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I take in the mansion that sits atop a hill, overlooking a turbulent ocean. And I’m almost certain what goes on inside is just as volatile. The gravel crunches under my shoes as we head towards the monstrosity that is the Venier family home. It looks more like a Gothic castle where vampires live, rather than a home for the guys accompanying me. There aren’t any lights on, even though it’s getting dark outside. With winter coming soon, the sunlight is stolen by night early in the day.
When Papa first told me I’d be studying at Black Hollow Elite, he made it seem like a privilege, but nothing about what they do here is honourable. I did my own fair share of research and realised it wasn’t a place I wanted to be. A university where monsters come to learn how to kill.
I also learnt about the young men who would soon take over their families, stepping up as Bosses. The Lawless Princes who rule over the island are drenched in secrets. Danger follows them like a shadow does a person.
Black Hollow Isle was acquired by the Venier ancestors as a place where they could bring unsuspecting victims and torture them. Soon after, a university was founded in one of the castles on the isle, and to this day it is renowned for its exclusivity, only accepting a select few young men, and now women, who show promise and loyalty to the clan.
Which brings me here.
Even though my father walked away from this life, his connections ran deep.
And for him to keep me safe, he had to sell me.
Val doesn’t release my hand as he pulls me behind him. The slamming of the boot has me glancing over my shoulder to find Jordan and Kai carrying my luggage.
We make our way up to the intricately carved front door. The thick wood plays out a scene of five beasts surrounded by a throng of trees. These aren’t wolves or bears, but men in hoods who seem to hide amongst the thick trunks. A brass skull adorns the middle of the door, sending ice through my veins.
Val pushes open the door and leads me inside. The impressive, black and white entrance hall encompasses two levels with a central, sweeping staircase leading to a long balcony on the first floor. The steps are tiled, and the bannisters have a smooth iron finish.
Contemporary art hangs on the walls, welcoming us into the immaculate house. At the top of the staircase is a large window that reaches up to the ceiling. A chandelier of a thousand crystals hangs above our heads, shimmering with a golden hue, illuminating the modern interior.
“This is…”
“Home,” Val whispers in my ear sending heat skittering down my spine.
His hand is still in mine, and he tugs me up the staircase, taking the steps one at a time while I attempt to keep up. Once we reach the first floor, he releases me and heads towards a corridor on the left-hand side. I’m still behind him, and as he reaches the third door along, he suddenly stops, causing me to slam into his taut, muscled back. Even under the thick material of his hoodie, I can feel the tension in his body.
“This is yours,” he says but doesn’t look at me.
He pushes the door open and steps aside. The bedroom is nothing like I expected. Everything, well, almost everything, is off-white. There are hints of pinks and blues, but it’s extremely girly. “This is the only room in the house that’s yours and yours alone.”
Spinning on my heel, I turn around, only to meet Kai’s icy stare. “And everywhere else in this house I’m fair game?” My question sounds detached, and all four guys chuckle.
But it’s Val who responds, “We all live here. Judah lives on the next floor up, directly above your room.”
Flutters tickle my stomach at the thought. He’s so close, the man I’ve been promised to.
“And you?” I whisper, keeping my focus on Val, but I can feel Kai’s stare on me, burning into the side of my face as he watches my reaction.
Even though I try to keep calm, the tremor in my hands is enough of a giveaway to confirm his effect on me.
“Kai and I are also on the third floor,” Val says, a smirk curling his lips. “If you need anything,” he waggles his eyebrows, “just give us a shout.”
“I think that’s enough now, Val.” Kai speaks for the first time, his eyes flicking between me and Val. The tension in the air between the three of us is charged with sexual energy. “Let’s go,” he says, and turning on his heel without so much as a look at me, he leaves.
I don’t know why it stings, but it does. He’s a stranger to me, but the fact that he’s ignored me since we met at the airfield makes my chest tighten.
“See you later,” Val utters, the promise in his voice has me shivering in anticipation of what’s to come.
Once they’ve gone, I wonder if I’m going to survive this. Now there aren’t eyes on me, the loneliness and anger take over. My father sent me here as a payment for a debt, and I have no choice but to survive.
The truth hurts, and I realise there’s no other way to get through this, except to fight back.
If I don’t, I doubt I’ll come out of this on the other side.
A DARK VOW
JUDAH
