Vampire Love: Fated Mates and Paranormal Bully Romance (Supernatural Alphas) Page 4

  She thought it would end there, but it didn’t, the world twirling around her into something new, something different, and something terrible.

  Black.

  The color of vengeful souls, the color of hatred, the color of death---

  Ghosts of murdered parents seeking retribution against the Richmonds. An eye for an eye.

  A solitary sheet of newspaper once again drifted down, big, bold black letters on the front page spelling the fate of the owners of the mine.

  Entire family found decapitated in their beds, mutilated, no signs of struggle!

  ****

  “Come back to me now, pet.”

  The words sounded like they came from a great distance. They were repeated over and over, louder and louder, until it roped her back into reality and Zari found herself falling to her knees, a silent scream lodged against her throat.

  Frightened gray eyes sought Alexandru.

  His first instinct was to reach for her, but he forced himself to remain still, knowing it was the only way to help Zari become stronger. “Breathe slow and deep.” He issued the command in a soft voice.

  Zari instinctively followed the order, a part of her recognizing the fact that everything Alexandru – her Master – would ask of her was for her sake. Always for her sake.

  She concentrated on breathing, and little by little, the chills racking her body subsided, enough for her to be coherent. “The children…” She started to cry again. “Their parents…” She looked around her, and this time she saw them with new eyes.

  “What you saw was from the past, and you’re able to see it because you’re a soul seer.”

  She whispered, “I don’t understand.”

  “It’s why I was searching for you. You are one of the last of your kind. Most members of your race had been annihilated by an ancient war.” Demons in particular had been responsible for nearly wiping out their existence, but for now, he decided to keep that fact to himself. It was clear that Zari was suffering from shock, and it was best to tackle such knowledge on another day.

  Zari rubbed her temples, her head literally hurting at how hard she was trying to understand what had just happened. She said haltingly, “But I’ve never seen something like that before. So why---” That was when she remembered his earlier words.

  I’m going to bite you now, just to open your mind a little more and let you see…

  She gazed up at him. “Why…did you want me to discover what I am?”

  “Because it’s who you are, and in my world, you’ll need your powers as a soul seer to survive.”

  The words struck her as both true and untrue. “That’s not the only reason,” she said quietly. “Is it?”

  A smile touched his lips. “No. It’s not.”

  She waited for him to say something more, but when more than a few seconds passed and his handsome face remained impassive, Zari said, “You’re not going to tell me, are you?”

  No. He wasn’t. Not when he knew that his reasons could – would – hurt her.

  He said finally, “Just know it is for your sake that I’ve done this.” He offered his hand, wondering if she would take it. If she still trusted him.

  She took his hand.

  Again, the pang through his chest, one that felt more and more familiar.

  He helped her to her feet, and when she was upright, he was the one who bent down to dust off her knees. It made Zari inhale in surprise. “You don’t have to---”

  When he straightened, he murmured, “It’s my duty as your Master to look after you.”

  “Oh.”

  “You’re glaring at me, pet.”

  Because the way he was smiling at her was making her heart throb, but of course Zari couldn’t say that.

  Alexandru suddenly yanked her to him, causing her body to slam against his. Her cloak parted open, and she gasped at the contact of her naked skin against his fully clothed form. She opened her mouth to yell at him for being a pervert, but he beat her to speaking.

  “This is the last time I’ll ask you.”

  Zari froze.

  In all honesty, he did not want to ask her again. In his mind, she was already his. But he also knew he would not be able to live with himself if he did not give her this one final chance to be free of him. One last chance to live a life without pain because sooner or later, Alexandru was sure he would only make her cry, and it wouldn’t be tears of pleasure.

  “Are you sure you want to remain by my side as my pet?”

  The words had her looking down. She didn’t want the vampire to see how relieved she was at what he was saying.

  “Zari?”

  She said softly, “Yes.”

  The world seemed to shift the moment she spoke. When she gazed up at Alexandru, she could see that it was the same for him.

  ****

  It is not politically correct to call human pets as food.

  If that was the case, then we pets have the right to call vampires bats with feet.

  Zari’s Rules for the Modernization of Relationships between Human Pets and Masters

  ~ Zari ~

  La Scala Legaturia.

  The words, spelled in molded black steel on top of the gates, supposedly meant the School of Bonds. Since this was a training ground for human pets wishing to serve their Masters well, I had to wonder if the double entendre behind the name was intentional. If most vampires were like my Master, it probably was.

  Beyond the gates, a sprawling structure made of ancient red bricks soared against the overcast skies. It would be my home for the next few years, assuming I was accepted as one of the school’s privileged students.

  “Scared, pet?”

  I looked up at the question, and the sly smile that accompanied the words made me lift my chin and say, “Nope.”

  It was a lie, of course, and my Master knew it.

  He threw back his head and laughed, the rich dark sound echoing in the night like a dangerously addictive melody.

