CHAPTER TWENTY ONE

This was the first time I'd ever spoken before my turn; even I understood that dogs and slaves weren't supposed to do that; f*ck, we learned that in kindergarten.

I'd tried to flee after jumping out of Aric's car, but I had no clue where to go. My house would be the first place they'd go, and my mother would be questioned even if she didn't know where I was.

Even if I had eluded Aric, another vampire would have found me, and I would have been lucky to be brought to him because I was in the heart of a city ruled by vampires.

I noticed the yearning in his eyes when he finally caught me.

I recalled the day my father took me to view the ancient clock tower and told me stories of Spokane before the takeover as we crossed the river.

The city formerly housed 20,000 people from all walks of life, had a vibrant economy and was quite secure despite its higher than average crime rate.

Even though I knew these were only the things his parents had taught him, seeing contented families lounging in