“Housemaid?” I asked, frowning at the title. Was it a vampire thing maybe?
He simply laughed. “It was the title my other employees held, but since then the name has lost the same respect, I guess you could say. I have yet to come up with a suitable name for what she does for me.”
“Whatdoesshe do?” I dared ask.
“She handles my cleaners, makes sure all bills are paid, deals with the gardens and gardeners, makes sure everything is well stocked, like soap and such. She is… well the boss of this place.”
I laughed, and it seemed to surprise him. His smile grew as he watched me laugh, and he joined in, laughing softly too. “I think she would love the title of ‘Castle Boss’.”
“You think so?” he asked with a gleam in his eyes. He seemed so young then, even though I knew he was anything but. I would say he was turned in his mid-twenties, but I knew it was considered rude to ask.
“I know so. But you could always ask her what she would prefer for her title to be. She might have a title ready herself.” That seemed to surprise him. Had he seriously not thought that far ahead himself?
He gave a nod. “I think I will.”
Smiling, I headed for the fridge. If that was empty, I would search the pantry next. I gawked at the contents. The fridge was fully stocked, with meats, fruits, and vegetables. I had so many options for a quick meal. Feeling daring, I checked the freezer next, and I swear I almost wept with joy. Easy meals, ice creams, pastries, and more vegetables. I grabbed a frozen pizza that had salami and cheese on it,then placed it on the bare counter top as I searched for a plate and some cutlery.
“I hate to admit it, but I have no idea how the appliances work,” Severin said, eying me with regret.
I waved him off. “I’m sure I can figure it out.” And I would. My stomach made another growl and I knew Severin would have heard it clearly. It was enough of an embarrassment so I hurried to turn on the oven.
I searched for the glasses next, crouching low as I searched the cupboards, before yelping in fright when I bumped into Severin, who’d moved way too close while I was occupied with my search. He stood at my back and I felt him lean in before he sniffed my neck.Fuck. A whimper left his throat and I knew he could scent my blood. I just hoped he couldn’t scent my arousal too…
Chapter 4
Severin
I whimpered. I bloodywhimpered.
Who was I?
The scent of Felix was so alluring I had to get closer, and when I did.Gods. The best smell ever overrode his blood. Arousal. I did not need to know how badly I affected him. Now it would be that much harder to keep mydistance from him.
Closing my eyes, I forced myself to step away from him, distancing myself enough to breathe in air that was not filled with the best smelling blood I had ever smelled, or the arousal that leaked out of Felix like a faucet.
“I um, I will leave you to it,” I rasped, my tone way too needy for my liking. I did not wait for his response, just dashed out of the room and back to my private bedroom to breathe in the clean and boring air. When I had found my center, I mentally slapped myself. What if Felix felt uncomfortable by my nearness? Hell, I had sniffed his throat, like I had some kind of right to do so. I had to hope his sweet smell of arousal meant he would not leave the castle, but remain with me. Where he now belonged.
No human had ever smelled that enticing before. I had never even found them appealing. Only the need for survival had forced me to deal with them. But Felix was different. I had read his blood was highly rated in delicious taste, but this was otherworldly. Had others not been as fond of his blood as I had become just from the scent, I would have believed him to be my fated. But as it was, his blood was not only pleasant to me, it was for others, too. So he was not meant for me. Even if a part of me felt like he was. Vampires found their fated by tasting their blood, it would cause both the vampire and thefated to become aroused during feedings, something only fated pairs could share. I found myself looking forward to tomorrow where I would taste Felix for the first time. Even if a part of me would be disappointed to find he was not meant for me.
Tracing my tongue over my left fang, I breathed through the ache in them. They wanted blood. And more importantly, Felix’s blood. But not just that, they ached to pierce his neck, to sink into the delicious skin I had the pleasure of sniffing just a few minutes ago.
I needed a distraction before—against my better judgement—I would prowl my way back to Felix.
Grabbing my phone, I dialed Peter.
“Is he dead?” he greeted, his voice teasing.
I sighed, already regretting calling him. “No. But I might still be in trouble.”
That seemed to surprise the teasing out of him. “How so, brother?”
This was both humiliating and way too personal for how I normally spoke with Peter. We came from a time where emotions were not addressed. Where men had to be men. But I knew Peter would have my best interests at heart. And even with his teasing personality, he was, and always would be, my best friend.
“His scentaffectsme,” I admitted.
“His scent? Well, I should hope so. He is one of the most expensive feeders the company has.”
I groaned. “I was aroused, Peter.”
