Chapter 4
Darren's POV
"What?" She knew? Was she joking? She had to be. She couldn't possibly know. "I don't think you understand what I mean. I'm perfectly serious... I am a vampyre. A real one."
Tommy visibly shuddered in fear, Rashel squeezed him closer to her, resting her hand on his head in a comforting gesture. She turned her curly head in my direction, an almost bored expression on her face. "Yes, I know. I understand; you're a blood-sucking creature of darkness. And by the way you dress and the car you drive, I'm sure you are a higher member of the vampyre aristocracy. Am I mistaken?"
My mouth slightly gapped in utter disbelief. The corner of her mouth turned upward at my reaction and I immediately erased all emotion from my face and returned my gaze to the road ahead. It was unfathomable.
Taking my silence for assent to her question she said, "As I said before, I figured as much."
Questions erupted in my head all striving to be spoken first. One came to the forefront. "How do you know about us?"
She was silent for a moment and I turned in time to see her brow furrowed in indecision. I would normally have been irritated at her hesitation however I was still taken aback by this unexpected turn of events. I had fully expected her to laugh at me or to make some skeptical comment; which then would have left me to show her my fangs. That usually put people's skepticisms to rest upon hearing this confession; it had definitely worked on Iris and Kate. This girl was different however. Just by looking at me, my attire, and my mode of transportation she had already discovered that not only was I not human, I was an elite member of my species. This girl was proving to be even more fascinating than I had anticipated.
After a full minute, she apparently decided to grace me with an answer. "I come from a long line of vampyre hunters."
No wonder she had recognized me for what I was.
She paused, clearing her throat. "However, if I'm not mistaken, our King has recently entered a formal treaty with the vampyre community. He will be marrying his daughter off to some vampyre noble's son."
I had heard something of that through a brief passing however I hadn't really cared to find out more. I didn't exactly communicate with my fellow vampyres in a frequent fashion. Hell, I hardly talked to my parents or brother. After I had turned eighteen I had left home and started on my own. I didn't care for the politics of being the eldest son of one of the highest and most influential vampyre families in our world. I had never expressed a desire to follow in my father's footsteps and had informed him of such. He didn't take it so well to say the least. However, upon my brother showing his interest in upholding the family name my father had wasted no time in turning his attention to him. It was a match made in political heaven for those two. I wanted a life of my own. One of peace. I hated unnecessary complications; and as far as I was concerned, politics was exactly that. Therefore, I hardly ever saw my family.
I mentally shook my family out of my mind and regarded the girl once more. I had other questions but I withheld them. I was going to get to know Rashel slowly, intimately. There was plenty of time to find out more later.
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Rashel's POV
After I had mentioned the treaty between my people and the vampyres he had not asked anymore questions; thankfully. It was silent the rest of the way, leaving me to my inner thoughts. I hadn't been sure how much about myself I should disclose to this man. I wondered if he would release me if he knew I was the betrothed daughter of whom I spoke but something told me that would be futile. I doubted it would make a difference in his mind. He didn't seem the type to care, considering his lack of questioning after what I had imparted.
I absentmindedly began stroking Tommy's hair as my train of thought jumped on a new route. What was to become of me? I knew the basic concept of a slave however what did that entail to a vampyre? I had heard about vampyres using humans as slaves, read our history books about it however I had never dreamed that it was still practiced. The idea was disgusting and perverse to me. Yes I had servants, however they all worked of their own free will and were fully paid and compensated for what they did. We made sure that all our subjects, from the fellow vampyre hunting families, to the footmen were all happy. It was what kept us unified. A kingdom was only as strong as the foundation it was built upon.
I cast a subtle glance in my "master's" direction. What did this guy have in store for me? He wasn't that old from the looks of him. How old could he possibly be? Twenty-one perhaps? No older, I'm sure. He had more or less confirmed his status among his species. So what was he, a spoiled socialite wanting someone to wait on him hand on foot? Was he bored and looking for a new "thrill?" Or was it something more basic... did he just want a new blood donor? I involuntarily shivered at the thought.
The car eventually came to a smooth stop. I looked around, shaken from my reverie. Darren got out of the car gracefully and I squeezed Tommy reassuringly as he began to quake in my arms. I sat, waiting for Darren to open the door however a full minute went by and he still stood outside in front of the car like a dark statue.