  My heart skipped a beat at the sound, and when I glanced back at the vampire, my heart skipped again. I wished it didn’t, but it was no use. Tall, dark-haired, and broad shouldered, Alexandru remained the most gorgeous man I had ever seen in my eighteen years of existence. And since I had become a part of his world? That was saying a lot. Every – and I mean every – nonhuman male I got to know had been prettier than me.

  My Master clucked his tongue. “You and your lies,” he chided softly. “It is not bad to admit to a few weaknesses, pet. That is why I am your Master.” He spread his arms wide open. “Would you like me to comfort you with my body?”

  My cheeks heated.

  When I saw an unholy gleam light up his emerald-green eyes, I realized belatedly that I had fallen for his trap. Again. We had been together for less than a week, most of it spent on the road as we traveled from the wilds in Brazil to the mysterious isles of Key West. That much time in his company was enough to make one thing glaringly clear: nothing brought him greater pleasure than seeing me blush.

  My Master suddenly laced his fingers with mine, making me stiffen in surprise.

  Before I knew what he was doing, he had raised my hand to his lips, and my cheeks burned hotter when I felt his kiss on my flesh. “Master!” I hadn’t been able to call him that the first time we met, but now, the word slipped past my lips easily.

  “I vowed that no harm shall ever befall you, pet, and you must be aware by now that I always keep my word.”

  I nodded, slowly. It was the truth. He always kept his word, no matter how hard, no matter how gruesome.

  “This place shall be your sanctuary. It will give you time to heal and find out what you want in life.”

  I nodded again, but this time it was only for show. While I did believe that time could heal, I didn’t think the other one was true. Rather, I didn’t think it was necessary. I already knew what I wanted in life. I was going to be his pet, a damn good one. So much so he wouldn’t ever think of replacing me.

  My Master frowned
at my lack of response. “Zari---”

  The sound of the gates slowly opening interrupted him, saving me from replying. Someone in a black hooded dress came out. Her face was unlined, and I would have thought her ordinary until her smile revealed her fangs.

  “Alexandru, welcome.” She greeted him with a curtsy, surprising me.

  Alexandru bowed in response, and when he looked at me meaningfully, I dropped in an awkward curtsy.

  The woman smiled in approval. “You are Zari, I believe?”

  “Yes, ma’am.” I thought about it and added lamely, “Milady.”

  She reached out to squeeze my hand reassuringly. “My name is Lavinia, and I am one of the teachers in this school. You may call me Madame Lavinia, as the other students do.”

  Her expectant smile made me mumble, “Good evening, Madame Lavinia.” When she continued looking at me, I found myself curtsying one more time.

  She clapped her hands. “Perfect.” She started walking again, leading us inside the school. The gates swung silently shut behind us without anyone touching them. Automatic controls or magic? With this crowd, you just never knew.

  “You are quite the fast learner,” she remarked in a pleased tone. “I now see why Alexandru has chosen you.”

  My Master’s sly smile reappeared at the words. “Believe me, Madame Lavinia, it is not the only reason I have chosen her. You see, I have also seen her---”

  A thought crossed my mind, of Alexandru’s first sight of me, when I was tied to the bed, naked. Panicking, I stepped on his foot, hard. Master or no Master, I didn’t want anyone learning about that.

  Madame Lavinia glanced at us over her shoulder. “You saw what, dear?”

  “I saw her potential right away,” he finished without missing a beat. “She will make me the perfect human pet.” His gaze slid to mine, his eyes just as sly. “Correct, pet?”

  “Yes, Master.” I had to choke the words out even though I was itching to yell at him for being so darn mean.

  Our hands remained entwined as we followed behind Madame Lavinia. The contact between us kept me from panicking, but I would rather hang myself than admit it.

  An expansive cobbled road led straight to the school, reminding me of my Master’s earlier explanation about the “training” that I would receive if I were admitted.

  Next to the thick, tall walls securing the property was a gatehouse, and when we went inside, I realized that it served as an admission center of sorts for the school. My heart became heavy with insecurities. Could I really make it here?

  “Please make yourself comfortable while I get the paperwork ready,” Madame Lavinia said, gesturing to the receiving area before leaving us.

  Looking around, I had expected the whole place to look like a kinky fantasy come to life, but so far, everything was just vast and tastefully decorated. This room, for instance, strongly resembled a hotel lobby, with its creamy stenciled wallpaper, carpeted floor, and elegant furniture.

  My Master sat on one of the leather couches. When I started for the armchair next to him, he shook his head.

  “Where do you want me to sit?”

  He patted his lap.

  My eyebrows shot up. “Are you serious?”

  “Do I look like I’m joking?”

  I couldn’t help it. I demanded again, “Are you really serious?”

  “Oh dear.” The words had me whirling around and I saw Madame Lavinia on the doorway, a look of dismay on her kind face. “You should never question your Master, young Zari. That is one of the most sacred rules for human pets.”

  “Umm…” I could feel my Master’s smile stretching to a smirk behind me.

  “If your Master wants you to sit on his lap, you should be grateful for such a sign of affection. It only means he cherishes your company.”

  “Err…”

  Her hands made a flapping wave towards Alexandru’s direction, as if silently urging me to do as he asked.

