Page 17 of Cinderella and Her Vampires (Dirty Paranormal Fairytale Haremlan 5)

“Gah. Fine,” I said.

I sucked in a deep breath. This wasn’t my idea of fun. I really disliked repeating myself, but on the offhand chance that I would be able to see for myself the man wasn’t here, I could go home, conscious cleared. I wouldn’t have to waste another minute on that godforsaken man. In the end, repeating myself would be worth it.

On the exhale, I said, “A man came into my bar. He was looking for someone he called the Dark Prince. He was rude and annoyed me, so I pointed him this way. A couple of days later, he shows back up at my bar trying to get my customers to join him in a war against the so-called monsters. I kicked him out and banned him from my bar and hoped to God I wouldn’t have to deal with him again. But, as my luck would go, someone came into my bar tonight looking for him. Said he was kidnapped. Feeling responsible, I came looking for him.”

“And you decided this was the place to start looking?” the dark-haired one said. “What made you think he was here?”

“Because of everything he had said,” I explained. “Now that you have the whole story in a nutshell, are you going to give him up or not?”

A presence pressed against my back. Invisible and cold. I stiffened and clamped my mouth closed as I realized what was happening, seconds too late.

A third vampire had arrived. Approaching behind me. I closed my eyes and silently kicked myself for being so stupid. I was surrounded. And for the first time during this whole mission, I felt the tiniest hint of fear filter through my system.

It was the first time I had considered I had acted too hastily in my pursuit of making sure I didn’t have blood on my hands. The first time I had realized that I had gotten myself in over my head.

Though I had walked into the lion’s den, I wasn’t about to go down without a fight. Never mind I knew nothing about fighting monsters. But something told me that from this moment on, my life was never going to be the same. I crossed the point of no return.

The problem was I had no idea that my words were carried more meanings than I could comprehend.

And just when I thought I had seen the most beautiful creatures in the world. I turned to face that of a man with glowing, golden eyes.

“What is the meaning of all this racket?” he asked.

8

SILAS

I stared in awe at the woman who had captured my attention since I first saw her working at the bar just a few nights ago. I couldn’t help but wonder what were the odds that she would appear in my home. Granted, she was raising hell in the middle of the night, disturbing the peace, and drawing far too much attention to herself… but still… the concept of her being in my home intrigued me. Curiosity was becoming a familiar sensation to me as of late. And just when I started to think my life had gone dry and I had grown weary of my eternal life.

I tried hard to conceal my delight in her presence, but I couldn’t help the curve of my lips. It was as if she had finally come home. She came to me.

It seemed fate had other surprises in store for me still.

As I approached her from behind, Brock and Xavier closed in a little more, taking away her room to escape, not that she could in the first place. We were much, much faster than she could ever hope to be. But the woman was aggressive, demanding, and loud. She had taken away my peace. All I wanted to do was make her leave, but in the same token, the very thought of her not being around had my body in a frenzy. A weird, empty sensation filled my torso. It was odd. I didn’t like it.

Surprising still, she had sensed my approach. I wasn’t sure if I should have been proud of that or not. And it didn’t matter. I was caught in a trance by her bright blue eyes locked onto mine. She narrowed them.

“Oh goody. There are more of you,” she said. “Does anyone else care to join this argument? Anyone? Come out, come out wherever you are! Olly, Olly, oxen free!”

I smirked, huffing a short chuckle under my breath. “I’m Silas, the master of this residence. Who might you be?”

“No one but a girl who’s looking for someone who I know came this way,” she said, emphasizing the word “know.” All the while her blue eyes burned with fury.

“I’m sure you are mistaken,” I said, standing tall and placing my hands behind my back. My experience has proven to me that this posture was the least threatening. “Dare I say you’re also borderline rude considering it is customary for you to give your name during and introduction.”

“I’m sure you’re all nothing but incredibly gorgeous liars. I’m not leaving until I have proof,” she snapped. “And my name is none of your business.”

I smiled. She had spunk. She was courageous as well. Xavier looked to me for a signal to capture her, but I ignored him. Instead, I wanted to see where I could take things myself. How far would she go before she gave in to me.

“Very well. Who is it exactly that you are seeking?” I asked.

She turned her back to the wall and angled herself to keep the three of us always in her sight. “As I have said, I’m here for a man. A human.”

“Whose name is?” I asked, drawing out the words a little longer than necessary.

She stammered. “I… uh… I don’t know his name.”

“Then why the fuss?” I asked. “Surely, you have other, better things to do with your time than to worry about someone you don’t even know the name of. He clearly doesn’t mean that much to you.”

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