Chapter 22: twenty-two

Cole

Marcus’s estate was gradually filling with the vampire elite he’d invited to his soiree. My strategy was simple: make an appearance, exchange pleasantries, and whisk Olivia away before anyone could start prying.

The initial plan to keep Olivia and Raven tucked away in my room had a flaw I hadn’t foreseen. Raven was now a pet, which meant she was obligated to accompany Kaden.

I had to honor my agreement with Annabelle, but Kaden could take both girls with him. He’d probably relish the opportunity.

We arrived at the dining hall, and I could sense Olivia’s heart pounding. The grand room wasn’t packed, but there was a substantial gathering of vampires and humans.

I gave her leash a gentle tug and scooped her into my arms once she was within reach. We quickly found a vacant spot and settled down. Kaden and Raven took seats beside us.

I couldn’t suppress a smirk as I glanced at Raven. The fury and resentment radiating from her petite frame were simply delightful.

Two human boys appeared moments later, their hands trembling as they set down two glasses of blood. Their shaking wasn’t from fear, but sheer exhaustion. It was etched all over their faces.

The dark circles under their eyes and their sluggish movements suggested they were on the brink of collapse.

Raven started to speak but quickly clamped her mouth shut. I didn’t need to read her mind to know what she was thinking.

“Bring the pets a plate of food and then go sleep,” I instructed the boys casually. They exchanged confused glances.

“Are you deaf?” I snapped. I could feel Olivia stiffen in my arms. I gave her a reassuring rub on her arm as the boys nodded and scurried off toward the kitchen.

I could sense a faint curiosity in her mind, but it was too faint. It had been weeks since I first drank from her, which meant I would need to do it again soon—especially before the gala.

I wrapped an arm around her waist, pulling her closer to my chest. I took a sip from my glass, observing the flurry of activity around the room.

“Are you going to drink that?” Kaden had already emptied his glass and was eyeing mine.

Normally, I would have rebuked him, but I simply slid my glass over to him. It seemed pointless to drink now when I would have to drink for Olivia later.

I felt a slight pinch on my leg and looked down to see Olivia’s small hand digging into my thigh. ~Did she hear me? Did I say that out loud?~

“Hello, Cole baby.”

I looked up to see Annabelle looming over our table, a young vampire clinging to her. He was tall, with dark hair and eyes. He wasn’t a child, but he was clearly attached to her.

I studied him intently, not out of jealousy, but because there was something about him—something eerily familiar.

Then it clicked. “Adam Sinclair. I didn’t realize you were residing here,” I said, narrowing my eyes at him.

“I would never!” he exclaimed. “I’m here on mother’s behalf for the gala. I’ll be leaving tonight.”

Martha Sinclair was the lady of a nearby region. She usually attended these events, but rumors were circulating that she was planning to hand over her territory to Adam.

Unfortunately for him, territories weren’t inherited. Father was the one who assigned them.

Olivia was digging her nails deeper into my leg. It didn’t hurt, but it didn’t go unnoticed. I didn’t want her getting agitated by this insufferable twit, so I swiftly turned her around.

Her legs straddled me, and I pressed her body against mine.

Kaden and Raven were unusually quiet. I glanced over to see them both glaring at the two vampires before us.

“Oh, I see Kaden has acquired a little pet of his own. Speaking of pets…” Annabelle turned her attention to Olivia.

I was patiently waiting for her to say something that would give me an excuse to rip her head clean off her shoulders.

“I’m afraid I’ll have to go back on our arrangement. Adam needs a date for the gala and I just can’t say no. You understand.”

I nodded. A part of me was relieved, but now I was suspicious.

“How unusual,” Kaden began. “You were practically begging to go with Cole. Pathetically, really. And now you dump him for that,” he said coldly, gesturing toward Adam.

“Oh, boys. Don’t be so sad. You’ll still see me. Adam is occupying a room on your floor.”

She gave us a sweet smile. Adam seemed emotionless. Before I could probe further, she grabbed him by the arm and dragged him away. I watched as they disappeared from the room.

I shifted Olivia back to face the table as two human servants brought plates of food.

“I can’t believe you kept your mouth shut,” I smirked at Raven, who had already started eating.

“I’m playing a role,” she shrugged, shoveling another spoonful of vegetables into her mouth. “First chance I get, there will be bloodshed.”

“This was a mistake,” Olivia squeaked.

I looked down at her, confused.

“She can’t hurt you, little dove. She’s gone now. She knows what will happen if she even thinks about it. Now eat, my love. You need to eat,” I tried to reassure her.

She took a small bite of her food. We sat there for what felt like hours until she finally put her spoon down and looked at her leg.

I had just enough time to tilt my head to the side before she said it. She uttered the words that made my blood boil and my skin run cold simultaneously.

“He has the power to hurt me. He’s done it before.”