Are you kidding me? I thought vehemently. I opened the door, helped Tommy out, then climbed out of the car. I slammed the door non too gently.
"You couldn't get the door?" I asked my anger sizzling in the air.
A single arrogant eyebrow rose in condescension. "You are my slave. If anyone should be getting doors, its you darling," he replied mockingly.
I couldn't stop myself from scoffing aloud, and honestly had no wish to. Conceited bastard.
"Careful master," I cautioned sarcastically, "I wouldn't want your ego to grow to the point where you can't even lift your enormous head. After all, that would be such a terrible shame," I said sweetly.
To my surprise the corner of his mouth quirked upward into a devastating smirk.
"Don't worry princess, I wouldn't want to deprive you of your master; I'll be sure to keep my head at a normal size lest it explode. I'd hate to have to make you clean up such a big mess as all that."
I stiffened at the word "princess." He noticed my steel stance and curiosity entered his eyes. However, he broke eye contact first as if some other thought had interrupted his thoughts and shook his head. I relaxed, relieved I was no longer under his scrutinizing gaze. I grabbed Tommy, lifting him into my arms while I averted my eyes away from Darren's.
Tommy rested his head against me; it naturally fit against my shoulder. In that instant I was reminded of Lily. My heart saddened at the thought of my younger sister. She must be so devastated by my disappearance. Not to mention my parents. I could only imagine their reaction to finding me gone without a trace. They would no doubt be alerting the local news media, and Derek... who I was supposed to be seeing tonight.
We hardly saw each other as it was; he was always doing something or other for his family. And on the night I was supposed to finally see him after weeks, I get kidnapped. Ugh! I was washed over with guilt at the thought of my faithful fiancé. I wasn't in love with him however there was definitely a mutual affection between us that had developed in the months since we had first been betrothed.
I climbed steps, following Darren's lead and came to a stop in front of a set of large double doors. It was only then that I finally noticed the enormous house I was standing on the front steps of. My eyebrows rose in appreciation. This guy had taste. His place was almost as impressive as my mansion. Almost.
It was built in the Georgian style, as was ours, with grand windows. The second-floor windows had balconies that were apparently each a different room. They appeared to be tinted. Not surprising; sunlight wasn't fatal to vampyres however it did make them uncomfortable. Darkness was their natural element. My eyes returned to the mahogany double doors in front of me. They were intricately carved with a vine and floral design around the borders. It work was impeccable.
"Not bad Richie Rich," I drawled turning in Darren's direction.
A flash of irritation sparked in his eyes and I repressed a satisfied smirk. However it didn't last long as our eyes locked. His emerald green gaze sparkled with an intensity that thrilled more than it frightened.
I broke contact first as I took that moment to study him. His emerald eyes contrasted perfectly with his onyx hair, which was just long enough on one side to cover an eye effortlessly. His complexion was pale but not overly so. He was about six feet tall, give or take an inch, with a lean frame that was encased in a crisp dark suit. It showcased his body elegantly and to perfection. I hated to admit it but... he was hot. Super hot. That in no way excused his arrogance or the fact that he was a slave owner I quickly reminded myself.
When my eyes returned to his I stifled a gasp. His eyes were filled with unmistakable desire. I had seen that look many times from my excursions into the city, not to mention Derek. Derek found me quite beautiful and never hesitated to remind me. However despite him being a vampyre, I never doubted that the desire in his eyes was for me, not my blood. But Darren... who knew?
He cleared his throat and the flames seemed to instantly leave his eyes. I breathed a sigh of relief only now realizing I had been holding my breath.
"Shall we?" he asked softly.
My flesh erupted with goose bumps; I gave him a single nod of my head in assent.
He opened the door, walking into a cavernous foyer. I followed him inside. The floor was marble and echoed our every step.
We were greeted by two girls; one looked about seventeen, my age, and had blonde hair, green eyes, and a slim frame. The other girl was a complete contrast; she appeared to be in her late teens or early twenties, dark hair and eyes, and an hour-glass body. Both women's eyes fastened upon Tommy's back and then my face. The younger blonde girl's eyes narrowed slightly as her lips tightened into a thin line of clear anger. As for the other, her eyes saddened but after a moment she seemed to recover her composure.
"Welcome home master," they echoed in perfect unison.
"Iris, Kate," Darren intoned familiarly, "This is Rashel and Tommy. They will be sharing a room together and I would like you to explain the rules to them." His last words were spoken with strong authority; clearly an order, not a request.
