Page 22 of Sold to the Dark Vampire Prince

Dani shivered, wanting to claw his hands away. She hated this, hated every part of a system that had forced every human within it into such abject poverty that eventually young women like her were all driven to this point. Making terrible, unthinkable choices in the hopes they or someone they loved might live to survive another day.

Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes as she forced herself to hold very, very still, despite the way her hands were starting to shake. He ran one hand down the length of her bare arm, lifting her hand. When he got to the finger Yvonne had nicked, he inhaled deeply.

“Young, untouched blood is so divine,” he leered. “I can’t wait to taste you.”

That was when Dani saw the blood dripping from the edge of the bandage onto the floor. Instantly, her knees went weak. Her field of vision narrowed, the floor rushing up to meet her. The folds of her red silk dress puddled around her like the petals of a flower as she tried to remember what Sera had said. She couldn’t pass out. Not now. She didn’t want to think what might happen if she were to lose consciousness in this room full of thirsty vampires.

Dully in the background, she became aware of the auction bell pealing relentlessly. A sick feeling curdled in her stomach. She was wounded prey, and there was nothing that excited alpha males more.

She felt the moment they began closing in around her, three of them maybe, or was it four? Fingers stroked her hair. Traced the angles of her face. Caressed the vein at her throat.

“I can’t wait to taste you.”

“I think this one likes being on her knees.”

Raucous laughter filled the room. Someone yanked at the fastenings of her dress. She felt cold air at her back. Gasping, she clawed for the panels of her gown, trying to hold it together.

“No, please.” Dani tried to shrink away, uselessly covering her breasts.

“Why’s she even here if she’s just going to act like a little prick tease?” one of the younger ones sneered.

The vampire who’d torn her dress loomed over her. His dark gray business suit spoke of power and his tie was askew. Lethal white fangs were elongated with thirst, his eyes glowing silver as he stared down at her. He was middle-aged, older than the others, and looked somehow familiar, though in the harsh light and with her vision spotting, she couldn’t place him.

“Please.” Dani could barely breathe past the crushing pressure in her chest. “My blood is up for sale, that’s all.”

“You think any man actually pays the exorbitant fees this auction house charges just because your blood tastes good?” the older vampire sneered. “My, but you are naïve, little girl.”

Tears streamed down Dani’s cheeks. She didn’t respond. Except, what had she expected? Somewhere in the back of her mind, she’d known this was how it worked. Zander had tried to warn her, and she hadn’t listened.

“You’re young and innocent,” he continued, the words making her skin crawl. “But don’t worry. I look forward to seeing to your education once I’ve purchased you.”

Her breathing quickened.

“That’s enough.”

The voice came from the dark shadows in the back of the room.

Not loud. Cold. Deadly. An order, absolutely certain that it would be obeyed.

Instantly, the hands released her. As one, the vampires shrank back as if pulled by invisible strings.

All except one.

Dani clutched at the ruined folds of her dress, barely daring to breathe as the male who meant to claim her balled his hand into a fist, clearly unwilling to relinquish his prize.

“We were just having a bit of fun.”

Now she knew where she’d recognized the older man. Lord Luciano Cavalieri was one of the wealthiest oligarchs, a man who’d risen to power following the pandemics and redistribution of wealth during the early war years. He controlled half the sectors, more by some estimations.

If he were to purchase her, she would truly be lost.

“And I said enough.” She blinked, head bowed, still unable to see the face of her rescuer in the blinding lights of the stage.

Dani’s heartbeat quickened. Somehow, she knew that voice… and yet, she didn’t.

Because… it couldn’t be. There was absolutely no reason why he would ever be here, at a blood auction.

And yet, her foolish, traitorous heart couldn’t help but hope, pounding in her chest so hard it began to hurt.