Four
758 Words
“There you are.”
Isabella heard the familiar voice from behind her. She turned quickly, but she couldn’t see who had spoken. Terror gripped her instantly, her heart pounding wildly against her chest. She wanted to escape, to leave. She knew her village had been raided and destroyed by the vampires they had feared for years, but she still wanted to run. Anywhere. Far away from this place.
This evil place.
Her feet suddenly felt cold beneath the smooth stone ground. The thumping in her chest tripled.
Then, before she realized it, she felt a strong arm wrap around her.
She turned sharply, feeling the breath against her shoulder.
And there he was.
The face she dreaded to see.
Staring back at her… so close.
Anger filled her chest, and she struggled immediately to free herself.
“Let me go,” she said through clenched teeth.
I kept my gaze on her, my grip firm.
“And why should I?” I asked calmly, though somehow I wanted to hold her tighter than I already was.
“Because I said so,” Isabella demanded.
“I see,” I replied softly, and released her from my grip.
She stepped away quickly, then asked, her voice trembling as she studied my face.
“Who are you?”
“I’m Lucas,” I answered simply.
Isabella swallowed. Her throat suddenly felt dry.
“No. You suddenly appeared from nowhere. Who exactly are you… apart from being a blood-sucking demon?” she said with spite. Her eyes were sharp, like if they could kill me on the spot, she would gladly do it.
“You ate the meal… that’s why you have the strength to talk,” I said calmly. “I thought you would starve. Why didn’t you reject it?”
Isabella remembered the aroma of the meal when it had been set before her. She couldn’t resist, even when she tried. The delicious scent, the steaming food, the water…
She remembered tearing into it, swallowing hastily because of how hungry she had been. Gulping quickly, not caring about anything else.
She brushed her mouth with the back of her hand, reminded of the delicious taste.
“Leave me alone… and set me free from here,” she finally said, her eyes shaking. Tears threatened to fall.
“No,” I shook my head slowly. “I wouldn’t set you free.”
I told her the truth.
“And even if I did, you would be dead in a matter of seconds. You aren’t safe without me… and my command.”
I knew too well that if she left, the vampires, my men, would hunt her down and devour her.
I watched her shaky reaction.
I watched her beauty.
The strange feeling I always felt around her tugged at my chest.
“What do you mean I’m not safe without you? It’s not like you aren’t keeping me alive just to suck me dry later,” she said sharply.
Then distant footsteps echoed.
“Check towards there.”
They both heard the voice.
“And if you find her, suck her dry, but don’t let Lord Lucas know about it.”
It was Juke.
Another nervous voice followed, Bon.
“We… we can’t do that. Don’t do anything foolish. Lord Lucas reads minds. Don’t forget that.”
“Fine. Just find her!” Juke snapped loudly.
Isabella looked nervously at my face.
She noticed the smirk forming on my lips.
Her thoughts were correct.
If not for me…
She would already be dead.
But why was I protecting her?
What were my intentions?
“Now… would you follow me back to the prison… Miss Isabella?” I said calmly.
Surprise flickered across her face.
“How did— oh… you read minds.”
I nodded slightly.
“You’re correct. And I hate reading yours. You hate me so much. You want to kill me.”
I was correct.
“You and the rest killed my family. Why wouldn’t I… if I have the opportunity?” she nearly shouted.
“That would only happen if you were superior to me,” I replied calmly.
Then Isabella hesitated.
“Promise you won’t tie me up with chains?”
I blinked slightly, then shrugged.
“I wouldn’t.”
She looked surprised. She hadn’t expected me to agree.
“But…” I cut into her thoughts, “If you act stubborn, I would be forced to. And not only that… I would suck you dry myself.”
I watched her flinch with fear.
- Writer
