Aria’s hand trailed across the ornate, shiny wood of the banister as they moved leisurely up the massive staircase. She’d never seen a staircase like this before as it wound its way up to the second floor. They had stairs in the caves, where she spent a fair amount of her life, and she had spent time in abandoned houses, but none of those stairs were anywhere near as elaborate or large as these were.
“Gather some woman’s servants.” The prince barked the command over his shoulder as they reached the balcony that ran across the second floor.
One of the men broke away, heading in the opposite direction down the lengthy hallway before disappearing down another set of stairs. Despite her intentions not to be impressed by the things she saw anymore, she couldn’t stop the amazement that sparked to life within her once more as she viewed the hall. She didn’t know what she wanted to look at more, the beautiful works of art lining the wall on her left, or the amazing room to the right. Though she had just walked through the grand foyer, it was even more stunning from up here. The chandelier was spectacular; the thousands of pieces of glass within it reflected the multitude of sparkling colors from the mural above it.
The open balcony ended abruptly as walls enclosed them once more. Aria swallowed heavily, a crushing sense of impending doom settled over her. She was stuck here, trapped within this world of decadence, greed, brutality, and death. Though Max planned to try and rescue her, she didn’t hold out much hope for that, just as she didn’t hold out much hope that she would find her own escape.
She couldn’t even remember how to get out of this vast place, never mind try to escape from it or get away from the monsters living within it.
For the first time true concern for her life began to take hold. She had been too stunned, too upset and confused to truly grasp the reality of her situation. It was sinking in now, and it was not good. Her heart raced in her chest, it pounded heavily against her ribs. Swallowing nervously, she folded her hands before her as she tried to remain as docile and inconspicuous as possible. Not like it would do her much good, she didn’t hold out hope they would simply just forget she was there, but they didn’t need to know that she was more perilous than they suspected.
They didn’t know who she really was, she reminded herself. She would not be punished because of that at least, and maybe one day she’d get the chance to use it to her advantage.
Her thin build would also help her appear weak and helpless while she was anything but. She itched for her bow, but it had been stripped from her by the two brutes that had taken her down. She still had her speed though, and her deftness, they couldn’t take those from her. If she remained docile, then maybe they would let their guard down around her and she would be presented with an opportunity to escape. It was a slim hope, but it was the only one that she had to cling to. What she didn’t like to think about was what would be done to her in the mean time.
The guard with the prince stopped before a door, he swung it open, and stepped back to allow the prince entrance. Aria hesitated within the hall, her hands folded before her as she stared into the darkened room. The prince didn’t turn on a light as he disappeared into the shadows with the wolf trailing behind him.
The remaining guard stared unkindly at her, his dark eyes burrowing into her as she swallowed heavily. Then with his cold voice, he murmured. “Go.”
Aria prickled at the command. She had the urge to turn and run down the hall. It didn’t matter if she didn’t know how to get out of here, she didn’t care anymore. She simply couldn’t just walk into that darkened room and give herself over to a fate worse than death.
Aria backed up a step as the man started toward her. Panic tore through her, she felt like a cornered animal as she came up against the wall. A scream built within her. A large hand came at her; Aria knew instinctively that if it touched her, she would lose control of whatever composure she had left.
“I have made it clear no one is to touch her.” The threatening words, growled from the doorway of the dark room, caused the hair on Aria’s neck to stand up. Her gaze traveled slowly toward the prince. He had returned to the open door and was leaning against the frame, but the tension in his body belied his casual posture. “If I have to tell you again, I will kill you.”
Aria’s mouth dropped, her heart flipped crazily, she could feel the violent beat of her pulse fluttering rapidly in her neck. She didn’t know what to make of this whole, awful, bizarre situation. The man was staring at the prince as if he had just sprouted another head. His gaze darted briefly to his outstretched hand before he dropped it limply to his side and stepped away from her. She didn’t blame him; she wouldn’t want to be anywhere close to her either after that threat.
“Come inside.” The prince quietly ordered.
Aria glanced wildly around the hall. Running was still a tempting thought, but she couldn’t disgrace herself in such a way, and she was pretty sure that being tackled by a member of the royal family would be pretty disgraceful. The prince had told the man not to touch her again, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t come after her, and she had a feeling that if the prince had to chase her down the hall it wouldn’t end well. She swallowed rapidly, trying to gather her rapidly diminishing courage as she stepped uncertainly toward the darkened room.
The prince stepped away, blending within the shadows again, disappearing into the darkness for only a brief moment before light flooded the room. Aria was unable to suppress her astonishment. Without thinking, she gradually moved forward, drawn by the beauty and splendor of the lavish room. She took in the artwork and striking hand carved furniture. The room was filled with amazing color; she’d never before seen anything like it.
Tears unwillingly sprang to her eyes as she moved further into the room. She was trying to look everywhere at the same time, to see it all, but there was far too much to take in at once. Large bay windows, with a cushioned seat, overlooked the most picturesque gardens she’d ever seen. Flowers bloomed and spilled everywhere, ornamental trees were scattered throughout, and it all flowed forth in a wave of color that was astonishing. She loved her woods, savored her time within the shadowy interior and massive trees, but what they were lacking in color, this garden made up for in spades.
