“Are you sure you want to remain by my side as my pet?”
The words had her looking down. She didn’t want the vampire to see how relieved she was at what he was saying.
“Zari?”
She said softly, “Yes.”
The world seemed to shift the moment she spoke. When she gazed up at Alexandru, she could see that it was the same for him.
It is not politically correct to call human pets as food.
If that was the case, then we pets have the right to call vampires bats with feet.
Zari’s Rules for the Modernization of Relationships between Human Pets and Masters
~ Zari ~
LA SCALA LEGATURIA.
The words, spelled in molded black steel on top of the gates, supposedly meant the School of Bonds. Since this was a training ground for human pets wishing to serve their Masters well, I had to wonder if the double entendre behind the name was intentional. If most vampires were like my Master, it probably was.
Beyond the gates, a sprawling structure made of ancient red bricks soared against the overcast skies. It would be my home for the next few years, assuming I was accepted as one of the school’s privileged students.
“Scared, pet?”
I looked up at the question, and the sly smile that accompanied the words made me lift my chin and say, “Nope.”
It was a lie, of course, and my Master knew it.
He threw back his head and laughed, the rich dark sound echoing in the night like a dangerously addictive melody.
My heart skipped a beat at the sound, and when I glanced back at the vampire, my heart skipped again. I wished it didn’t, but it was no use. Tall, dark-haired, and broad shouldered, Alexandru remained the most gorgeous man I had ever seen in my eighteen years of existence. And since I had become a part of his world? That was saying a lot. Every – and I mean every – nonhuman male I got to know had been prettier than me.
My Master clucked his tongue. “You and your lies,” he chided softly. “It is not bad to admit to a few weaknesses, pet. That is why I am your Master.” He spread his arms wide open. “Would you like me to comfort you with my body?”
My cheeks heated.
When I saw an unholy gleam light up his emerald-green eyes, I realized belatedly that I had fallen for his trap. Again. We had been together for less than a week, most of it spent on the road as we traveled from the wilds in Brazil to the mysterious isles of Key West. That much time in his company was enough to make one thing glaringly clear: nothing brought him greater pleasure than seeing me blush.
My Master suddenly laced his fingers with mine, making me stiffen in surprise.
Before I knew what he was doing, he had raised my hand to his lips, and my cheeks burned hotter when I felt his kiss on my flesh. “Master!” I hadn’t been able to call him that the first time we met, but now, the word slipped past my lips easily.
“I vowed that no harm shall ever befall you, pet, and you must be aware by now that I always keep my word.”
I nodded, slowly. It was the truth. He always kept his word, no matter how hard, no matter how gruesome.
“This place shall be your sanctuary. It will give you time to heal and find out what you want in life.”
I nodded again, but this time it was only for show. While I did believe that time could heal, I didn’t think the other one was true. Rather, I didn’t think it was necessary. I already knew what I wanted in life. I was going to be his pet, a damn good one. So much so he wouldn’t ever think of replacing me.
My Master frowned at my lack of response. “Zari—-”
The sound of the gates slowly opening interrupted him, saving me from replying. Someone in a black hooded dress came out. Her face was unlined, and I would have thought her ordinary until her smile revealed her fangs.
“Alexandru, welcome.” She greeted him with a curtsy, surprising me.
Alexandru bowed in response, and when he looked at me meaningfully, I dropped in an awkward curtsy.
The woman smiled in approval. “You are Zari, I believe?”
“Yes, ma’am.” I thought about it and added lamely, “Milady.”
She reached out to squeeze my hand reassuringly. “My name is Lavinia, and I am one of the teachers in this school. You may call me Madame Lavinia, as the other students do.”
Her expectant smile made me mumble, “Good evening, Madame Lavinia.” When she continued looking at me, I found myself curtsying one more time.
She clapped her hands. “Perfect.” She started walking again, leading us inside the school. The gates swung silently shut behind us without anyone touching them. Automatic controls or magic? With this crowd, you just never knew.