Bloodshed

Chapter Five: Field Trip

I woke up to the sound of someone pounding on Duke's door the next morning. It was insistent, impatient, and too loud to my sensitive vampire ears. 

I covered my head with a pillow and groaned, "Duke, someone's at the door."

He let out a sleepy grunt, moving and stretching slowly, when he suddenly went rigid. The pounding at the door finally stopped, granting me a few precious seconds of blissful silence. But I couldn't bring myself to enjoy it. Something was wrong, very wrong. 

I jolted upright, watching Duke as he sat up to slide on his dark jeans from last night.

What's going on? I thought at him. 

He stood up before glancing back at me, handsome face grim. It's Master. He's gone. 

"Open the door, Duke." Nero's voice came from the other side, sounding clipped. "We need to find Audrey and let her know what's going on."

He doesn't know I slept with Duke last night. 

Nero didn't sleep in the underground compound with the rest of the vampires, he had his own cozy little cabin near the shore. So, of course he wouldn't know about me being with Duke. 

Not that it would matter if he did know. 

Sure, he wouldn't like it. We're mates, the only Royals left in existence, aside from Master. We were meant to carry on the Royal lineage, to rule side by side as the true vampire king and queen. That was the information he had gleaned from his father Gildoroy back when he had possessed Nero, anyway. 

But I didn't believe it.

Whether it was because I never believed in destiny, or simply because I didn't trust a single thing that came from that monster Gildoroy, I wasn't sure. It might have been both. Either way, Nero didn't push the subject, though it was obvious he wanted to. And I was grateful for it.

However, I didn't want to feel like I was rubbing my exploits in his face. 

Duke read what I was thinking, then spoke out loud to Nero. "Gabriel is most experienced with Master's modus operandi, he'll know where to look for him first. Fetch him and Lincoln, bring them to the throne room for a meeting. I'll find Audrey."

I figured he'd protest, insist that he help Duke look for me. Instead, Nero left without arguing, and I waited until I heard the statue above ground slide back closed before speaking. 

"Thanks, Duke."

"You're welcome, Audrey." He turned back to give me a small smile, then added mentally, I know you don't feel like it, but you really are an amazing person. 

I had been trying to accept the unconventional relationship I had with the guys, but old thoughts of being trashy or guiltiness still bubbled to the surface from time to time. It was hard, coming to terms with the fact that I had slept with a group of vampires on several occasions. 

Duke made it easier to deal with, though. 

We are all consenting adults. He went on, walking over to stand above me. And you are our queen. It is our duty, and honor, to service you in any capacity you desire. 

 He leaned down, pressing his soft lips to mine. Now, stop being so hard on yourself, and start getting ready. We have a wayward vampire master to catch.  

I smirked against his mouth, gave him one more kiss, and got up to shower. 

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