Bloodlust

Envy

— VENICE —

While Liam showered, I sat on the floor by the bay window and stared out at the forest. If I watched long enough and hard enough, I could see figures moving through the trees.

The crossbreeds moved so quickly yet gracefully for being so large. I didn't realize they could turn into those . . . monsters. Then again, I guess I just didn't comprehend the fact that lycans were legitimate werewolves. This planet housed shapeshifters.

My perception of the world had been drastically altered over the course of just a few days. There were so many more dangers lurking than I ever imagined.

Before, my worst fear was getting kidnapped and tortured by humans. Now, my worst fear was getting killed by a bloodsucking werewolf the size of a fucking tree.

A knock at the bedroom door broke my train of thought. I looked away from the window to stare at the door, wondering if I should answer it. Then another knock followed a moment later.

Sighing, I got off the floor and padded over to the door. The same servant from earlier was waited on the other side. This time, he held only a small tray with a goblet on it.

I couldn't believe he'd carried that goblet all the way up to our room without spilling it. He possessed a true feat of balance that I definitely did not have.

The servant bowed his head, averting his crimson-colored eyes. "This is for sir."

"Thank you," I said as I took the goblet off the tray. "What's your name?"

He hesitated before bringing his gaze to mine. I felt unnerved at the unusual color of his irises but I forced myself not to squirm.

"My name is Theo, ma'am," he said.

"I'm sorry Liam growled at you earlier, Theo. He can be a little over-protective," I said with an embarrassed chuckled, my cheeks heating. "I appreciate you bringing us the things we need. You all are very kind."

He forced a small smile. "You are guests of Master Lupei and any guest should be treated with the utmost level of care and respect. I did not mean any offense earlier when I looked at you. I was only surprised to see a human here."

"Rob mentioned you all aren't used to being around humans," I remembered. "It must be hard for you to be around me."

"Not hard so much as just . . . different."

"I see." I nodded thoughtfully. "Well, I'm sorry to keep blabbering on. I'm sure you have plenty of other things to do."

His smile was more genuine this time. "It's quite alright. I enjoy the company. You aren't like most of the guests who Master entertains."

Before I could ask what their guests were usually like, Liam's voice called my name from the bathroom.

"Excuse me," I said before Theo nodded and slipped away.

Closing the door, I looked down at the goblet of thick dark liquid. My stomach roiled at its metallic smell. I couldn't believe Liam had to drink this to survive. Honestly, this gave me a whole new appreciation for food.

I took a deep breath to shake off the disgust and carried the goblet to the bathroom. The shower was still running so I knocked my knuckles on the door.

"Come in," his deep voice responded.

I pushed the door open, my eyes trained on the floor. "They brought your blood to the room."

"So I heard. Would you mind bringing it here?"

Averting my gaze, despite the temptation to see Liam in the nude, I padded to the shower. The glass door slid open and his hand jutted out. I placed the goblet in his grasp before turning to leave.