“Never,” he said firmly. “It was thrust upon me and that’s not something I’d do to anyone else.”
“I thought vampires wanted to turn people, you know, to have their own, what’s that word I’ve heard . . . progeny. Doesn’t it make them stronger to have their own vampires that they can call upon if they need them? Don’t they have control over those that they’ve turned?”
I was going on the snippets of conversation I’d heard at a couple of places he’d taken me to in the past week. Admittedly, I may have heard wrong, but I was sure that’s what had been said.
“Some do indeed want to do that.” He cocked his head to the side, his eyes boring into mine. “But it’s not something I’ve ever wanted, or needed. So the answer is a definite, no. I have never made another vampire.”
“I see.” I took the opportunity to prod as he seemed willing to talk. “And how were you turned into one?”
A fleeting look washed over his features, pain and loathing as he turned to look away from me. I waited, holding my breath as he decided whether to tell me. Moments passed, turning into minutes and I kicked myself for even asking.
“Flora,” he whispered my name before he turned back to me. “It was a very long time ago, but it’s still painful for me. I lost my mother that night and my father was to blame.”
“What?” My hand shot to my mouth in horror. “I’m so sorry. I shouldn’t have asked.”
“I rarely discuss it but I’ll tell you.” His eyes now filled with pain and sadness. “My father was always a greedy man, always wanting more, even though we had plenty. He’d make some shady deals just to get more coin in the coffers.”
Max stopped, his eyes holding a faraway look in them as he thought back. “He’d met a man who promised him a large payout for a deal, but when he arrived for dinner, I immediately knew there was something very wrong with him.”
Again he stopped, taking several deep breaths. I reached up stroking his face. “You don’t need to go on.”
“I do,” he mumbled before gathering himself once more. “I could feel his power. It was dark, malevolent, and evil. I tried to tell my father but he pushed me away and told me not to be a sniveling brat. You have to remember that the supernatural community was not known to humans then. vampires, Witches, and Shifters, were all still tales told to children to scare them witless.”
“I can’t think how that must’ve been.” I shuddered. “I’ve always known about them, even though I didn’t have much interaction with any. There was a girl in my class who was a Witch, but she was kind and thoughtful, not evil in any way.”
“Most are like that, but at that time they were slinking around in the shadows, doing what they could to survive.” Max shook his head sadly. “Some were just plain wicked though and that’s what this man was. Evil personified and he was in my home.”
I felt his body shudder with revulsion, my own mirroring his. “I’m so sorry,” was all I could manage, a lump in my throat constricting my words.
“Thank you.” He gave me a hint of a smile. “Anyway, I tried to make my mother stay in her room, with the door locked, but my father almost had a fit. He grabbed her and hauled her downstairs to the great hall where he’d set up a lavish feast for his guest.”
“Food?” I asked, confused.
“Yes, the stupid man didn’t realize what he’d invited into our home and I guess that’s his only saving grace. He had no idea the man was a vampire, but he surely knew he wasn’t what he appeared. Only a fool wouldn’t have been able to see there was something very amiss with this being. Christ, I was just a young man and I could sense it so my father surely should’ve been able to.”
“Maybe he didn’t know.” I tried to ease Max’s tension, his body tight as a drum beneath my fingers on his chest.
“I don’t doubt he wasn’t aware of exactly what this man was, but I also have no doubts that he knew this creature wasn’t a bona fide businessman.”
Max grew angry as he continued. “We didn’t even last five minutes. As soon as we sat down at the table this creature attacked. He went for my mother first. I was horrified at what I was seeing as he tore into her throat, her blood spurting everywhere. It took me only a few seconds to react but that’s all it took, her throat was ripped clean out and when I reached him and tried to pull him off her, he used one hand and threw me away like a ragdoll. I hit the wall and that’s the last thing I remember until I woke days later, still in the hall, with my mother’s dead body.”
