The Gambler

A collar for Elizabeth

I pressed my ear up against the closed door, listening hard.

Grayson and chase were in this room talking. They wouldn't let me in.

"Why can't I see her. I need to know she's okay!" Chase demanded angrily.

"I won't risk her scent getting on you and then somebody else tracking her. I know we're working together on keeping her away from Tyler but seriously? A phone call wouldn't suffice?" Grayson sounded irritated. Chase was begging to see me.

I guess chase had been involved in Grayson disappearing and they were working together against Tyler. Things at home were getting bad.

"I just want to see her. I won't touch her. I just want to see with my own eyes that she's okay" he pleaded and Grayson sighed.

"I think it'll be okay Grayson" Xavier spoke up and I backed away from the door when I heard footsteps approaching.

The door opened and Grayson's concerned eyes hit mine. He grabbed my hand and I walked sheepishly behind him.

Chase looked different. His sandy brown hair was longer now. It came to his shoulders and his eyes seemed tired.

"Liz" he breathed in relief and took a step toward me. Grayson's arm shot forward stopping him from coming any closer.

"This is close enough" he growled and chase fiddled with his hands.

"Hey" I muttered and he smiled.

"Are you okay? He's-"
He shot Grayson a glare
"He's taking care of you right?"
I nodded and smiled at Grayson. Chases eyes widened when I turned my head to look at Grayson.

"Whats that" chase muttered and Grayson kissed my forehead, smirking at chase.

"Oh it's my mark" I whispered back and Chase stared at Grayson.

"You marked her? Are you serious? Everything going on and you have the luxury of fuc-"

Grayson cut him off with a low growl.
"We are living our lives here what we do is none of your business. You had your visit, you've seen Elizabeth, now go"

"Grayson he came a long way" I tried to calm them both down and Grayson glared at chase.

"He didn't need to come this far" Grayson kept his arm around my waist and chase sighed.

"I'm staying in a flat that is in town. If you need anything let me know. I'm staying close for protection okay?"
He had such an eager look in his eyes. Grayson sighed and ran his hand through his hair nodding slowly.

"Keep us posted" he mumbled quietly and chase nodded, heading for the door.

The past few days I have hardly seen Grayson. He has been with Xavier day and night talking about Tyler and what's going on back home. I guess Xavier is scheduled to have some type of ball here today, and he's been so busy planning that and getting everything ready that he's passed some of his duties to Grayson.

I wandered around the outside fountain with Jewell, I was spending the majority of my time with her. We were even sharing the same room, both of us not used to being so alone we have been taking comfort in each other. With Xavier and Grayson being so busy we had nothing to do. She was even allowed to wear normal clothes.
She is so smart and kind, I wish I could help her be known to Xavier as more than a pet. She confided in me that she had grown the have feelings for him, but knew it would never be returned and she would never be allowed to have any relationship outside the walls of this castle.

"You're so lucky you have a mate" she sighed as she sat down on the bench.
I smiled at her weakly and sat next to her.

"It's been really hard on me the past few days being so distant from him. It's a great thing but it also hurts sometimes. You could even have one, you never know... Maybe you'll meet him at this ball tonight?" I winked and her and nudged her with my shoulder and her eyes got wide.

"Oh my gosh you're right. We'll be introduced to so many people. People I've never met before. What if I have one and they're coming tonight!? I just... I just want to love somebody and be loved" she whispered the last part and I smiled at her brightly.

"Someone with a heart like yours deserves love Jewell. You'll get your person some day" I promised her and before she could respond a maid called from the house.

It was time to get ready for the ball.

I fidgeted uncomfortably in front of the mirror. My wardrobe lately had been very limited, I didn't have much of my own clothes anymore. I was wearing a deep purple gown that had black lace going down my chest, making a V shape and showing some cleavage.

"You're stunning miss Elizabeth" she whispered quietly as she finished my hair. It was falling down straight as it has ever been, I asked for minimal natural makeup. I muttered a nervous thank you and there was a knock at the door and Grayson stepped in. My heart immediately picked up when I saw him and my feet involuntarily began moving towards him despite Karen's protests.

I wrapped my arms around him tightly and he covered the top of my head in kisses.

"You are the most gorgeous woman I have ever laid my eyes on" he whispered in my ear and I sighed, taking in a deep breath and nuzzling my face into his neck. I didn't care about ruining my makeup, I missed my mate so much.

He took a step back from me and looked me up and down. I gasped when I caught what he was wearing. He was wearing a black tux with a deep purple undershirt that matched my dress, his hair was swept up to the side like it always was and he looked absolutely amazing. The tux fit him so well you could still his muscles move as he did.

Karen began fiddling with my hair some more and finished up finally, we left the room to find Jewell and Xavier. Jewell was wearing a light blue dress that swayed behind her. It had jewels all over it and she looked truly radiant.

I frowned a little when I noticed the collar that was around her throat, a leash hung from it that Xavier held.

"You both look amazing but Eh Grayson... What about what we discussed?" Xavier smiles awkwardly as he looked me over and Grayson glared.

"Thank you but I told you that she won't be wearing a collar or leash. I'll be by her side the entire night" Grayson growled back and Xavier sighed.

"Wait what?" I questioned and Xavier cleared his throat.

"I suggested that Grayson have you in a leash and collar so the other vampires won't be so...all over the fact that there is a free human here. Every other human here will be a pet. You know how vampires are they're greedy. They'd want you just because you are going to be considered a higher ranking human. It just seemed safer." He explained calmly and I looked at Grayson, fear filling me.

"Maybe I should" I muttered and Xavier raised an eyebrow. Grayson sighed and nodded slowly.

"It's solely up to you" he touched my chin and I nodded.

"I can play the pet for one night"
Xavier waved to Karen
"Karen please bring out one of jewells purple collar and leash please"

She nodded and left the room, hurrying back I stood uncomfortable as she placed the dark purple collar around my throat. I had to admit, it was very soft and pretty. It had a black lace trim and a black bow at the front. The leash was the same.

Grayson didn't grab the leash but walked beside me as we followed the pair out to the foyer that lead to the big ball room.

"Ready?" Xavier smiled at us and I nodded shyly.

I was no where near ready to be in a room full of vampires and their pet humans.