Page 55 of Eat Me

"Victoria," Owen's voice draws my attention. I glance up to see him watching me with a mixture of concern and something darker. "You've barely touched your food. You need to keep up your strength."

I look down at my plate, realizing I'd only managed a few bites of the croissant. My stomach’s churning with anxiety, making it difficult to eat. "I'm not very hungry," I murmur.

"Nonsense," Jasper cuts in, his tone brooking no argument. "You need to eat, little bird. We can't have our bride wasting away."

"They’re both right," Elijah's voice breaks through the room. I glance to him watching me with a mixture of concern and something darker. "You need to eat more than just that croissant. You must be starving after everything."

I tense, my appetite vanishing at his words. The memory of what ‘everything’ entailed - the terror, the blood, the lives I'd taken - threatened to overwhelm me. I quickly shoved those thoughts into the back corner of my mind to deal with later, trying to not think of the tests they made me go through.

“Fine.” I gave in, moving to grab some of the different fruits and some eggs. I stayed clear of the bacon and from the looks the brothers gave each other they knew why I did so. They really couldn’t possibly blame me.

I pick up my fork, stabbing the fruit more aggressively than I needed to and ate the fruit on my plate. I wasn’t hungry anymore but knew if I didn’t at least eat a small plate, they wouldn’t let me leave the table. The rest of breakfast passes in a tense silence, broken only by the occasional clink of silverware or murmured comment from one of the brothers. I managed to keep my eyes on my plate, forcing myself to eat small bites of the food. Mystomachs in knots, a mixture of hunger and anxiety making it hard to keep anything down.

As the meal drew to a close, I could feel the weight of their expectant gazes on me. I knew they were waiting for my decision about the tour. Part of me wants to retreat to the relative safety of my room, to hide away from their intense scrutiny. But another part, the part that has helped me survive this far, knows that information is power. Seeing the layout of the house and grounds could be valuable if I ever have a chance to escape.

Taking a deep breath, I finally look up, meeting Elijah's piercing green eyes. "I think I’d like to go lay down. I would be fine doing a tour a little later. I think I need to lay down for a bit.” I feel nauseous…and if I stay, I will probably end up throwing up.

Elijah frowns seeing the look on my face, “How about we give you a couple hours and once you have rested, we can do a tour and have a light lunch in the garden.”

I paused in shock…garden?Though I guess I shouldn’t be with how this place looks. It’s huge. I take a breath and nod. “That will be fine.” I’m aware it isn’t really a request though. He gives me a smile when I don’t fight the plan. My head’s swimming with thoughts as I look around.

“But before we go, we do have a present for you.” I blink at Elijah wondering what kind of present they could be wanting to give me. I look around the room and can see them anticipating something.

“A present?” Curiosity is in my voice and from the men’s faces they heard it and are happy about it. I bite my lip shifting in my seat as I look back at Elijah who stands and walks over to me, moving the chair so I’m facing forward.

I feel my breath catch in my throat as Elijah kneels before me, the small black velvet box being carefully held in his hands. My heart begins to race, a mix of dread and disbelief washing over me. This can't be happening. Not now. Not like this.

"Victoria," Elijah begins, his green eyes intense as they lock onto mine. "We know this isn't a traditional courtship by any means. But we want you to know how serious we are about making you a part of our family."

He opens the box, revealing a stunning ring. The large center diamond sparkles brilliantly, surrounded by smaller sapphires and emeralds that match the brothers' eyes. It’s beautiful, but all I can see is another chain binding me to them.

"This ring symbolizes our commitment to you," Elijah continues, his voice low and earnest. "And your place in our family...that you will be our wife, and no one will be able to change that fact."

I stare at the ring, unable to speak. It’s beautiful, the kind of ring I never would have seen myself wearing because of how much it looks like it cost. I also see that the ring will be like a noose around my neck. An anchor keeping me tied to these four men forever.

"I don’t really get much of a choice, do I?” I give a sad smile, tears in my eyes but I push them back.

“Sorry, Darling. We want you. We don’t need your consent to make it legal, but we’d like this to go as smoothly as possible.” He holds his hand out, making me close my eyes as I take a deep breath, willing away the barrage of emotions filling me.

“You will be happy. It may take time, but we’re going to be devoted to you and only you. We hope you will be the same down the road.” Marcus’s voice breaks through.

With shaky hands I hold my hand out as I open my eyes to see the grinning faces of the men. Elijah slips the ring on my finger symbolizing my fate. I’m theirs. I belong to them, and they’re serious on not letting me go. I had a feeling even if I somehow, escaped they would hunt me down to the ends of the earth until I’m in their grasp again.

Elijah stands up, bringing me to a standing position as he leans down, giving me a quick kiss on the lips. A quick memory of something like this happening before ran through my head but I shake it out as I’m engulfed in the strong arms of Jasper. Who gives me a quick kiss before I’m being passed to each brother who did the same.

Looking around me, I’m filled with dread. This really is the start of a life I have no escape from. I either have to adapt…ordie.

Chapter Thirty-Seven

The Andreev family request the honor of your presence for the wedding of the direct heirs of the family.

Elijah, Owen, Marcus, Jasper

And

Victoria

Saturday the Thirteenth of September

At three ‘o’clock in the afternoon.

At the Andreev Family Estate

Burke, Vermont

Reception to follow

Come hungry…for the food is to die for.