Vampire Enslavement (Lords of Bondage) (4 page)

“You may not have their approval, but you do have connections. Royal ones.” Druscilla stared with reverence at the silver brooch that fastened Kiera’s linen cloak. The brooch contained a white unicorn, which was the symbol of the House of Halloran. “As long as you stay in Snotti’s good graces, your position in society could easily rise.”

Kiera raised one dark eyebrow and gave Druscilla a pointed look that conveyed how ridiculous she found the notion of staying on Snotti’s good side. There wasn’t a soul alive capable of such a feat. The princess’ tendency to act the bitch was legendary and the woman was incapable of getting along with people. “Expecting miracles, my friend? You know my days are numbered. I will be shown the door upon Snotti’s next tantrum. I know exactly where I stand and I have no ambition to elevate myself. I expect nothing to come from this opportunity, with the exception of seeing a Roman city.”

Kiera listened with only half an ear to the rest of Druscilla’s pep talk as she followed Snotti and the other ladies through the Roman villa. The stately residence had belonged to a Roman woman named Lucine Maximus. The woman had been in the business of purchasing hybrid slaves and had taken possession of some of their own warriors. Diermont had been tasked with the rescue, which had been successful. Too successful. The place had a creepy feel to it, as if it overflowed with excessive amounts of negative energy.

Kiera watched silently while Diermont greeted his mate in what appeared to be a warm embrace. It was a match made in heaven: the sadistic megalomaniac and the self-absorbed bitch. She had no interest in viewing the happy reunion. She wanted to know which warriors were present. She still thirsted and needed a donor. And he needn’t be a willing supplier.

Kiera scanned the room and allowed her gaze to linger a bit longer than necessary. Druscilla had been right about one thing. Many elite bloodlines were represented here.
McLeod. McDonald. Ross. Sullivan. Halloran
. So many fine possibilities, all living under one roof. And all so very tasty. She felt the beginnings of a smile curve her lips as she relished choosing her next victim from this esteemed group of males. Seamus McLeod, an unattached lord, looked downright delicious to her right now. He was well respected by his peers and politically powerful. The thought of sinking her fangs into his tender throat made her salivate, but she knew it would be wiser to leave him alone. Her eyes fell upon the warrior conversing with Seamus. Torin Sullivan, Lord of Turloch, was quite possibly the most handsome male on Earth. She had appreciated the way he had swung his sword at the Romans while wearing nothing but a pair of leather trousers that clung nicely to his well-developed ass. Forcing herself on that one would be quite the adventure since he was sexy as hell. Although tempting, she dismissed that option. Torin was one of the few males who treated her no differently than the highborn ladies, and for that reason, she was reluctant to steal from him. Then there was Shane McDonald, a huge bear of a male with a reputation for wildness. He was a less risky prospect, but drinking from a male just released from Roman captivity wasn’t the best idea. She intended to choose a victim who could withstand the abuse she intended to inflict. Her gaze strayed to her next candidate. Modez Halloran. He was absolutely perfect.

“Kiera, you must not look your betters in the eye. Show some respect, girl.” Druscilla leaned closer to whisper in her ear. “Especially with that one. He is a Halloran.”

“Oh, he’s practically family.” Modez was related to Diermont so their paths had crossed often enough. The arrogant male made it clear she was beneath his notice, so naturally she couldn’t stand him. Unlike Diermont, who was ugly enough to make babies cry, Modez was gorgeous. A strong body tanned golden by the sun, classic features that could have easily graced the face of a god, eyes the color of diamonds, and thick dark hair that held just a hint of waviness—he wasn’t bad to look at. If only he wasn’t such a cockhead.

Kiera stared directly into Modez’s silver eyes a moment too long before assuming the submissive position she was expected to maintain. His eyes narrowed in irritation at her and his jaw clenched. Yes, he was perfect and was just what she needed. An unwilling blood donor with whom she would feel zero guilt at violating, since he was an uppity asshole who erroneously thought he was too good for her. There was no better bloodline than that of Halloran and she was nearly desperate to taste it. Normally, she would never be granted the opportunity to partake from one so far above her in rank and status. Modez Halloran would never in a million years consent to share his blood with her. Unfortunately for him, she wouldn’t be giving him a choice. She would take what she wanted from him without his consent, without his permission. Without his knowledge. She would ignore his objections and gorge on what he was too stingy to share with her. Kiera Devine, lowly relation to Princess Snotti Halloran, was leading a secret double life. She raped the veins of unsuspecting noble males in the dead of night, satisfying her thirst for blood of the highest quality. She had indulged many times. It was ridiculously easy and she had not even come close to being caught. If she was ever discovered, it would be a disaster. Not just socially. What she was doing was probably a criminal act. There would be some sort of punishment for that. She wasn’t sure what it would entail, since she couldn’t remember anyone being accused of such a crime. But she knew that it would be bad.

