by K A Young
I lower her in a vertical position as I shackle her wrists to the chain falling from the ceiling once again. I wanted us to be passed this, my heart aching at the conflicted decision I'm about to make.
As much as I don't want to cause her torment, she had disobeyed a direct order I had given her and tonight could have turned out much differently.
She must be punished for it...otherwise, I'll be seen as weak, that I can't follow through and keep my slave in line.
I don't want her to think she can get away with counteracting my commands.
I unbutton the cuffs of my sleeves and roll them up to my elbows all the while I can't stop the nagging voice in my head from restraining myself...
Damn you.
It's very quick when I backhand her across the face, the room echoing with the sound made by the contact. Annika's eyes immediately flutter open in confusion, a pained groan escaping her lips while she first looks around frantically. She then looks directly at me and then briefly glances up at the ceiling, slightly pulling on her chains. Her heart begins to race, I can feel her fear, and it only eggs me on at this point.
"I gave you one simple order!" I bellow, my angry voice scaring her and if she'd just listened, we wouldn't be here right now.
"Why...why did that bitch kill them?" Annika asks, her voice faltering when she then questions, "What did my grandmother mean by not using me anymore?"
I'm quite surprised she even remembered that. I sneer, "What do you mean, why did she kill them?! They are hunters. We are vampires. Hunt or be hunted."
"Rynn," her voice dips and everything appears to snap into focus for her, "you used my blood to hunt them. You used me! I hate you!"
Considering I let her live, this is how she repays me?
I smack her across the face again before growling, "I could have killed you, and we wouldn't be having this conversation."
"Then why didn't you?!" She fumes at me, the side of her face red, a mark of where the bruise would begin to form.
I can't even answer that question for myself...
Why didn't I?
While I debate within myself over the feelings that are starting to surface for her, I see the way she balances carefully on her bare feet, standing on the stone floor. My arms remain crossed in front of my chest, my head tilted to the side as I can't bring myself to answer her.
When I've waited far too long, she snaps at me surprisingly with a request of, "Hit me again."
"No," I arch a brow, regarding her in confusion at the way she's shifting her tone.
"What?!" She yells back at me in complete confusion, more than likely preparing herself for a beating of a lifetime for the way she acted out. That's the thing though...the more I sit and think about it, trying to remain calm myself, it's clear she's in the right for the way she acted. It could have been prevented, but it happened, and nothing can change that.
"I said no," my voice holds a different tone, glowering at her while I unfold my arms, rubbing my forehead in aggravation.
Can I not spare this one hunter?
My heart pangs with guilt.
Can you forgive me...brother?
My muscles tense with the conflicted anger I feel, trying to escape these emotions. However, I do step toward her in the next second. I wrap my arm around her waist, bringing her closer to me. Her touch is pleasing, the softness her body brings me is beginning to take over. With my free hand, I take hold of her chin and tilt her head to the side, exposing the flesh of her neck. I can feel her shudder the second my fangs graze across her skin, realizing how easy it really would be to end her life, to relieve myself of the problem.
While she closes her eyelids tightly together, the pressure of my fangs increasing by the second, one thing I hadn't expected to hear graces my ears...
...a light moan escapes her lips.
Abruptly, I pull back away, my eyes locking with her own as I debate the one reason I can give her to keep her alive...
...her parents.
"I could kill you, right now," my voice is precarious, keeping the strain out of it.
"I'm tired of you threatening me," It startles me at her words before she orders, "kill me then."
"I said I could," I release the hold I have on her chin and run my palm along her neck, tracing over her chest being pushed up by the white dress. Her heart flutters at my actions, skipping a beat when I continue to glide my hand down her side, outlining her curves until I reach her outer thigh.
"Little hunter," my voice is dark and husky, the way I say the pet name I've given her takes her back slightly.
I can see her eyes attempting to decipher what it is I intend, but she just can't. I can see the way she second guesses herself, also unable to understand the way she's starting to feel, the way she's been letting herself slip and that I've allowed it without punishment. The way I only regard her as a slave in the eyes of my coven and the vampire world...the way I'm slowly slipping into something that is tangible and real...
I want her to know the truth...
I grasp her tightly, looking into her eyes with longing with hopes of having her understand the reasons behind my actions, "I had your grandparents executed so I wouldn't have to give them you."
Annika's heart skips a beat, the look in her eyes reflecting confusion and maybe she'll continue to judge me and see me as the vampire who took her with intent to kill her entire family... perhaps though... perhaps I don't have to...
"I honestly don't care what you think about me and my decision," my eyes spark as I elaborate, "I just want you to know the truth."
I suddenly release the hold I have on her thigh and slowly bring my hand up to cup her cheek, a gentleness reflecting my actions. I soon let my hand fall to grasp behind her head, right between her ear and neck. I lower my lips close to hers, pausing when they are just barely touching as we breathe in each other's scent.
Maybe...
...you're the one who's seduced me...little hunter.
