of her blood coursing through her veins enthralled me.
She would be delicious. I just knew it.
Chapter 2
We quickly got back to my mansion. I presented Esmeralda to my servants and instructed them on how to treat her. She was not to be beaten or bitten by anyone, her collar on at all times, and she was forbidden to go outside.
“Feel free to pick a book in the library,” I told Esmeralda. “But first,” I added, turning to Judith. “Please bring the girl to the baths and provide her with proper clothing.”
My servant curtsied, her blond hair falling slightly in her face as she did. “Yes, Master.”
I watched as they headed down the hall, Esmeralda’s eyes trailing over the walls. Judith was a young and trustful vampire. I was sure she’d be gentle with the woman and help her feel at home. A frightened pet would hide in a corner and wouldn’t bring much company. Besides, I intended to drink her blood when she got used to living here, so the sooner she got comfortable, the better.
It still seemed unreal to have a pet, and I felt nervous. Caring for someone else was completely unfamiliar after living alone for hundreds of years. Even more so, a human. I knew she needed food and sleep, but beyond that, what would she need to be well? Would she accept living in captivity? I’d heard that some humans could never adapt.
But caring for her and seeing to her happiness awakened a sweet feeling in me, something unknown. I was excited to see what would unravel from this.
At dinnertime, I sent for Esmeralda. I sat at the end of the long, wooden table, lazily swirling the blood wine in my glass, hypnotized by the crimson-red liquid.
I held my breath as she entered the room. She was wearing a bustier gown of black lace and white satin. Her hair had been combed and held back with a brooch. It went perfectly with the stone on her collar. Now that she was clean, I could smell a sweet lilac fragrance emanating from her from where I was sitting.
“You look ravishing,” I breathed as she approached me, staring at the ground.
I could smell her nerves—pungent—and I wrinkled my nose. It was only her first day at the mansion, after all. She’d get used to it eventually. Judith pulled the chair to my right and beckoned her to sit.
Her chocolate eyes finally locked with mine as she sat down. “Thank you,” she murmured.
An awkward silence fell between us. I had many questions to ask her, but I wasn’t sure how to start the conversation. I wouldn’t want to stress her further. I had been dining alone in silence for centuries; it would take some time for me to get used to company.
The servants bringing plates of partridge and vegetables broke the quiet, and I watched Esmeralda’s eyes trail to the dish before me.
“Is something wrong?” I asked.
“You eat other things than blood?” she asked.
I had meant to ask her, and this was the perfect opportunity to do so. “You didn’t grow up in Ichoryllia, or you’d already know the answer.”
Her cheeks blushed. “No. I grew up in my pack.”
“A pack?” I asked in surprise. “I don’t smell any wolf in you.”
She shook her head. “I live in a pack of werewolf witches. Far to the northwest. But I was born without a wolf or magic.”
It explained her lack of knowledge about vampires. Although we were at peace, werewolves weren’t fond of vampires, and the feeling was reciprocated. Most werewolf packs stayed away from our city, while others kept minimal contact. From how she talked, I suspected her pack was one of the reclusive ones.
“Well, then. By what luck did you get caught, and I could buy such a lovely pet as you?” I asked.
“I wouldn’t call that luck,” she spat back.
I laughed at her words—such courage for such a fragile thing. I could crush her if I wanted.
“Maybe you wouldn’t, but I would,” I answered. “Now, tell me. What were you doing in our beautiful city?”
She took a deep breath. “My pack had sent me to the elven city to the north to discuss an agreement with the magic guild. But I got caught while walking in the forest near Ichoryllia.”
I smiled. “Fate always works in my favor. But enough chatter, we should eat while the food is hot.”
