The Vampire's Siren

Chapter 17

I walk with Jackson back to our room after meeting with the Royal Family. We walk in silence, both brooding in our own minds. When we get inside the room, I cross to the couch and sit down, drawing my knees up to my chest.

"Are you okay?" Jackson asks softly, sitting next to me.

"I think so?" I respond, still in my own head.

I thought I was safe here. I thought Susan couldn't get me here. What if she comes after me again? What if I'm taken away from Jackson again, and he slips into the Vampire Sleep again?

"Hey." Jackson says, softly gripping my chin to make me look at him. "It's going to be okay."

"How?" I can't help the trembling in my lip. "I thought we were safe here."

"We are." He runs his hand down my back soothingly. "This was a one-off. I promise we are safe." His hand continues to stroke my back. "Liam had snuck in before the increased security."

"But what if he wasn't the only one?" I ask, burning my head in his neck.

"The guard is searching the houses and palace." He holds me close. "If anyone else is found, they'll be taken to the prison."

"What if Susan finds us?" I pull back to look at him in panic.

"She won't." He reassures me.

"But you don't know that for sure." I look at him.

"I do know." He smiles softly. "Alistair is conducting searches, and tightening security. There won't be any unauthorized visitors." He caresses my cheek. "Plus, you're learning about your Siren powers and how to control them. Soon, you'll be able to defend yourself." He smiles at me so softly.

"I suppose so." I give him a small smile.

"There we go." He smiles. "Let's go to bed, huh?"

I nod, and he stands, picking me up off the couch and he walks to the bed. He tucks me in, fully clothed, and crawls in afterward. He pulls me close and holds me to his chest.

"I won't let anyone hurt you." He says as he kisses my head.

I sigh happily and snuggle into his chest as deep as I can. "I love you, J."

"I love you too, Kitten." He chuckles.

I slip off into a deep sleep, listening to his heartbeat and his breathing.

The next morning, I stretch my limbs and make my way to the bathroom to take care of business. I change into some clean clothes and make my way to the dining room for breakfast. My plate is a little lighter than usual, due to the panic I'm still feeling.

"Where's Jackson?" Alistair asks, bringing me out of my haze.

I snap my head up and look around. "Oh. I'm not really sure... I've kind of been on autopilot." I frown at my plate.

Jackson sits next to me, wrapping his arm around me. "It's alright, Kitten." He kisses my temple and starts cutting up the waffle on my plate for me.

"I do have news to share with you." Alistair says, clearing his throat to get our attention.

"What's up?" Jackson asks, as he finishes cutting my waffle.

"So, first things first. Liam was the only one found after the search yesterday. But we aren't relaxing the security order." Alistair says, folding his hands on the table. "Second piece of news. Susan Long is dead."

I choke on the juice I had started sipping. "I'm sorry, what?!"

"Susan Long. She's dead." Alistair looks at us evenly.