The paintings within the room were all of landscapes, scenic mountains and rivers with animals and sunsets that were so realistic she almost felt like she was looking at the real place. Handsome lamps, colorful and clear vases were spread throughout the room. The three sofas within looked cozy and inviting, and were a deep green color that reminded her of the ivy she loved in the groves of the forest.
Aria took a few more steps forward, unable to close her mouth as she tried to absorb as much of the beauty as she could. She found herself more than a little overwhelmed and completely enthralled by the splendor surrounding her. For a moment she didn’t know worry, or starvation. For just a moment, all she knew was beauty and peace, and a sensation of amazement so profound that she could barely breathe.
The soft click of the door drew her attention back to the prince, and the harsh reality of her life now. She may be surrounded by beautiful things, but she was encircled by the vilest creatures that roamed the earth, and one of their leaders was watching her fixedly. He remained by the door, his hands enfolded over the head of his cane. The wrap around glasses hid his eyes but she could feel them upon her as his full mouth pursed and his eyebrows drew together.
Aria blinked at him in surprise, only then realizing that there were tears rolling down her cheeks. She wiped them hastily away; she was worried he would think her tears were because she was afraid. Straightening her shoulders, she defiantly met his gaze. His forehead furrowed in consternation as his head turned unhurriedly around the room. Aria frowned at him, unable to understand the strange expression on his face, or what had caused it.
A faint knock on the door drew both of their attention behind him. The prince opened it and stepped back to allow three women into the room. Aria bristled, her nostrils flared as she to
ok in the women. They were all human, she could tell by the drab servant’s clothing they wore, and she hated them even more for it.
These were the people that had abandoned their own kind; that had given themselves over to the vampires in exchange for not having to fight, or stand up for themselves. These were the people that would rat out their fellow human beings in a heartbeat if it meant furthering themselves. Most human traitors were amongst the servant’s class, but a few had risen to higher and more valuable positions on the deaths that stained their souls. Aria glared at the women, her hands fisting and un-fisting as she fought the urge to punch them. It was this type of people that had caused her mother’s death. They had infiltrated the camp, garnered trust, and turned them all over. Her mother had been murdered during the resulting raid.
Aria clenched her jaw, struggling not to launch herself at one of these women as they pulled the door closed behind them. “You sent for us milord,” the tall blond said. Her eyelashes fluttered obnoxiously at the prince as she all but offered him her vein then and there.
He nodded toward Aria. “I would like her cleaned up.”
Aria bristled as she turned her animosity on the prince. She was not a dog for Christ sake; she was perfectly capable of bathing and cleaning herself. She most certainly didn’t need the help of these “women.” Three sets of eyes slid toward her, curiosity radiated from them as they fully noticed her presence amongst them. The blond eyed her with open abhorrence, the redhead seemed completely indifferent, but it was the pity in the small brunette’s eyes that truly incensed and riled Aria. She didn’t require, or want, anyone’s pity.
She turned away, unable to look at them any longer. They repulsed her even more than she repulsed them. “Of course,” the blond purred.
“I will have clothes sent up for her at once.”
Aria jumped back and tore her arm away as someone touched her elbow. “Don’t touch me!” she snarled, feeling no remorse as the redhead shrank timidly away from her.
The three women eyed her warily, apparently trying to decide if she would be a danger to them, something that might be a possibility. “You will allow them to clean you,” the prince ordered.
“I can clean myself!”
The women gasped, shrinking farther away from her as she deliberately, and loudly, defied their leader, a fact that could result in her instant death. She didn’t care though, she was frightened and outraged and more than a little tired of being treated like something worse than an animal. She was completely at the mercy of the vampire standing across from her, staring at her as if she were something he’d never seen before. She supposed that he wasn’t used to being defied, and she also supposed that such defiance often resulted in severe consequences, but she would prefer punishment rather than this humiliating experience. Just an hour ago she had been hoping for death, now she found that she was probably on the verge of it.
The prince took a step toward her, using his massive size to try and intimidate her. Aria clenched her jaw as she glared at those thick glasses. She hated the fact that he was wearing them. She wanted to see his eyes when she told him to screw off. He stepped closer to her, giving her no choice but to retreat if she was to avoid having him touch her. And she most certainly did not want him touching her.
She took another step back as he pushed closer, nearly bending over her as he loomed above. “Stop it!” Aria hated herself for crying out in protest, for letting him see just how much he rattled her, but she couldn’t stop the words as her heel came up against the back of the wall and she realized that she was good and trapped.
His hands slammed into the wall on either side of her head, causing her to jump in surprise as the pictures rattled. Her heart leapt and lurched as for the first time she truly began to fear this creature. Until now, she hadn’t known what to make of him, or what he planned to do with her. She now knew that he didn’t take well to being defied, and she was a little concerned that he might just rip her heart out. Something, she knew, he could do without hesitation or reservation before she could even blink.
“You will either allow them to do this, or I will do it for you.”
