“That seems fair.”

“It’s usually fair.”

“What about the humans?”

She looks over at me.

“What about them?”

As we’re talking, Abigail moves toward a large wardrobe and pulls the doors open. She starts moving her hands over different kinds of fabric. I realize she has a huge collection of dresses in there, and she seems to be looking for a very specific one.

“How did they get here?”

“They were captured, mostly. Some of them came willingly,” she shrugs. She pulls out a red gown and holds it up. Then she shakes her head and put it back. “Mostly, they help around the castle. Sometimes they offer themselves up to be fed.”

“Do you ever...take it from them?”

It sounds rough asking, but Abigail isn’t offended.

“We don’t like to feed from people who are scared,” she says simply. “Now come on. It’s time to get you dressed for dinner.”

Chapter 7

As it turns out, “dinner” is actually a hugely elaborate feast that must have taken days to prepare. Okay, so they definitely knew I was coming. Either that or they just like to dine in luxury. I’m not sure which would be better: them planning to kidnap me or them regularly hosting special events that involve ridiculous amounts of food.

The dining hall is huge. I know because when Abigail and I arrive, I peer through the double doors and take a took. The vampires seem to be waiting patiently for me at the other end of the hall. I have no idea how long they’ll be patient for, though, and I don’t ask.

“I can’t go in there,” I whisper to Abigail. I look down at the gown she chose for me: it’s a pure white dress that seems practically magical. It’s beautiful and tight and it makes my breasts look damn pretty.

“You can, and you will,” she says, encouraging me. “You look hot. I’d bite you.”

“You would?” I look at her sharply, and she nods.

“Oh yeah. If I didn’t think my brother would kill me, I’d be all over you,” she laughs. “Then again, you’re exactly my type.”

“What type is that?”

“Human. Sweet. Probably a virgin.”

I blush, and Abigail just laughs.

“They’re going to love you, girl. Go on.”

She shoves me, pushing me into the room, and I scurry inside. Okay, so this is it. This is where I’m going. This is where I’m supposed to be. I have to remind myself that everything’s going to be okay because right now, it kind of feels like nothing’s going to be fine.

I walk into the room and the men all stand up in unison. Somehow, they seem to move completely silently. They’re looking at me, watching me, and I’m filled with a sense of excitement as I start to move.

The dress that Abigail selected for me is almost pure white. It clings to my body, showcasing my every curve. I’ve never worn anything like this before and honestly, I’m not even sure how I’m supposed to breathe in it.

Much less move.

Still, I somehow manage to begin making my way across the room. Each of the guys looks at me. I’d give just about anything to get to know what they’re thinking right now.

Benjamin’s eyes roam my curves, and if I’m not mistaken, his just bit his lip. Oh, it was slight, but I saw it. Good. I’m glad I’m having this sort of effect on him.

Matthew looks me up and down, and then his eyes lock on my face. He’s looking at my hair, and my makeup, and my face. He’s never seen me like this before. Then again, nobody has. I’ve never looked like this before.

And then there’s Eli.


Tags: Sophie Stern Vampires