Share

My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust
My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust
Penulis: Angeline Hartwood

Chapter 1 She Is Mine

Penulis: Angeline Hartwood
last update Terakhir Diperbarui: 2023-06-26 14:02:28

-Ronan-

I have lived over one hundred years and I still have trouble envisioning how far the consequences of my actions will carry me. That is how, on this crisp October morning, I am on the way to get my first human pet.

We're supposed to call them attendants, but they're essentially pets, and I've managed to keep myself human pet-free for so long because I've stayed off my parents' radar for a decade or two. Now that they're back in Savannah and I'm working on something with my father, they've turned the spotlight on me.

Desmond sits across from me in the limo, and he's pouring his third glass of whiskey in half an hour. He picks it up and raises it toward me. "It's your fucking fault that I have to pick another pet. Maybe if you hadn't 'accidentally' released her, you wouldn't be here with me. And I rather liked her, you know?"

Evidently, my distaste is etched on my face.

I scoff and ignore him. Yes, my brother liked her blood and he liked fucking her senseless. He's had attendants ever since the agency has been in business, and this one was his fourth, maybe fifth. I can't recall, since they seem to come and go just as quickly as the seasons. When you have so much time at your disposal, five or six years are like the strike of lightning.

The attendants are supposed to be protected by watertight contracts, and they are, mostly. Desmond, though… Everything, or most of what he does to them is legal, which is the messed up part of this whole thing.

"What was her name?" I ask.

"The one you freed 'by accident?' Teresa. Chelsea? I don't know. Who gives a shit? I called her Red. There aren't a lot of natural redheads, you know?" He sips the whiskey and pours another glass, almost spilling it as the limo hits a bump in the road. "Charlie! I'm going to have YOU for breakfast if you aren't more careful."

"Sorry, sir!" I can hear the fear in our driver's voice, though Desmond's threat is unusually mild today. He's not a morning person. Morning vampire, rather.

I honestly have no interest in getting an attendant. Why would I want a personal blood bag to follow me around? I enjoy my privacy, and the attendant system is rather reductive for humans. We pay off their debts and solve their financial problems, and they go into a contract of servitude that lasts for years. Where's the dignity in that?

Since Desmond is getting a new one because of my slip, my mother decided it is time I get one as well. I've considered taking an attendant only in name and setting them up in the gardener's hut or an unused room in the estate, where they can spend a few oblivious years doing nothing and then return home to their family. But the point of having an attendant isn't to help a human being, of course.

Vampires don't do anything out of the kindness of their cold, dead hearts. We always want something in exchange.

An attendant is a status symbol, and the company that runs the biggest agency on the planet happens to belong to the woman my parents want me to marry. If I keep refusing to have one, it will be seen as a rebuke to their business, which could in turn become a major scandal in the vampire world.

And that is unacceptable.

The limo stops and Desmond downs the remains of the whiskey in his glass, ice cubes and all. We step into a pristine, white lobby, where a tall, thin woman greets us.

"Mr. Stewart, it's a pleasure to see you here again." There's a slight intonation to the word 'again,' which tells me she's not happy to see him here, yet AGAIN. "And a greater pleasure to meet the younger Mr. Stewart. I'm Rini." She extends her hand to me and I shake it. "I'll escort you to the interview rooms. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have about the process."

She's clearly talking to me, though I've read their rules and regulations thoroughly once, it became clear I would have to see this through. I thank her and silently follow her, with Desmond trailing behind us.

"We've done a pre-selection based on the details you sent us," she continues as we navigate a long, sunlit corridor. "Female, educated, and healthy."

"Educated?" Desmond interjects. "Do you want an attendant or a teacher?"

I refuse to answer him, though I don't even know why I ticked that box. I suppose that if this person is spending time with me, I'd rather have someone who has some sort of knowledge about something, though that is rare with humans. They only care about immediate rewards and instant gratification. A side effect of living such short lives, I suppose.

"Here we are." Rini opens a wide oak door for us. "The candidates will be here shortly. We've also brought a few that match Desmond's criteria."

