The Darkest Night

Chapter 10

I poured some of the tea that was in the tea pot into the mug and took a sip. Sighing in satisfaction at the bitter breakfast tea, I pondered what to ask first. "Well, for starters, are there any adverse side effects to consuming vampire blood?" This question was the main one that I wanted to be answered. It would be a good place to start at least.

"Well, I wouldn't call it an adverse side effect, per se." I lowered the mug that was almost to my lips, waiting for him to continue. My anxiety was starting to rise, and I could tell by the look on his face that he was enjoying making me anxious. Great I'm dealing with a sadist. "You will start feeling attraction for whoever blood you consume. For some humans, they will also be attracted to any vampire that has been sired by the one whose blood they consumed as well." Ah man. Of course, I would have the unfortunate luck of being in that minority group. Well, that explained my weird attraction to Victor and now Darius. A mischievous glint gleamed in his eyes as he watched me. "Oh, you are already effected aren't you?" I could feel my face heat up, which gave him the answer he wanted. He let out a barking laugh. "Let me guess you are also one of the humans that is attracted to the lineage as well?"

I cleared my throat a little more forcefully than I intended before I responded. "Yes it appears that way." His wicked-looking smile was almost too much for me and I quickly brought my tea cup back up to my lips and downed it. I refilled the mug, wrapping my hands around the cup to warm them. "My next question is, is everyone that lives and works here a vampire as well? I mean besides your step-mom and Michael?"

"Michael doesn't live here." He waved his hand as he said this, dismissing Michael entirely. "But to answer the question, no. There's only a dozen or so vampires that live and work at the estate."He was watching me closely now. Observing every move that I make. I busied myself with the plate of food in front of me and ate a few bites. "Why do you ask little rabbit?" He asked after a few moments.

"Well, as you guys probably know, I am a nurse. Since your father has no intention of letting me leave any time soon, I figured I could offer my services to the household." His fangs gleamed in the lamplight, "To the humans of the house that is." I quickly amended, apparently guessing correctly that he had assumed I would be offering myself to the entire house. Darius roared with laughter, wrapping one arm around his waist as he doubled over. My face flamed this time with anger. He very well knew what I ment and how dare he tease me like that when I'm already stressed out to the max. The door opened, and I gulped audibly as Victor stood in the doorway observing us.

"What is so funny Darius?" His voice was even deeper in the mornings. My heart skipped a beat as the sound of his voice washed over me.

"Oh nothing, father. The little rabbit here was just offering her, umm, services to the household." He gave me a wicked wink. I glared back at him and tore a bite of the toast off and chewed angrily.

"Little rabbit?" Victor arched an eyebrow at the nickname Darius called me.

"Doesn't she remind you of a scarred little rabbit? Looks as delicious as one too." Another wink in my direction had me rolling my eyes. I had him figured out now. The teasing wasn't done maliciously, he was just trying to get a rise out of me. I was starting to wonder if the bored man I had first met yesterday was only his persona around his step-mother. Victor appraised me with a perplexed look on his face. He walked over to the last remaining chair and took a seat.

"So you wanna work here?" His question was straight to the point, and he appraised me calmly.

"Yes. I'm an ER nurse and I can help treat your human employees here at the estate if they happen to get hurt on the job." I presented my case as confidently as I could. His eyes regarded me calmly, seemingly pondering my proposal. Hmmm was all he said in acknowledgment before asking Darius to fill him in on the conversation he and I had shared. His eyes flicked over to me briefly when Darius got to the part about me admitting that I felt the side effect to the blood for both father and son. "Do you have any other questions?" His eyes found mine as he asked. His face was a blank canvas with no emotions showing that I could read.

I swallowed the last of the food before responding, "I have a million questions that I would like answered." I wrapped my hands around the tea cup, taking a few sips while avoiding both men's eyes.

"Well, little rabbit. Unlike you, we are expected to mingle today, so ask away." Darius had his sardonic grin back on his face as he waited for me to start. We spent the next hour with me asking all the random questions that had popped into my head throughout the night. I sipped my tea slowly. Each time I brought the mug to my lips I would catch Darius staring. I got them to agree to let me have a clock in the room so that I could at least tell what time it was. They refused to move me to a room with a window, for now anyway. I learned a lot about about the history of vampires and the effects that vampire blood can have on humans. I asked after my sister and was reassured that she was fine and had gotten updates from "me" about my bonding time with Liliana. Victor assured me that she was a bit worried but not as anxiety-riddled as I was. I was relieved that she was doing well and seemingly making some headway with her future mother-in-law. I was still curious about why they were being so forth coming with everything. I felt for sure that I shouldn't be allowed to know all this. I tried asking about it but was immediately dismissed.

"Why shouldn't we tell you what you want to know? It's not like you are going to tell anyone." Victor's words hung in the air, making me feel claustrophobic. I begged to be let out for some fresh air, but was rigidly turned down. I could feel a panic attack coming on, and I leaned forward, putting my head between my knees. The words rung in my ears, as did the fact that it was a very real possibility that they still might just kill me to keep me silent. Once more, Victor was in front of me gripping my hands reassuringly. Fearing that he might kiss me again, I pulled away from him. I wasn't sure if I was scared he would or wouldn't kiss me. I was also unsure of what my reaction would be if he did. Either way, I didn't want to be put in that situation again, especially in front of Darius.

"Did I have more of your blood in this morning's meal?" Once I regained my composure, this was the last question I had that I wanted to be answered. Darius looked pointedly at the now empty teapot for my answer. Ahh. "Well, that makes sense I guess. Why don't you just have me take the few droops of blood directly?" I was genuinely curious as to why they were being so considerate of me by hiding the blood. It's not like a little blood would scare me anyhow. Both men just stared at me for a few seconds before exchanging a glance between themselves.

"I figured it would be less disgusting to a human to have it hidden in your food. I also didn't expect you to be so willing to consume the blood," Victor stated after a heartbeat.

"Oh. Ummm. Well, last night, obviously, I understand now why you hid it, but after explaining that the only way I'm getting out of this room is by taking in a few drops for the next few days." I shrugged. "Blood has never grossed me out and if drinking a few drops will gain me my freedom I don't care. Also, I'm very aware you both could just force me to drink it if I tried to refuse." Inhumane strength was another vampire gift that they had told me about. Strength with speed I had no chance of refusal, so why fight it?

"Little rabbit, you are one strange human, you know that, right?" Darius regarded me with interest. I shifted uncomfortably in my seat.

"Umm, thank you I guess?"

"No need to thank me little rabbit. I'm not even sure it was a compliment." He stood up grabbing the tray and nodded to his father as he left the room.

"I'll see you later Liz. Darius will bring you your next meal. Do you need anything else before I go?" Victor stood up and angled towards the door.

"Books, if you don't mind. I'm bored out of my mind in this room by myself. Since I can't have my phone or laptop yet Ill need something to keep me entertained." He gave me a quick nod and left the room, sliding the lock into place on the outside of the door. I longed for the day I would be free to leave this damn room. Sighing, I decided to at least snoop a bit more and pulled out the papers I had looked at the night before.