Ride

The mark was Jax's last straw that broke the camel's back. This had gone too far to simply be tagged mind games. No one had that birthmark except Angel. It was horrifying to think that perhaps my new pet was her reincarnation. Seline and Angel had little age difference, and I was doubly sure that she had been born before Angel passed away.

She went into the car first, her movements swift and graceful, curling her legs up on the leather seat. I settled beside her with a frown, wrapping an arm around her waist and drawing her close. She squinted at my face, her brows furrowed. "Sir, is anything the matter?"

A guard drew the door shut before I replied to her, trying my best to keep my tone light and not bare my exasperation. "It's nothing. Why do you ask?"

"You look...angry. I'm sorry if I was being too forward by sitting with you. I can kneel on the floor if you wish." Her eyes were glassy, and I felt blood rushing to my cock. She was so fucking beautiful, it hurt to think that she was Jax's puppet.

But I was her master now. "Nonsense, sweetheart. I love how you fit in my arms. So little and soft. If I wanted you to kneel on the floor I would've ordered you to do so before we got into the car," I tilted her head back with a finger under her chin. She gulped. "Relax. I told you I don't bite. You can sleep if you can. You look stressed."

"Yes, Master." She nodded gently, and I felt her body loosen. Her racing heartbeat lessened and her warmth seeped into my body, soothing my nerves and working dark magic on my senses. I've never felt so dominating at that moment, wanting to coddle her up on my thighs and rock her asleep like a baby. She was like a flower; delicate, beautiful, and serene — her green eyes were like emeralds, shimmering with every deep emotion she felt. I wanted her to look at me always like I was her owner. Her god. Her master. I wanted to break that good girl exterior and bring out the bad, wild beast lurking underneath the surface.

I wanted to tame that beast. She wasn't making it an easy challenge by being all comfy and fragile— and I could allow that for now. We'll see how much longer she can keep that going for her.

My gaze shifted outside the window, past the bustling streets, car honks, and pedestrians moving about. It was a great wonder how these humans had no idea that we coexisted with them. The Volturi brooked no room for exposure, and any vampire or werewolf caught exposing our identity was instantly dealt with. By death.

My cock tightened in my pants. It had been years since I last had a woman this close to me. I sighed and pulled out my phone, scrolling through the debit messages from the withdrawal Mary had made. I still couldn't believe I spent fifteen million on a pet. I'd broken an auction record.

She shuddered suddenly, her breathing hollow and her skin pale. I realized that she wasn't used to the air conditioner. "Samuel, turn off the air conditioner."

"Yes sir," he said from the other side of the driver's seat. There was a black, tinted glass blocking us from view. It aided privacy.

A few minutes later and she stopped shivering, looking up at me with gratitude shining in the depth of her eyes. "Thank you, Master."

"You're welcome, pet." I rubbed her arms, pulling her head back to rest on my chest.

In between humming a lullaby to help her sleep faster, I placed a dial across to Mary, ordering her to inform the high officials of the Academy that I was inviting them to a big party bash next month to thank them for raising such a worthy pet and celebrate with us. Mary was surprised, stuttering as she promised to deliver my message. I texted Samuel to start organizing the party preparations and send invitations to the lords in my court. He assured me that everything would be taken care of and I relaxed.

This was the start of my grand plan. I had one month to prepare for one special night. I wanted all my lords and important sires to be in attendance. If they had any plans to take me out, that would be the perfect night to carry it out and I had to be prepared. I was always prepared. Jax always worked with aides and manipulated them, one way or the other to do his bidding. I was a man of natural influence. My comportment and way of life compelled people to love and accept me regardless. When I faced my enemies, they fell without me having to raise a finger. That was the effect of my mere presence. That was my superpower.

"Sir?" Seline's voice pulled me from my thoughts. I turned to look at her. "Sorry if I'm bothering you but...why? What did you buy me? What compelled you to it?"

I mentally scoffed. The fake facade of being sweet and harmless was already getting to me, but I wanted to take my time with her. To break her from within, till she sought to have her claws in my throat and that was when I would swoop down and tame her to submission. Real submission.

"It's okay if what I'm asking is much. Forget I even said anything."

"You look like a loved one I had in my life before," I glanced out the window for a moment, tears springing up the corner of my eyes as Angel's face flashed through my mind. I faced her and patted her hair. "A vampire. She's the best thing to ever happen to me. Sadly, she's gone."

Confusion flamed in her eyes, as though she found it hard to believe me. "What? You think I can't love someone?"

"I didn't say that."

"But you're looking at me weirdly. Like it's a hard pill to swallow."

She lowered her gaze. "Forgive my insensitive facial expression. I'm so sorry for your loss. You must have loved her a lot."

"Yes, I did. And it was sad to watch her die. Now hush it, little one. I won't entertain any questions further."

She sighed against my chest, her lower lip puffed out and her forehead drawn together as she ruminated silently.

"I told you that you can sleep. You have a lot to do once we get back home, so it'd be best you stop thinking too much and save your energy for later."

A shiver went through her spine.

"Sleep, sleep, little one, dream the night away," I sang, patting her shoulder lightly. Her body stiffened with silent laughter at how hoarse my singing voice sounded. I couldn't blame her. I was horrible.

I decided not to bed her right away. No decent master did that, no matter what. I wanted her to grow fond of me, bit by bit, and my interest to go beyond mere adoration. Some masters could just wipe their pet's minds and imprint their wants and needs— making the shifter to be some sort of robot. I was a king. I earned the will of those around me, not force mine down their throats. My relationship with Seline wouldn't be any different. She would come to fear and worship me willingly, and I would teach her how fun obedience could be. I would make her crave me, a d forget her mission to take me out by using every technique I knew. And in the end, after I had made her kill Jax with her bare hands, I would give her a chance— to leave or stay. If she chose to stay, I would make her the queen of my court. I would feed on her blood and put her babies in her. But now, we were at the basics, and love wasn't allowed.

Loving her at a critical time as this would be the end of us.