‘Who says?’ The other vampire sneers, pushing against Kyle, who slams him back again, muscles flexing under his leather jacket.
‘Raven says, that’s who!’ he snarls in the other vampire’s face, shoving him one more time. His head hits the table with a cracking sound and I wince. ‘As do I.’
The vampire raises both hands, the skin of his neck cracked and reddened where Kyle is holding him.
‘So we’re fine?’ Kyle’s face is close to the other vampire’s.
‘Yes, fine. I want no trouble with Raven.’ The vampire slants his gaze to me. I see the question in his eyes. I put my shoulders back, raising my chin. Kyle lets go of him and, with a whoosh, is in front of me, his shoulders curved forward, so close my nose almost touches the black fabric of his shirt. He sniffs.
‘You need to top up.’
I smell my wrist. The anti-feed is wearing off, the violet scent faint. I reach into my pocket for the little vial, but my hand is trembling too much to open it. The vampire who attacked me is being escorted out, two Ravenna guards helping him on his way. Stella is smirking, and one of her friends rolls her eyes at me.
‘C’mon.’ Kyle takes my arm, his grip rough, heading for the hallway leading to the bathrooms. I let him, only because I’m shaking so much. I’m about to open the bathroom door when Kyle stops me, his arm coming up. His fangs are dropped, white points glimpsed in the half-dark. His hand is gentle, though, as it comes to my throat, brushing my hair aside. His fingers trace along my neck, and he exhales. ‘There are no marks. He didn’t get you. You need to remember to top up.’
My face prickles with embarrassment. I’m not five. But I should have remembered. ‘Fine,’ I mutter. ‘And, thanks.’
‘Just doing my job,’ he says. His gaze moves over my shoulder. He frowns.
I don’t want to turn around. I’m sure everyone is watching me. ‘I want to go home,’ I say, the words falling from me like seeds, bitter with shame.
‘Stay here,’ he says, moving around me. His back is against mine for a moment, then he’s gone. I lean on the wall, my legs unsteady. And I wonder at his strength, the way he took on the other vampire so easily. What did Ira say? Something about the pits?
The pits are where vampires fight. But not just any vampires. Criminals, prisoners, those who fall foul of the Raven regime. All trotted out in the underground rings to meet their fates, either triumphing or being ripped apart by the gladiators. Kyle must be pretty strong to have been one of the champions, chosen to fight and trained from when he was changed, a life of blood and darkness. I blush, remembering how I’d thought he wouldn’t be much protection. I suppose there’s no way my parents would have sent me out here with someone who couldn’t look after me. I still don’t know why they haven’t just had another child, though. Someone who isn’t weak, who doesn’t need constant protection, who isn’t such a worry. I suppose when I leave they might consider it. They’ll need another heir, after all.
I sigh, picking at a loose piece of paint with my fingernail, trying to ignore the ache in my chest. I wonder what Kyle is doing, and why it’s taking so long.
‘My lady?’
I turn. It’s Ira. His bulk almost fills the hallway, his hands twisting together.
‘Are you all right?’ he asks. ‘I’m so sorry. He had no right to touch you. All our stock is clearly marked.’ His dark brows lower over his icy eyes and I step back.
‘She’s fine.’ Kyle appears in a whoosh of speed. His arm slides around my waist, his body hard against mine.
I catch my breath. ‘I am fine,’ I say. ‘I hope he’ll be dealt with.’ I try to sound like my mother, calm and cool. But it comes out half-strangled. I clear my throat, pushing on Kyle’s arm until he lets me go. Why the hell is he holding on to me?
Ira lets out a sigh. ‘He will,’ he says. ‘You won’t see him again. I do hope this means you’ll be staying for another drink?’
‘We have to go.’ Kyle doesn’t sound impressed. ‘Is there another way out?’
‘Of course. The door behind you leads outside. Please, allow me.’ Ira pushes past with a rattle of keys, the door opening with a cracking sound, letting in cool air. I start forward. Kyle comes around me, fast. ‘I go first.’ He shoots me a glare over his shoulder before stepping through the doorway. I follow, squeezing past our host. He’s still frowning, his huge shoulders slumped forward. Something in his icy gaze touches me and I pause.
‘Thank you,’ I say, ‘for the wine.’
Ira puts his hand on my shoulder. ‘You’re welcome. Safe travels home, my lady. I hope to see you again.’
I nod, not sure what to say. I doubt I’ll be back. The door closes, leaving Kyle and me alone in the darkness. It’s quieter outside, which is a relief, the pounding bass reduced to a dull thud. The cold air hits me like a shock, and I’m tired and weepy, despite my best efforts. All my walls, all the barriers I put up, are down. Such a stupid night.
Kyle puts his hands in his pockets, his head slightly tilted. ‘You ready?’
‘Ready?’ My mouth twists against the tears I’m holding back. God and darkness, I want this night to beover. ‘When is the car coming?’
‘It’s not,’ he says. ‘Not yet, anyway. So it’s faster if I just take you.’
‘What?’ My stomach lurches. ‘What, like, walking?’
‘I’m pretty fast. And you don’t look like you weigh much. We could be home in fifteen minutes, tops.’
