Chapter 9: nine

Olivia

I swallow hard, rooted to the spot as I take in the scene around me. The dining hall is vast, filled with vampires scattered here and there. It’s not exactly bustling, but there are enough of them to set my nerves on edge.

Pets, most of them scantily clad, are being led around on leashes. I find myself grateful that Cole had the decency to provide me with clothing. I glance up at him, but he’s staring straight ahead, seemingly unfazed by the spectacle.

He strides forward, and I have to practically sprint to keep up with his long strides.

We navigate our way to a relatively secluded area. I can feel the weight of many eyes on us, but Cole appears completely unbothered. I, however, am a bundle of nerves.

Cole must have sensed my unease. He claimed he could, after all. He settles into a seat and gestures for me to join him. His hand finds my upper thigh, tracing soothing circles.

I start to relax, but then another vampire saunters over and plops down next to Cole. He’s tall and lean, with sandy blonde hair and the same piercing green eyes. When he catches me staring, I quickly avert my gaze, focusing on my lap instead. “Cole!” he exclaims, his voice filled with excitement. “Did you finally get a pet?”

Cole doesn’t respond, instead choosing to take a sip from his glass. The thick red liquid leaves little to the imagination—it’s blood.

Suddenly, a flurry of human servants rush out, carrying trays laden with food. They set them down in front of us. Cole and the other vampires are served steak with potatoes, while the pets are given a mix of vegetables and a bit of rice. I’m not complaining—it’s more than I ever received at the pet store.

Cole begins to eat, still ignoring the other vampire who has now turned his attention to me. Unsure of whether I’m allowed to eat, I sit quietly.

“Can you stop staring at my pet, Kaden? You’re making her uncomfortable,” Cole finally speaks up.

“I knew you got a pet! Why didn’t you tell anyone? Why didn’t you tell me? What’s her blood type? Have you drunk from her yet? Why are you drinking that vile stuff when you have a fresh supply?” He fires off questions rapidly.

Cole glances at me, and I shrink back a little. “Eat, Olivia. You’re still a little weak from before,” he murmurs softly in my ear.

I nod and start eating the food in front of me. The rice and vegetables aren’t particularly flavorful, but I do my best to eat what I can. That is, until more vampires start to flood into the dining hall.

The sight is enough to make me lose my appetite. I push my plate away. The vampires are, of course, stunning, but it’s the pets that catch my attention. Most of them are frighteningly thin and barely clothed.

In that moment, I feel a surge of gratitude for the clothes Cole provided me, even if he was the one who chose them.

I can feel the bile rising in my throat. I’m terrified, unsure of what to do. In desperation, I start tapping on Cole’s leg.

He looks down at me immediately, his eyes wide. For a moment, I fear I’ve angered him, but his eyes are filled with concern—a look I never thought I’d see on his face.

“Little dove? What’s wrong?” He leans in closer to me.

Taking a deep breath, I whisper, “I’m sorry, but I don’t feel too well.”

He nods and takes another sip from his glass.

After a moment or two, I start to think that he doesn’t care that I’m about to lose my dinner right here in front of everyone.

I must have been lost in thought or concentrating too hard on keeping the bile down because I hadn’t even noticed that Cole had risen from his seat.

Everyone is staring at Cole as he stands there waiting for me to rise from my chair. I feel myself sinking further into the chair, frozen in place.

“Come, little dove. It’s okay,” Cole says, his voice firm yet gentle. He wraps his hand around my arm and helps me out of the chair.

To the other vampires, it probably looks like he’s dragging me, but he’s surprisingly gentle. It’s strange how kind he’s being to me, but I can’t help but wonder if it’s all a ruse.

As we leave the dining hall, I hear footsteps hurrying after us. “Cole! Cole! Wait up, will you?” I immediately recognize Kaden’s voice.

“What is it, Kaden?” Cole replies, his tone laced with annoyance.

~Maybe he doesn’t like him~, I think to myself.

“He’s like family, but he annoys me sometimes,” Cole says, not looking at me.

~Did I say that out loud?~

“Aren’t you going to introduce me to your pet, Cole? I can’t believe you finally got a pet—well, no one can. Oh shit, does your father know?” Kaden rattles on.

He seems harmless enough, and I don’t think Cole would let another vampire harm me, but he’s still a vampire. So, I stay behind Cole, clutching his shirt.

“Kaden, there’s no reason I should introduce my pet to you or anyone else for that matter. If you’re so excited about a pet, why don’t you go get your own?”

Kaden looks down at me and winks, “Maybe I will, Cole. Maybe I will.”

I gulp as he speaks, and Cole must sense my fear because he quickly grabs hold of me. Everything becomes a blur, and then we’re inside his room.

Cole settles me down on the sofa and begins to stroke my hair. “You’re safe, little dove. I know that was quite an experience and you’ve been so sheltered, but I promise nothing will happen to you. Okay?”

Despite my confusion and fear, I manage to smile at him. “Okay, Cole. Oh, and I was wondering, are you able to read my thoughts?”