05

CHAPTER FIVE

Ruby clutched the blanket tighter around her. 

"I didn't steal it," she replied. 

"Of course you didn't steal it; there's no way you could have left the cell to steal a blanket," Irene said, rolling her eyes.

"Fine, Dante gave it to me."

"Dante? Why?"

"He said he thought I might be cold."

"That's strange," Irene said.

"Why is it strange? Are you scared that your lover is going to leave you for me? Don’t bother; he completely hates me."

"He doesn’t hate you. And why do you call him 'my lover'?" Ruby asked.

"Isn't he your lover?" Ruby replied.

Irene burst into laughter and sat on the floor in front of the cell, continuing to laugh.

"What's funny?" Ruby asked.

"Everything. I am not his lover; I’m old enough to be his mother. I’m his nanny."

"That can't be! How can you be old enough to be his mother? You look just like me," Ruby said in astonishment.

Irene smiled and opened her mouth, revealing two long, sharp fangs.

Ruby shrank back in fear. "You’re a vampire?"

"Yes, I am. I was once a werewolf too, but I got bitten by a vampire when I was nineteen. I survived and became a vampire."

"And you continued staying with the pack?" Ruby asked.

"Of course. They are my people. My brother Dante's father insisted that I stay; they had no choice but to obey him. Over time, I proved to them that I meant no danger."

"I see. I’m sorry for assuming you were his lover," Ruby apologized.

"It's okay. You wouldn’t be his mate if you weren’t a little jealous."

Ruby looked at her in shock. "He told you?"

"Of course he does. He tells me everything."

"I see. So you supported his actions?" 

"Look, Ruby, I’m not trying to defend him, but he was only six years old when your father killed his parents. His mom was raped in front of him, and his father was tortured before dying. He witnessed everything. He never cried. I begged him to shed just a single tear, but he never did. Instead, he trained every day to become strong enough to have his revenge. He lost his childhood because of your father. I lost my brother and my home because of your father."

"But two wrongs don’t make a right," Ruby said.

"So are you going to forgive him and live happily ever after with him?" Irene asked.

Ruby looked down and didn't answer.

"You see, it’s easier to say it than to follow it. I can read minds, you know. There’s so much hatred for him in your heart—and the same goes for him."

Irene slid a package under the door. "There are books and magazines here; you can read when you're bored. Later, I’ll bring you clothes and toiletries."

"Thank you," Ruby whispered.

"You're welcome," Irene replied before she left.

Later in the afternoon, Irene returned with some snacks, clothes, and toiletries.

...

That night, Dante returned home after a long day.

"Hey, sweetie. How was your day?" Irene greeted him.

"Fine. How was yours?"

"Okay."

"Did you give her food?" he asked.

"You seem awfully concerned for a prisoner."

"Irene!" 

"Fine, she has eaten. I gave her clothes and toiletries so she could freshen up, and I also gave her books to read. I'm thinking of moving a bed in there tomorrow."

Dante looked at her, unimpressed. "You do realize she's a prisoner, right?"

"Maybe you should put someone else in charge instead of me. I won’t go down there to see her in miserable conditions," Irene replied.

"Fine. What's for dinner?" Dante asked, not in the mood to argue.

Instead of answering, Irene slapped him. Dante held his cheek in shock. 

"What was that for?" he asked.

"You raped her. Your first time with your mate, and you raped her."

"It isn't rape if she enjoyed it," Dante fired back.

Irene slapped him again. "Ow! What was that for?" Dante asked, bewildered.

"Whether she enjoyed it or not is inconsequential. As far as she told you no, you need to apologize to her right now."

"What? That isn't possible," Dante objected.

"Then I won't talk to you or give you any food in this house. I will also make sure you have no peace."

"Irene! You can't do that."

"Watch me."

Dante sighed and went downstairs to the prison. Ruby was sitting on the floor, brushing her long hair. She had taken a shower, and her skin looked pink and fresh.

"Hey!" he said hesitantly. Ruby looked up at him.

"Hey!" she replied.

"How was your day?"

"Well, I'm locked up in a prison with no human company. I guess you can tell how good my day was."

"I see. I, uh... will get you a bed tomorrow."

"Thanks."

They stared at each other awkwardly for a moment. Dante cursed Irene inwardly for putting him in this situation while Ruby played with her necklace, wondering what Dante's true mission was.

"I am sorry," Dante blurted out.

"For what?" Ruby asked.

"I’m sorry for having sex with you against your consent. No matter what your father did to me, you didn’t deserve that. I apologize."

Ruby looked at him, dumbfounded. What had brought about this sudden change in character?

"You don't expect me to forgive and forget, do you?" she asked.

"No, I don't. But I hope my apology makes you feel a little better."

"I’m sorry for the trauma you went through because of my father. You were so young; you didn’t deserve any of it," Ruby said.

"Thank you," Dante replied.

"So, am I really getting the bed tomorrow?" she asked hopefully.

"Yes, it’s actually Irene’s idea, so you have her to thank."

"I will be sure to do that."

"Good night," he said.

"Goodnight," Ruby replied.