Darren turned his attention back in my direction, his eyes landing on Tommy. A flicker of annoyance appeared in his eyes. Then his lethal green gaze was on me.
"Rashel, after they have explained your duties and the rules, you are to shower and change. There will be a clean clothes provided for you on the bed; some for Tommy as well. Afterwards, Iris and Kate will come and fetch you so you may help them with dinner." He stood there staring at me for awhile saying nothing else.
The silence grew awkward and I felt compelled to fill it.
"So-can I go now?"
He cast me the same devastating smirk from just a few minutes past, before he said, "Not before you say those two little words I need to hear." His face was quite serious but his eyes were a different story. There was a humorous gleam.
My mind went blank at his words, not understanding his meaning; until it dawned on me. I scowled.
His smirk transformed into a smile as he leaned forward a little, turned his head ever so slightly to the side, and cupped a hand around his ear. Waiting...
"Yes... sir," I barely managed to bite out. Seriously, this guy was the most arrogant, pompous jerk I had ever had the great misfortune to meet. I never treated my servants or subjects this way. It was insufferable!
He seemed satisfied and walked off down the main hall, disappearing from sight. I suppressed the urge to roll my eyes and instead turned to my fellow slaves.
"So, which of you is Iris and which of you is Kate?" The stupid moron hadn't divulged which girl was which before taking his leave.
"I'm Iris," the older curvier girl said. "And she's Kate." She nodded toward the younger looking blonde. "Let us take you to your room."
Iris walked toward the grand staircase and I followed as she lead the way; Kate walked behind me.
"Did he tell you what he is?" Iris asked, a sort of breathless inflection in her voice.
"Yes, although I knew before hand."
Iris's head swiveled around to gap at me as continued to climb the steps, one graceful hand on the banister. "You knew before he said anything? But how? I had no idea vampyres existed before I was sold to him. I had always imagined them to be... well, what the rest of the world thinks. Make-believe. Fiction."
"Well," I began, but I was immediately cut off.
"She's lying," Kate said scathingly. "She was just as unaware of their existence as you and I, Iris."
"I'm not lying!"
Kate continued as if I had not spoken. "She is simply trying to appeal herself to master."
Wow. Someone was jealous. What a weirdo. She was completely delusional.
"Kate stop letting your envy muddle your thoughts. Think clearly," Iris said exasperatedly. Something told me there had been many similar conversations between these two. "She has no deed to try and capture master's interest. She already has it; otherwise he would not have selected her. Perhaps if you didn't showcase your negative emotions whenever his eye wanders from you, he would feed on you more."
I tripped over her words as well as my feet and Tommy clung to me desperately. I regained my footing and kept walking trying to ignore Kate's unmistakable snicker.
"So-he feeds on you two?" I asked as casually as I could.
Iris turned, understanding in her eyes. Kindness too, to my surprise. "It's not what you imagine it to be. It feels... wonderful." She sighed dreamily returning her gaze forward.
Before I could comment, Kate burst out, "I don't see why he had to go and get her! We already had to share him as it was!"
Okay, yeah these girls were completely insane. Or brainwashed.
"Well don't worry Kate. I don't plan on letting master get his fangs anywhere near me."
Iris turned back to me, her face suddenly worried. "I'm afraid you don't have a choice. He bought you. You belong to him now and must do as he bids you."
"Look, I'm not-,"
"You must always obey him. Do not defy him. If you do, he will punish you," Kate interrupted. She delivered the rule/warning with grave seriousness. "If and when he wants to feed on you, you must not refuse or resist him. The experience of a feeding when either you or the vampyre is angry is..." she shuddered. "It's dreadfully unpleasant... to say the least."
She was quiet for a moment, lost in her own memories. I was glad she didn't elaborate. My stomach was already beginning to feel queasy. After her minute, she recovered from her silent lapse and continued.
"Above all, do not anger or displease him. His temper is-well trust me, he's far more pleasant when he's happy."
We finally stopped in front of one of the many doors in the hallway. Iris placed her hand on the doorknob. Kate moved to stand next to her, her arms crossed defiantly against her chest. She was actually pouting like a child who was not given their favorite toy.
I did role my eyes this time. "Are those all the rules?" I asked dully.
