He shrugs. “You just seem happy, that’s all.”
“You don’t think Blake makes me happy?”
“I think Blake makes youcomfortable,” Miles retorts.
“He takes care of me,” I reply. “We’ve been together for a long time. When you’re with someone for a while, it starts to become comfortable, but that’s not a bad thing.”
“Whatever you say,” Miles sighs. Then he spots the door to the dining hall, which has a bright pink sign taped to it. “Hey, there’s ice cream sundaes today! Want to stay for dinner?”
I check my phone. “I should really be getting back. I have to be there for sundown…”
Miles cocks his head. “Sundown? Why?”
“Oh, I…I’m going to a…party with Amanda. It starts at sundown, and I have to get ready.” I hate lying to him, but it’s too much to explain right now.
“Ok,” Miles replies, letting go of my arm. “But you’ll be back for next week’s therapy session, right?”
“Of course,” I reply, reaching out to squeeze his shoulder. “I love you, Mi.”
“I love you too, Paige!” he grins at me, then hurries into the dining hall.
I feel a little bad on my drive back to the mansion, especially after what Miles said. Should I have gone to visit Blake, while I was in the city? I thought about texting him, but I know that on Thursday afternoons, he’s always with his friends at their favourite bar, taking full advantage of their Thursday happy hour, watching football and taking two dollar shots. I joined him a few times before realizing that it wasnotmy vibe. Even though I haven’t seen him in a week, I don’t know if I want to join him for that, and I don’t think he would cancel it to make plans for just the two of us.
I stare guiltily out of the car window. It’s only me this time, alone in the back seat with my thoughts. I asked Eloise how to travel in and out of the city with no buses, and she insisted that I take the car anytime I need, as long as I arrange it ahead of time. It’s completely new to me to have such easy access to transportation. I’ve never owned a car, or been able to afford taxis, never mind a luxury limo and driver willing to take me anywhere I want. At first, I tried to convince Eloise to let me pay for the service, but she insisted it’s included for everyone in their employ. Another one of the job perks, I guess.
The high, wrought-iron gates to the mansion swing open as we approach.
“Thank you very much,” I tell the driver. He’s the same driver who first took me to the mansion. It already seems like a lifetime ago. “It seems a little silly to drive such a long way for just me. I really appreciate it.”
“No problem,” he replies, but his tone is a little abrupt. I wonder if he’s irritated that he had to take me all the way into the city and back. But then he stops the car outside of the mansion’s entrance, looks around to ensure that nobody is nearby, and leans over the back seat. “Listen…” he says. His voice is low, and his hazel eyes are slightly narrowed. “You seem like a nice girl, so I’m going to give you some advice.”
I frown, feeling a little apprehensive. “What is it?”
He scratches his ear nervously. “I’m not a vampire, but I’m…involved in the supernatural world. This vampire clan…they’re bad news. Some vamps are ok, don’t get me wrong, the independent ones can be perfectly reasonable. But this bunch are…they’re ruthless. They’ll do anything for money and power,especiallythe older ones.”
I shift uncomfortably in the backseat. “Do you…know anything about Roslyn Night?”
“The Crimson Stake?” for a moment, his eyes flash yellow. I inhale sharply. Did I see that right? He gives me an urgent, panicked look. “Stay away from Crimson, if you can help it. She’s one of the oldest vampires in the entire region, and she’s as bad as they come. All she cares about is power. She won’t hesitate to end anyone who threatens her throne.”
My stomach tightens. I don’t want to believe what he’s saying, but something inside me knows that there’s at least a bit of truth to his words. I’ve felt her power for myself, experienced her bloodthirsty ruthlessness firsthand.
“Even if you decide to stay, which Iwouldn’trecommend,” he continues, “you should be careful. The last vampire leader, Xavian Night, was recently staked, and it’s created a huge power vacuum. Crimson seems to have secured the throne, but there’s always bloodshed when an old vampire gets staked.”
I nod. “Thank you, for the advice. But I…Ineedthis job.”
He gives me a serious look. “Enough to risk your life for it?”
I think of my brother, finally getting the treatment that he deserves. I know that there’s no other way I could quickly make the money I need to pay for it. He’s the most important person in my life. Of course I would risk it for him.
And…I know that Crimson is dangerous, but so far, she hasn’t hurt me. She’s terrifying, and I know I should be careful around her but…a part of me alsotrustsher, for some strange reason. She might be cold and cruel, but when she’s drinking from me, I always feel safe. Taken care of. It’s a feeling I’m not used to, and one I don’t want to give up.
Could I just walk away from that, even if I wanted to?
“Yes,” I whisper in reply. “Thank you for your advice, but I have to stay.”
CHAPTER 15: THE CRIMSON STAKE
Paige
