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

Right after our food was brought to the table, Aric made me try on every single item of clothing his buddy had left behind.Embarrassed, I took off everything but my underpants and accepted the shirts and pants he offered.Some of them he said were completely out of the question and threw away as soon as I removed them, while others he seemed pleased with, demanding that I twist and turn so he could examine me from every angle.He continued, clearly intent on exhausting himself and the entire library before he allowed me to take a break.Except for trips to the restroom, I spent the entirety of that time standing in the center of the room, removing and reapplying to clothe until my muscles cramped and hurt.At last, we were finished, and I was permitted to keep on the final ensemble, a cozy red sweater with jeans.I tried hard not to react negatively as I saw him reach for me.He sighed and dragged me to his bed, where he sat me down, so I was facing him.Ultimately, he ran his finger

My heart sank as I heard the shouts reverberate through the house. I immediately abandoned the shirt I was folding and sprinted to the door to assist the injured party.I tried to get out, but I'd forgotten I was trapped, so I cut my forehead open on the wooden door.More screams followed the initial ones, and they were suddenly silenced each time they were repeated. All of the dying cries were dreadful.When I put my ear to the door, I could hear the commotion of numerous individuals passing in the corridor. Distant, hushed voices trying to talk over one other.I banged my fist against the door and yelled, "Hello?" hoping to get a response. "Hello?"Those on the other side of the gap didn't even bother to halt before continuing their escape. Only after they had already left did I hear the distant banging of doors.The voice of someone calling, "Come out, come out, wherever you are!!!" caught my attention. It sounded like Aric, but it wasn't Aric.Outside, I could hear the approaching

I froze as the vampire's lips brushed over my scalding throat.His kisses were as light as butterfly wings as he flitted from one side to the other.When he lifted his head, and his lips met mine, I was taken aback since I had no idea if he intended to feed from me again.The fleeting sensations of a butterfly's contact were soon replaced with a ravenous desire I'd never experienced before.His hands went up my arms, avoiding my neck as he drew closer, his kiss growing more passionate.Even though I'd been kissed before, this one was different because of the intensity and warmth I felt.My body tingled with anticipation as his tongue probed beyond my lips in pursuit of my own.He was a wonderful kisser, my God. Sure, it's been a few hours, but didn't he just try to murder me?I pressed my palms to his chiseled chest and yanked my lips away from his with all my effort.Aric leaned back and gazed at me with puzzled eyes as he panted.He asked me softly, "What's wrong?" as he tried to pu

My mouth was full of crimson mucus, and I was awoken by a gurgling cough.A hand reached out, and tissue was handed to me.Thank you, I said through clenched teeth after spitting out the vile substance.I glanced at the kind soul who handed me a tissue as I tried to regain my breath.Upon realizing how near Aric was, I gasped, which started another round of coughing. The events of the previous night came flooding back to me at once.I'd smacked him around, shouted at him, and by the grace of God, he still ate off of me.It's okay, he responded as I tried to escape him. I've gotten over my anger.He spoke to her gently, soothingly, "Liberty," and he was relieved to hear that she was awake.He grabbed for my face, and I recoiled in fear.And I see you recall what occurred last night," he murmured, releasing her hand with a defeated expression.He took a cup from the nightstand and offered it to her, adding, "Stay in bed as long as you need to. Let me know when you're ready to eat, and I