Chapter 8: eight

Olivia

I blink my eyes open, the warmth of my surroundings seeping into my skin. I’m cocooned under a pile of heavy blankets, a stark contrast to the cold, hard cage I was used to.

The rhythmic clicking of keys fills the room. I prop myself up on my elbows, spotting Cole across the room, engrossed in his work at the desk.

I don’t want to disturb him, but I’m trapped under these blankets and I need to get up. I grip the edges of the blankets, trying to push them off. I must have made some noise because the next thing I know, Cole is standing over me, his face unreadable.

~Oh God, is he angry?~ I wonder, my heart pounding. ~Am I going to be punished?~ I can’t bring myself to meet his gaze, so I look down, fiddling with my fingers.

But then, he chuckles, pulling the heavy blankets off me. Once I’m free, I pull myself up to sit on the edge of the large, comfortable structure I was lying on.

“How do you feel, my little dove?” he asks, his voice gentle.

“Um, I-I’m okay. A little sore and h-hot. Cole?” I respond, my voice barely above a whisper.

He hums in response, prompting me to continue.

“What is this big thing that I was sleeping on?” I ask, genuinely curious.

He looks at me, confusion etched on his face, but then realization dawns. I grew up in a pet store, after all.

“It’s a bed. Most vampires don’t allow their pets to sleep in them, but I’m not like everyone else,” he explains, his voice soft.

He’s right. He’s different—calmer, more relaxed.

“Now. You slept for a long time so let’s get you in a bath and then we’ll go down to get dinner. Sound good?” he suggests, helping me off the bed.

“Yes, Cole,” I reply, my voice steadier now.

He places his hand on my lower back, guiding me towards the bathroom. Once we’re there, he turns on the water, pouring in some liquids that fill the room with a soothing scent. The thought of him seeing me naked makes my face burn. I’m not much to look at, but the idea still makes me uncomfortable. After preparing the bath, he steps out, leaving the door slightly ajar.

I start to let my hair loose, running my fingers through the once-braided strands. I feel a presence behind me and turn to find Cole, a pile of clothes in his hands.

“Here are some clothes for you, little dove. Take a bath, get dressed, and we’ll go get dinner,” he instructs, his voice gentle.

I nod in response, too overwhelmed to form words. He doesn’t seem to mind.

Deciding that washing and drying my hair would take too long, I pull it up into a messy bun. I peel off my dress and undergarments, reaching for my collar, only to find it missing.

~Did he remove it before putting me to bed?~ I wonder, shrugging off the thought as I step into the warm bath. The water soothes my sore muscles, eliciting a moan from me. After a few minutes of just soaking in the warmth, I start to wash myself.

The scent of the soaps fills my nostrils—fresh fruit. I was scared and lonely before, but now, I feel content. My emotions are a whirlwind, and I can’t understand why.

Once I’m clean and relaxed, I drain the tub, stepping out and wrapping a fluffy towel around myself. I walk over to the counter to get my clothes, catching a glimpse of my reflection in the mirror. Two marks adorn my neck, surrounded by a brownish-purple bruise.

I touch it, but it doesn’t hurt. I let out a small sigh, reaching for the clothes.

Black cotton underwear, soft black pants—leggings, as Raven called them—and a pink sweater. I look for tights or socks but find none.

I walk out of the bathroom, approaching Cole. He’s engrossed in his work again. After waiting for a few moments for him to acknowledge me, I tug on my shirt. He turns around, a smile on his face.

“Um. C-Cole, I was wondering, c-can I have s-some socks?” I stutter, looking down.

~Why am I so nervous around him?~ I wonder, my heart pounding.

“Don’t be nervous around me, little dove. And of course, you can have some socks. Go to the closet, your stuff is on the right-hand side,” he reassures me.

I stare at him in shock. I have a whole side? I slowly make my way to the closet, stepping inside. Rows of dresses and drawers filled with sweaters, pants, and socks.

I pull out a pink pair, sitting on the floor of the closet to put them on. I stand up too quickly, bumping into a wall. I look up to find Cole. I feel my face heat up, opening my mouth to apologize, but he bends down and fastens my collar around my neck.

“Come,” he commands, walking towards the door.

I follow him quickly, not wanting to get lost in this fortress full of hungry vampires. As we walk down the long hallway, I notice a few vampires sniffing the air and looking my way. Some look disgusted, while others seem curious.

“It’s my mark. They can smell it on you. Some probably don’t like that I did it, but I honestly don’t care,” he explains, his voice laced with irritation.

I know it’s not directed at me, but it’s still intimidating.

We continue towards the dining hall, which is unfortunately on the main floor. I follow closely behind Cole, not wanting to get lost in this maze of a fortress.

The silence between us is palpable, yet it carries a comforting weight. As we approach the dining hall, Cole attaches the leash to my collar. I understand it’s likely for show, but it still sends a pang of sadness through me.

I need to shake off this strange sensation and remember my place. I’m property, a human pet, a mere source of sustenance.

Suddenly, I hear a low growl from Cole, his eyes darkening to an inky black. “I don’t want to hear such thoughts ever again. Am I clear, Olivia?”

I gasp, trying to discern if I had accidentally voiced my thoughts aloud.

“I’m waiting for an answer.” His voice is icy, tinged with irritation.

Swallowing hard, I manage to whisper, “Yes, sir.”

He merely nods in response, pulling me along into the dining hall.

As I take in the grandeur of the dining hall, I freeze, a gasp escaping my lips.