Page 25 of House of Pawns
But he’s still hiding.
“Happy birthday, Alivia,” a young woman says as she walks away, toward the doors.
“Thank you,” I offer with a warm smile. I give her a wave before she disappears into the crowd.
“You’re awfully young to be the financier to a low income housing development.” I turn to see a short, thick man with a white mustache walking up to me.
“I just want to do what I can to give back to this new, beautiful community of mine,” I say. I flash him my smile in hopes that it will carry me through this night.
The man seems to evaluate me for a long moment. He isn’t sure what to think of me. “There’s been a lot of talk about you these past few months, even more so in the last week and a half.”
I nod. “I’ve heard that. What do you think of me, though, sir? Am I someone to be afraid of?”
Once again, he stares at me long and hard. “I don’t know yet, that remains to be seen. But I think we can all appreciate someone who tries to do good with their fellow men.” He reaches into his pocket. “Someone asked me to give this to you.”
He hands over a piece of glossy paper, and without another word, he tottles away.
I look down and see this is the final puzzle piece. Featured in this one is Ian’s hand and mine. They hover close, reflecting the feelings of anxiety I felt that day at our separation.
I tuck the piece between my breasts since I do not have any pockets in this dress.
I turn, observing the crowd, and my eyes land on Samuel.
He doesn’t look his happy, partygoer self.
I make my way through the crowd and stand beside him. “Why the long face?” I ask as I watch the dancers in the middle of the room.
“I haven’t eaten in over a week and your party is reminding me a whole lot of Jasmine’s, and that one has a completely different purpose than this one,” he growls. “Everyone just looks like a meal.”
I look over at him and notice the barely visible, raised black veins around his eyes.
Proving loyalty means far more than blood.
“Come with me,” I say. I extend a hand out to him. He looks at it hesitantly for a moment, but takes it and lets me pull him to his feet. I don’t let go of him as I lead us through the crowd. We exit the ballroom, push our way through the people that block the hall, and then go down it to the very last room in the far north wing.
I open the door and close it behind us.
“What are you doing?” Samuel asks, even as a hopeful smile starts creeping onto his face. “I don’t think Ian was kidding when he said he’d take my eyes out.”
“Shut up,” I say with a roll of my eyes and the shake of my head. “That’s never going to happen.”
“Never say never, sweet cakes.” He winks at me.
“Never,” I say with a raised eyebrow, but a smile does crossmy lips. “But…you said you’re hungry. And I can’t let you feed on my party goers, but…” I raise my wrist up, leaving it exposed before his lips.
Samuel gives me a confused expression, but his eyes go back to the tender flesh of my wrist. “You…you’re offering your blood? Are you serious?” His eyes flick back to mine.
I nod and meet his eyes. “You took a risk coming here, to my House. That isn’t lost on me. If you really will be a member of my House, Iwilltake care of you.”
Something shifts in Samuel’s eyes. They soften. His gaze deepens.
He doesn’t look away as he hesitantly grabs my wrist and brings it to his lips.
Even when his fangs extend. Even when they sink into my flesh.
My mind goes numb and my body freezes as the vampire toxin sinks into my system. The world seems hazy and I don’t really have a single thought rolling around in my head.
It’s terrifying. But it’s also kind of blissful.
