“Yes,” he answers. “Who’s inside?”
I reach toward the visitor, not sure if I feel anything other than the obvious vampire energy. “I…I don’t know.”
“Feel, Violet.”
Closing my eyes again, I concentrate on sending my energy away from Cyrus and toward the home in front of me. My energy flows through the garden, into the large sitting room, and eventually through every room in the home until I find the source. Upstairs is a woman. Her energy is old and inconsistent.
“A woman is upstairs. She’s been a vampire for a while. Her energy is a bit confusing. She’s kind, yet evil. She’s honest, yet lies. She’s never the same person twice.”
I open my eyes to see a smile covering Cyrus’s face. “Good, Violet. You impress me.” He leads me through the garden and into the living area.
Simon joins us quickly. “Cyrus…” He starts.
“I know,” my teacher interrupts, looking up the stairs. “Keep her safe.” He nods toward me.
“From me?” a woman says from above. “Why, I’m one of the safest people I know. Just ask me.”
She’s standing in front of Cyrus a heartbeat later. “You look good, baby,” she says, cupping his cheek with her palm. Another heartbeat later, her lips are on his, and her arms are wrapped around his body. I don’t know whether to stare or leave.
Cyrus pulls away. “It’s good to see you, Aurora.”
“I would imagine it is.” She turns her attention toward me. “Is she the newest purchase?”
The look on his face shows anything but excitement. “Yes. I purchased her from Chamberlin.”
“Ahh, Harrison Chamberlin.” She laughs slightly. “What did he do? Charm you?” she asks me. Instead of answering, I stare at the woman in front of me. Long dark curls hang halfway down her back. Her hair is the perfect accent to her tawny colored skin. Large brown eyes make her look both angelic and evil at the same time.
She looks me up and down, making me feel completely exposed. I might as well be standing here naked. “Your lack of answer is an answer.”
“Why are you here?” Cyrus asks.
Aurora scoffs. “Does a wife need a reason to see her husband?” Husband?
“In your case, yes. You don’t do anything without a reason, Aurora.”
She laughs, filling the room with hypnotic energy. “I’ve come to make a purchase.” She looks at me, and my stomach drops. “This one seems to be perfect for my needs.”
“No,” Cyrus answers quickly. “She’s not for sale. We’ve only begun to work on her training.” I stare at the spectacle in the living room, hoping to wrap my head around what’s actually happening. Cyrus is married, and his vampire wife is trying to buy me?
“Don’t be silly, Cyrus. Everything and everyone is for sale.” She moves in front of me. “She’ll do nicely.”
“She’s not for sale,” Cyrus repeats. “Especially to you.”
“Tsk, tsk. You dare to tell your wife, no?” She steps closer, and the scent of jasmine fills my nose. She wrinkles her flawless face. “You smell like Chamberlin. What’s your name?”
I stand straighter before answering. “Violet.”
A long finger brushes under my chin, reminding me of an action a parent might make to their child. “You have potential, Violet.”
“Thank you?”
Her hypnotic laugh fills the room once more. She turns toward her husband. “I’ll be back in three months. See that she’s ready to go.”
“Three months isn’t long enough,” he retorts.
Aurora turns toward my teacher. “As your maker, I am not asking.”
Cyrus closes his eyes. “Yes, my love.” What the holy hell?