"I think I want a brunette this time." Desmond flops into the couch that faces a glass window. On the other side, there's a white chair in a small, equally white room. "I haven't had a brunette in a while."

I sit next to him just as a candidate opens the door. She's petite and plump, and she has gorgeous brown eyes.

"Miranda, why do you want to be an attendant?" A voice booms from the speakers.

"Um, can the vampire see me?" The girl's eyes nervously look straight through the two-way glass, but we're clearly invisible to her.

"Please answer the question," the voice replies.

"I… I have medical debt, from an accident a few years ago…"

I decide to read the news on my phone as more candidates step into the room and answer the same questions, with few variations.

Why do you want to be an attendant? Do you consensually agree to the contract and enter it freely, of your own volition? Are you fully aware that the timeframe for your debt is X amount of years? Do you consent to being glamored?

Not all vampires can perform glamors, at least the common ones. Most noble vampires can. The glamor is a supposedly optional clause in the contracts that allows the attendant to forget everything they do while the contract is active. They're there in person, and they're still themselves, but once the contract is over, they won't remember anything they did during their time served. It also makes their compliance to orders a lot easier.

Most of them choose to take the glamor. Not everyone accepts an attendant who doesn't want to be glamored. I supposed there's too much at stake having a person remembering all the shit you've done to them.

Ten more women come and go, and Desmond lets out a yawn at the eleventh.

"How many more are there?" He looks around the room.

"Yes, Mr. Stewart. There are five more candidates arranged for today. We can reschedule…"

"No, we will choose one today. Carry on." Desmond turns toward me. "I'm not coming back to Savannah for a week or two, so we have to pick from those. What did you think about the seventh one?"

I have no idea who the seventh one was. All of them have sob stories; all of them are pretty in their own way.

"Just pick one and let's get this over with," I say, just as another girl enters the tiny room and Desmond's eyes light up.

"Layla, why do you want to be an attendant?"

This one has auburn hair and sky-blue eyes. "My brother died abroad and we couldn't afford to bring his body home, so…"

"Put that one in a special pile," Desmond says, leaning back and crossing a leg over his knees, visibly relaxed. "This one is even prettier than Red. I can call her Red Two."

He looks pleased with himself, and I wish I could slap the grin off his handsome face.

The interview finishes and Desmond begins to play with his phone, his mind seemingly made up. When I'm about to say that we can stop so I can just pick from the ones we've seen, another girl enters.

I freeze.

Physically, there's nothing remarkable about her. She's just as beautiful as any of the other girls, or perhaps even plainer without any makeup. Long dark hair, blue-gray eyes. But there's something about the way she moves that has me glued.

She walks in with purpose and turns the chair around as she sits, straddling it backwards and bracing her arms on the backrest.

"Arabella, why do you want to be an attendant?"

"Want? That's a rather misleading word. No one wants to be an attendant. It's some people's only way out."

Her answer prompts Desmond to look away from his phone, and out of the corner of my eye, I see that he's just as enthralled by her as I am.

"Please answer the question."

The girl sighs and she grips the chair, her knuckles straining from the force. "I want to save what's left of my family."

The voice waits a few seconds, perhaps expecting there to be a longer sob story, but the girl named Arabella doesn't continue. Her eyes wander around the room, expectant for the next question.

"Do you consensually agree to the contract and enter it freely, of your own volition?"

"Yes." She raises an eyebrow at the mention of freedom, but her stoic face returns a split second later.

"Are you fully aware that the timeframe for your debt is twenty years?"

Twenty? That is a lot of time for a human.

Most of the younger ones only take on five to ten years. This girl must be in her twenties, which means she's giving up her best formative years. Her fertile years. Everything humans care about, in essence. Her debt must amount to a lot of money.

"I like her, too," Desmond snaps. "Put her on top of the shortlist."

Shit.

For some reason, the thought of this strong-headed woman going to Desmond infuriates me. I can already picture him breaking her and enjoying it.

I don't know what I've just gotten myself into, but I do know that I couldn't let Desmond have her.

