Total pages in book: 111
Estimated words: 105144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 350(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 105144 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 526(@200wpm)___ 421(@250wpm)___ 350(@300wpm)
He keeps them in his hand as we go inside, entering a mudroom. Even though I didn’t see the outside of the house, I know this place is big. Like multi-million dollar big. Everything is fancy and somewhat new, with the latest trends and color schemes.
It doesn’t scream vampire mafia house, but to each their own, I suppose.
We go through the mudroom into a hall that goes past a huge kitchen with a white, quartz island counter that is bigger than any bed I’ve ever slept on, and go up a back staircase. I’m taking mental notes of every single door and window, though they are all sealed off for the day with heavy metal blinds. They look like they roll up automatically at night, and would be something fitting for any of the Purge movies.
I’m not getting out of here easily. Though just because something is hard doesn’t mean it shouldn’t be attempted.
“This is your room,” the driver tells me when we get to the end of a second story hall. “What you need for the night has been provided.” He gives me a curt nod and steps aside, expecting me to just walk in. “It’s easier if you just listen,” he adds softly when I don’t move. “You can’t fight the Malus family.”
“Right,” I say and step inside. Gia would love this room. It’s the “clean girl" aesthetic she’s always going on and on about. The walls are painted a soft ivory and the bedspread is crisp and white, accented with pink throw pillows and a pink folded blanket at the foot. There’s a vanity next to the bed with several Sephora bags on top, and the closet is open just enough for me to see girly dresses hanging inside.
Hell to the no.
The rest of the room is just as thoughtfully laid out and decorated, from the attached bathroom to the mini fridge under a little bar area. It’s giving modern day locked in the tower, complete with bars on the window. But hey, at least I can look outside.
“Thanks,” I tell the driver right before he closes—and locks—the door. It is easier for humans to just shut up and listen to the vampires. But I’m no human, and I’m going to give these motherfuckers a run for their money.
CHAPTER 6
Sitting on the edge of the bed, I let out a slow breath. Part of me wants to cry. Another part wants to channel an 80s rockstar and trash this room. But I don’t do either. Instead, I take another slow breath and rely on the decades of training I’ve put in so I can get out of any type of situation.
Only…running away from this house isn’t going to solve my problem.
I just looked over the papers Devon gave me and I’m struggling to even think right now. Centuries ago, the Order made a deal with a group of vampires: every twenty-five years, the Order gives the vampires a female. In exchange, this particular family of vampires will leave the Order alone.
The Order doesn’t negotiate with terrorists, so to speak. Which makes me wonder just how big and bad the Malus family is? And what the fuck do they want with a female…every twenty-five years? I can’t make sense of it.
I look around, trying to come up with some sort of plan. First thing, I need to know the layout of the land. I should get up and look out the window. See if the walls are drywall or plaster. Use magic to unlock the door. Do a sweep for hidden cameras or bugs.
But I don’t, and I cannot for the life of me get my feet to move. Or even my hands. All I can do is sit here, clench my jaw, and try not to let my emotions get the best of me. Because crying won’t do a damn thing, but fuck, this sucks.
It’s a feeling I think everyone knows all too well: the gut-wrenching pain of betrayal along with the absolute confusion of having your sense of safety ripped away. The people you thought you could count on, whose word you took at face value were lying the whole time. It’s an identity crisis on top of soul-crushing heartbreak.
It’s enough to make you question how you can even go on.
If I escape, where do I go? Back to the family I thought loved me but were actually just looking out for themselves the whole time? I have so much to ask them and I never thought I’d have to go through a breakup from my parents.
I’d be on my own, and I’m resourceful enough to figure things out. Though…would I always be on the run? Not just from the vampires, but from the Order? I can’t imagine the vamps would keep their end of the bargain if their willing sacrifice wasn’t willing.