My conversation with the driver puts me in an anxious mood. I have a quick dinner by myself, but when I go to check in on Chelsie, she tells me that her and Sean are taking the night off to recuperate. She’s looking a little pale, and I wonder if I should do the same.
But I find I’m feeling strangely restless, cooped up all by myself in my room. I take out my nursing textbooks, which have been severely neglected for the past week. Blake and Amanda always tell me that it’s silly for me to study them, since I’m not in school yet. But I find it so interesting, and it doesn’t hurt to get a headstart, right? I’ll have to work while I’m studying, so I might as well be prepared for when I finally go.
Still, my focus is all over the place. I start to wonder about whether Crimson is in the lounge. I didn’t know that the previous vampire leader had just been staked. That must be very complicated for her. Did she know him well? Was she his…heir, or whatever it is for vampires? Didshestake him?
The driver’s words should have put me off completely, but instead, I find myself even more curious. I never thought I would get tangled up in a vampire clan. I’ve always been a goody-two-shoes, normal, boring. But now that I’m in it, I’m intrigued by the complex dynamics of the magical world.
Especiallyher. Crimson has this powerful, ruthless exterior…but there’s something soft about her, too. About the tender way she caresses me. How she explains what she’s going to do, how she checks in with me. She takes what she wants, yes, but she also…she caters to my desires. I’ve noticed how she pays attention to me, how she discovered so quickly how I like to be touched.Ididn’t even know I like to be touched that way. Blake’s done it, of course, and I’ve pleasured myself many times, but…neverlike that. I didn’t even know that sex couldbelike that.
And she said other things…suggested that there could be more that we could do. But I can’t even imagine what else…
I shake my head. I’m clearly not going to get any studying done. I might as well go downstairs, just to check if Crimson is there. If not, I can have a glass of wine and then come back. Maybe take a nice bath and turn in early.
Unfortunately, there’s no Chelsie or Sean to get ready with. But I find a white, flared dress at the back of the wardrobe that will do in a pinch. I keep my hair down tonight, but I do a little more make-up than I usually do. It’s actually really fun. I remember when I used to do my make-up in high school. Back then, I always did Amanda’s too, and she’d say I could be a make-up artist if I wanted to, although of course I would always get shy and brush off her compliments. I totally forgot about that.
Even if I don’t see Crimson tonight, I’m happy I took a little time to play with my make-up look. It’s fun, and I genuinely enjoy it. But I wish I had a couple more shades. Maybe if there’s some money left over after I pay Miles’s next installment, I’ll consider buying myself another palette. Then I can help Sean and Chelsie, too. It’ll be a nice way to give back, after everything they’ve done for me.
With one final swipe of mascara, I’m finished. I smile at myself in the mirror, tilting my chin so that Crimson’s bites show clearly in the mirror. I like the way they look at my throat. I hope that everyone knows that it was Crimson who gave them to me. The thought sends a thrilling rush through my body.
Unable to wait a second longer, I hurry out of my room and down the stairs. The party is in full swing - it seems like every night here is a full-on celebration. And I’ve noticed that the vampires seem to be rotating. I don’t see all of them every night. I wonder what else they do.
Unfortunately, Crimson seems to be missing. Her throne at the backof the lounge is empty. Biting down my disappointment, I take a lap of the periphery. I’m a little too awkward to dance on my own, and I don’t recognize any of the other living humans. Should I…try to service another vampire? I guess that’s my job, but although the other vampires eye me hungrily, none of them approach.
There’s a tingle of pleasure in my stomach. I guess Crimson pretty clearly claimed me as her own.
Well, if I’m not going to work, maybe I can have a drink and try to make some friends. There’s a row of couches at the center of the lounge where living humans are chatting. I’m still a little intimidated by the mansion and the heavy atmosphere of the lounge, but this is a great opportunity to get out of my comfort zone and try to enjoy myself.
With butterflies in my chest, I go over to the couch and catch the eye of one of the living humans there. She waves me over. “Come join us! We’ve got plenty,” she says cheerfully.
I don’t know exactly what she means, but then I see what it is they’re doing, and my stomach drops.
Another man bends over one of the low side table and snorts a line of glittering, purple powder. A moment later, he gets a dopey, dazed expression on his face.
I’ve never seen a substance like that, but I know immediately that I want no part in it.
“Oh, um…no, thank you,” I stammer, moving away from their table.
An overwhelming, tense feeling rises in my chest, and I suddenly feel like I need to get some air. I hurry out of the lounge and down the hallway. I quickly pass by servers and staff members until I find the door that leads outside into the courtyard.
As soon as the crisp night air hits my skin and fills my lungs, I feel better.
I don’t judge anyone who uses substances, but…the images flashing across my mind are too much for me to handle right now.
To distract myself, I wander further outside. It’s a gorgeous night, the sky crystal-clear, displaying a wonderful tapestry of stars and the slim sliver of the moon. And the courtyard is stunning. It stretches out wide and open, punctuated by elegant statues of angels and overflowing fountains. Benches dot the cobblestoned paths, which are lined with shrubs and flower beds.
It’s very quiet out here, and surprisingly peaceful. There are no lights, but the bright stars and moon cast a pearly glow over the scene. I find myself wandering through the gardens, enchanted by their beauty. There’s a corner full of vibrant rosebushes. The smell is absolutelyincredible. I reach down, and carefully take a petal between my fingers. It’s silky and smooth, not unlike Crimson’s skin. I wonder if she’s ever been touched before, the way that she touches me…
My fingers twitch at the thought, and I nick the tip of my pointer finger on a thorn. A single bead of ruby-red blood appears on my finger.
Suddenly, an iron fist grips my wrist.
Fear shoots through me as I’m pulled face-to-face with Waylan Night. Before I can even scream, he takes my finger in his mouth and sucks the tiny wound. Red swirls in his eyes as he consumes my blood.
“You’re as delicious as I thought you would be,” he rasps, taking my finger from his mouth. “No wonder Crimson likes you so much.”
I struggle against his grasp, but it’s completely hopeless.
“Let mego!” I beg.
