Something Bolder (Book Two)

XLII. Encounter

I woke up early the next morning, just as the first rays of dawn colored the sky stunning shades of soft pink and lilac.

I'd fallen asleep almost immediately after I returned to my room the night before. I awoke as if I were in a fairytale, with my ethereal ball gown on and my wild curls that were splayed across the pile of fine, luxurious pillows.

I was still clutching Demetri's note in my palm when I returned from dreamland.

Anita was still present, bless her heart; she was curled up on a couch in the corner of the room, sleeping soundly.

I was growing hungry but I wasn't ready to deal with Anita yet, so I took a quick bath and slipped back into my dress and pulled a cloak on before quietly exiting the room.

I walked carefully down the stairs, but when I hit the hallway at the bottom of the staircase I broke out into a jog. It was difficult to run in all of my layers, but it felt so good nonetheless. I felt free in the rare moments that I was unattended, so I savored them when I had them. I was still a caged bird in that castle, tucked away from civilization and a normal life, but every now and again I could capture a moment when I forgot.

I didn't jog for long, my skirt was heavy and my shoes were by no means made for running, but my heart was light as I continued to wander the halls. For once, I didn't hate the walk. I welcomed it as I reflected on the night before.

Everything about Demetri was perplexing from start to finish. I couldn't understand why he went out of his way to defend me, to shield me from Jane's attacks. Why did he insinuate to the leaders that he had feelings for me? Was this all still about the hunt - the hunt that I invited him on in the first place?

When he gave me his phone number I was...touched? Flattered? But I was also wholly terrified of relying on someone again. I'd been abandoned so many times in such a short period in my life - I didn't know how much more disappointment I could take.

I decided to push past my fear and do my best to enjoy whatever we had in the moment, as disingenuous and fleeting as it may be.

As for Jane, I had no idea what her problem was. What I did know was that she was going to give me whiplash from her perpetual hot and cold temperament towards me. She hated it when I was with Alec, but then became upset that I was even thinking about talking to someone else.

I was beginning to suspect that she was emulating and amplifying her brother's emotions about the whole Demetri situation rather than expressing her own.

Which begged the question: How did Jane really feel about me, underneath it all?

Did she really care about Demetri hurting me in the end? That didn't make sense if she hated me. Or was she just trying to sabotage me like last time?

And what about Alec?

He was driving me nuts. His pushiness was beginning to concern me; the way he treated me at the ball made me feel very uncomfortable. Grabbing and holding me against my wishes, demanding my forgiveness as if he were entitled to it.

But what was I supposed to do? He was my mate. Was I condemned to suck it up and deal with his poor behavior for the rest of my life?

I knew he promised me that he would change, but the longer I knew him the more I doubted that. I wasn't confident that he was able to even adjust. To adjust to fit me into his life.

But he was so used to everyone around him being submissive - deep down, did he expect the same from me in the end?

I was so wrapped up in my thoughts, mulling over my ever-growing list of social dilemmas, that I didn't notice that I was being approached until I heard someone call to me.

I nearly jumped out of my skin when I looked up. At the end of the dark, cavernous corridor was a lone vampire - a loyalist - called for my attention, coaxing me forward toward them.

The only thing scarier than the psychotic, sadistic vampires I knew was a vampire who was a complete stranger to me.

And he was close. Far too close.

"I thought all of the humans were still in the ballroom," the vampire purred and he eyed me with dark, keen interest. "Come with me. I'll happily lead you back."

I shuddered as he stepped closer to me, leering at me. He was only about twenty feet away, and although he was moving slowly, he was quickly closing the space in between us.

I wanted to scream and run, but I knew I couldn't escape if I ran. If I screamed, no one would be able to reach me before it was too late anyway.

As terror began to close around my neck like a noose, I remembered what Demetri told me while we were out in the woods.

Fear will get me killed.

And if I died, I failed - not just my family, but myself as well.

I eased my hand into the hidden pocket in my skirt and wrapped my hand around my lighter as the monster continued to creep closer, towering over me.

"I thought the feast was over," the monster said with an alluring smile. As he drew closer, I noticed that his words sounded strange and his movements were all wrong.

"Feast?" I asked, keeping my voice even.

"Oh, yes," he sighed with content. "The end of the ball is the best part. You must have missed the festivities." His eyes gleamed as he looked me up and down.

I stared back, frozen and confused. I noticed that his evening jacket was missing, his clothes were rumpled and...blood sloppily soaked the front of his shirt.

And then it hit me.

This vampire was drunk.