Despite walking this earth for a century, I haven't been given the gift of foresight, yet, something tells me that if Desmond takes her and treats her the same way he manages his other attendants, I will tear his head off.

The voice proceeds. "Do you consent to being glamored?"

"No," the girl answers promptly.

No? My eyes widen and Desmond actually drops his jaw. It is well known that most of the attendants who refuse to be glamored end up requesting it a few years into their contracts. Those who don't are few and rare. It's either very brave or very stupid.

"Thank you, Arabella. We will contact you if you've been chosen."

While the previous candidates quickly stepped out of the room, Arabella pauses and looks around her.

"That's all? I don't get to see who's looking at me?"

"Thank you, Arabella. We will…"

"Fine." She cuts the voice off and steps out, slamming the door behind her.

Silence fills the room until the voice speaks again. "We apologize for the candidate, sir. On paper, she…"

"I want her," I blurt out.

What the hell am I doing?

"There are three more candidates, gentlemen. If you'd like..."

"I said I want that one. Arabella," I interrupt.

"Very well, sir. Please return to the lobby, where you'll be given her file and the contract to sign. You can have a second set of personal interviews with the candidate, and…"

"Just give me that damn contract and let's get this over with."

"Hey, I like her too." Desmond's head turns toward me. He grins with a cold smile that sends humans and most vampires running. "She doesn't consent to being glamored. Are you sure about that, little brother? How about this, I take her, you take the red one?"

"No," I reply in a warning tone, narrowing my eyes. "She is mine."

#

Bab terkait

  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 2: I'm Your Master

    -Arabella-How could I have messed everything up so badly?My hands tremble as I make my way to the office where a few minutes ago, I offered up my life in exchange for my family's future. I want this. I need this.And yet, I'd behaved like a brat in the interview, which only guarantees that no one would ever take me. It just feels so… unfair. It's unfair that the only way to fix the mess my late father got us into is for me to give up twenty years of my life. It's unfair that this system even exists. Thankfully, the room is empty when I come in. The cold air flowing from the vents in the ceiling sends a shiver down my spine.I don't know what I'm supposed to do now. Wait to be told that I'm not welcome back? I think about leaving to expedite the process, and the door suddenly opens."Arabella Hamilton?" A woman pokes her head in. "Will you come with me, please?"I follow her out down more pristine corridors until we reach a sparsely decorated off

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-26
  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 3: Take off Your Clothes

    -Ronan-"Ah, I can almost feel the fun slipping out of the room." Desmond grins at me. "Have fun with your new pet, little brother."He grabs the new Red's arm and pulls her away, leaving me alone with Arabella.She hasn't stopped staring since she bumped into me, and I need to put some distance between us before I unwillingly pounce on her. The smell she radiates is delicious and makes my mouth water, but before I taste her, we need to set down the rules. I doubt Desmond took the trouble with his new attendant, but with the glamor, she'll do everything he asks of her without hesitation. "Sit down," I say, stepping around the couch and taking a seat. It takes her a few seconds to snap to attention, and she makes her way around as well, sitting opposite to me.It's not lost on me that she has no luggage, only a tiny handbag big enough to carry a wallet and a few personal things. She's truly given herself up without looking back. Her legs cross and unc

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-26
  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 4: I'm Yours as You Are Mine

    -Arabella-This is insane. Sitting here on this man's lap, inside the most beautiful library I've ever seen, I can't seem to string together a coherent thought.Ever since I bumped into him at the other estate, I haven't been able to stop looking at him. This vampire BOUGHT me. He owns my time, my freedom. He also saved my family from destitution in exchange for all of this, but the truth is, I shouldn't want him as badly as I do.I thought I'd be terrified, that I'd start regretting the choices I made as soon as I stepped into my new role. But I don't. I can't think of anything else but his eyes, his deep voice, and now, the gentle way his hand caresses my shoulder and neck."Take off your clothes," he repeats in a whisper, and I begin to unbutton my blouse. I tilt my head to the side, welcoming his lips toward me. Maybe he has glamored me without me noticing it, or he's performed some other mind-boggling trick, because all I can feel is anticipatio