Iris nodded. "This is your room." She turned the knob and opened the door, then stepped to the side allowing me to enter. "Kate's room is directly across from yours and mine is one door down to the right." She pointed them out for emphasis. "Well, we'll leave you to get ready. Ring the bell pull by the bed when you are dressed and we will come and get you. She gave a polite smile, whereas Kate only stared daggers at me. I half expected her to stick out her tongue at me.
Finally, I took in the entire room and I hated to admit it, even to myself, that the room was nice. Not to mention the amount of space. I wasn't sure what I had expected for a slaves quarters, but this was definitely nothing like I would have imagined.
The room had plush Persian carpets, a king-sized four-poster bed, complete with silk sheets and down feather pillows. There was a large fireplace with a love seat and two arm chairs in front of it, a high boy dresser and end tables on either side of the bed. The walls had dark midnight blue wallpaper while the furniture, curtains, and bed linens were a combination of black and silver. All in all, a rather extravagant prison.
I walked over to the massive bed and set Tommy down on it. I removed Tommy's shoes and socks as he finally took in our surroundings. (He had kept his head firmly against my shoulder until we were alone.) His eyes were the size of saucers, his little mouth forming an O of wonder. I couldn't help but smile.
"Are you able to shower on your own yet?" I asked him gently.
He nodded in response.
"Alright, then why don't you shower first, then I'll go."
He nodded again, so I lifted him off the bed and carried him to the door on the far side of the room. Inside was a, not surprisingly, large bathroom; complete with a clear glass shower, which from the looks of it had imported tile, a marble Jacuzzi tub and a separate area with a connecting door for the toilet. Nice.
I found a rack of fresh towels near the tub and grabbed one for him. I threw it over the door of the shower, making sure he would be able to reach it when he was done.
"Okay so, just come out when you're finished alright? Then I'll jump in."
Instead of nodding, he clasped my hand, squeezing it tightly and turned an imploring gaze right at me. "Can you stay in here with me?"
I was doomed. There was no way I was ever going to be able to give this kid up. Even if by some miracle I managed to escape.
"Of course, Tommy."
I turned my back until he was finished and wrapped in his towel, dripping wet and walked him back to the bedroom. To both our surprise, brand new set of clothes were already lying on the bed for him. Somebody must have entered the room.
"Are you going to be alright Tommy while I go and shower?"
"Mm-hm," he said as he struggled to hold the overly large towel up around his body.
I held back a giggle and smiled to reassure him instead. I went back into the bathroom, shutting the door behind me. I grabbed another fluffy towel, throwing it over the shower door as I had for Tommy. I turned on the water to steaming hot. I don't know why but I loved it when the mirror and the whole bathroom got all steamy when I showered. I guess because it was like my own little private sauna.
I removed my shoes and dirty clothes, placing them on the counter next to the sink. I jumped into the shower unhesitatingly and was met with a sharp sting as the hot water made contact with my skin almost burning it. I positioned my head under the showerhead and-
"Ouch!"
Ugh... I'd forgotten about my head injury. I slowly adjusted to the heat and groaned in pleasure at the delicious water pressure as it hit my filthy hair and skin. The showerhead was one of the massaging ones; my favorite. I relaxed as I felt the grime from the basement and the dried blood from my head wash away and circle down the drain. After about a good five minutes of simply enjoying the water against my skin, I grabbed the shampoo and washed my hair, lathering, rinsing, and repeating for good measure. I tried to clear my mind and think of nothing as I began applying the conditioner. Leaving it in my hair, I grabbed the body wash and pored a generous amount into my palm. Vanilla scents permeated from the soap as I began washing my body. Weird. Vanilla was my favorite scent.
By the time I was finally done there was a hazy fog that had filled the bathroom. I smiled as I wrapped the towel securely around my body and wrung out the remaining water from my hair. When I stepped out of the bathroom I saw Tommy curled up on the loveseat fast asleep. He just might have been the cutest thing I had ever seen.
I turned my attention toward the bed where I saw a black bundle awaiting me. I wonder if Tommy had seen it delivered... On top of the bundle was a slip of paper with my name written in an elegant scrawl. I removed it finding a pair of black flats which I placed to the side. A frown formed on my face as I slowly lifted the outfit that had been left for me to wear. When I had it fully raised in front of me my anger ignited at the audacity of that presumptuous vampyre.
"Oh, hell NO!"