Aria gulped at the terrifying possibility that he would do exactly what he was threatening. She had no doubt that he would drag her into the bathroom, strip her, and dump her into a tub of water. There was no way she was going to allow something like that to happen. Unfortunately, she didn’t respond to him as quickly as he apparently would have liked. He grabbed hold of her arm, practically dragging her from the room. Aria hurried to keep up with him, stumbling behind as he pulled her rapidly forward.
He led her through a side door; she caught a brief glimpse of books, a desk, and leather chairs before she was pulled into yet another room. This one left her bewildered and gaping. There was some strange, overlarge round white thing in the middle of the room. It was gleaming with its golden handles and some sort of spigot coming from the top it.
He released her abruptly before striding across the room. He spun the handles, causing water to burst free from the spigot. Aria’s hand flew to her mouth. What kind of brilliant, strange contraption was this?
The prince turned toward her, confusion marring his brow as he studied her. “Oh,” Aria breathed as steam began to rise from the water, alerting her to the miraculous fact that the water was hot. She had seen the bottom of these things in a couple of houses before, but there had been no spigots with water coming from them. Most of the bottom parts had been broken, or so dirty that she never would have contemplated stepping foot in it, never mind actually using it to clean herself. She hadn’t known this was their intended use and it was fascinating. It was rare she had the time to boil water to fill the few wooden tubs they had hidden within the caves. Most of the time she didn’t bother because of the effort it took, but every once in awhile she would treat herself to a warm bath in the tub instead of the lakes or streams.
The prince was studying her, the perplexity on his face more than a little disconcerting. She couldn’t meet his gaze as an unexpected wave of shame washed through her. He was studying her like that because he knew that she had so very little. He realized that she knew nothing of the world outside of the caves, woods and streams, hunting and death that made up her life. And he pitied her for it.
Yet, as she looked back at him she did not see pity on his face. Instead, she saw an understanding that left her rattled and unsure. She couldn’t figure out this strange creature in front of her but it seemed as though they were even, because judging by the look on his face, he couldn’t figure her out either. “Allow them to do this,” he said gruffly.
Aria swallowed heavily, unable to find words for him. She simply nodded mutely before he left the room.
CHAPTER 4
Aria shifted uncomfortably as she tugged at the collar of the sweater she wore. It was a velvety type material and she had never felt anything like it. It felt marvelous against her skin, but she couldn’t get used to it. Her clothes were always rough, ragged, and nowhere near as warm as this gentle cloth. She tugged at the scooped collar again, unnerved and frightened by how much of her skin it exposed. Even in the summer she wore long sleeves and collars to avoid bug bites, scratches, and other hazards amongst the woods and within the caves.
The sweater, though strange, was not as bad as the skirt they had put her in. It fell to just above her knees in gentle black waves that swayed and flowed as she walked. She didn’t like the feel of it, or the fact that her legs were exposed. Usually she even slept fully clothed, just in case there was a raid. It was essential that she always be quick on her feet and able to move swiftly if it became necessary.
Wearing this though, she wouldn’t be able to move fast, and would almost surely be caught as the sweater was a bright red homing beacon to her location. The women had scrubbed her clean, had even done the strange task of removing the hair from her legs with a razor, but they couldn’t take away the bruises and scratches that marred her skin. She looked ridiculous in the skirt,
with her battered lower limbs and knobby knees. The garments were uncomfortable, but far preferable to being nude as they had taken her other clothes away, with the blond snickering something about burning them.
The women fluttered around her, brushing her hair out as they talked quietly. They hadn’t said a word to her, nor had she spoken to them for the past few hours. They exchanged gossip, talked of men they liked, and spoke in whispered reverence of the prince. From all of their excited chatter, Aria learned that the blonde fancied herself amongst one of the prince’s favorites.
Aria tried not to think about the discomfort and confusion that revelation caused her. She should be relieved the prince had other women to keep his attention; maybe he would simply just take blood from her and nothing more. That thought was repulsive enough, but until she could escape, she felt that she might be able to bear it. Aria winced as the blonde, Lauren, nearly tore her hair out at the roots from brushing it far too roughly. Aria glowered at her, but the woman scarcely noticed as she continued her assault on Aria’s hair.
“When was the last time you brushed this mess?” Lauren muttered.
Aria clenched her jaw and her hands, refusing to answer the vapid woman. The brunette, Maggie, gave Aria a sympathetic glance as she finished applying some kind of strange color to Aria’s nails. She stared at them in confusion, not understanding why anyone would like to do that to their nails, but apparently it was popular as all three of the girls had it on. Julia, the redhead, brought forth a pair of shoes that Aria was certain had been designed to kill her. Who walked in such a high and pointy shoe anyway? Whose ankles could take those things?
Aria remained still as they applied their final touches and stepped back to examine her more closely. Aria’s gaze slid away from them, hating the bite marks that marred their necks and inner wrists. It was apparent that they willingly, and from the way they were talking, eagerly gave their blood away. She wondered if it was just the prince that they gave themselves to as they seemed very much at ease in his place, or if they gave themselves to any vampire that asked.
Love's First Bite: Bad Boys and Alpha Vampires Boxed Set (6 book bundle) Page 62