“Oh my god, that’s horrendous,” I gasped at the vision his words brought to my mind. “I can’t think of anything worse than to see your mother hurt like that.”
Max sighed, shaking his head. “She wasn’t merely hurt, she was butchered.”
I could literally feel his pain as his arms tightened around me. I clung to him to try and give any comfort I could.
“I still don’t know why he slaughtered her but turned my father and me.” One of his hands rose to run through his hair, his face full of sorrow. “I have wished a thousand times that I’d died that night with her and wished a thousand more that my father had. It was all his fault. He invited that monster into our home and killed the one person I loved more than life itself.”
“He may have been greedy, as you say, but I’m sure he didn’t intentionally put you all at risk.” I attempted to ease his burden, one that I would’ve buckled under.
“My father cared naught for anyone. All he worried about was growing his stash of coin and becoming the richest man in the area.” Max almost snarled as he spoke, his hatred for his dad coming through loud and clear. “You would think that after what we went through that it would change him, make him a better man, but it didn’t. All he thought about until the day he died was amassing a fortune.”
This brought up something else that I’d been wondering about. “How did he die? I thought vampires basically lived forever?”
Max’s face closed down as he shrugged. “Apparently, the old man paid a Hunter to kill him. Even this he didn’t have the guts to do himself, he fucking paid someone to do it for him.”
I was shocked to the core at this revelation. “Fuck.” I couldn’t help the curse that flew from my lips. “That’s, damn it, I have no words for that.”
“Yeah.” Max’s lips tugged up at the side in a parody of a smirk. “The old bastard could’ve called me. I would’ve happily put him out of his misery.”
I slapped his chest in disbelief. “No, you wouldn’t.”
His eyes locked with mine and they were as cold as I’d ever seen a pair of eyes. It seemed to go down to his soul as he snapped. “I assure you I most certainly would have. The old fuck knew it too but he denied me that pleasure.”
“Max.” I reached up, tugging a lock of hair at his ear. “That’s not something anyone should do. It would be inside you forever and I’m sure at some point it would eat away at you.”
He raised an eyebrow. “So, you’re saying if you had the chance that you wouldn’t mete out some justice to your own father?”
Shit! He had me there. I stuttered as I tried to answer. “That’s different . . .”
“No, Flora, it isn’t,” Max retorted coldly. “So, there you have it. How I was turned and the reason why I have never even thought to turn someone.”
“I’m sorry.” I couldn’t help but ache for the pain inside him.
“It’s not your fault and I could’ve refused to answer.” Max tugged me closer, placing a soft kiss on my lips. “You’re the first woman I’ve ever told that to. I wonder, sweet Flora, what’s so different about you?”
“I’m special,” I quipped.
His face grew serious as he gazed at me. “I think you are, my bonnie Scots lass.”
~ Chapter 11 ~
As my eyes opened, I realized I was alone in the huge bed, again. That’s the way it had been every time I wakened for the past three weeks. Max and I would go to bed, he would feed and we’d have the m
ost fantastical sex and he’d cradle me in his arms as I fell asleep. But, every single time I woke, he’d be gone. I wished, just once, he’d still be there next to me, holding me and making me feel . . . what?
Loved? Cherished? Shit, who was I kidding? This was a business arrangement and I better stop thinking otherwise. I knew I was in deep, too deep, and I was also aware I was going to be devastated when Max left.
The simple truth was I’d fallen for him, hard.
I relaxed into the warm bed, smiling as I thought on the past few weeks. Never in my life had I thought I’d be going to lah-de-dah restaurants, dressed like some kind of rich bitch, but I had, many times. Even though Max didn’t eat, he seemed to enjoy taking me out. I guess I mistook his kindness for something else and I allowed myself to dream. Damn it. I should know better. Life wasn’t like that, life was hard, scary and dangerous. It wasn’t like I hadn’t been taught that. I had. Many times over, but somewhere inside me I kept hearing my mum’s voice telling me if I dreamed hard enough then my dreams could come true.
Not!
