His Lovely Pet

O N E

Olivia

I woke up hearing screaming, and I knew it was early morning because I could see the sun slowly rising out the window. It was my only source to the outside world. That and whatever the customers would discuss. I slowly began to rise, using the palms of my hands to push myself up. I scooted close to the cage bars; the metal was cooling to the touch. I peeked through the bars to see the pat shop master and his muscle dragging a screaming girl through the back door.

The rouge. Again.

"Let go of me, you filthy bloodsucker!" she snarled at the two vampires.

I admired her bravery, but it was stupid to challenge vampires. They were more powerful than any human. They had super speed and could bleed you dry.

"Brutus," the pet master was talking to his muscle.

Brutus was the one who got to 'punish' us pets if we were inadequate. Martin was the pet shop owner or master until we did sell; he was reasonably kind as long as you listened and didn't give him much trouble. They only punished me once, and it was enough for me. I wish I was braver and could handle more, but I wasn't like the rouge. I lived my whole life in captivity. I was born in a breeding camp and then handed off. I couldn't do very much, but Martin told me, so it must be true. Unlike the rouge who lived on the outside, I couldn't imagine the hurt she was feeling, to be ripped from your family and the only place you knew.

"Take her to the room. Please don't kill her. The auctions are in two days, and we'll discard of her then," Martin shouted at Brutus.

She was kicking and screaming at him as he dragged her downstairs. Going downstairs only meant one thing: he would whip and torture her until she passed out.

"Don't touch me, you fucking vamp. I'm not scared of you! Puss-" was all I heard before the large metal door slammed shut.

I could hear screaming, even if it were very faint. I sighed and sank back down.

Master Martin began his rounds of opening the shop, passing out our breakfast, which usually consisted of toast and maybe a piece of fruit. We always had fresh water in our cages which were pleasant at least. The shop was reasonably large. He kept the more disobedient and rowdy humans at the front. He always joked that most vampires liked to break their pets in, whatever that meant. The more docile and quiet pets, like myself, were kept in the back. I didn't think I'd ever get bought, but the auctions were in two days, and I finally was old enough to attend. I'm sure most were terrified, but I've lived my whole life behind bars, and I just wanted out. I wanted to know what it was like to be outside. At the auctions, pet shop masters could take all their humans there to make money. If no one bought you, then you'd go back. There were regulations, you had to be a certain age to attend, and you had to be somewhat healthy. The auctions occurred only held during certain times. Master martin had been planning this one for a couple of weeks; the phone was constantly ringing.

I was busy munching on a juicy red apple when the metal door swung open, hitting the wall. I jumped up and screamed. Martin ran to the back room, his feet stomping on the ground as he made his way back to see what made me cry. Martin looked thoroughly annoyed but not surprised, while my face held fear and utter shock. Brutus stood there holding a very unconscious rouge girl. Her shirt was covered in blood, her arms and legs were bruised black and blue.

"I thought I said not to kill her?" Martin sneered at Brutus.

"She's not dead. She's breathing. She's a strong little bitch. I'll give her that." He chuckled.

"Here." he pointed to the cage next to mine. "Put the rogue in this empty cage."

They locked the cage and headed to the front of the shop just as the vampire customers started coming in.

It was late afternoon, and the rouge girl still hadn't woken up. If her chest weren't rising and fallen, I would have thought for sure she was dead. Although I wished she would wake up soon, I was bored, and I wanted to ask her questions about the outside world. I glanced towards the window, and the sky was turning into a light orange and pink color. The sun was setting. I let out a sigh of relief. I felt like I was on edge all day long. I was getting ready to finally lay down, smoothing out my worn-out brown blanket that covered my cage's floor. Before I could get comfortable, I heard a bell ring, signaling someone had entered the shop. I looked up, but I couldn't see anyone. I listened to their conversation, though.

"Miss Annabelle! So happy to see you again. Do you need some accessories?" Martin asked the vampire woman.

"I need a new pet, Martin. The last one was such a bore." Her voice was cold and mincing.

"Well, you know I always keep the more entertaining ones in the front here," I let out a sigh of relief.

We all knew Annabelle was a regular vampire customer. I never understood what she was doing with all the ones that left with her.

"Fucking leeches. Fuck! Is this my blood? "I looked over, and the rouge girl was finally awake.

We stared at each other for a few minutes before she broke the silence.

"How long was I out? My name is Raven, by the way." She asked me.

I looked at her for a moment before spreading up, "My name is Olivia. It's nice to meet you. Um, I'm not sure. Brutus brought you back shortly after breakfast. I'm not sure how many hours or anything."

She just nodded at me, and then her brows furrowed.

"What do you mean, Brutus? Are you talking about that disgusting vamp that tortured me? Are you on a first-name basis with those fuckers?" she growled at me.

I cringed a little bit before quietly responding, "I'm not friends with them or anything, but I've been here for many years and know their names." Her eyes softened, but our conversation ended there.

Before long, We both heard the sounds of heels clicking against the concrete floor. Raven and I both glanced over to the doorway to see Martin and Annabelle walking within.

"Ah, here she is. I know you like a challenge, and she is quite the challenge. Brutus gave her a good beating this morning" Martin spoke to Annabelle like we weren't even there while gesturing to Raven's cage.

"Are you sure? She looks fairly pathetic and filthy. Her blood doesn't even smell appealing." She sounded disgusted.

Raven's chest puffed out.

"Fuck. You. Open this cage, and I'll show you pathetic, you nasty blood-sucking bitch!" Raven shouted, her fingers wrapped tightly around the bars and knuckles turning white.

I just looked at her with wide eyes. I wish I could have that courage. Annabelle just laughed while Martin looked livid.

Annabelle appeared at my cage without warning, causing me to shriek and jump back until my back was pressed against the back bars.

"Martin!" She screeched, grabbing his attention.

"Who is this delicious creature?"

Martins' eyes grew wide as he saw her gesturing at me.Please no. Please no. Please no. I chanted in my head.

"Oh, Miss Annabelle, I'm sorry, but Olivia here is not for sale at the moment." He spoke calmly, but I could tell he was nervous about telling her no.

"And why the hell, not Martin? This is a pet shop. She's a pet, and I want her." She growled at him without ever pulling her eyes from me.

"Get the fuck away from her, you vamp bitch!" Raven shouted.

I couldn't look at her, though. I was too focused on the terrifying vampire in front of me.

"Shut up, rat!" Martin sneered at Raven before focusing on the blonde-haired vampire in front of me.

"Annabelle, her paperwork isn't completed yet. She can't be purchased until those are ready. You know the laws." He spoke again calmly.

She finally stood up straight and smoothed out her dress.

"Fine. I'll be back in three days, and Martin? Keep good care of my future pet," she spoke calmly, but there was something sinister about her words.