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-26
  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 5: Unfinished Business

    -Ronan-This role reversal is...interesting, to say the least.I don't know why I stopped when I noticed she was about to climax. Her taste still lingers on my lips, and all I can think of is that I want more. To drink from her and savor her for hours, though the former of course wouldn't be possible without killing her. I patiently wait for her next move. She seems to doubt what she's just said, but soon enough, she makes her way toward me. I've had a hard-on for who knows how long now. Her gaze rests on my groin as she kneels down in front of me. Slowly, she unbuckles my belt and zips down my pants with one hand, while the other one rubs against my hard cock. I'd always scoffed at how Desmond and other vampires used their attendants—as sex toys, basically. Ara isn't even glamored and she's the one coming to me, and I don't know what to think.I can't think clearly, anyway, because she lowers my pants and underwear, releasing my erection. I'm burning wi

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-26
  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 6: I Don't Want to Punish You

    -Arabella-Ronan unashamedly lathers soap over his body as he watches me, and I can't pry my eyes away from him. Every inch of his body seems sculpted, from the muscles on his calves and thighs to his perfect chest and arms.Is he taunting me to finish what we started before Desmond walked in on us? He could just as easily tell me what he wants, but I'm realizing that at least when it comes to sex, he enjoys the chasing game. I don't know if I should be moved or scandalized by the fact that he wants me to desire him instead of making me act as his sex toy, like most vampires are known to do.And against my better judgment and everything I thought I stood for before coming here, I do. I do want him inside of me.My pussy still throbs from our unfinished business, and his erection tells me he's still just as aroused as I am."I need the conditioner," he says all of a sudden, breaking my trance. His voice booms through the double shower stall, amplified by th

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-26
  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 7: Who Knows What Might Happen?

    -Ronan-It's been one hour into this hellish evening, and I've managed to dodge most of the people who come up to talk to me so far. But I can't ignore Stella Van Arder, who's spotted me hiding on the balcony and is on her way over here. She saunters toward us with a glass of champagne in her hand. I can't help but notice the way her red dress hugs the curves on her thin body, and it's easy to guess why so many heads turn to watch her. The last thing I want is to draw more attention to us after Ara accidentally kicked another vampire's attendant and almost started a fight. Thankfully, the attendant's owner wasn't close by, and I quickly persuaded the poor woman to run off to her master. Since then, Ara's stayed mostly still, clinging to my arm whenever we move. It's unusual to have your attendant with you at all times during an event like this, but I'd rather keep her close than have her cause more problems.Stella pauses a few feet away and eyes Ara up and down b

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-26
  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 8: I Love My Master

    -Arabella-After that vampire grabbed me unexpectedly, I went mostly unnoticed as I made my way to the bathroom. It took me a while to get there in these shoes, trying to not fall or trip over someone. I pray I don't run into that attendant who almost hit me because I accidentally scraped her leg with my pointy heel.My initial fear of being seen in this skimpy outfit has dissipated now that I've seen the other attendants; even with only a thong and a thin wraparound top, I'm pretty much covered compared to most.It's humiliating and debasing, and I can't help but think that it must be part of what they want. To dehumanize us, to advertise to others that we're their food, their toys, and completely under their control.And I've willingly signed up for this.I take a seat by the enormous pool when I'm done, trying to look inconspicuous. If I hadn't asked to go to the bathroom, I would have slipped up in front of Stella. It's one thing to be subservient to the man who

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-26
  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 9: You're Not Going to Die…Tonight

    -Ronan-Martin Van Arder is doing all he can to sell me this development idea, and all I can think of is that the car is taking too long to get here."That area has been occupied by fishermen and broken-down old homes. You'll probably find people living in your property somewhere along the coastline, by the marshes.""I'll think about it," I say, hoping that will make him shut up and leave me alone."I've heard we might join bloodlines soon." He winks and nudges me with his elbow. "What would be better than to expand the new family business?""I have no idea what you're talking about," I say coldly. "Excuse me. My car is here."The limo that pulled up to the driver isn't mine, but he doesn't know that, so I leave him standing in the foyer and head outside. A clearly intoxicated vampire and her attendant step out, almost bumping into me.Something isn't right.The distance to the parking space at the entrance of the property isn't so extensive. It wouldn'