“Stupid bint,” I scoffed at myself as I rose to go shower, checking the curtain and seeing, once again, it was dusk.
Although Max could, and did, go out during the day, he much preferred being nocturnal and I was surprised at how easy I fell into it too. It’s not as if we got a hell of a lot of sunshine here in Scotland, so I wasn’t missing much, and I loved taking Mallen for a ride at night. It was thrilling and far more enjoyable than I’d thought it would be.
Max had even managed to get a loan of another horse so he could come with me. After all, my father’s wolves were still around and he didn’t want me out there by myself. Another point I’d misunderstood for caring rather than him just looking after his investment. Damn, I had it bad.
I shook myself as I entered the bathroom, trying to concentrate on the day, or rather, night ahead. Max had told me just before I fell asleep that we were staying in as he had some things he wanted to discuss with me and I’d hated to admit that sadness ripped through me. He was obviously getting ready to leave and that meant my time with him was ending. I had to just man up and hold my head high, thanking him for the money he was giving me, and hoping he’d be able to get me away from my father’s clutches.
That was something that hadn’t wavered. He told me time and again that he’d ensure that I gained my freedom and I now knew he’d keep his word. I would be eternally grateful to him for that alone but I also expected to spend my life alone. Nobody would match up to him and I dreaded even attempting to find anyone and try. I could be that “crazy cat woman” that people seem to joke about. Hmm, maybe not.
I could see myself working on a horse farm somewhere abroad though. Yes, that would be something I’d be happy with. I’d maybe ask Max to see if he knew of anywhere suitable that would do. Then he’d know I wasn’t a simpering girl who wanted to hang onto him and make it easier for him to end our “arrangement.” Yes, I’d be all businesslike and make things as painless as possible for both of us.
When I left the bathroom, a fluffy robe on and a towel around my hair, Isa, Graham’s wife, was just bringing me my breakfast tray. A full cooked Scottish breakfast with all the trimmings. “Isa! I’m going to end up as big as Mallen at this rate.”
“Shush.” Isa laughed. “You need some meat on your bones and I aim to get some there before you leave.”
I stopped, my mouth dropping open for a moment before I asked. “Leave? Have you heard something?”
Her face blushed scarlet, the reddest I’d ever seen anyone’s face go as she shook her head. “Sorry, I didn’t mean anything.”
“Aye.” I nodded sadly. “You did. Please, Isa, put me out of my misery so I can at least attempt to not make a fool of myself.”
“Lassie.” Isa wrung her hands, obviously agitated. “I shouldn’t repeat what I overheard, it’s not my place.”
“I understand that.” I went over, my hand on her shoulder and giving a gentle squeeze. “But I really don’t want to be sideswiped with this. I guess you can see how I feel for him and I don’t want to, well . . .” I paused not quite sure what to say.
“It’s all right.” Isa nodded. “It’s as plain as the nose on my face, Miss. You love him.”
“I guess I do but that wasn’t part of the deal so I’d like to try and leave with my dignity intact.” I urged her on, my heart aching at what I knew was coming. “So, please, tell me what you heard.”
Her eyes were full of compassion as she looked up at me. Not something I wanted to see. I didn’t need her compassion, what I needed was a backbone to get me through the coming days. I nodded to get her to talk and finally she took a deep breath in and started.
“I may have heard things wrong.” She shrugged. “In fact, I’m sure I did, but Graham was receiving some orders from Mr. Steele earlier and I was under the impression that he’d be leaving soon. But I might have gotten the wrong end of the stick so don’t . . .”
I turned away, interrupting. “It’s all right. I was under no illusion of what I was and that I’d only be here for a short time. Thank you, Isa, you can get on now.”
I knew I was being brusque with her and that made me hate myself. The woman had only ever been nice to me these past few weeks and now I was snubbing her like a spoiled bitch. Damn, but I couldn’t help it. My stomach was roiling and tears filled my eyes as I thought of never seeing Max again.
