Twin Flame

Chapter Seven

The pain was blinding. Two sets of needles seemed to jab into my delicate skin. My eyes flew open and I fought the urge to fight them off me. It wouldn't do any good. Now that I saw the two of them up close, I realized how enormous they were. Even kneeled down, with their teeth buried into my throat, they seemed to tower over me. If I had to guess, they were at least six and a half feet a piece.

As quick as the bites came, though, they separated from my flesh. Each of the boys leaned back and examined me. My head was swimming and I felt the edges of my vision blur again. I teetered unsteadily and one of them wrapped his arms around me, pulling me close to his chest.

"Don't worry, I've got you. " I shrieked and tried to shove away from him, but his grip just tightened.

"Cute. I love when they struggle."

My vision was coming back into focus and I watched the other twin stand and address the awaiting crowd.

"This tribute is accepted. " He announced. A cheer went up from the audience and the music resumed, as though nothing had happened. What the hell did just happen?

I looked to at the man and watched him lick his lips of a crimson liquid. Blood. My blood. I felt dizzy again.

A set of hands lifted me to my feet and I stumbled, whirling around to face the man who had picked me up. My eyes traveled a foot higher and finally reached his face.

I felt my right hand get pulled from my side and he bent at the waist and left a gentle kiss on my knuckles. His lips were soft and plump and I tried to remember back to my last kiss. It was a long time ago.

His eyes met mine and my breathing caught in my throat. He was unbelievably gorgeous. I could hardly breathe.

"Lovely to meet you, Waverly. Allow me to introduce myself. Dante Armani Russo, at your service."

I jerked my hand out of his grip. He let out an amused laugh.

"Mhm, feisty little thing, aren't you?" I had to fight the scowl on my face. The other man came towards me and bowed curtly.

"Damian Giovanni Russo, pleasure to meet you. "

Pleasure to meet you? At your service? Were these two out of their minds? They kidnapped me and they were trying to play nice?

My fingers reached up to touch the throbbing wounds on my neck. I pulled my hand away and looked at the blood at my palm, feeling faint again.

Damian reached out and took my hand in his, leading it to his lips. I expected him to kiss it like his brother, but instead, he took my index finger and licked the blood off it.

"Hey!" I squeaked out, recoiling. I took a step back from them and tried to find my words. "I don't know who the hell you two think you are, but I'm not going to play this game. Let me out of here!"

Hushed whispers and gasps could be heard from the onlookers. Dante looked amused, even entertained. Damian had a neutral expression on his face, but I saw his eyes turn from that gorgeous green to a terrifying red.

"Why don't the three of us get better acquainted somewhere more private?" This was not a suggestion. It was an order. "You can either walk. Or I can drag you. It's up to you, little one. "

Damian strode off and I followed nervously behind. Dante trailed after me.

They led me into a long winding hallway, past dozens of doors, until we reached the end of the corridor. Dante pulled the door open and they ushered me inside. It was a parlor of some sort with an elaborate couch and two embroidered recliners around a large mahogany coffee table. In front of the sitting area stood a stone and brick fireplace that would likely have been cozy in any other scenario. In the corner of the room, there was a large grand piano.

"Take a seat." Damian said. I just stared at him and I crossed my arms over my chest. Dante laughed a bit.

"Oh, she's going to be fun. " I turned my burning gaze onto him and his grin widened.

Freezing fingers wrapped around my wrist and tugged me down onto the couch. I gasped at the contact and attempted to wrench myself away. The grip tightened and I stared up into Damian's glittering red eyes.

"Waverly, I don't think you quite understand the situation you're in. You belong to us. You will obey our every command. And in return, you'll be treated like a princess. Anything you wish for will be given to you on a silver platter. We can be very generous. And we're willing to be. But that requires mutual respect."

I stared at him incredulously. "Respect? Respect?! You kidnapped me! And you want me to respect you?"

Damian just looked at me. "Yes. After all, Waverly, we're royalty."

"Royalty my ass! The United States doesn't do royalty anymore. Or are you that behind on media?"

Dante snorted. "Oh, she's perfect."

The grip of my wrist tightened and I let out a small cry of pain.

"I would advise against vulgar language and insults. Vampyres are very prideful. Waverly, I insist you listen to us. We will treat you splendidly if you are cooperative."

"And if I'm not?"

Damian's face darkened. "Then I'm afraid your stay here may be cut short. Among other things. "

That was a threat. He just threatened to kill me if I didn't behave myself.

He released his hold on me and I rubbed my wrist, glaring down at the immaculate hardwood floors. My voice lowered. "Why me?"

There was a small pause. Dante spoke. "Truthfully, you were just in the wrong place at the wrong time."

I felt tears glisten in my eyes. "Don't cry, little one. I promise this month will be the best of your life. You'll be spoiled and pampered beyond your wildest dreams." Dante reassured, leaning against the doorway.

"And after the month?" I whisper.

"We'll cross that bridge when we get to it." I didn't like how vague Damian's answer was. I hugged my arms to my chest.

"Please... Please just let me go. I promise I won't tell anyone. I swear... Just let me go home. "

A cold finger lifted my chin up and I was facing Damian. His eyes had returned to that memorizing green.

"It's better to accept your fate, Waverly. Whatever it might be."

I choked back a sob. "And what's my fate?"

"To serve us. However we see fit. Blood. Body. Companionship. Whatever we say, you obey. That is your fate. Just imagine it as a job, of sorts. You provide a duty and we provide rewards."

"I don't want rewards! I want to go home!"

"Stubborn, aren't we?" Dante mused.

"Waverly, just know that your treatment solely depends on you. On your behavior. "

My behavior? What was I, a child?

"Let us take you to your room for the night. It's been a long day for you. "

Yeah, being kidnapped and paraded around to vampires was pretty exhausting. The walk up the stairs was silent, except for our footsteps. They led me to my room and opened the door.

"You will find night attire, as well as regular clothing in your chests. Should you need anything during the night, you may ring the bell on your nightstand and Ophelia or Dahlia will be here to assist you. Should you need us for any reason, " Dante winked and I shuddered, "you may find us in our chambers. We are situated on the third floor, my wing to the east, Damian's to the west. Tomorrow morning, we will meet you in the banquet hall for breakfast and to discuss more of our expectations for you. Sleep well, Miss Waverly."

My mouth dropped open and I could barely comprehend their words. The door closed and I stood numbly, listening to their footsteps disappear.