Here Be Sexist Vampires Part 22

"You're a tease."

"You like that. Now let's go."

"Yes, let's. The sooner it's over the sooner I can get you back here."

"How we getting there?"

He smiled. "How do you think?"

There was then that familiar queasy feeling in my stomach and suddenly we were outside a security, double-glazed box that was attached to a large set of black iron gates. One of the two guards stood within it was startled by our abrupt presence but seemed to recognise Jared and dropped his reproachful twist of the lips.

"Evening," he greeted Jared, carefully taking the invitation in Jared's hand that had been addressed to him from Connelly. He hadn't acknowledged my presence at all. Wow, they really were stuck-up round these parts. Stepping aside, he gestured for us to pa.s.s through. "Have a good night, Sir."

Jared nodded and then, with a hand at my back, guided me through. Now, I'm not one to get much impressed by big fancy houses, but this one came second to Antonio's mansion. The grey limestone building looked as smooth as a baby's b.u.m. It was three stories high and had varying stained-gla.s.s windows of varying styles and sizes, something I wouldn't have thought would have added to its character. It had a very welcoming, extravagant portico which, right now, was the only part of this angle of the mansion through which light was s.h.i.+ning through.

The winding path toward it was a bit annoying, I felt like I was off to see the Wizard of b.l.o.o.d.y Oz. If I hadn't been wearing my heels I would have suggested to Jared that we take a small de-tour and just cross straight over the lawn. He'd have probably said no. Tonight I had to do as I was told. How wonderful.

Having entered through the solid pine porch doors, we came to the Grand Entry Hall. It was crowded with vampires. Obviously the gathering began here. It seemed to then branch out further ahead underneath where the chandelier was situated on what was to be something like an eight foot high ceiling, with vampires coming and going from rooms on both the left and right. I guessed them to be the living room and the dining room. Far ahead was a curved solid pine staircase that was carpeted golden and had intricate carvings. Connelly was obviously a flashy sod.

Remember not to leave my side, said Jared.

Sir, yes, Sir.

One hand still on my back, Jared guided me through the crowd. His touch burnt in the most pleasurable way. The vampires had all congregated into circles, some big and some small. Plenty of those heads turned as we squished through and I saw lots of pairs of eyes focus on who was behind me and then nod respectfully. Jared, of course. I got a second look due to being the Heir's consort. Suddenly I felt like I was in school walking down the corridor with the most popular boy, everyone wondering what it was about me that made him pick me.

The blokes seemed to approve of me. I suppose the blood-red dress helped with that. As for the females...well they seemed to be looking for something about me that might make me worth gossiping about. Once they realised I was a Svente, they'd be in their element. If it wasn't for the warmth coming from his hand, I'd be feeling mightily uncomfortable and a little agitated already.

G.o.d, so much excess energy buzzed around the place. Snort. Obviously these master vampires weren't as great as they thought they were if they were leaking energy like that. And to think that they were looking down on me.

The way that Jared once had, I suddenly thought.

For a second, the question of whether he might return to that frame of mind after we had s.h.a.gged entered my mind. I quickly discarded it. I didn't want to explore that idea, afraid of the answer. Yes, afraid. I concentrated on the feel of Jared, his scent, his proximity, his promise of what was to come later. The end of this gathering couldn't come soon enough. I never liked parties. Not vampire ones anyway. Going as someone's consort made the night even worse. Not only was I under Jared's control, but I couldn't wander off and socialise or drink from any of the intoxicated humans. And if any vampires did decide to talk to me and it turned out that they were a total bore, I had to stand there and listen to it, nodding in agreement with things I couldn't give a c.r.a.p about or laughing at jokes that wouldn't be funny at any time in any place.

Worst of all, if any vampire decided to subtly feel me up a little, I couldn't do anything about it other than tell Jared and hope he told them to get their hands off me. Victor always did, which was something that I had always been grateful to him for. He never let anyone else ever touch me, or bite me, and he would refuse anyone who proposed that I bite them.

Here comes Connelly, Jared informed me.

Yes the friendly looking bloke was on his way over, obviously eager to greet any guests who arrive. He seemed even more enthusiastic due to it being Jared.

"Jared," he crooned, shaking his hand. "Always good to see you. You look well."

"And so do you, Rupert." He flashed him a charismatic smile.

"Your charm is still there, I see. May I enquire about Antonio?"

"He's great, thank you. Sends his regards."

"Ah, you must thank him for me. I have hopes to visit The Hollow later this year..."

The conversation faded from my attention as my eyes settled on something else. Bennington. He was stood at the arched entrance to the dining room, sipping a drink...and staring straight at me with a disturbing smile plastered on his grimy face.