“I fear Lord Halloran took notice of you and he looks most displeased,” Druscilla said. “You cannot afford to make an enemy of the man. He is in line for the throne, for pity’s sake.”

“There are dozens in line before him. He is not so important. Only in his head is he that grand.” Despite her show of bravado, Druscilla’s censure filled her with trepidation. Modez was a favorite of the king. To even think of causing harm to his person was insane. She had no intention of damaging his fine body, but blood loss would weaken him and make him feel ill. It could leave him vulnerable in other ways, ways he would not appreciate.

Even now, she felt his eyes boring into her. She didn’t dare lift her eyes from the floor to see evidence of his regard. Why did he fume at her so? He could not know her thoughts, could he? Some of their kind were known to be telepathic. The possibility that he had that ability nearly turned her heart to ice. No, it was too risky to victimize that male. She didn’t know what he was capable of doing or knowing. She needed to choose a safer target.

Kiera risked a glance in Modez’s direction to see him conversing quietly with Diermont. A private conversation, no doubt. All the more reason to eavesdrop on the two. Some of her senses were super acute and her hearing was one of them.

“Was it necessary to bring so many females?” Modez was asking Diermont. “We are here to make war, not to entertain ourselves with frivolous pursuits.”

“My mate’s place is with me and she will be provided all the comforts of home, including her ladies,” Diermont said in response.

“But the danger—”

Diermont cut Modez off with a wave of his hand. “I expect no more trouble from the Romans, but if they should try to strike against us, it will be a simple matter to evacuate our females.”

“That may be true, but the females will get in our way and make it more difficult for the rest of us to do our jobs properly.”

“I don’t see it as a problem, but I will be sure to instruct them to leave you alone. Should any of them prove too troublesome, I will send them away.”

“You can start with that one.” Modez’s silver eyes locked with Kiera’s violet ones as he gestured in her direction. “I don’t think I can tolerate much more of her.”

Kiera was taken aback by the hostility in his gaze. He insulted her with the most undeserving comments and she had done nothing to plague the male, at least not yet. He had no idea what was coming to him.

The prince appeared surprised by the vehemence in Modez’s words. “What, you mean Kiera? What has she done to offend you?” Diermont asked. “The girl is related to my mate, you understand. If there is a problem with Kiera, I will handle it.”

“She is a disgrace. A weak, helpless chit. She has no respect for her betters, no gratitude whatsoever.”

So Modez was annoyed she hadn’t fallen to his feet in adulation for “saving” her. Stashing her in that closet wasn’t an act worth of gratitude and she wasn’t going to kiss his ass for it.

“She will learn obedience now that I have control of her. She but lacks the proper training.”

“I wouldn’t waste my time on a mongrel. There are hundreds of ladies of better breeding eager to serve the House of Halloran. Any of them would have been more suited to the position.”

A mongrel
. Kiera balled her fists, wanting so badly to strike that contemptuous look off his face. She felt so much anger but she quelled it. She refused to let him know that his words bothered her.

“Other ladies would be more suited, that is true, but they wouldn’t be nearly as lovely to look at.” Diermont’s lecherous gaze fell on Kiera. “Despite her bad blood, Kiera is by far one of the most beautiful creatures I’ve laid eyes on. She gets her looks from Snotti’s side of the family.”

Kiera gasped when she heard the outrageous compliment coming from Diermont’s lips. It seemed to confirm her suspicion that the prince had an improper interest in her. It made her skin crawl. Modez’s reaction to Diermont’s statement was one of disbelief. Obviously he couldn’t comprehend the prince’s appreciation of her attributes, and he wouldn’t, since he thought her a mongrel. The anger boiled inside her as she thought of Modez, making her feel she would combust into flames. He was a conceited highborn jerk and she would make him pay.

