Chapter 3

• Most of the vampires traveled like this, the ones in this city did at least.
• Only specific slaves were chosen to drive them.
• What I wouldn't do to have that job.
• I waited until he sat down to take my seat, not wanting to make him unhappy. He gestured for me to sit next to him, so I did.
• He set the leash down by me and leaned back, running his hand through his hair as he let out a long sigh.
• The drive was silent. It made my nerves on edge.
• I leaned forward, trying once again to ease the pain on my back.
• Only then did I realize how loud my breaths were.
• My hand trailed up to the collar that was pressing into my skin.
• I immediately put my hand back down when I saw Master shift his gaze to me.
• One wrong move. One wrong move and I'm dead.
• I kept my eyes on the floor, trying not to make him mad.
• A sharp gasp exited my throat and I flinched as I felt his hands on my collar.
• This was weird though.
• His hands were gentle as he loosened the buckle before removing the collar completely, finally allowing me to get a decent breath.
• My hands skimmed against the raw skin on my neck where the collar had been rubbing.
• It was uncomfortable, but dang I was just happy to have that thing off.
• I wanted to thank my Master, but I didn't know if I should.
• He was just staring at me, well, my neck.
• Either the collar make a noticeable mark on my skin, or he's trying to imagine how much he's going to enjoy biting into it.
• It could be both.
• "You don't talk much do you?" He asked, his voice startling me.
• I haven't actually talked in about 6 years, so no.
• "Do I have permission?" I asked nervously.
• I just wanted to make sure, so I wouldn't mess up in the future.
• He paused for a second.
• "To me, yes." He said.
• That's... odd.
• I met his gaze, those eyes piercing through me once again.
• I didn't even know what to say.
• "Name?" He finally spoke.
• Pets were never really given names, it has always been up to their master to decide.
• "Whatever you want it to be, Ma-"
• "No." He cut me off, making me flinch.
• He sighed.
• "You were a rogue, right?" He asked.
• "I was," I replied shamefully.
• It was my dad's idea to leave the city in the first place. I didn't even want to leave.
• "So what was your name before you got captured?"
• I blinked at him.
• It had been so long that I had to think about it for a second.
• "Ann," I said.
• He thought my answer over.
• "Ann." He repeated, like he was tasting it on his tongue, "I like it."
• I didn't know if I should be happy about that or not.
• Master glanced out the window as the car slowed to a stop, his hands reaching inside of the bag.
• I also shifted my gaze to the window, gawking as I laid eyes on the castle before me.
• The sun reflected ever so slightly against its many windows and dark bricks.
• It was just so big.
• Much bigger then I remember it being as a little girl.
• I guess a big city to run causes for a big castle full of bloodsuckers to run it.
• I froze as I turned back around, laying eyes on what Master has in his hands.
• A collar, and a leash to match.
• They looked like a matching set, both being icy blue with a golden buckle or clasp.
• I swallowed hard as his hands began to move closer, shutting my eyes in anticipation.
• I stayed as still as possible as he wrapped it around my neck, only tightening it to the second hole.
• "Is that loose enough?" He asked, causing me to open my eyes.
• That's it? That was all he was going to tighten it to?
• I'm pretty sure I could actually fit two of my fingers in all the extra space.
• "U-uh yea." I stuttered out.
• He nodded, clipping the leash onto the clasp before opening the door.
• I followed him out of the car before he could yank me out.
• My eyes widened once again as they came to the very impressive gate that surrounded the castle, and the Vampire and slave boy that was guarding it.
• The slave didn't look any younger than me.
• Master stopped in front of the gate, meeting eyes with the guard.
• "New pet?" The guard asked, looking towards me.
• Master only nodded.
• The guard smirked as the slave began to open the large gate.
• "She's a pretty little one." He sneered, making my stomach turn.
• I swallow the lump in my throat before following Master through the gates.
• The slave boy bow his head as we passed.
• “Welcome home, sir Richard.”
• I couldn't keep my eyes from wandering once we entered the castle.
• It was so much bigger on the inside, large chandeliers here and there, golden window frames with large red curtains, and a high ceiling.
• We passed a huge room with a large table, which I'm guessing would be the dining room.
• There were bloodsuckers in every direction, some with pets, some with slaves, some with both.
• I met eyes with a couple of pets as we made our way down the corridor.
• They were all dressed so differently. Some had a total set of clothes while some were practically naked.
• Master didn't seem to care at all about the other Vampires glancing his direction, and then at me.
• It made me nervous. I kept my head down for the rest of the walk, figuring I could look around later.
• Or maybe I'd be dead by then.
• After a few turns and a couple sets of spiral stairs later, Master stopped in front of a very tall door.
• This hallway was with other hallways branching off horizontally every 100 or so feet, giving each room it's individual space. He placed his thumb on the little black box above the door handle before a small click was heard and he opened the door.