Reminding myself that it was important to play my role, I returned his smile of acknowledgement. He gave me a look that said he would see me later, and then he waltzed off into the dining room. I had no doubt that he would see me later, especially now that he had seen me with Jared. If he planned to attack The Hollow the last thing he would want is me fighting on Antonio's side. Three times he had challenged Victor, Bennington's idea of a duel, however, was to set one of his vampires against the others'. All three times Victor had used me, and all three times I had won the duel. Bennington knew how well I controlled my gift, and I wouldn't be surprised if he made one last ditch effort to collect me. Luckily, I was secure in the knowledge that Jared would oppose this.

I returned my attention to Jared and Connelly in time to hear Connelly's, "This one is a ma.s.sive improvement on your last consort."

Could I resist smiling at that? No.

"Yes, she is," agreed Jared.

"A Svente?"

I felt Jared stiffen. He was obviously waiting to be frowned upon or looked at like he was crazy. He should've listened to me.

Connelly flashed me a smile. "And a beautiful one, too. May I ask your name?"

Say Samantha, not Sam, said Jared. High Master vampires don't abbreviate their consort's names, it's too informal.

I know. My expression was shamelessly flirtatious, only missing the wink. "Samantha."

His smile became cheeky and his face was suddenly flushed. He turned back to Jared. "It has been so long since I have had an encounter with a Svente. This brings back some fantastic memories, I must admit. Dare I ask if your new consort is available only to you?"

Translation: Can I borrow her for a few minutes? I couldn't hold back a smirk. Told you.

"I never was very good at sharing," said Jared, sliding his hand from my back to around my waist. G.o.d that felt good.

"Ah," murmured Connelly disappointedly but without dropping his smile. "Well, Jared, when you next do a consort spring cleaning, be sure to let me know. I do believe you may set off a trend."

The noise of the Grand Entry doors opening and closing behind us pulled us all out of the conversation. Connelly laid his hand on Jared's forearm. "I have to dash. More guests to greet. Please enjoy your evening, I'm sure we will speak again before you leave." Connelly bowed his head at both of us. "A pleasure to meet you, Samantha."

"Did he really just suggest I pa.s.s you on when I'm done?" asked Jared disbelievingly once Connelly had left to greet his new guests.

"What, you've never had anyone do that before?"

"Never. I would never have thought he'd have been so interested when you're a Svente."

"Look, upper cla.s.s vampires getting involved with Sventes is a bit like d.o.g.g.i.ng it happens, but no one let's on that they do it."

His laugh was silent. "And here I am strolling around with one like it's the norm."

"Believe me when I say that if they look shocked it's only because they wouldn't have expected you to be so out-in-the-open about it, not because they truly think it's degrading. If you decided to pa.s.s me round this place like a parcel they'd all make sure they handled me at some point, I promise you that."

Jared's lips were suddenly at my ear. "The only vampire who'll be manhandling you tonight is me."

"If I let you."

"You get such satisfaction out of teasing me, don't you?"

"I still maintain that you like it."

It wasn't long before master vampires came to greet Jared, each with the same questions How was Antonio? Was Jared well? Was I his new consort and did he like to share? I could sense that Jared was getting more and more aggravated by that last question. His grip on my waist intensified until it was possessive and a blatant display of owners.h.i.+p. Even that didn't discourage people from asking. Of course there were the odd looks of disapproval but never did those sn.o.bbish vamps let Jared see their distaste; they probably feared causing offense.

One by one the High Master vamps that Jared had told me about last night also came to greet Jared, except for Bennington. Although I glanced around and feigned disinterest, I was listening intently to every word that was exchanged and the tone in which those words were delivered. I almost laughed aloud at how their consorts, all Kejas, seemed to look down on me. They disliked me even more when the High Masters questioned Jared about me, his new consort. I didn't let it show that I was getting sick of being referred to as a consort. It brought back memories I didn't want to think about.

When Jared discretely gave my hand a supportive, comforting squeeze I gathered that he had picked up on my irritation. It unnerved me that we could read each other like that. I had slowly gone from being able to sense when he was near to also picking up on what he was feeling at times. If Jared and I had shared blood at some point then I could blame this weird link on that and have the comfort of knowing the link was only temporary. But right now I had no idea what this link was or how to get rid of it.

What do you think about the High Masters then? asked Jared as we made our way out of the patio which overlooked a large, fancy swimming pool complete with a man-made waterfall.

I'd say Carlos' loyalty is questionable, and I'd say the same about Winston Jones. But I reckon the others would be loyal to Antonio, especially Bran.

You and me are on the same wavelength then.

Oh I knew that and it was what disturbed me.

Have you noticed Bennington acting odd?

A couple of times I saw him whispering and lingering around the other High Masters. He's been looking over at you quite a bit.

Actually, I think it's you he's been looking at. The idea seemed to p.i.s.s Jared right off.

If he is, he's probably thinking how best to approach the prospect of you pa.s.sing me onto him. An idea popped into my head. How about you go leave me alone for a sec and let him have the opportunity to speak to me on my own?

h.e.l.l no, Sam, I'm not leaving you alone. I told you, you don't leave my side.

