I cover my distaste and nod my thanks to the woman who delivers mine. Her eyes are distant, almost void. She doesn’t respond. I wonder if she can even see us.
I feel Hannah’s discomfort from across the table. Her anger radiates through the space between us. This has been a point of contention since my family arrived and discovered that these women are Vlad’s family’s blood slaves. They’re just kept around as regular drinking sources whenever Vlad or his sons need feeding or other comforts.
It’s distasteful and occasionally puts me off my dinner. Or breakfast, as it were.
The food in front of me looks amazing, though. I suppose one of the women must be a chef. My plate has a fluffy omelet topped with herbs. There are strawberry crepes dusted with sugar beside it. The thick-cut bacon smells like maple smoke.
I eat in spite of my churning stomach because I heard Vlad yelling at them one night when we didn’t eat enough. It won’t really satisfy my hunger, but nothing ever does. Doesn’t matter ifI stuff myself with a feast or just drink broth. I don’t mind it, not when it means I can control whether or not I inflict it on others.
I’m glad my brothers and their families will be getting out of here today. I’m just sorry Phoenix had to grow up in this toxic environment. It’s only more of a testament to the strong person she is.
I take a bite of my food as Phoenix politely asks her grandfather how his business dealings are going. Her voice is carefully neutral, filling the awkward silence that has fallen over the table. She’s trying to keep things civil.
Vlad waves a hand impatiently. “The only business I care about at the moment is you. Tell me he rode you thoroughly enough to breed you last night.”
Gasps come from the women around the table.
Vlad ignores them and stares pointedly at Phoenix.
She glares back at him, but her voice stays level. “Don’t be vile. There are children at the table.”
Vlad sniffs the air and narrows his eyes. “I don’t smell the scent of fucking on you.”
Abaddon jams his chair back and stands in fury, but I take my cues from Phoenix. She’s quietly furious. I know she wouldn’t want me making a display on her behalf.
“Not that it’s any of your business how I conduct myself in my marriage, but I showered this morning.” Her tone is ice.
Vlad leans in, face hard. “You should have been fucking this morning.”
I’ve had enough. But before I can say anything, Phoenix is already there.
She buries her knife into the table between her and Vlad. The sound echoes through the room.
“You might get to say who and when I marry, but the biology of when I conceive is something beyond either of our control.”Venom drips from her voice. “You will stay the hell out of my sex life. Don’t push me.”
I feel a surge of pride watching her stand up to him. She’s magnificent when she’s angry.
Vlad glares right back at her. The entire room holds its breath in the strained silence that follows.
Vlad finally breaks out in a low chuckle that releases the room’s tension. “That’s my girl. Fine. I’ll stay out of your sex life, but don’t think for a moment that I don’t expect results. By this time next year, I expect to be a proud grandpapa.”
“It hasn’t gotten old already?” Phoenix can’t help the snide comment as she gestures to the four men in the corners. We both know his “sons” are actually grandsons going back untold generations.
“None so interesting as you, my lovely,” Vlad says as he reaches out a hand to caress Phoenix’s face.
She jerks back from his touch. I feel her shudder beside me.
Vlad just smiles that predator’s smile again.
I wish I could kill this bastard. Phoenix swears he’s untouchable, and I understand her reasons. But watching him touch her makes something dark and violent stir in my chest. Watching her recoil from him makes me want to rip his throat out.
To my right, little Raven suddenly flies up out of her chair. She evades her mother’s arms as Hannah tries to reach for her.
“Raven, honey, you know we sit while we eat breakfast,” Hannah tries.
Raven’s little face is contorted as she points a finger at Vlad.
“Bad,” she pronounces loudly.
