A Vampire's Paramour

~ 6 ~

"I much preferred the coffee in your stomach, Ms. Eve," Irene chides, wrapping a different dress around my freshly cleaned form, "But the duke didn't seem bothered by it. You're very lucky." She's tutting over me as I let my mind wander through the events of the morning.

"Please help me understand, I've been taught a vampire's heart must be ripped from them and burned before they die, how did the count die by such a... human way?" She pulls tight on the corset right as I get to the end of the sentence. It appears that Irene isn't a fan of questions, nor does she enjoy answering them. But to my thankful surprise, she breaks down and answers this. It takes a few moments. Her focus is on my frock that frills out around me. Such a tedious task for an item of clothing. I almost want to beg for sweats and a t-shirt, but then again, I love the feeling of beauty that overcomes me wearing such a traditional outfit.

"Many high-status families have abilities with their vampirism. The duke's line can kill a vampire or human with the touch of his hand, skin-to-skin contact specifically. Not to mention the strength they have in speed and natural agility. The DeMoro family is highly respected and well understood as the most powerful. It's expected he'll be gifted the crown in the next few months. The slitting of his throat is for theatrics when the body is dumped at his family home, as he proved unloyal to his people. The son will also understand the power of the duke to avoid the same fate. And just for your ears, Ms. Eve, only his beloved and bloodline can handle his touch without immediate consequence."

I suck my bottom lip between my teeth. It's a sad attempt to keep myself from asking five thousand more questions. I failed as expected, "His beloved?" That sounds like a fancy title for a wife.

"What do they teach humans these days?" She spits, backing away from my new outfit for a final look over, "A beloved is the vampire's soul bond. Every vampire has one person genetically perfect for them. With that comes an overwhelming attraction, a desperate need to protect and claim them. It's expected that when the beloved is found, a tattoo-"

"Enough." His rough voice breaks through the room, Irene dropping into a low curtsey, "You are not to speak of such things without my permission. She is very much human after all."

"Yes, your grace. Please forgive me." Irene keeps her body low until the duke accepts her apology. His blood eyes move to wander over me and my new outfit. I'm still confused about my expectations, but it must be something important. The new dog area tucked away in the corner of the room is answer enough. That's sweet of them.

"Ready for our stroll through the gardens, Ms. Evelyn?" The duke gives me a blinding smile, "We have much to discuss." I wouldn't mind getting my tongue lost between those... No. No ma'am. I almost grab a clipboard to take notes every time I have to catch myself from thinking sexual thoughts about this vampire duke. He smirks, another moment where I swear, he sees right through me. I let him guide me from the room, begging for my thoughts to become more innocent.

He led me the same way as before; however, taking a different door than we'd previously. It opened the way into the garden, where we started to take leisurely steps. The duke decides to take the long way around. I'm able to see all the lovely growth they work so hard on, enjoying every flower that has been planted before my unplanned arrival. Each of the helpers takes their time to stop and say hello; most of them are seemingly human. Some vampires work in the garden, and with careful observation, it's annoying how hard it is to place them compared to a regular human.

"You wanted to speak with me?" I break the silence between us, attempting to get him to cut to the chase. I want to be home, with my dog, and eating something cheese cracker-like with my favorite movie. And yet I'm here fighting off the hormones that claim every part of me. He chooses to ignore my question and guides me down the next row of flowers.

He stayed quiet most of the walk. I've been allowed to enjoy and stop in places that I see fit. It was especially concerning when I'd touch a flower, the duke offering to send a bouquet of them up to my room. I learned quickly to avoid touching them, as he was determined to send me with a garden of my own by the end. "Have you had your fill of the flowers? If so, I'd hoped we could discuss the terms of your stay over lunch in the gazebo." The terms of my stay? Almost sounds like I came here willingly. Oh, and now you're willing to talk?

"I might be hungry," I mumble. It wasn't a surprise when my stomach rumbled for the world to hear, "Actually, that sounds great."

The duke led me away from the center towards a giant structure. A table's already set in the middle, covered with fruits, meats, and desserts. The lady in uniform shoves a bottle of wine into an ice bucket, her eyes going wide in surprise at the sight of Victor, "Your grace! I hadn't expected you so soon. Let me grab the plates, and you'll be ready."

"Thank you, Jessica." The vampire servant rushes off with a blur of speed. She's back before I have time to take a step, the duke nodding in thanks to her before she runs off again. It'll be a while before I get used to that, "Let me grab your chair, Ms. Evelyn."

"T-thank you," I whisper. Victor comes around me, grabbing the chair. I gently set myself down, a light yelp slipping between my lips when he pushes me towards the table. I've never experienced such chivalry, not to mention his closeness sends my heart into overdrive. Contain yourself.

"What did I say before?" He muses over his pour of wine.

"Never to thank you, your grace. My apologies." My chin dips down, his thumb coming under my chin to bring it back up, "And never to curtsey."

"Good girl, Amanté." Victor pours me a glass, one that I take a long sip from, "Now, to more important matters." Like, how to avoid you getting into my panties?