Consequence

Chapter 11

April 22, 1813

"I'm sorry." I heard myself say as I stared into the blue abyss of Nik's eyes.

We stood in silence but it surprisingly wasn't awkward. It was actually quite peaceful and allowed me time to organize my thoughts. I could tell that he felt the same way.

So much had happened in the course of a few days and I could no longer picture myself going back to the life I once led. I ran away on a whim, that I could escape from the inevitable.

I put Dominik in a strange position and forced him to open up to me. Of course, he did it in his own rude/weird way.

I regret learning that he is a vampire, but not because I am afraid of him...that was just a lie to get him off my back.

I regret it because before I didn't know the story of how he was forced to become a creature of children's nightmares.

Before, I wanted to believe that he was indeed an evil demon that would kill me if it meant getting what he wanted. That way it would be easier to leave him without feeling like I had wounded my pride as a woman in this society.

Now, I can't help but pity him and no matter how many times I manage to lie...I am not afraid of him. On the contrary, I feel fearless around him. When I'm with him it's like he doesn't have the right to judge me. So, I can say what's on my mind with a certain degree of comfort.

But, still, there are circumstances that a woman of my time cannot change and arranged marriage was one of them. I was quite literally sold to a vampire and because there are no other options, I must except this marriage. An odd wave of duty and obligation hit me.

Once I've fulfilled my purpose, whatever it may be, I will see to it that I get to chase my dreams the way I intended to. This was but an obstacle, a mere chapter, in my life. (Or so I convinced myself).

He said many things yesterday that I didn't understand the meaning of and I needed to find answers... that was just the kind of person I was. Damn it curiosity, your going to get me killed.

I snapped out of my thoughts and my hands began to sweat. "I-I haven't been really honest with you. I don't necessarily hate you, well I do hate how you've treated me, I do hate your abuse and I hate how your personality changes from kind to downright rude every other conversation. I know it might sound like I hate you but I don't because...okay so I might not be able to think of a reason right now but still-"

"I get it, please, continue." He said rolling his eyes and plopping onto the edge of his bed.

"I'm ready to marry you and be the proper wife I should've been from the start." I blurted out.

He laughed loudly running his fingers through his brown curls. "Do you know what that implies?"

"Duh. It means that I will stay by your side even if you repulse me sometimes; like how you always break out in fits of laughter like a child when I'm trying to be serious. And I will have to stay living in this house for the rest of my life." I'm sooo not staying here for the rest of my life but he doesn't know that.

"Ok. So let's say that's what you intend to do." He eyed me suspiciously. "If it is then you know that wives are obedient to the will of their husbands."

I shrugged it's not like I didn't know that but come on what could he possibly make me do? I gasped when I figured out the answer to my own question.

"And a husband protects his wife, keeping her safe from harm." I locked eyes with him. "If I respect you then you respect me."

"You obviously weren't educated in tradition. Usually, on the night of their wedding the consumption of the wife takes place."

"Consumption?" I shuddered at the word. It sounded like it meant that he was going to devour and suck the blood out of me.