    Terakhir Diperbarui : 2023-06-26

Bab terbaru

  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 48 Who You Belong To

    -Ronan-I don't rest at all on the flight from London. I am taken directly to her safe house, hungry to lay eyes on her again, to smell her scent again, to feel her warmth again. The door to the house is open and a man's voice is trailing from inside. I tune my ears and listen to every word of Tommy's declaration. My first impulse is to enter and rip his head off, but I calm myself trying to wait for Ara's response. I want Ara for myself but know that us being together as a real couple is impossible. I let out a breath of relief when I don't hear the same feeling reciprocated. A bit of hope springs in my chest. I enter the house and round the corner, then I see her in his arms. Heat rushes through my body. Jealousy burns every cell of mine, especially when I realize, despite how much I want to deny it, that they look perfect together.I don't want to admit it, but my rational mind reminds me once again that she would be better off living her remaining days with him in the human wor

  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 47 Give It Another Chance

    -Arabella-Three days later I am settled in a safehouse in Savannah. I am not able to leave or contact anyone until the head security guard gets a message from Ronan that it is okay for me to see my sister. I am enjoying the little bit of fresh air that Ronan's security team allows me at the safehouse. When I was on the flight back to the States, this is not at all what I imagined my situation would be. It's not ideal losing my freedom, but for the time being, at least I know that my baby and I are safe. Trying to stay positive, I take in the beauty that surrounds me. The sky is a deep, vibrant blue, and the sun radiates with a warmth that promises a beautiful day ahead. The trees rustle slightly in the breeze, and I feel a sense of peace that I haven't felt in a long time. I look out further and can see the Savannah River, which glimmers in the sunlight. Despite the uncertainty of my current situation, I'm grateful for the beauty that Mother Nature has given me. "Ara!"Suddenly,

  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 46 The Wedding Is Off

    -Arabella-It is a red eye flight from London to Savannah. I am the only passenger, of course; the private aircraft feels way too big than when we all flew to London together, even though it's the same plane. The city lights below me start to get farther away. I lean back against the plush comfort of one of the seats, or the spacious beds to be precious, and finally get the chance to process everything that has occurred.I was abducted by one of the Stewart brothers, and saved and freed by another. Too many things have happened. The past few months of my life feels longer than the twenty some years I lived before. Fate seems to like to play tricks on me. Growing up, I've been taught that vampires are worthless, they are nothing but lazy, filthy leeches. Yet, when no one else in the human society spared me or my family a single drop of pity, it was vampires who offered me a contract that paid off our debt.I spent the better part of my life looking down upon the blood monsters until

  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 45: The Wedding Is Off

    -Ronan-I am getting ready to put an end to a long day of work. All I want to do is relax and spend time with Ara. I put my watch on my wrist, feeling the reassuring presence of the gemstone inside. Human emotions are strange, I think as I feel the smooth surface of the watch.I feel the kaleidoscoping changes in Ara's emotions. She goes from feelings of sadness to excitement. I like the feeling her excitement gives me, and realize it is because she is coming to see me. A small smile crosses my face as I put a quick end to my workday and started to hurry to the restaurant.But then her emotions drastically change again, and this time they are filled with fear. I feel her panic, sending a horrible chill through my own system that I'm not there with her. Two faces come to mind. Only Desmond and Stella could be responsible. My cell phone rings. It's my driver."What happened?""I'm so sorry, Mr. Stewart. They blocked the road, there were two vans...""Where is Ara?" I interrupt him. "T

