Disclaimer- I do not own anything recognisable. These are all SM characters, mixed with one or two of my own.

APOV

As I glided from the room, I couldn't help but sigh. The scent of dead blood saturated the air but it did not appeal to me. Another one! That totals four in the last three months. A mighty roar rippled through the hallway followed by the sound of thunder. I pinched the bridge of my nose with frustration. Quickly regaining my composure I called softly to my faithful servant.

"Afton?" Within seconds he came speeding around the corner stopping just before me, bowing his head with respect.

"Master" he said, now bringing his crimson eyes to meet my own. His nostrils flared as the aroma of blood invaded his senses.

"It would appear that Caius has lost interest with his little pet. Please dispose of her and clean up this mess" He bowed again and swiftly got to work, cleaning the blood before picking up the girls limp lifeless remains and taking her away. Dimitri rounded the corner, lowering his head in a similar respectful manner to Afton's. Another crash, sent shockwaves through the castle. Dimitri visibly flinched before he sprinted in the opposite direction. I took off towards the throne room, to find Caius with his fist through the wall. His throne was overturned and Felix was on the floor with his head missing. I gazed around the room, taking in the destruction. I could feel my patience waning. I really hate mess and his snarls were beginning to irritate me.

"Brother! What has you in such a foul mood this morning? Your destructive manner has put all our guards on edge. And what has poor Felix done to deserve such vicious assault?" He locked his gaze with mine, his eyes murderous.

"That insolent little girl has crossed me for the last time" he growled. I flitted over to Felix to reattach his head, ignoring my brother's growls of protest.

"Yes I suspected it had something to do with her. I was just walking back from the gardens when I happened to come across her mangled corpse. Pray tell, what did she do wrong this time, hmm? Use the last drop of your mango shampoo again?"

I knew I was playing with fire by tempting his anger but I had to throw that one at him. I felt a slight tug of a grin forming on my lips as I recalled his memories of the last shampoo fiasco. His eyes darkened impossibly more. The old expression 'if looks could kill' came to mind.

"She spoke back to me again, which is once too often. I would have thought she had learnt her lesson after her last outburst. Apparently not, stupid revolting mortal. Honestly they are all worthless, only good for our sustenance, nothing more."

"Perhaps, although I cannot deny I find some of their thoughts absolutely fascinating. The way their minds work, it's so refreshing sometimes to see from a human's perspective." Caius scoffed and put on his standard scowl as he moved to reposition his throne. He slumped down and exhaled a long unnecessary breath. Waves of anger radiated from him.

"I am going to market with Jane and Alec tomorrow if you would like to accompany me. Find your next pet perhaps?"

"Forget it Aro. I cannot be bothered with it any more. I'm beginning to feel my true age now. Time just seems to go on and on, the same things happen, day in day out. I'm growing restless and uninterested." His eyebrows rose and the look of realization washed over his face. "So this is what it is like to be Marcus" he mumbled.

"O don't be so melodramatic. Anyway I thought you loved gaining new pets. The thrill of breaking them, humiliating them and bending them to your will. I've seen enough of your thoughts to know how much you enjoy their torment."

"Maybe Aro, however I have promised my time to Athenodora tomorrow, so I cannot go with you. I do not want to hear her whinging If I change my plans again. I can hardly stomach keeping her around much longer."

"Do not fret brother, I will bring a suitable one back for you". He nodded his head with thanks as he sped out the door, leaving me to my thoughts. Finding a human to please Caius was going to be tricky, but I do enjoy a challenge.

CPOV

My anger was slowly receding. Running at full speed always helps to release some tension. I threw open my chamber door and sat down at my desk, organising my paperwork, thinking about what Aro said. Maybe he was right. God, did I just think that? Mental note to self- Do not let Aro read thoughts ever again! My new pet was going to arrive in 24 hours; I needed to prepare her quarters. I glided off to the holding room, while collecting my thoughts, thinking of what my new pet was going to be like.

Of course I already knew. Each pet was the same. 18 or 19 years of age, stupid, bad tempered, foul mouthed and useless at obeying rules. It was the same game over and over. Make them fear me, push them to obey my every command, punish them for the slightest wrong doing until they inevitably crack and succumb to a zombiefied state. Then get bored (or hungry) and kill them off.

In that moment I made a vow to myself that this one was going to be different. I need a new game, a new thrill and I think I know just the one I want to play. I will take my time with this one. Be cruel and harsh at first making her fearful of me. Then a softer, almost human approach, getting to know her, gaining her trust. I will make her fall in love with me. Only when she is utterly smitten and under the false conclusions I am a compassionate man, will I crush her and show her who I really am. I will relish in her misery and despair before feasting on her precious blood.

I can feel my trademark smirk making an appearance on my face as I think of all the cruel ways of manipulating her. She is already my favourite and I haven't even met her yet.

Let the games begin!

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