Just act as if you're going to answer a call of nature, it's not like I can't defend myself if I have to but I can't see anyone, not even Bennington, trying to hurt me.

No, I'm not comfortable with having you out of my sight.

I pressed myself up against him, seizing his gaze. Instantly his irises began to glow.

Don't even try seduction to get your way, Sam.

Just give me five minutes.

h.e.l.l. No.

With my tongue, I drew a circle on the patch of skin that was exposed by the V of his s.h.i.+rt. He shuddered. I sc.r.a.ped my teeth over the patch the way I knew he liked. Jared, you know this is a good idea.

Sam, will you quit the teasing.

Oh this isn't teasing, I've got every intention of biting you tonight. So let's get the business c.r.a.p out of the way and then we can get out of here. Don't you want that?

He shuddered again. You're evil.

Five minutes, Jared.

He sighed, half surrender half frustration. Three minutes. He swatted my a.r.s.e and then pointed a finger at me. Making a show for anyone who might be watching, he sternly said, "Stay here. I'll be back in a minute." I nodded. If anyone hurts you I swear to G.o.d I'll kill the pair of you for it.

I mentally rolled my eyes. I suspected that it wouldn't be long before Bennington came over; he wouldn't want to chance Jared getting back before he'd had a chance to get whatever it was he had to say out of his system. I was right. Something like thirty seconds later I heard: "Well h.e.l.lo, Samantha. It's been a while."

I nodded and smiled a little. "Yep, it has."

"I take it that Victor had a price for you after all."

"Oh he didn't sell me, he's dead."

Bennington's thick black brows rose. "Dead? How?"

"I killed him."

"You killed your own Sire?"

"I'd kill anyone who tried to hurt Antonio. And if Victor really thought he could attack Antonio and live to tell the tale he was a daft sod who was just begging for an immediate death." I saw Bennington's head working away. He probably didn't like that I was clearly very loyal to Antonio.

"It is little wonder, then, that Jared has you as his consort. For now, I should say."

I could guess Bennington's game. He wanted to turn me against Jared. "So he's a bit of a s.l.u.t?"

"I've never seen him with the same consort twice. It strikes me that he gets bored most easily."

"That works out well for me then; I'm pretty much the same."

He didn't seem to like that answer. "Don't you miss your days as an a.s.sa.s.sin?"

"What's there to miss? Blood and gore?" I shook my head, my face scrunched up in repugnance. "Don't get me wrong, if Antonio asked me to work for him as an a.s.sa.s.sin then I'd do it, but I'm quite content as I am."

His expression said he wasn't convinced. "You're a most spirited individual, Samantha. I cannot imagine you being satisfied being nothing more than a consort, even if it is to the Heir of The Hollow. The offer for you to join my team is still open. Then you can exercise that spirit of yours, end your consort days." It wasn't a question. He had every intention of consulting Jared about it and was letting me know in advance, giving me incentives to be cooperative.

"I can't say I've any need to complain. Jared's a good s.h.a.g. But by all means ask him."

"Ask me what?" I'd already known Jared was approaching; I'd felt it in my bones. He laid a hand on the small of the back and greeted Bennington. To his credit, he was as civil and relaxed as he had been to the other vampires; giving nothing away about his hatred of him.

Bennington spoke, "I was just saying to Samantha that my interest in her is still great. Victor was never open to negotiations about selling her. I wondered about your own willingness to do so." His facial expression and cunning smile told me that he was confident that Jared wouldn't be possessive over a consort.

"I'm afraid my interest in her is just as great," replied Jared as his arm snaked around my waist once again.

"Oh I didn't mean my interest in her is as a consort, no. But if the idea of losing a consort bothers you much, I'm sure we can come to some arrangement." He gestured at his own consort; a blonde Keja vampire who was gazing at Jared like he was a Christmas treat. I had to fight against the urge to cook up a gust of wind that would get her away from Jared and out of my sight.

"No disrespect to you or your consort, but my answer is a resounding no'. I'm nowhere near finished with this woman yet," he added in a cheeky voice. "Enjoy your evening." With that, he guided me back into the mansion. I almost punched the sleazy sod of a b.i.t.c.h.

You're not the only one.

What did he say while I was gone?

Just trying to entice me to become part of his little collection. Typically he'd set up a fight-off between his best a.s.sa.s.sin and yours, me being the prize. But he hasn't got his team with him so had to use a different tactic. He probably reasoned that I could take you on with my gift and thought that if he could make me want to leave you I could fight for my freedom or something.

My brows arched as we entered the dining room to find plenty of vamps chomping on their consorts. It seemed that they were making a toast' to Connelly for his hospitality. I knew what Jared would say next, and instead of it unnerving me, the idea excited me.

"It would be rude not to join in toasting our good host, don't you think?" Before I could say a word he'd spun me around and was grazing his teeth over the pulse in my neck. Sam?