Page 4 of Checkmate
Several hours pass, and the darkness doesn’t change. There are no windows, so I have no idea if a day has passed. I’ve used the bucket a few times, and the smell is making me nauseated, but that is to be expected. I need to stretch my legs. I want to walk, but I can only pace. I need food.
I hear the elevator door open, and a sliver of light shines into the room. I hear footsteps. I hope whoever is coming in is bringing me someone to feed on. I suddenly realize it has been a long time since I last fed.
They get into view and walk toward my cage. “I hope you are well rested and have enjoyed your first night in your new home.”
I can’t see him, but I would know that voice anywhere. Claus.
I kneel. “Yes, My king,” I reply, as the obedient servant I am.
“I have to say, Serena, you are taking to being a slave much better than I expected.” It’s time to start the charade.
“I knew what my fate would be if I returned.”
“Then why did you?”
I look straight at him even though I cannot see him, but I hear where his voice is coming from. “For you, Claus.”
He laughs. “For me? But I’m the enemy.”
“Maybe, maybe not. Yes, you overthrew my empire and banished me, but I remember when we were children, Claus. We were friends. I even think we were more than friends. I drank from you to release my humanity. That creates a bond, and I don’t think either of us will be able to deny it.
“So you think that if you play on my feelings for you, I will let you live?”
“Perhaps. But if you must kill me, then so be it. For I am nothing without my empire.”
I hear his footsteps as he walks around the cage. He doesn’t say a word, and I have to admit, he’s making me a little nervous. He could move so swiftly and drain me, and I have nothing to defend myself with. I’m weak from lack of blood and am caged in silver. There is no escape, so the only thing I can do is trust what I know about him and have faith.
“Stand!” he commands.
I do as he says as he continues to walk around me.
“You know, Serena, you are a beautiful vampire, but I have to say, you are a more beautiful woman.” He stops walking. “What if I presented you with a proposition?”
“Which is?” I ask eagerly, hoping he is going exactly where I want him.
“What if I agree not to kill you?”
I like where he is going with this, but there has to be a catch, so I am just waiting for the ball to drop.
“Ninety days you endure everything I throw at you, every hardship and every challenge. You don’t fight back, and you don’t try to escape. I will even remove the collar from time to time.”
“And what happens at the end of the ninety days?” I already know: I become his, emotionally and physically. Well, at least in his mind.
“We live happily ever after, naturally.”
“Before I give you my answer, I need to see your face. Can you turn on the light, please?”
He chuckles as he walks away from the cage. He turns on the light and walks back toward me. I watch his face curiously. Desire has settled in his eyes. I may be dirty and bloody, but he wants me.
Sadly, I want him too. “I agree.”
“Good, your ninety days starts now.” He turns to leave and makes his way back to the elevator. He leaves the light on, leaving me dumbfounded that he has given me no other information. A few minutes later, the elevator door opens again, and thanks to the light, I can see who it is. It’s Kai.
“Serena, I am to clean you up for the king,” he says solemnly.
I nod. He unlocks the cage, and I step out. He unhooks the chain leash that is still attached to my collar and takes me to Claus’s private bathroom which has two—yes, two—open showers.
“I’m ordered to wash you personally, and I’m not to let you out of my sight,” he says as he removes his clothes. “But I promise I will not violate you.”
