“What are you going to do with me?”
Cyrus sighs. “After I teach you the correct way to be a vampire, I’m going to sell you to the highest bidder.”
I stand, moving across the room in the blink of an eye. “I am not something to be sold.”
“That’s too bad. You’ve already been sold, and I am your purchaser.” He’s in front of me a second later.Crystal-blue eyes look deep into mine. “I’m not the one you need to fear.”
“Then answer the damn question,” I demand.
“You are a brave one, aren’t you?” He laughs softly. “I am what they call a ‘middleman.’ My job is to find and purchase new women, such as yourself, and find a buyer.”
“I have a family.” I fight to keep the tears from falling. Dammit. “I have friends, a job, and a future.”
Cyrus stares at me longer than necessary. “Where are you from?”
I don’t want to answer, but what good will it do to refuse? He’s stronger than I will ever be. “Across the river.”
Long arms cross in front of his chest. “That bastard.”
“What?” I ask, wiping a stray tear that refused to stay in place.
“It means I can’t train you here, in the city. If you run into your family or someone you know, that would be traumatic for all involved.”
“Train me?”
“Chamberlin is good at making vampires. I’m good at teaching them how to live.” He brushes a loose red curl away from my cheek. Instinctively, I flinch at his touch. “I’m not going to hurt you. You may not see it now, but you will. You’re safe with me, Violet.”
“Can I see them?”
“Who,” he asks.
“My family. I need them to know I’m okay.”
Bright-blue eyes close. “I’m afraid that’s not possible.” He moves away from me toward a large window overlooking Bourbon Street. “We’ll have the dye removed from your hair as soon as the sun comes up, then we’re leaving.”
“Where are we going?” I whisper.
“St. Augustine.” He turns toward me. “Take a shower. You smell like Chamberlin.” He scoffs with his words. “Not one of my favorite smells.” He walks to the apartment door. “I’ll be back in an hour. Be ready to go.”
He’s leaving me alone? My spirits lift as he opens the door wide. As soon as he’s out of the building, I will be too.
“I know what you’re thinking, and it’s not wise,” he says, turning back toward me. “You are untrained, brand new, and won’t make it a block before taking the lives of innocent humans.” I stare at him, refusing to acknowledge his words. “If you do manage to make it to your family, it won’t be what you think. One smell of their familiar scent will drive you over the edge. You won’t be able to control the monster inside.”
I can’t fight the tears any longer. “I’m different. I won’t hurt anyone.”
“You are stronger than most. The fact that you’re standing in front of me, halfway in control of your urges, says that. But in the real world, the monster will come out. If killing the donor upset you, imagine if itwere your mother or best friend. Trust me when I say this, Violet. Your family is safer with you here.” He closes the door, leaving me alone in the apartment and my thoughts.
“Asshole,” I whisper as the door closes. A faint laugh echoes through my ears as his footsteps decrescendo.
I look around the open apartment, not sure if I should follow directions and take a shower or ignore his warnings and escape. Violet the human would leave without a second thought. Violet the vampire is terrified he’s right.
With my speed, I could be in Algiers in a matter of minutes. I’m strong. I can fight the urge to eat or drink or whatever the hell they call it. I take a deep breath. That’s what I’ll do. I have to see them. My mother needs to know I’m okay.
I wait a few minutes before exiting the apartment and moving down the stairs to the busy street below. It’s the middle of the night, yet humans are walking up and down the sidewalks like it’s the middle of the day. Most are doing things I’d rather not see or hear.
The only thing separating me from freedom is the thin glass door. I crack it open and step onto the street. The smells nearly overtake my senses instantly. This street has never smelled wonderful, but now, as a vampire, I smelleverything. Urine, alcohol, and body odors are strong but not strong enough to overpower the one thing that calls to me—blood. It’s everywhere.My mouth waters while my stomach begs to be filled. Oh, my God. Cyrus was right. I’m not ready.
An older man walks past me. The smell of his blood is intoxicating. “Good evening, young lady,” he says, stopping in front of me. “How much?”