My lips brush against hers in a very gentle kiss. When her breathing returns to normal, and she doesn't move away from me in revulsion like I initially believed she might, I gradually deepen the kiss. My tongue runs across the bottom of her plump lip, asking her for entrance. It's only a second later I hear the skip of her heartbeat before she slowly parts her lips. My own heart beats fast at her admittance, something I don't see as weak or submission of her in a way she'd hate herself for...but genuinely, she falls into the kiss as much as I do.
Carefully, my tongue delves into her parted lips, a light sigh leaving her a moment, rolling my tongue in a gentle massage against her own. Her skin heats, the unsteady beat of her heart draws me closer, wanting much more than a simple kiss...
I don't believe she was prepared for this, and neither was I until I finally allowed myself to give in to the emotions that had been slowly building and harboring within me that I'd kept a blind eye to.
Reluctantly, I pull back away from her, our lips separating as she slowly blinks her eyelids open.
...if I don't put her through some form of punishment, I'll have no respect from the rest of the vampires.
A low and husky growl emits from the back of my throat before I inform her, "Unfortunately, you will have to spend the rest of the evening here. I still have an image to uphold and you prancing around the hallways right after this incident...I was ready to really hurt you..."
"Lo-master," her voice is breathless, the catch in her voice making me chuckle inwardly.
Turning to leave the cell, leaving it unlocked I do ask, "Yes, slave?"
Amusement is clearly written across my face, waiting for her to respond.
"I-I-uh, um," she bites her lip and lowers her head, second-guessing what it is precisely she wishes to say to me.
I already know though...
...after tonight, I believe some changes are in order and possible negotiation.
"Goodnight, slave," my voice carries out across the room.
**
-A
nnika
Does Locaine genuinely care for me? What a strange emotion coming from a vampire toward any being other than their own kind, let alone a hunter.
My thoughts have been swimming since I have been reminiscing about our first kiss. I can still feel the way his soft lips claimed mine in a hot and delicate expression of...
...what exactly?
Do I care about Locaine?
I have been feuding with myself about whether I really have the truthful answer to this question. It's something I didn't think possible, the way he's treated me has been like a roller coaster, and I'm not sure when the ride is done, and I'm about to get off.
The answer has become simple over the time I've spent down here...
Yes.
He protected me when he should have thrown me to the mercy of the vampire covens, but he didn't. He should have beat me senseless after violating the one order he had given me, but he didn't.
Life is a random string of beads; a chaotic sequence of sparkling, dull, ostentatious and revolting. Each one is linked to the next by the string, by time, but cannot predict what comes next. The mind must take what it is given and make the best of it, never losing hope that more beauty will come.
I grin slightly to myself, wondering if it indeed is ever possible for me to trust again...possibly...could he be the one I trust in?
"I don't see why you have that dumb look on your face," the cold voice of the female vampire appears like silk in front of me. The room grows freezing as the blood drains from my face, wondering if what I'm seeing is this creature of malice that had killed my grandparents...or if it's but an illusion of my mind.
Oh no.
I don't know how long it had been since Locaine had brought me here and I didn't realize other vampires knew where to find me. How is it that she's managed to slip away without anyone noticing?
I glance all around me, even over her shoulder as if expecting Locaine to be nearby, may be able to stop this woman from doing whatever it is she intends upon...
...she wanted me dead...is she going to kill me?
Here and now below the mansion without anyone else knowing?
Her elegant features alter when she manages to practically read my thoughts as she snarls at me, "You think he can protect you?!" She pauses a moment and states, "I'm Jezabel...the rightful ruler..."
My voice is caught in my throat as I attempt to swing backward, but the chains hold me firm, just like when I had first been brought here. The white dress I'm wearing, sweeping around me as I struggle, the ends stained in my grandparents' blood...
"I'll take what is his because he took what was mine!" Jezabel snaps her thumb and middle finger together. In a flash, there are two male vampires by her side, both having dark red eyes that reflect their own hate and anger. They are still wearing their dress attire...
...the memory ball must still be in full swing?
Locaine doesn't know...he doesn't know she's down here!
"What?!" I cry out, confused by what it is she means by the statement she claims. My wrists are slowly becoming sore as they rub together while I attempt to move away.
"Don't get me wrong," Jezabel laughs while musing to herself, "I am grateful that Locaine brought me your elders to slaughter, what a lovely generous host my brother-in-law is. However, when Lord Enos died...I was supposed to take the throne. Not him. Regardless of the vampiric vote...it was my place to rule after standing by my late beloved's side, learning from him how to preside over the vampire species."
I'm quite confused. There is bad blood between them, and I don't think Locaine is even aware of it...
"I don't understand," I shake my head.
Jezabel sighs with irritation and informs me, "But! Alas, no female vampire can reign without a king by her side."
Oh...
"So...it appears that you drew the short straw and now you are mad with your results," I lash back out at her, not understanding how I fit into all of this.
Am I defending him?
"It won't matter anymore, not after we return to Germany," Jezabel turns on her heels, the sound of clicking resonating off the stone floor and ricocheting to the walls and back to me as she heads toward the large dungeon door. She giggles, "Locaine told me a fascinating piece of information about you that I'm dying to tell someone."
