This chapter contains foul language and mentions of torture. I do not own anything.
"Thoughts"
Adelaide awoke slowly, confused about where she was. She felt strong arms wrapped tightly around her, and a chiseled chest pressed against her back.
Eric her mind supplied. She smiled and reached across the bed and turned on a lamp. Then she turned around carefully to look at him. He was dead. That didn't bother her like she assumed it would. Since she knew he was not going to wake up, she decided to take some liberties. She gently traced his features. When she was done looking at him, she got out of bed and took care of her human needs. Her stomach rumbled and she made her way upstairs.
Elijah was in the kitchen waiting for her.
"Good afternoon! I have lunch ready for you."
"Good afternoon. Thank you, I am so hungry."
She sat at the bar and waited as he brought her a sandwich and another glass of water. She ate as slowly as she could but she was so hungry and it was so good. Elijah chuckled at her. She blushed. When she was done he took her plate.
"How about I give you a tour of the place?"
"That would be great. Thank you."
Elijah showed her around the first floor, which held the kitchen, a guest bathroom, living room, dining room, and two bedrooms that included in suite bathrooms. One of the bedrooms belonged to Elijah.
"You live here?"
"The house is actually in my name, that way no vampire can just waltz in here. Let me show you the backyard."
He took her through the living room and opened the French doors that led outside.
"Wow," she breathed. "It's beautiful."
They were surrounded by woods. In front of her was a gorgeous pool with lounge chairs scattered around it. Blossoming flowers dotted the landscape, and an outdoor kitchen sat to the right of her. She walked out from under the patio and to the left where a fire pit sat surrounded by chairs. She plopped down in one and laid her head back.
"It's been too long since I've been able to sit in the sun."
"Do you mind me asking how you came to be Eric's?
She didn't look up but took a look into his mind. She again saw how loyal he was to Eric and Pam, and knew he could keep a secret. She got more comfortable and told him her story. He made shocked gasps in all the appropriate places and even began to tear up in some of the others. When she was done he was quick to hug her.
"I'm so glad you found Eric. He made the right choice in protecting you. Is that how you knew you could trust me? You read my mind?"
She blushed, "Only your feelings towards Pam and Eric. You are very loyal to them."
"I am. I don't think I am ready to tell you my story though."
She smiled at him, "No biggie. We just met."
They both laughed. The sun was starting to set so they decided to go inside.
"I'm going to make you something a little more substantial to eat before ya'll head out for the night."
"Okay."
They both walked back in the house, and parted ways at the kitchen. Adelaide took the stairs down to Eric's room and quietly opened the door. He was in the exact spot that she left him. She crawled back into bed and into his arms. Sighing softly as she settled in. She just started to doze when she felt his arms tighten around her.
"Mmmm. You smell like sunshine." Eric said as he nuzzled into her hair.
Adelaide laughed. "I did sit outside for awhile. Your backyard is beautiful. I can not wait to try out the pool."
"Then we'll just have to make sure we get you a bathing suit when we go shopping on Monday."
"Huh?"
"On Monday, you and I, plus Pam, are going shopping to get you everything you require."
"Eric. No. You've done enough! I can just wear whatever you have laying around."
He sat up and looked down at her with a scowl.
"I would never let you wear something that was just "laying around" unless it was absolutely necessary."
"I just don't want you to waste your money on me."
"It is not a waste. How do you think others would view me if I let you walk around in clothes like what you are wearing now? They would think that I can not take care of what is mine. If it is about the money, I have been around for over a thousand years, Adelaide. I have more than enough money."
She nibbled on her lip. "I don't want to reflect poorly on you."
"Then it's settled."
He pulled her lip from her teeth and gently brushed his thumb across it.
"You will never want for anything."
He leaned down and lightly brushed his lips with hers. When he felt a slight pressure back, he molded his lips with hers in a soft kiss. He heard her heart rate pick up and pulled back slightly.
"Another first."
Eric raised an eyebrow at her.
"That was my first kiss."
