The Vampire Prince | Book One ✔ (Needs Editing)

Taken | Chapter 9

I stared wide eyed at my families murderer, my anxiety kicked in and I took quick, shallow breaths while I tried to calm down. I couldn't show my fear—my weakness.

"Sorry, lord Julian." Stark grabbed my shoulders and stood me in place. I glanced at him and grasped his arm and used my eyes to plead for his help.

"I'll take her to the washroom and properly show her how to greet you." Christian stepped in and grabbed a ball of my hair and he led me to the bathroom.

He shoved me toward the sink when we reached the washroom. I gasped and clutched onto the counter top.

"H-help me." I gasped and glanced in the mirror. I didn't recognize myself, I looked pitiful and weak.

"What the hell is wrong with you?" He growled.

"It's him! He's the vampire that made me watch as he killed my family!" I glared at Christian and turned on the tap to drown out our conversation just in case someone tried to listen.

"So? Get over it and serve him!" Christian shouted and grabbed my upper arm and squeezed.

"I-I can't face him, I can't do it."

"Too bad. You belong to him now. So shut up and go and thank him for buying you!" He dragged me by my arm all the way back to our seats. I cleared my throat, bowed and met Julian's cold gaze.

"Thank you, sir." I glared. He smiled playfully and tugged me onto his lap and brought his lips to my ear.

"It's good to see you again," he murmured, "I've finally captured you."

I took a deep breath and felt Stark's gaze on us, but I refused to meet his gaze. I couldn't face him.

"You make me sick." I mumbled. Julian chuckled and touched my thigh. I clenched my jaw and placed my hand on top of his, I silently prevented his attack.

"Careful, you really don't want to anger me." He nibbled my ear lobe and sighed.

"Please, lord Julian, refrain from doing such things." I spoke loud enough for the group of Vampires to hear. I smirked and cleared my throat.

My heart raced inside my chest. It pounded painfully while my anxiety made it hard to breath.

The auction went on for quite a while. I was tortured enough while I watched those girls including myself being sold off to the Vampires. It was wrong and disgusting that this was the way of the world.

"Christian, Stark. Can I trust you to bring my pet back to the house while I go have my meal?" Julian asked. They both nodded and bowed.

I glanced at Julian for a moment and met his gaze. His forest green eyes were fixated on me as I stood silently.

"Then, I'll be off." He smirked and vanished with his Clan. The minute he was gone my knees buckled and I nearly fell forward

"You okay?" Stark asked. I nodded and took a deep breath. Christian glared as I tried to collect myself.

"Y-yeah, I'm fine." I blinked away my tears and stood up straight.

"She doesn't want to go through with it." Christian blurted when he realized I wasn't going to say anything to Stark.

"You have to." Stark sighed.

"For your family right?" I asked.

"Yes." He replied.

"Alright." I chewed my chapped lips and glared at Christian who watched me curiously. I couldn't help my family, but I could potentially try and save another one, even if they were vampires. Even though they had tortured me, and broke me—I would always choose to help instead of going against it. I wasn't inconsiderate, nor was I cruel.

They silently led me to a large building which was much like a mansion in my eyes. My heart raced as we approached.

"Am I going to die?" I asked.

"Probably-" Christian began.

"No. Christian and I will be watching over you, despite our differences." Stark interrupted.

I sighed and clenched my hands into fists. We stood at the front door while I tried to mentally prepare myself.

"Alright." I grabbed the knob and pulled the door open. The inside was beautiful—it had a vases of flowers and the rooms were lit with candles.

I glanced around and noticed a women standing at the far end of the room, her raven hair in a loose braid and her blue eyes shot daggers.

"She's a maid," Stark whispered when he noticed my uneasiness, "she's a handful to deal with so try to avoid her."

"Great." I mumbled. Stark suddenly grabbed my arm and dragged me up the stairs, his expression was stiff and dark.

"He's here." He wore a frown but he forced a smile as we came to a stop at a door.

"Finally." I heard Julian sigh on the other side of the door.

"I've brought her." Stark spoke plainly.

The door swung open and Julian stood with arms open wide and a sinister grin.

"Welcome home, my lovely slave." His grin was sinister. His voice harsh and filled with amusement.

He knew how to hit the nerves that I had. Each and every single one of them—I had to do this. Not like I had a choice either way.