Olivia
A smile bloomed on my face as I stepped outside. The sun was radiant, its warmth a comforting embrace. The ground was hot beneath my feet, but I didnât mind; I wanted to savor this moment.
Before long, my new master fastened the leash to my collar and guided me towards a sleek, black car.
~So, weâre leaving~, I thought.
He gently nudged me into the car, and I scooted over to the window. The interior was dim, but I could discern various shapes. I flinched when his hand slipped under my chin, unfastening the leash and letting it fall to the car floor.
He signaled the driver to start the car, then pressed a button that raised a screen, separating us from the driver. I kept my gaze fixed on him, remembering Ravenâs warning not to trust any vampires.
The ride was silent, and I found myself enjoying it. I stared out the window, making out trees and buildings. I wished I could see more.
My new master cleared his throat, drawing my attention.
âAlright, little dove, I think itâs time we had a chat. I need you to understand my rules and what I expect from you. After Iâm done, you can ask any questions you have. Understand?â
I nodded in response.
âFirst off, I need verbal responses,â he said, his tone calm but tinged with irritation.
âYes, master,â I replied softly.
He shook his head, leaving me puzzled.
âFirst rule, when weâre alone, you will call me by my name, Cole. In the presence of others, you may refer to me as Sir.â
He looked at me, waiting for my response.
I thought his first rule was odd, but he was my owner now.
âOkay, maâCole,â I corrected myself.
âYouâll find I donât have many rules, little dove. Second, if I call for you, youâll come. Third, no one is to touch you or drink from you.
âYouâre mine, and I donât share whatâs mine. Lastly, no attempts to escapeââ
I interrupted him before he could finish. âWhy would I try to escape? Youâre a vampire and Iâm a human. Itâs pointless to even try.â
He looked at me, taken aback. Iâm sure he wasnât expecting that response.
âYouâre absolutely correct, little dove. Now, onto other matters. Once we reach the manor, youâll be staying in the suite with me. You are not to leave without permission.
âA human wandering the halls alone is a recipe for disaster. Iâll also choose your outfit for the day. If I donât, youâre free to choose your own.
âIâve filled your closet with everything youâll need. Iâll call on you most days, but on days I donât, youâre free to do as you wish. Do you understand so far?â
I nodded. âYes, Cole.â
Now it was my turn to ask questions, and my mind was racing.
âWhy do you call me âlittle doveâ? Donât you know my name?â I asked.
âI know your name, Olivia Carter. You simply remind me of a dove. Pale creamy skin, white hair, and lovely grey eyes. Plus, youâre my pet and I can call you as I wish.â
I hummed in response to his answer.
âWill youâ¦you knowâ¦bite me and drink from me?â I bit my lower lip, unsure if I wanted to hear his answer.
âI think you know the answer, but yes, Olivia, I will. But Iâm almost a thousand years old, so I have more control than most, and I wonât need to drink much.
âHowever, I need to mark you so others know whom you belong to.â He spoke so calmly, as if this wasnât a big deal or that my question was foolish.
âYou said no one is to drink from me, but how will I stop that? I mean, if a vampire wants me, I donât know how Iâd stop them. Plus, that female vampire wants me. Badly.â
I looked down at my trembling hands, the thought of her making me shake.
He clenched his jaw. âOnce I drink from you and mark you, Iâll be able to sense your emotions. If youâre in danger, Iâll know it.
âAs for Annabelle, donât worry about her. Iâll handle it.â He looked at me, but I couldnât shake my fear.
âYouâre afraid of her. Why?â he asked, his voice laced with concern.
âEveryone at the pet shop was afraid of her. She came at least once a month to get another pet. I thought she was just collecting them, but Raven said she was killing them.â
He didnât ask who Raven was, but before I knew it, the car stopped. We had arrived at my new home.