"I am, and I'm not trying to attract a vampire," I say.
"Uh, uh, uh," he says and holds his gloved finger to my lips. "Don't speak until I ask for your opinion. You'll find things are different in my coven. We hold to the old ways."
Of course, I have no idea what 'the old ways' are – I haven't got that far in my reading of vampire history and lore. He stands.
"Elaine!"
A blonde woman dressed in a bustier and leather pants comes into the room on heels that look dangerously high.
"Yes, my Lord?"
"Since that idiot destroyed Eve's sweater and bra, find something appropriate for her to wear. I expect Michel will be by soon to get her back. I want to show him how to keep his possessions safe – and properly dressed."
"I'm not his possession," I say. The woman – Elaine – visibly flinches when I speak.
The vampire leans down, his face level with mine. "And I heard you were so bright. What is it about 'don't speak until I ask for your opinion' didn't you understand?"
I press my lips together and look away. He takes my chin in his hand and turns my face back to his. I keep my eyes shut, not wanting to have to face him.
"Female slaves will keep their eyes on their Master at all times," he says and gives my head a gentle shake until I open my eyes. "You have to anticipate my every need."
"I'm not your slave and I'm not Michel's pet," I say. Then I realize I've spoken without permission and close my eyes, grimacing, waiting for something to happen.
After a pause, the vampire speaks.
"Then what about that bite mark on your neck? Why does he have an operative watching over you like you were a prized possession?"
I don't reply.
"Now, you see, you can't seem to get the hang of this slavery thing," he says. "I asked for your opinion. You're supposed to answer."
I open my eyes and he's back on his haunches, looking directly at me, his arms resting on his knees.
"I don't know anything about operatives."
"You don't know much, do you? Michel just can't commit."
I say nothing and wait.
"Tell me about Eve," he says, standing up and pulling a chair over. "I know you're an Adept. You work for the SCU." He sits on the chair across from me. "I think Michel's in love." He looks me over. "He really has kept you in the dark. Must be guilt." He leans in and runs a gloved finger over my cheek. "Tell you what," he says. "You're not happy with him? You feel unsafe? You just have to call my name and I'll be glad to add you to the harem."
"Harem?"
"Oh, sorry," he says and smiles again. "I forget the politically correct times we're in. I should have said my 'staff'. I suppose I could have called them my 'feedstock', or maybe my 'collection' or maybe my 'donors'. I really just like to call them my slaves."
I look away from him, disgusted with his obvious delight in his power over mortals. He immediately takes hold of my chin and turns my face back so that I have to look at him.
"You're not very quick are you?" he says. "Or are you just impetuous? I like impetuous. One thing I've learned in all my long years of existence is that the hunt and the chase are almost as much fun as the kill. I can see it's going to be a lot of fun to get you broken in if Michel doesn't claim you."
Then, a guard enters the room. "My Lord, he's here."
The vampire stands and faces the door. Several men dressed in dark coats enter the room, all of them with weapons of silver drawn – guns, knives. One even carries a crossbow. They stand in a circle around the vampire as if to protect him.
And then, Michel walks in and my heart jumps – except it's not Michel. It's Julien. He's wearing black leather and black jeans. He glances in my direction quickly and when I'm just about to say something, he gives a quick shake of his head. Then, he stands in front of the other vampire. He had no body armor that I can see or weapons.
"Finally," the vampire says and extends a hand to Julien. They clasp forearms. "I'm surprised Michel sent you. Aren't you two still quarrelling?"
"Luke," Julien says. "Thanks for picking her up when her security detail was taken out."