Stupid, stupid, stupid! I dared to dream and I’d been foolish to do so.
I rushed back into the bathroom, falling to my knees before the toilet, and not a second too soon as bile rushed up my throat and I puked so hard my ribs hurt. I also couldn’t stop tears from falling down my face, my nose running with snot. I snatched tissues and tried to sort myself out but all I could do was hiccup as my soul ached with despair.
My breathing hitched as I tried to compose myself but all that happened was me remembering the previous night when Max had worshiped my body and brought me to multiple orgasms. Feck! I really needed to get a grip or I was going to make a complete and utter twat of myself.
I tried to stand up but my legs were like jelly and fresh tears spilled unbidden down my cheeks, so I just sat back down, my forehead leaning on the toilet seat and tried not to think of a life without him in it.
A loud bang had my head up and spinning toward the bathroom door, a second before I heard Max shouting. “Flora! Flora! Where the hell are you?”
I feverishly wiped my face, hoping to erase the signs of my weakness and replied, “In the bathroom. What’s up?”
“Get dressed. Now!” He seemed to be rampaging in the bedroom as I got up and went to the door, peeking around it to see him throwing some of my clothes onto the bed. “You need to move!”
“Why?” I shot out of the bathroom, his hurried movements and tone telling me there was something very wrong.
“Your father’s wolves are outside, circling the property.”
I stalled, shrugging. “What’s new? They’ve been doing that since I arrived.”
“Not one or two keeping watch.” He sped to the window, looking out as he spoke. “There’s at least a dozen, or more, and your father just sent me a message.”
I ran to the bed, throwing on jeans and a sweater before tugging on boots. “What did it say?”
“He’s heard I was leaving and says I’ve broken my word to alert him to that so he’s coming to reclaim you.”
My heart stopped beating, no breath coming from my lungs as I stared terrified at Max. I shook my head then started to chant. “No, no, no, no! I can’t go back there.”
“I won’t let that happen.” Max came over, pulling me into his arms and holding me tight. “I promised you, Flora, and I always keep my promises.”
“How will I get out of here? Shit on a fucking brick! That bastard will kill me for this.”
“I just need to keep you safe for half an hour.” He kissed the top of my head. It was so endearin
g that new tears sped down my face.
“What’s happening in half an hour?” I blubbered against his chest.
“Helicopter will be here to take us out of here and then he’ll never get near you again,” Max gave me a tight hug before stepping back, his hands on my shoulders. “Look at me, Flora.”
Finally, I took a deep breath in, straightening my shoulders and getting a hold of myself. My eyes searched for Max’s and I saw what looked like concern in his. “Why?”
Confusion ran over his face as his fingers dug into my shoulders. “Because I care for you. I thought you knew that.”
I shook my head, trying to clear it. Had I heard him right? Did he just say he cared for me? His Courtesan? Was that even allowed?
“I . . .” My throat closed, a lump filling it as I stared up at him.
“We can discuss things later, Flora.” Max grabbed my hand, pulling me toward the door. “Right now we need to get you downstairs and ready to get on that ‘copter when it arrives.”
I had no choice but to hurry after him, his fingers entwined with mine as he rushed along the hallway. His body was taut with tension and I’m not ashamed to admit, I was terrified. If my father got his hands on me then I would never again taste freedom, and that’s if I lived. I had no doubts that he would have no qualms at killing me. In fact, that was a distinct possibility. He would probably use me as an example to the Pack, one that sent a clear message never to cross him, or attempt to leave.
Aye, that was more than likely my future if Max failed to make my escape.
I picked up my pace, fear urging me onwards, taking the stairs far quicker than was safe. We were half way down when there was loud banging on the front doors for a brief moment before they were furiously flung open. The locks were torn from the wood, part of the left door breaking to fall onto the floor and there stood my father, in human form, with two wolves at his sides.
Holy shit. This was bad. Very bad.
Escape: A Vampire Blood Courtesans Romance Page 8