Chapter One
Ajax
It didn’t look like a big house. I’d always lived in huge mansions so fortified, they were the modern day version of castles. But then, people who can own slaves are usually rich. I wouldn’t be a slave in this house, they’d be paying me. Or, was Master Abbott paying me? That was probably something I should find out.
The vampires aren’t always in your head, and in fact, the process of wondering if they’re listening seems to make them listen in, so it’s best not to worry about it. They can go back and look through your head at any time, so it doesn’t really matter if they’re listening to your thoughts at any given moment. Abbott was apparently tuned in to my thoughts, because he answered my unasked questions.
“It appears small because the majority of the living space is underground. Kieran and Gwen prefer to keep a low profile. They handle more money and assets than the gross national product of most countries. It’s best they don’t broadcast this fact.” He touched my leg. “I provide their security since it’s in my best interests to keep them alive. They handle around seventy percent of my portfolio. You’ve agreed I could give you to them as a gift, a blood servant, on top of your duties as head of security and personal bodyguard. If you change your mind about that, you’ll still be their security manager. Regardless, it’s possiblethey’ll want to take over your salary eventually, but if not, I’ll pay it as long as you’re with them. The direct deposits should have started showing up in the previous weeks, while you undertook additional training and certification?”
“Yes, Master Abbott. Thank you.”
“You’ll earn your salary by keeping them alive and secure.” The driver opened the door and motioned me out. I exited, scanned the area, and nodded for Master Abbott to get out. I wasn’t there as his security, but it was habit.
I wore a suit. The basic black bodyguard suit. However, Abbott had put a big Christmas bow around me. Like a sash, with a hideous bow on my shoulder.
I walked in with Abbott. I’d been one step behind and to his left, but he’d motioned me to enter before him. The Mistress’s eyes reflected surprised excitement, while her husband’s showed hesitation and perhaps a touch of unhappiness. I very carefully schooled my thoughts away from making judgements about the vampires. It was likely they were both in my head seeing what they could learn about me. I focused on looking at the home from a security standpoint, and noted cameras where they should be, though I’d want a few more.
“First, let me apologize,” Abbott told them, “because the timing hasn’t worked out so you can actually have your Christmas present until January third. However, I wanted to bring him by and show him to you on Christmas.”
Kieran pointed Gwen to a chair, but he remained standing. “Our new bodyguard? Interesting. He’s a former slave?”
As I’d assumed, they were looking in my head to learn what they could of me.
“Yes. I’m taking care of two of your needs with one talented, special werewolf. He’ll feed you and act as a blood servant. He’s no longer a slave. When not actively feeding you, he’ll be his own person, in charge of your security. He’ll lead the security teamwhile awake. He’ll assign someone else to be in charge while he’s asleep, and while he’s otherwise engaged with you. Still, they’ll be following his overarching orders.”
The first thing I noticed was how small my new charges were. Gwen was perhaps four foot nine or ten, and Kieran around five foot five. Together, they looked like an ordinary couple, but next to me, they were almost childlike. I’m six foot five and well over two hundred pounds. My former master chose me for my size, and then he spent a decade turning me into a menacing figure. One of the hardest rules Master Abbott had given me was a restriction not to work out more than two hours a day. I’d been required to work out four to six hour a day under my former Master, and I was so used to the routine, it had felt wrong to do less. I categorized their size as a security concern. Those who didn’t recognize them as powerful vampires may assume they were easy prey. Probably not when I was with them, but it was still something to consider.
I stood against a wall near the door, at first. As a bodyguard, that’s the pattern. Your charge goes in and sits down, and you find the best spot in the room to protect him or her. A place where you can see all doors and windows, and can get to your charge quickly, if necessary.
“Sit with me, Ajax. You aren’t working at the moment.”
“Yes, Master Abbott.”
“I understand you once had an opportunity to meet the European vampire named Prissy?” Abbot asked.
My heart sank to my stomach at the memory. She’d scared me worse than any other vampire, and I’d met plenty of menacing ones. She’d beenchangedat twelve — she looked like an innocent little girl, but she was scary powerful.
“I have, Master Abbott.”
“Just as one would be wise not to assume she was a weak child, you shouldn’t assume anything because of Kieran andGwen’s size. Both are stronger than a few Master Vampires in my territory, but the Doyles don’t want to lead. They prefer to stay in the shadows and help grow the wealth of those who can afford their services. In doing so, these two have gained unimaginable wealth.”
Gwen was wearing an elegant hunter green dress. Fashionable. Like something you’d see in a magazine. Kieran wore black slacks, a royal blue dress shirt, and a deep charcoal tie. Both appeared to be Irish, with ginger hair, fair skin, and freckles. Kieran was more strawberry blonde, while Gwen’s was a deeper red. Her lipstick matched her hair.
I’d sensed their power when we entered, but it seemed rude to point that out. Instead, I told the couple, “I look forward to coming to work for the two of you. I won’t let you or Abbott down.”
“You’ve worked for Drake Security since your release as a slave?” Kieran asked. “Why are you agreeing to go back into a single-family situation? And one where you’re agreeing to be a blood servant as well as personal protection?”
I knew all three vampires saw the answer in my head, but I answered anyway. “I didn’t enjoy going from job to job. I want to get to know the people I’m protecting, and I...” Damn, this was hard to admit. “I miss belonging. Abbott had me talk to a therapist, and she said being a slave is all I remember, and it’s okay to miss parts of it. I miss feeding a vampire, nourishing him or her. Knowing the person I’m protecting has some of my blood flowing through their veins.”
Gwen started to say something, but stopped. It felt as if Kieran had quieted her telepathically, but I had no way of knowing for sure.
Abbott settled his cool hand on my thigh, and it settled my nerves. “If we’re all in agreement, Ajax will arrive on January third. His belongings will be delivered a day or two before.”
Kieran looked at me, and I realized they were waiting for me to respond first. I was being given as a gift, but I wasn’t a slave. I’d met my future employers, and I had to agree to this first.
“I look forward to working here, Master Kieran.”
“I’m not your master, Ajax. Sir will be fine.”
