My maker ignores his words. “Violet is new but mostly in control.”
In control? I killed a woman today. How is that in control? Cyrus steps in front of me. He sniffs the airaround me and holds his hand toward me. “Palm,” he demands.
I look at Harrison, not sure what the hell is happening. “Do as he asks,” my maker demands.
I place my hand into Cyrus’s. He gently raises it to his lips and kisses it. Stepping closer, he smells my skin, starting at the wrist and moving up my arm slightly. “She still smells human.”
“That will wear off,” Harrison answers.
“How much?” Cyrus asks.
“Twenty thousand.”
Twenty thousand? Am I being sold like cattle?
Cyrus continues sniffing, this time moving to my neck and hair. “I’ll take her. For future reference, Chamberlin, don’t dye their hair. It makes them harder to sell.”
“What’s happening?” I gather the courage to ask, looking between my maker and the stranger. Harrison is in front of me a heartbeat later. He raises his hand to slap me, but is blocked by Cyrus.
“She’s mine now,” Cyrus warns. Harrison steps away, bowing his head slightly. Cyrus hands more money than I’ve seen in my life to Harrison before offering me his elbow.
“You’re selling me?” I ask.
“Nothing personal, my dear. You just weren’t quite what I was looking for after all.” Harrison moves to the door, opening it wide for the two of us.
I thought waking up a vampire was terrifying. Thisis worse. “I won’t go with you.” I pull my arm away from his.
“I’m afraid you don’t have a choice,” my buyer answers. “I bought and paid for you. It’s a done deal. You belong to me now.”
“I am not livestock that can be bought or sold!” I argue.
Cyrus laughs. “I’m afraid that’s exactly what you are.” I turn to run, making it to the riverbank in record time. I stop, trying to figure out exactly where I am. An arm wraps around my throat and throws me to the ground without hesitation.
“Do not run from me again,” he whispers. “I will not be as nice the next time.”
“You’re a vampire?”
“Did he not teach you anything?” Cyrus asks.
I shake my head. “Yesterday, or at least I think it was yesterday…I was human.”
FIVE
the monster inside
Cyrus grips my arm tightly,leading me away from the river and back toward the Garden District. “Are you taking me back?” I ask.
“You ask a lot of questions, don’t you? No wonder you weren’t his type. He’s not a fan of strong women.” He huffs a laugh at a private joke. “No, Violet, I’m not taking you back. My driver is waiting outside Chamberlin’s house. There are clothes inside the car for you to change into.” He steps back, assessing my wardrobe. “Why must he always dress them like a slut?” His question isn’t meant for me to answer. Seconds later, we’re standing in front of the familiar Garden District home.
“What if he sees us?”
Cyrus’s deep laugh echoes off the surrounding buildings. “He’s a vampire and your maker. He knows exactly where you are at all times.” I turn, staring at thehome that, from the outside, looks like every other home in New Orleans. How many others are there?
“Get in,” he demands, opening the door of a shiny black vehicle.
“Where are we going?”
Cyrus smiles. “Please get in, Violet.” I slide into the seat without another question. “There are clothes in the bag.” He points at a black bag on the floor. “Change into them.”
