Page 35 of The Vampire’s Prey

Turning back towards the sink, I watch her fumble to get her contacts in. It takes a few tries because her hands are shaking so badly. I cross my arms as she turns back around to face me.

"It doesn’t work that way darling. This isn’t some horror movie where the heroine gets out of a scrape by tossing the monster out.” I cross my arms and level my sternest glare. “I am not going anywhere. But you are for sure coming with me now."

"You can't make me!"

If the situation wasn’t so dire, I would have laughed in her face. There she is, barely able to stand, telling me that I can’t make her. It’s priceless. One day, I hope to have a good laugh with her over it. Now is definitely not the time though. I make my way towards her, my long strides eating the distance quickly. Grasping her chin in my grasp, I stare down at her intently.

"As much as I love your sass and spunk, now is not the time to test me. You can either gather your things and come with me quietly, or I will throw you over my shoulder and take you anyway. But with the second way, all your things stay behind. You have a choice to make, and I suggest you do it quickly."

I watch as the wheels crank in her head. Thankfully, she doesn’t put up a fight. Relief flows down my spine and out through my limbs. She is already fragile enough. I don’t wish to push her over the edge. Once she’s healed though, we are going to have a very long talk. I walk back over to the door to guard the entrance. It is the only way out, and I am not allowing her near it without me there.

She scurries around, throwing stuff into a ragged-looking suitcase. Most everything she just tosses in without taking much care with it. However, the quilt she wore around her body earlier is gently laid in last. Her fingers brush over the raised design for a moment before she snaps the lid closed.

"I'm ready," she whispers, fidgeting with the bag in front of her.

I smirk and point to her naked body. "Is that so? I guess you plan on giving your neighbors a good show then."

Her face lights up with the prettiest blush as she sets her bag down and rummages in the closet for a moment. My cock began to stir as she hops about, tugging various items on. It feels so wrong to desire her right now, especially with the weight of what is happening hanging between us. With a quiet groan, I adjust myself and grab her bag. Holding out my other hand, I wait for her to take it before turning to the door.

"Listen to me. There will be no antics outside of this door. You will not alert anyone in any way that you are leaving. Do you understand me?"

"Yeah," she sulks, rolling her eyes.

Frowning, I drop her hand and grab her chin again. "Young lady, do not test me right now. You and I are already going to have a long talk. Do not make me add a punishment onto it. Because we can either sit and talk like polite adults, or we can talk while you are over my lap receiving a sound spanking."

She opens and closes her mouth a few times. "You wouldn't dare!"

I smirk. "Just like I wouldn’t make you go down to the club naked? Just like I didn’t ram a piece of ginger up your ass? Trust me, I can be very creative with my punishments. So, let’s try this again. Do you understand?"

Her chin drops to her chest. "Yes sir."

My damn cock gets even harder. Reaching out, I grab her hand once more and leave the apartment. After she locks up, I take back her hand and lead her to my car. She is either mad or thinking. Unfortunately, with her being so pale and drawn, I cannot read her as well as I would like. Silence looms in the car as we make our way to my house. What exactly am I thinking? I can’t keep her a prisoner. Yes, you can. She belongs to you. It is your job to make sure she is safe. Okay, but safe from what?

I glance back over at Evangeline. Tears pool in her eyes but never fall. Her blood still stings my nose, demanding I take her right then. It takes all my training to keep the car on the road. Besides, I don’t know the extent of her injuries. Any blood I take could have disastrous effects.

The drive takes way longer than I would like. Normally, the open scenery calms me. Tonight, it just makes me anxious. The longer it takes for me to get her to my home, the longer it is before I can take care of her. I wish that my motives were pure, but if I were to be honest, I want her to talk. I don’t care as much about her getting better at this moment. I need to know what is going on inside that convoluted mind of hers.

“Are they prescription?” I ask, just trying to break the silence.

She grimaces and rubs at her eyes for a moment before looking over at me. “Yes. I’m a bit nearsighted.”

Something about her answer doesn’t ring true, but I won’t push it right now. “Why are they a different color?”

A light blush tinges her cheeks. “Haven’t you ever wanted to change something about yourself? Shit brown eyes don’t exactly get you the guys.”

I frown at her words. “I happen to think your eyes are gorgeous. But if you feel more comfortable...”

“I do,” she interrupts before plucking at her shirt.

We descend into another uncomfortable silence. Why is she putting up so many walls? Doesn’t she realize it would be so much easier to just let me in and let me help? She’s so small, so fragile right now. I don’t even want to breathe in her direction for fear of shattering her.

After what feels like an eternity, the white brick walls of my house loom into view. A part of me is happy to see it. The other part dreads what’s coming. Looking over at my little prisoner, I see her eyes widen in awe. A small bit of satisfaction worms its way into my heart. Of course, I love the place, but for some reason, seeing her also like it makes me feel warm and fuzzy. Her eyes keep darting all around, taking in all the details, that she does not even notice when we stop. I give her a few more moments as I gather my thoughts and plan out how things are about to go down.

"Time to go," I whisper, stroking the back of her hand. She looks over at me, the look of happiness fading from her eyes. No matter. This is what has to be done to keep her from harm, even if it’s harm from herself.

She doesn’t resist as I open the door and guide her out of the car. I guess she’s not completely resigned to her fate, but I do not like this either. I want her willing and eager to be at my side. I grab her bag and lead her into the front foyer.

Once we are both inside, I set the alarm and arm the door bolt. This way, no one can get in or out without my approval. A slight sway catches my eyes, and I’m reminded about how much of an ordeal she has gone through.