Modez’s regard became speculative. “In that case, why bother to clothe her? The Romans keep their servants naked.”

Oh, that fuckball nob really pissed her off. She was a lady-in-waiting, not a freaking servant or slave.

“Snotti wouldn’t approve of public nudity.” Diermont’s fangs protruded, showing his excitement. “Now slaves are a different manner, but Kiera is a lady.”

Modez snorted and his lips curved into a smirk. “Barely.”

“Besides, I prefer private viewings. If you like, you may join me the next time the girl is bred. I make it a point to personally witness notable events. You will develop some appreciation for the girl then.”

Kiera exhaled in a sharp burst as indignation consumed her. Hell would freeze over before she allowed Lord Asswipe to attend any of her mating tests.

“Watching holds limited appeal. I require considerably more involvement when it comes to entertainment, if you know what I mean.” Modez paused slightly before saying, “I couldn’t help but notice that the ladies who arrived are in your mate’s service. What of the females promised to service our warriors? Why have they not arrived?”

“I am not sure. I will send a man to inquire of this.”

“Do not delay. You know how it is after a victorious battle. Warriors expect to be rewarded with sport, and if deprived, they will have little choice but to play with the native population.”

“There will be no fornication with the humans. That rule will not alter.” Diermont’s face soured like a male feasting on rancid meat. “Sexual intercourse with humans is unsafe and the consequences are disastrous. Any hybrid who violates my commandment will be subjected to the harshest of punishments.”

“The warriors do not fully comprehend the danger. Unrelieved lust tends to cloud the mind and impair judgment, which is why it is important to intervene before it gets out of hand. The bed servants are needed now.”

“I hear you.” Diermont gestured with his hand. “Do not worry yourself so. If I cannot get the bed servants delivered to the villa in sufficient time, I suppose I could order some of Snotti’s ladies to provide such services. Not the high born ladies, of course. Those females of low birth could perform the additional duties.” Diermont snickered and grabbed his crotch with his hand to illustrate his meaning. “It is one of the reasons such ladies are given the privilege of servicing their betters.” He slid his hand from his trousers to pick up a mug of ale. “Do you not agree?”

Modez’s gaze passed over the ladies surrounding the princess. Garbed in their finest gowns, they glittered like jewels in the candlelit room. “If Snotti can spare some of her ladies, her generosity would be appreciated.”

“I will be sure to convey this to Snotti.” The prince tossed back his head and took a hefty swig of ale. “She speaks very highly of you. I know she would not wish to disappoint one of her favorite lords.”

Kiera clenched her fists and tried to control her outrage. She leaned into Druscilla’s shoulder and whispered in her ear, “They plan to use us as bed servants!”

“No, they wouldn’t dare.” Druscilla looked at Kiera in horror. “Why would you even say that?”

“I heard them discuss it. Modez said the warriors must be satisfied, and the prince just said that if the bed servants do not arrive, some of Snotti’s ladies will have to take their place. You know what that means.
We are Snotti’s ladies
.”

“You couldn’t possibly have heard anything from that distance, not with them conversing so softly. You have quite the imagination, Kiera.”

Kiera didn’t bother to explain her unnatural hearing ability to Druscilla. “The nobles look upon us like slaves.”

“You could join their ranks easily enough. Many of the males lack mates. I am certain that is why we were invited to join Snotti here rather than remain at the palace.”

“Do not be so naïve.” Kiera knew she had not mistaken what she had heard, but she told herself not to worry needlessly. They may view her as a slave, but she wasn’t one. She could always leave if conditions deteriorated, and if anyone thought to force her into some warrior’s bed, she would transport herself out of Rome in an instant. “The unmated males remain unmated for a reason. They are either unwilling or unable to take a mate.”

“Ladies like us do love those unfortunate males who persistently flunk the mating tests.” Druscilla’s eyes lit upon Seamus and Torin. Kiera could almost see the wheels turning inside her friend’s head as she analyzed the unmated, unclaimed warrior lords. They would be prime catches for any female. “Think how grateful such a great lord would be if you were the one woman to make a bonding union possible for him. It wouldn’t even matter if the match was less than perfect on a social level. When it comes down to it, a compatible womb rules.”