Page 56 of House of Pawns
Samuel slowly climbs to his feet, never once taking his eyes off of Markov. “It’d been a while since…since I’d been with…” his eyes dart to mine for a moment, shame heavy there. “A woman. Lexi is always down for a good time, so I called her, went to her place.”
“Idiot,” Markov growls. His anger shocks me. It’s so profound.
Samuel casts him another wary look. “I guess it’s just been a while since I had the fresh stuff, you know? Cause there I was, just kissing her, well, you know… And then the pulse under her skin just looked so…”
Samuel’s eyes flash red and I nearly take a step back from him.
Those same eyes flick back up to me, and they instantly fade away. “I swear, I didn’t mean it. I know your rule, not to feed on anyone in town. I just…”
Instantly Markov is there again, pressing hard fingers into Samuel’s throat, pinning his head against the wall. “Every mistake you make jeopardizes us all in this critical time.”
“I know,” Samuel coughs out. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry, Alivia.”
“Did you kill her?” I ask very quietly.
Samuel shakes his head vigorously. “She’ll be fine, I swear.” His voice is difficult to understand with Markov choking him.
“Let him go, Markov,” I say, keeping my tone even and level, despite the anger I myself feel building inside. Markov is right. We can’t afford stupid, rookie mistakes like this.
Instantly, Markov releases him, shoving him back as he does. Samuel doesn’t cough, but he does place his hands protectively around his throat.
I walk slowly toward him, even as I hear other House members gather around to see what the commotion is about.
“I promised you that I would take care of you, Samuel,” I say as I stop just a foot from him. “It seems I’ve failed to meet your most basic need.”
“No,” Samuel says, his eyes filled with fear and regret. “Youhaven’t. There’s always plenty to drink. Nial is very careful. I’m just…weak.”
I shake my head. “Apparently it’s not good enough. I made a promise, and I will keep it.” I pull my long sleeve up, holding my gaze on his face as I do. I bring my exposed, white forearm up, offering. “You can take as much as you like. I promised.”
Samuel looks from my arm, back to my eyes, in confusion. He shakes his head. “I’m good. I swear. It won’t happen again.”
My expression is calm, even though inside I’m dreading what I have to do. “I am sorry, too. I have been neglecting my promise. Now drink, Samuel. As much as you need.”
“Alivia,” Lillian says, wariness in her voice.
I don’t look back at her, but Markov hushes her.
“Drink, Samuel,” I say, my voice more demanding.
He hesitates, so I take his hand in mine, wrap his fingers around my wrist, and push my arm toward his mouth.
And truly, like he can’t help it, the moment my flesh touches his teeth, his fangs extend, and his jaw latches around my arm.
Instantly, my mind goes numb and my entire body goes still.
I’m nothing. I could float away into the abyss of darkness and it wouldn’t matter. I am air.
But as the seconds?...minutes?...pass by, I hear voices, muffled and far away.
“This has gone far enough.” I think it’s Lillian. “Look at Samuel. You think he’s ever going to make this mistake again?”
“This is Alivia’s House, and Alivia’s punishments to bestow.” Markov.
“She’s growing whiter by the second.” Not sure who that is.
Oh. What have I done? Someone. Anyone. Please stop Samuel!
Because I feel something inside of me growing darker. Feeling lighter. I feel dizzy.
