Page 75 of The Vampire’s Prey

"What's eating at you?"

"I'm scared," she confesses before gnawing on her bottom lip. "I know I'm repenting, but I don't know how. I'm worried it will hurt."

Chuckling, I pick up her hand and bring it to my mouth. "It's not going to tickle. I can tell you that much. But put your faith in me, and all will turn out okay. My one rule for this evening is that you obey my every word with no sass, no comebacks, pure obedience. They need to see that you are repentant and willing to show that to them through whatever means I deem necessary. I've already spoken to Lucius—after tonight, the slate will be wiped clean." As we pull up to the club, Evangeline starts breathing faster. "Talk to me pet."

"I know you're not going to harm me. I trust you in that. But I'm still scared."

"It's okay to be scared, but I will be there the entire time. Focus on me, and you will get through this."

Nodding, she sits there patiently as I open her car door. Taking her by the hand, I lead her into the club and up the stairs. For once, it's entirely empty. I find her a random chair to sit in before going back down.

"This will not happen until the club is closed. I'm going to be downstairs coordinating everything with Lucius. You will remain up here until I get you. Hopefully, you will be thinking about your actions and how very sorry you are."

I leave her before I can go back on everything and just take her home and hold her. But, she needs this. I need this. This absolution will cleanse us both. I just hope that she won't hate me at the end of it.

* * *

The hours crawl by, and I can just imagine what is going on in Evangeline's mind. I've sent up sweetbloods a few times to check on her, and they all report that she's okay. Quiet, but okay. Finally, it's time.

Once the last patron leaves, I go downstairs to help move the dais and get everything set up. The Saint Andrew's cross is brought to the center of the room, and I lay out the implements I'm going to use on a velvet-lined stand. As we work, I notice all the vampires and their mates filing in and taking seats. The entire atmosphere is quiet, solemn. The constant music is brought to a halt, adding to the eerie effect. With a breath, I turn down all the lights except for one shaft that bathes the cross in a bright glow. I'm as ready as I'm ever going to be.

Taking a deep breath, I go upstairs to collect my woman. Her eyes are closed, and her breathing is controlled. Good, meditation will help with this. I gently touch her on the shoulder, alerting her to my presence.

"It's time my pet.” Her frame trembles slightly as she takes my hand. "Remember, just focus on me. When we get downstairs, you will approach Lucius and Selene, bow, and make your heartfelt apologies. From there, you will listen to my instructions and go from there."

"Yes sir."

I lead her down the stairs through the empty club and to the coatroom. A smile teases my lips when I think about our first encounter in this room. Hopefully there will be no show of defiance tonight. As I lead her down the stairs, I feel the eyes of all the vampires on us. Her hand trembles just a bit more. I squeeze it, trying to comfort her as best as I can. As we reach the dais, I let her go and watch as she bows before Lucius and Selene.

"I'm so very sorry for what I have done," she sobs out. "I cannot say or do anything that will make up for it. However, I will show you as best I can how grateful I am for this chance to redeem myself."

"Lucius, do I have your permission to exact penance from this woman as payment towards you and your family?"

He nods but remains silent.

"Come, pet."

Evangeline shuffles her way over to me, her eyes downcast. I cannot tell if it's all remorse or if some of it is her trying to shield herself from prying eyes.

"Strip."

She looks up at me then, her eyes wide. Her fingers grasp her garment, and she looks out over all the faces in the crowd.

"Focus on me, Evie. I've got you.”

Her eyes fly back up to mine, and she eases the gown over her head. I stifle the growl in my throat as everyone looks upon my beautiful woman, but this is a punishment of my own choosing. I can hardly be mad at them for watching.

"Wariza"

Without hesitation, she kneels down at my feet before sliding her hips to the floor and looks up expectantly. A glow of pride burns inside my chest.

"Take a look around you. Your actions put every one of them in danger.” I pause, so she can do as I order. "The punishment I extract will not only be for them but for me too. Instead of trusting me, you tried to kill me. I can understand your motives, but my understanding does not erase your guilt.” Smirking, I step closer to her. "What did I say when we first met? I am your god now. As such, you will take each and every lash I give you. At the end, you will say, forgive me master Adrian for I have sinned."

Her face pales even more, but she still utters the words I love most, "Yes, sir."

"Up."

As she rises from the floor, I turn her around and place her against the cross. Her hands and wrists go into the cuffs, and I tighten them. fear quivers through her body, but I can also smell her arousal. Walking over to the stand, I pick up a flogger. Its design is very similar to the one she used on herself. I make my way over to her and ease her head to the side, so she can look at me. I show her the flogger and run my fingers through the falls.