The Vampire Twins' Breeder

Midnight Guest

Chapter 15

Aurelia’s POV

Caelum left a few minutes after he dressed up and gathered a couple of vampire soldiers with him.

He kissed me goodbye at the door and warned his twin brother to take good care of me while he was gone.

Well, I could only hope he'd do that.

A few minutes after Caeleum left, Draven stood by the window, his back to me. The heavy curtains were pulled aside just enough for him to watch the courtyard where the body of the wolf was being dragged away.

The Blood Bell had finally stopped ringing, but the entire castle was a little tense. It felt like every guard and maid were now whispering amongst themselves. Every time Draven moved about the door, I flinched.

"Stop doing that," he said without turning around.

"Doing what?" I whispered. My voice felt like it was stuck in my throat.

"Flinching. You act like I’m going to strike you every time I breathe. It’s annoying." He turned his head slightly, scoffing. "You’re still hiding things. I can smell the sweat of your lies. You’re terrified of what’s outside those walls, and it isn't just because they are werewolves. You act like you know something that we don't."

"I told you, I don't," I lied again. I had to. If I admitted I was one of them, Draven would probably kill me himself just to end the war before it started. "I lived in a human village. We heard stories about the Silver Fang. Everyone is afraid of them. Is it so hard to believe I’m scared?"

Draven walked toward me. He didn't stop until he was standing right over my chair.

He leaned down, his hands gripping the armrests, pinning me in place. I could see the tiny flecks of red in his dark eyes. He looked at my neck, where the pulse was jumping frantically.

"You’re a terrible liar, Aurelia," he hissed. "But it doesn't matter. My brother thinks you’re a prize. I think you’re a liability. But since he’s at the wall and I’m stuck here playing babysitter, you’re going to sit at the table and eat. I won't have him coming back to find his precious breeder has starved to death on my watch."

He grabbed my arm and pulled me up. He didn't wait for me to find my balance. He led me out of the sitting room and toward the small dining hall used by the royal family.

My legs felt like lead, but I forced myself to move.

When we entered the dining room, Isadora was already there. She was sitting at the head of the table, picking at a plate of raw, red meat with a silver fork.

She looked up as we entered, her eyes narrowing as they landed on me. She still looked perfect, her black hair pinned back, her purple dress hugging her delectable curves.

Goodness, she was even more beautiful right now.

"Oh, look," Isadora mocked. "The little stray has come to join us. I’m surprised you haven't locked her back in the basement, Draven. It’s much safer for everyone if she stays in the dark."

Draven ignored her. He shoved me into a chair and sat down across from me. A servant immediately placed a plate of roasted chicken and vegetables in front of me.

The smell of the food made my stomach ache, but the looks I was getting from Isadora in the room made it impossible to think about eating.

"Why is she still here, Draven?" Isadora asked again, clearly pissed.

“You're the stranger here, don't ask questions," he deadpanned.

"I came here for refuge because my father’s lands are being heavily sanctioned by the council. I was hoping you both could help me. But with the current attack, I guess you're too preoccupied. I'll have to wait until Caelum is back. Plus, I belong here. She doesn't."

Draven picked up a knife and began to cut a piece of meat. "You came here because you’re bored and you want to keep your claws in my brother. Don't talk to me about refuge. You have three castles of your own."

"Caelum promised me a place here!" she snapped.

"Caelum promises everyone everything," Draven said coldly. He didn't look at her. He didn't even acknowledge her anger. "He tells you what you want to hear so you’ll leave him alone.”

“Why are you so cold towards me, Draven? You know I've always wanted you even more than Caelum."

"I’ve always been cold and unfeeling, Isadora. You know that. So stop whining and eat your food or leave."

Isadora’s face twisted with rage. She looked at me, her eyes full of venom.

Draven continued to eat in silence, completely ignoring her presence. He was like a wall of ice. After a few minutes of the heavy silence, Draven stood up. He hadn't finished his meal, but he looked like he couldn't stand being in the room for another second.

"Stay here until you’re finished," Draven said to me, his voice a warning. "Don't move. Don't wander. If I find you outside of this wing, I won't be as nice as Caelum."

He walked out of the room without looking back.

I was left alone with Isadora.

She immediately put her fork down and leaned across the table. Her beauty was terrifying when it was backed by so much hate.

"How did you do it?" she asked. Her voice was a low whisper. "How did a girl like you get two princes to pick her? You’re human and you're weak and plain. Why did they choose you as the breeder? There are hundreds of vampire women who would give their lives for the honor."

"I don't know," I said honestly. "I didn't ask for any of this. I was caught in the forest. Caelum brought me here. I didn't have a choice."

Isadora laughed. "A choice? You think this is a fairy tale? You won't last, Aurelia. You’re a human in a world of monsters. You think they love you? They want an heir. Once you give them what they want, or once they realize you’re too weak to survive the process, they’ll toss you aside. The brothers are old and powerful. Their pleasure alone might just kill a fragile thing like you. You’re a toy that’s going to break."

I swallowed nervously. Maybe she was right. I haven't been with both of them just yet and the thought frightened me.

She stood up, her silk dress rustling. "Enjoy your meal. It might be your last one as a free woman."

She turned and swept out of the room, leaving me alone with the half-eaten chicken.

I couldn't eat another bite. My skin was crawling. I pushed the plate away and stood up. Draven had told me to stay, but I couldn't sit in that room anymore.

I needed to be behind a locked door. I needed to feel like there was at least one wall between me and the people in this castle.

I hurried back to my chambers.

I entered my bedroom and locked the door, leaned against the wood, breathing hard. I felt dirty. I felt the sweat and the fear of the last few hours clinging to me.

I needed to wash and feel the water on my skin to convince myself I was still alive.

I went into the bathroom and started the hot water. The steam filled the room, making everything soothing and warm.

I stripped off the clothes Draven had given me and stepped into the tub. I stayed there for a long time, eyes closed, trying to block out the sound of the Blood Bell that still seemed to ring in my ears.

I thought I heard something.

A soft thud. Like a foot hitting the floor.

I froze. "Draven?" I called out. My voice was shaky. I thought maybe he had come to check on me, to make sure I hadn't run away again. "Is that you? I’m in the bath."

There was no answer.

I sat up, the water dripping off my shoulders as I grabbed a towel and wrapped it around myself, stepping out of the tub.

My heart started to beat faster. I walked toward the door that led back into the bedroom.

I stepped into the bedroom, and the air suddenly felt freezing. The window was open. The heavy curtains were blowing in the wind.

I knew I had closed that window.

I turned to run back toward the bathroom to lock the door, but a shadow moved faster than I could react.

Before I could even open my mouth to scream, he was across the room. He grabbed me, his large hand slamming over my mouth, muffling my cry.

"Found you," a rough voice whispered in my ear.