Hands moved the hair out of her face and a smile came to her lips. She opened her eyes and the smile died from her face when she saw who it was. He just gave a little smile as he watched her sit up in bed. She ignored his presence and moved into the spacious closet to change.
“Well good morning to you too.”
“What do you want?”
“You already know.”
“I'll have your head on a platter.”
He laughed slightly and moved the hair out of his dark eyes.
“Would you like me to say it?”
“No. Not that you care.”
“True. What I want is you. Your power. That thing inside of you that keeps you alive.”
“How little you know about me.”
She stepped out of the closet and piled her hair on her head.
“I know that you are Kuran's exotic pet.”
“And I won't be yours.”
“What spell has Kuran placed on you?”
“None. But I know the costs. No one will be able to control me.”
He chuckled and pulled a picture out of his shirt pocket.
“What about him?”
She stared at the photo, fighting off every instinct. This was not her realm, this was not her home. She wasn't going to let him play her so easily. Instead of responding, she moved to brush the tangles from her hair. Minutes later, he came behind her. She watched in the mirror as he kissed her cheek.
“One way or the other, I will have what I want. I'm not a charmer for nothing my dear. Even if I have to make you love me, I'll get what I want.”
He left the room and her eyes closed with silent tears. The memory of a night two years back came clear to her mind as fresh as the tears in her eyes.
She walked along the corridors, eyes looking for trouble. She felt someone behind her, but saw no one. The anxiety in her only added fuel to the fire inside as she looked for a way out. Three years she had been looking, but this night was special. T
he blood spilt on this day would give her time to get out. If she could find the door. She turned a corner and ran into a new face. Male with a strong chin. His hair was a light blonde, platinum almost. His eyes were dark and red. He smiled at her and she saw no fangs.
“Well this is a surprise. Kuran has a new pet.”
She scowled at him and pushed past. He grabbed her wrist, his touch gentle but giving her shivers.
“Now don't get upset. Kuran is just like that. The name is Adrian.”
She pulled free, never looking at him. But his gaze on her kept her frozen.
“Tara...”
He moved in front of her.
“It fits you. Your name.”
She nodded, not wanting to say anymore. She took a step and found she could move. But he was blocking her path.
“I need to get past.”
“No.”
She looked at him, watching his eyes look down her. Despite the layers of clothing she wore, she felt exposed under his gaze. But again, she was frozen.
“I have a better idea, Tara.”
He came closer, a dangerous look in his eyes that made her wish she could run away.
“Why don't we go to your room and have some fun?”
His words burned her ears even as he glanced at her again. His hand trailed up from her wrist, and her skin burned where he touched like it was fire. She was jerked back and into the temporarily safe arms of the Vampire King.
“Adrian, I need not remind you that this girl is not available. Take your incubus desires elsewhere.”
The incubus just smiled and turned around.
“Alright. I'll see you again Tara. Hopefully when the Vampire Queen is in.”