  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 44: Date Night

    -Arabella-We lay in the dark, my head on the pillows, Grace's on my shoulder. I stare out the window looking at the twinkling stars of London as we reminisce about our hometown of Savannah, Georgia. Our conversation always centers around Dad and all the wonderful things he did for us even though he was a busy man, working hard to support the family and our mother's spending habits. From the corner of my eye, I can see Grace's face light up.Suddenly, something occurs to her. "You know, I always wondered how Daddy and Mother ever fell in love with each other."I laugh softly in the dark. "They must have been different people back then. People have a tendency to change over time."My thoughts ebb away, and I am taken back to a time when Dad was still with us. I remember the summers we spent in the garden, with him teaching us how to grow vegetables and herbs. I remember the days spent running around the woods, climbing trees, and building forts. I remember the

  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 43 Tell Her How I Feel

    -Ronan-I was elated all throughout the flight, only to return to chaos unfolding at the manor. What the hell is Stella doing here, anyway? And why is she holding Ara like this? "Let her go," I say in a low voice, trying to contain the anger surging through me.Stella's hand is still pulling at Ara's hair, though the two are no longer struggling, as if my presence has frozen them in place."And please explain what the hell you're doing here, attacking my attendant." "Desmond texted to tell you we were coming," Stella says, slowly removing her hand from Ara's hair.Ara pulls away immediately and runs off in the direction of my room. I want to run after her so badly, but I have to deal with Stella first. I take it she hasn't seen Ara's sister yet, because that would have been the first thing she said once I barged in on them. "She was being insolent again," Stella says. She's still heaving, as if whatever had gone on between her and Ara before I arrive

  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 42 All of You Will Die

    -Arabella-"Mr. Stewart has given me clear instructions not to let anyone besides his attendant in his room. If you'd like, I can set you up in another bedroom," Julia says in a stoic voice. "He doesn't want to be disturbed." I can tell she's trying very hard not to snap, with her shoulders all tensed up. I've never seen Stella act so viciously toward another vampire, but I guess she's used to having servants and others scramble to please her all the time, and she's not happy with Julia's reticence to do as she wants. Stella's head snaps in Julia's direction, and she takes a few quick steps toward her.Without stopping, she slaps the woman's cheek so hard that Julia stumbles and almost falls over. If it weren't for the mahogany table in the center of the foyer, she would have landed on the floor.She stares at Stella with her mouth hanging open. "I am going to be your mistress, and the first thing I'm going to do once I run this manor is to fire you if you ca

  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 41 You Really Do Love Her

    -Ronan-"What do you mean?" I ask Carlota.She gestures for me to follow her to another courtyard, one that is slightly elevated and has an amazing view of the enormous forest surrounding her compound.I was planning on leaving, but it seems she's not done with the conversation yet. "I spend most of my time around humans lately, for obvious reasons," she continues, leaning on the balcony and looking out at the horizon. "As vampires, we've never taken love or feelings too seriously because we take life for granted. We know we have years, decades, ages. Humans don't have that luxury, so each moment shared with their loved ones is immensely more important and valuable."I'm not too sure where she's going with this, but it's making me feel…uncomfortable."If you love someone else, don't marry Stella," she says after a pause, point-blank. "I can't drop all the responsibilities I have toward my family," I counter. I came to ask her for help figuring out Ste

  • My Vampire Master: A Contract of Blood and Lust   Chapter 40 He Doesn't Deserve You

    -Arabella-"I'm not a child," Grace says to Gabriel, crossing her arms. "I turn eighteen in two months.""I meant no disrespect." Gabriel bows his head and smiles at her.?Grace flinches slightly at the sight of his fangs, but keeps her composure and turns back to me.?"Did you really not know I was coming? I thought you asked your vampire to set this up. A travel agency called me, and they had first class tickets and everything set up," she says.?"No, I didn't. It must have been Ronan." Unexpectedly, her words make my heart ache.?Ronan isn't MY vampire. He can't be.?Moreover, those guys who have been threatening me wouldn't organize a trip for Grace, would they??The only thing that makes sense is that Ronan wanted to get her somewhere safe, and that meant bringing her to me.This is also an outright violation of the attendant agency rules, and it warms my heart to think that Ronan would go to such lengths to help my little sister.?"How is M

Pindai kode untuk membaca di Aplikasi
DMCA.com Protection Status