  Slowly, I turned around to face my Master.

  As expected, he was smiling ever so beautifully…and ever so slyly.

  Heat burst in my cheeks, but knowing that resistance was pointless, I slowly made my way to him. When I was just an inch away, I waited, hoping he’d just tug me to his lap so I wouldn’t have to do it myself.

  But of course, my hatefully contrary Master wasn’t the type to make things easy for me. Instead, he stayed still, a mockingly patient expression on his face.

  “Zari?” Madame Lavinia asked, her tone bewildered.

  Cringing in mortification, I slowly lowered myself on his lap, back ramrod straight. I stared straight ahead, knowing that if I caught sight of my Master’s sly smile, it would only get me blushing harder. That or strangle him. It could be either.

  Madame Lavinia sighed in relief. “There, there. I’m so glad you’re not as stubborn as the other First-Mades.” Taking the couch opposite us, she sat down and handed each of us a folder. “Please take your time answering this.”

  She directed a questioning glance to my Master. “Would you like a moment of privacy while you fill this out?”

  “If it wouldn’t be so much trouble, please.”

  “Nothing is too much trouble for you, my dear,” the older woman said warmly.

  When she left, my Master’s fingers drifted against the small of my back, which I now knew was his way of telling me he wanted my complete attention. “Read the forms, pet. I’m sure you’ll have questions.”

  I glanced down at the form. The first line told me that he was right. I would have questions – a lot of them.

  Legacy or First Made?

  “She mentioned this a while ago,” I murmured. “What does this mean?”

  “Legacy refers to all those who come from families who have served as human pets for generations. First-Mades are like you – humans who have been acquired by other means.”

  “You mean sold in auctions?”

  My Master’s face became grim. “I’m sorry, pet, but your circumstances are rare…and unfortunate. Most other First Mades are a result of a simple legal agreement between humans and otherworlders.”

  The surprises just kept coming, I thought. “You mean, someone would really choose to be a human pet?”

  He raised a brow. “Why not? Your main responsibility is to feed us when we need sustenance. In return, you will be able to live in the lap of luxury forever.”

  “But it also means a lifetime of not being free to do whatever you want,” I argued. “You told me before that I can’t even have a relationship without your approval.”

  “Naturally. It is for our race’s safety. We must make sure that people who know of our existence are all trustworthy.”

  “But---”

  “I understand and respect your opinion, pet.” His tone was gentle but firm, and I knew it was his way of subtly reminding me of what we were. Master and pet, and whatever way you want to look at it, it would always be one commanding the other and never the other way around.

  My gaze moved back to the form, scanning the rest of the questions until I saw one that I couldn’t understand.

  Claimed or Unclaimed? If Claimed, please state your Master’s name.

  “I don’t understand this.” I pointed to the words that caught my attention. “I’m guessing I’m Claimed, but what about the Unclaimed ones?”

  “They’re humans who come from the most illustrious Legacy families. They’re highly sought after, which means they can afford to refuse offers of claiming. To put it simply, they prefer to be claimed by only the most powerful Masters.”

  “I see.” The bonds between Master and pet were turning out to be a lot more complex than I thought.

  Are you willing to share your pet?

  My Master caught sight of my stunned expression and when he saw what I was staring at, he chuckled, the sound tickling my back. “Occasionally, otherworlders come here in need for immediate sustenance, and some Masters are quite generous with their pets.” He cupped my jaw, making me look at him. “You have
nothing to worry on that count, though.”

  “I’m not worried.”

  His lips curved, and his sly smile was as sinfully sexy as ever. I wondered if there’d ever come a time that I would be immune to its sight, wondered if there’d ever come a time that my heart would stop skipping a beat when he smiled at me like that.

  “You and your lies.” He clucked his tongue. “Do you really think you can fool me?”

  “I’m really not worried---” The rest of my words disappeared into his kiss, turning me into a statue on his lap. But still his kiss continued, its fiery heat making my body melt. When his fingers sunk into my hair, using it to angle my head so he could deepen the kiss, my resistance weakened even more.

  “Are you really not worried,” he whispered against my lips. “Because if you’re not, I’m going to leave you this very moment---”

  “No!” The word burst out of my lips, my hands clutching his shoulders in desperate and instinctive protest.

  Laughing, he kissed me again, fiercely, seductively. “I was just teasing you, pet. I will never leave you. I promised you, didn’t I?” Slowly, he pulled away. “You do understand why I need you to stay here, Zari?”

  I didn’t answer.

  “Zari?”

  I shrugged.

  He sighed. “Answer me, Zari.”

  The commanding tone left me no choice but to answer, and I muttered, “Just because I understand doesn’t mean I agree. Master.”

  “You know the kind of life I lead. I want you to have a long life by my side, but that won’t ever happen without proper training.”

  “You could train me.” I hated how petulant I sounded, but I couldn’t help it.

  “True, but I have much more important uses for my time.”

  I winced. As blunt as ever, my Master.

  “Are we agreed on this then? You will stay here if you are accepted?”

  It wasn’t like I had a choice.