Page 13 of The Vampire’s Prey

He’s standing there, looking like half a god. My fingers itch to touch the place around my neck where he held my throat in his hand. Swoon worthy. That’s the only way to describe it. I’m trying so hard not to groan as I remember him fisting my hair. In fact, my scalp still tingles acutely, reminding me of the fact.

My knees feel weak, but the strength of his body keeps me upright. What am I doing? I can’t let myself get swept away by what he’s doing to me. Play hard to get. That will be the best course of action right now.

“Can you let me go back to work?”

Perfect excuse! It’s probably not good enough since he wants to take me to dinner. Of all the ridiculous things. A vampire doesn’t woo his prey. They take what they want and damn the consequences. I can’t sit here and just listen to his lies. Pain zips through me. Father is right. They don’t want me. Just my blood. I have to stop acting like he actually cares.

“I’m not going to be your fucktoy.”

Of course, he only wants me as a one-night stand. What in the hell am I actually thinking? Before I can stop myself, a tear rolls down my cheek. I hate that I’m so weak. I despise myself more than I have before. And, as much as I loathe myself, I hate this monster before me even more.

I take all of my energy and shove him away. Either I’m stronger when angry, or I take him off guard. Just one push is enough to get him off of me.

He says something as I walk away, but I don’t care. I’m done listening to this fanger and his lies. I’m done letting my heart and pussy rule my brain. From now on, nothing stands between the mission and me. I will never let him play with my emotions again.

Head held high, I make my way back to the bar. It’s time for me to actually get some work done around here. I don’t care how hot he is—he will never stand between me and becoming a full member of The Family, valued for my work. My conviction is high, but my confidence is shattered. I never expected to be such an easy target. Tonight, when I get home, I will spend the evening in prayer. Maybe then I’ll be able to purge his evil from my body.

I wipe at the counter, waiting for someone to order a drink. It’s all my fault really. That one moment of weakness, and I am open for his evil to swoop in. I should have never taken my own pleasure earlier this week. I know better than this. It shouldn’t be so hard. Maybe if I truly repent, then I’ll be able to withstand the temptation of the Devil himself.

3

Adrian

Fuck this. There’s no way this night can end this way. She is supposed to be mine. Tonight was going to be the best night of both our lives.

The anger keeps building in me, bubbling up so close to the surface. I don’t dare get near her right now. Not with my emotions in such havoc. I pace the club for a bit to calm my mind and body. She was afraid of me at one moment. I felt it. No blustering on her part will change that.

If I have any hope of actually getting her, I can’t come in raging like a bull. After walking the length of the club and back, I figure it might be better to just go get some blood on tap and avail myself to one of the willing submissives. Then, as I prepare for sleep, I can formulate a plan to win her back.

As I get closer to the coat closet, I see her in the arms of Tiberius. Rage fills my vision until I get close enough to hear the exchange.

“I don’t care what you think you’re doing, you’re here to serve drinks not snoop around the coat closet.”

Calmness washes over me. If I took just one second to think, I would remember that Tiberius is not a threat. It’s still surprising me how bent out of shape I’m getting over this one woman. Hell. She better be an excellent vintage. All this buildup better pay off.

“What? You think I’m trying to steal something?”

Her ire makes me chuckle. She’s definitely a pistol. Usually, I like my women demure, refined, and silent. I find it interesting that I’m drawn to this mouthy, loud woman. Hmm. I could always use my cock as a gag? Immediately, the member in question surges to the forefront. Apparently, he likes that idea too. I adjust the front of my pants and make my way over to rescue my damsel. I have no idea why she’s over here, but now is the perfect chance to pounce.

“I don’t actually know if that’s your intention or not. That’s why I want you to leave before I toss you out.”

“It’s okay, my man. No need to toss the wench out.” I slap Tiberius on the shoulder. “She’s with me.”

The look of shock on her face as she tilts her head up to me makes this worth it. Now, she has nowhere to go. She can either deny my claim and lose her job or come down with me and let me get my fix. The ball is in her court, and I’m pretty sure I know exactly which choice she’s going to make.

I may not actually know her, but I know enough. She will take my bluff and not back down. This is one of the reasons I cannot wait to break her. Have her willingly under my thumb. Thank the gods, I will finally be able to get this woman out of my mind. I meant what I said. This is for tonight only. One doesn’t make friends with food. That’s how it’s always been; that’s how it always will be.

Tiberius shoots me a dirty look, but what do I care? I have my prize. He can judge me all he wants. As we make our way into the closet, he grabs my arm and growls low into my ear.

“You better wipe her mind after this. I don’t care what you two are saying. She’s been acting suspicious since she’s gotten here.”

A predatory smirk crosses my face. “Don’t give it one more thought. I clean up after myself. Once I’m done, she’s going to be floating so high, it will take nothing to wipe her mind. She might be stubborn, but she cannot resist me or my charms.”

Tiberius crosses his arms and raises his eyebrow. It’s obvious that he’s unimpressed.

“Be careful. My gut is telling me something isn’t right.”

I glance over to Evangeline who isn’t even paying the least bit of attention to us. Instead, she’s trying and failing to surreptitiously inspect the coat area. That is indeed odd. I was expecting her to be bored out of her mind or vehemently arguing her case. Instead, she is feeling the walls, her nimble fingers smoothing over all the hard surfaces and ducking into the coats on the wall. I will get to the bottom of this. Once she’s under my control, she can’t resist telling me all her secrets.