2. Chapter Two.

Without a doubt, the circumstances that led to my unexpected capture were a direct message from the universe that it was my time to pass away.

The worst image of my life had to be taken of my dweeb head of a boyfriend sleeping with my closest friend, and now I'm being abducted because I had to work overtime at my deadbeat job, which forced me to wander the deserted streets late at night.

In my ignorance, The warnings were new to me. The constant screen time Liam has been getting on his phone, their unexpected closeness to one another, and the pointless disputes we've been having have all been signs of their growing attraction to one another.

Given that he was preoccupied with finding my ex-best friend Emma at the all-you-can-eat buffet, I seriously doubt the little shithead would call the police after realizing I was missing.

I noticed my unkempt ginger hair that spilled down to my back as I took a glance at myself in the mirror. My once-ocean green eyes are now dead and colorless. Currently, dried tears have discolored my slightly plump cheeks. I looked like a complete disaster.

If there was ever a time when I wished I wasn't attractive, this would be it; perhaps this is for the best.

I listened intently through the door in an effort to pick up any sounds outside. I wasn't sure whether I should try to flee or not. Growing up, I wasn't the most courageous girl and I often pondered what would happen if I managed to get caught.

In the event that luck was not on my side, I would almost certainly have been devoured alive had I not been captured.

I had a very horrible method of maintaining motivation. I used to be, but given all the disappointments I have been experiencing lately, I have abandoned the idea of motivation in order to reduce my chances of experiencing disappointments in the future.

In either case, I unlocked the door and peered out to make sure everything was okay. I promptly exited and started going in the same route I had come from hours before encountering a female after opening the door a second time with some trepidation.

The woman spoke to me in a somewhat friendly tone while her grey shimmering eyes pierced into mine. She appeared to be in her middle years and was dressed in maiden clothes, medium height, and grey hair.

"You're an unclaimed human." The female gasped which caught my attention.

"Why do people keep referring to me as a human and what do you mean by an unclaimed human, exactly?" Curious, I enquired.

"Who is your Kindred, my dear child?" Since I couldn't comprehend what the woman was saying, I fumbled with my fingers in frustration.

"Oh my, well do you have an idea of who brought you here?" She once again questioned.

My heart beats quite fast and I struggle to remember the names of my captors but then remembered the particular name of Vince.

I hastily held my mouth tight before I could say his name. The entire home was controlled by rules, rules I had no notion about, as far as my eye could see. I didn't want to do anything that would have instantly ended my life since I kept thinking about what my abductors had said about obedience and death.

"Well?" She continued to ask as I looked away in fear.

"You don't know why you're here or what else might be lurking around, do you?" Out of perplexity and curiosity, I wrinkled my nose.

"Why am I here? Will I be bought and sold or put up for auction?" I asked hastily, feeling the need for a response.

"Despite the fact that it seems like you've been somewhat shaken up and scared, we aren't authorized to say much. What I will tell to you is that wandering around the palace without a claim to be the warden off butter finger vampires could get you killed; it is preferable that you remain in the rooms from which you arrived and not venture out; you'll live to thank me later." She put her hand on mine in assurance.

I promptly questioned, "What do you mean?" knowing that I may lose my life by simply looking around, but I had no concept what a claim was.

"Your Vamp or Kindred is sure to explain everything to you. In the meantime you should head back to your quarters and stay put." She spoke with concern before walking away.

I hurriedly ran back to my room, locked the doors, fleeing from the terrifying situation. However, this did not explain why the maid mentioned vampires and/or kindreds. It was obvious that she was a maid for the wealthy in this case, which made it simple for her to maneuver around the palace.

What on earth was she talking about? In the event that they were ever discovered, I wonder if it might have been undercover names or terms used to refer to other illicit operations here.

After letting out a sigh, I slid the door, curled up into a ball, and rocked back and forth while sobbing uncontrollably. I prayed that someone would soon alert the police that I was missing and that I would somehow be rescued since I was so terrified, but I knew in my heart that it was pointless.

I didn't have much time to think about it when Vince strode into the room without much of a knock. His eyes twinkled mischievously at me before he walked slowly and steadily in my direction.

My heart fell flat fearing for my life before he stopped before me and spoke, "I'm going to claim as mine you now and then I'm going to drink your blood or unless you deem otherwise." He stated and I held out my hand in fear.

"O-otherwise?" I asked hopeful but the man only rolled his eyes at me while staring so I decided to inquire once more.

"A-and what is the lather you speak of?" My voice as low as anyone could get but surprisingly he was able to hear me perfectly fine.

"You will not be marked but if you've been spotted by another Vamp and they want to have a little fun with you while I'm away then I won't be able to stop it." He clarified leaving me even more confused.

"I'm exploring for a more obedient chosen mate who can satisfy my needs and who will comply with my requests. If you don't want to stay, you can leave this chamber, but not the mansion. I would encourage you to follow my instructions though, as you already know too much to be let go. Others who took the lather option has regrettably experienced dreadful consequences other than death." Vince carried on in a frightening tone as I backed away from him in fear.

He was speaking to me in a really strange and eerily frightening manner. From his mouth, the only thing I could genuinely hear was death. I made the choice to be quiet out of fear, hoping he would just leave.

I had to get away before I was killed by anyone. It's hard for me to comprehend that cannibals just snatched me. Was this really my destiny? to be consumed by animals that draw blood.

The thought making me want to throw up. I could feel liquid pooling through at my throat while my tears continued to fall.

"I-I don't understand; what exactly is a claim, and why do you keep using the word "Vamp"? Why exactly am I here? Why did you abduct me?" I asked him a slew of questions, letting him know how perturbed I was with everything.

"It's simple Isabella. I'm a vampire and your purpose here is to be my Vampire Pet by providing me with your blood."