"We?" I gasp and finally realize what she means. She's not going to kill me...she's going to kidnap me!
Why the hell would she do that? Wouldn't killing me satisfy her revenge streak enough and punish Locaine for what he inadvertently did to her?
I thrash in my chains as one of the vampires takes a firm hold of my feet and binds my ankles together with rough rope. The second vampire breaks the chains that hold me to the ceiling. Just as I am about to collapse to the ground, they catch me before I fall.
"No!" I scream at Jezabel, but I soon find a gag being forced into my mouth and another piece of fabric tying in place around my head, my hair in disarray.
My cries are muffled as the two male vampires hold me firmly in their arms, one carrying my upper body and the other has his arms wrapped around my thighs. I can hardly move with the strength they restrain me with.
Locaine...
I'm pretty sure only one of the vampires could carry me, but the fight I'm putting up is incredible. I give it everything I have, even when my muscles appear to be completely drained of any stamina, I continue to try and make any noise possible. Even though my ankles are tied, I still manage to arch forward and hit the one holding my thighs with the back of my feet.
"Quiet," Jezabel's voice is dangerous as she speaks to her two companions. We are now entering the main hallway. It is quiet, not a single vampire or slave in sight. This completely confuses me...
What happened? I thought there were many covens and there should be at least one vampire around!
It isn't clear, but the fear of no one knowing what is happening right under their noses, makes me understand just how determined Jezabel is at kidnapping me.
The warmth of the building leaves my skin as the bitter night air rakes my body. I had been afraid when Locaine had taken me from the club, but I'm entirely terrified now that Jezabel has taken me from him. At least with him, I'd come to understand what it is he wants from me...
...perhaps now...something more, but with this cruel woman, I have no idea what she's planning.
A black car pulls into the roundabout, and the doors open a second later. The vampire holding my upper body backs into the car, carrying me with him in the process.
"What are you doing with Locaine's slave?!" Adam's voice sounds with rage as I quickly see his form running out of the shadows of the perimeter.
"Adam," Jezabel replies with a very nasty look set upon her face, "do you really want to do this?" The sarcasm drips in every word. Adam lunges toward me but is instantly surrounded by four vampires.
"Mhmhhhmhhmm!" I vigorously attempt to yell through my gag. However, I'm now entirely inside the vehicle, the sound of the car doors shutting sets the reality of the situation deep into my bones.
**
I've settled down, altogether giving up on contending with the vampires that overpower me while I continue to wear out what little strength I have. It had seemed like hours since Jezabel had me loaded up on a private jet with her companions. The vampire who I had initially kicked while they had been stealing me away from Locaine...he's now holding me on his lap, clasping my back against his chest as if I'm his doll.
Each time I try to shift away even slightly from him, I'm greeted with a dark growl.
Apparently, he has grown fond of licking me from the base of my neck to just behind my ear, a nasty shudder trailing down my spine each time he does this. I attempt to void myself of emotion, not wanting to let him see how disgusted I am with his presence let alone his actions. It's when I perceive the recognizable sensation of the tips of his fangs against my neck that I close my eyes.
Inhaling my breath sharply, I wait for him to give m
e a weapon...
Do it.
See what happens.
Jezabel turns toward us, consciously knowing she had heard me and quickly warns, "Don't you DARE bite her!"
"Why?" The vampire stops, obviously annoyed that he can't enjoy a snack on this flight, "I can't resist her scent."
Jezabel takes two steps and smacks him across the face before informing him, "She is a hunter born with the innate ability of blood magic. You were just about to give her a weapon!"
The vampire tenses and I feel it as his arm is now securely around my waist. My wrists had the chains removed from them and had been re-shackled in front of me the second we'd been seated on the jet.
He sighs and complains, "There goes my fun."
"If you want to play with her, go ahead," Jezabel tries to compromise with him and strolls down the carpeted walkway to the pilot. She then notes, "I'm sure Theo won't mind, after all, he'll most likely kill her after Locaine renounces his claim as king."
"Hmhmmmhmhhhmhmhmh!" I scream into the gag as the vampire slowly trails his hand up my thigh where the slit of my dress comes up high.
The vampire murmurs with intrigue, "I've never played with a hunter like this before. We've never captured one." I struggle harder at his words, beginning to see the gears turning in his head at what he might do to me.
"We kill on sight." He grasps the inner part of my thigh firmly, telling me exactly what happens...like I don't already know. I shake my head back and forth, pulling my arms up and thrusting away from him.
No one can touch me like that...
I glower and pull my bound ankles forward and back-shot my heels into his right shin with all the strength I have and aiming correctly.
He hisses and throws me off his lap and to the floor. I tuck and roll, taking the fall to the side of my body, my shoulder absorbing most of the impact without causing any injury.
"You want to play like that, do you?" He is now standing over me while narrowing his bloody irises at my small form. The vampire collapses onto his knees on either side of my body. While I try to roll to the side, he just grabs my shackled wrists and pins them easily above my head.