He looked at her in shock. He knew she was a virgin but damn! She blushed at his expression and turned her head away.
He cupped her face and turned her back to look at him.
"Do not be ashamed min älskling. I am honored that you have granted me this gift."
She searched his eyes and smiled. She leaned up and molded their lips together again. This time, Eric's tongue snaked across her bottom lip, asking for entrance into her mouth. Adelaide slowly opened her mouth and moaned when his tongue slid softly across her own.
Eric's tongue delved deeper into her mouth and mapped out her teeth and gums. He pulled back slowly and sucked on her tongue, hoping that she would return the favor.
Adelaide wasn't sure if she was doing the whole kissing thing properly, but since Eric wasn't complaining she kept going. When he sucked on her tongue her insides clenched and she followed his receding tongue into his mouth.
She slowly traced his teeth, and dueled his tongue. When the need for air became too great, she pulled back reluctantly.
Eric smirked at her rosy cheeks and dilated pupils. She was stunning.
"We better cease," he said with a chuckle. "Otherwise we might not leave."
She blushed. There was a knock on the door and Pam's voice filtered through.
"I need to get her dressed, Eric."
"Come."
Pam entered the room and smirked at the pair.
"Get up Adelaide. I need to make you presentable."
Adelaide got up and walked over to Pam while Eric went into the bathroom to shower.
"I found some clothes that will fit you, put them on and then I will do your hair and makeup."
Adelaide walked into the walk in closet and stripped off her sweats and tank top. Luckily Pam provided undergarments as well. She slipped those on and then the skin tight black skinny jeans, followed by the emerald tank top that matched her eyes perfectly.
She spotted a mirror and walked over to it. She knew she wasn't everyone's cup of tea, she had an ample bosom, small waist and wide flared hips. But she always made sure to stay in shape. She would never be a size two and she was pleased with that.
She looked down at the shoes that Pam expected her to wear and realized they were high heeled boots. She had never worn heels but was eager to try. She put them on and took a couple laps around the closet. After a few missteps she was walking like a pro.
She walked back out to Pam, who nodded in approval then pointed to a vanity that was now covered in hair and makeup products.
As she sat down, she watched in the mirror as Eric exited the bathroom in nothing but a towel. Her eyes stayed glued to his slightly dripping form until he was out of eye range. She heard Pam chuckle as she undid the braid that Eric had done the night before.
She sat there for a half an hour as Pam fussed over her. She saw Eric exit the closet fully dressed and was slightly disappointed. He sat on the bed and watched as Pam worked her magic.
Adelaide looked up when Pam said she was finished and gasped. Her black hair gleamed in the light and fell in soft waves down her back. Her green eyes popped from the smoky eye shadow, and her lips looked extra plump painted in red.
"Pam," she breathed, "I don't know what to say. I've never looked this beautiful."
She then stood up and hugged the unsuspecting vampire. She felt Pam stiffen, but held on a little longer before letting go.
Eric outright laughed. "Let us go before Pam meets her true death from shock."
They all headed out and got into the car before speeding away to Fangtasia.
Once there, they entered through the back entrance and went directly through to the bar.
"Everyone. Gather." Eric's authoritative voice filled the bar and human and vampire employees did just that.
"This is Adelaide Montgomery. She is mine. You will treat her as you treat me. Understood?"
Everyone nodded and was dismissed. They made their way to Eric's office and shut the door.
"I explained to Pam all of your gifts. She will protect you just as I will."
Adelaide nodded.
"Before we can go after the drainers, I need to spend some time out on the floor to appease the vermin. You will be joining me."
Adelaide nodded again.
"Pam? Is there anything you want me to look out for while I'm on the floor?"
"That is disturbing." Pam said with a little glare. "Anyone underage or planning on breaking the number one rule of the bar; No Draining."
"Okay. I'll let you know. I'll keep my mind open to you if you need anything while you are out front."
Pam nodded and left.
"I have some paperwork I need to finish. You will go through these designs that have been submitted for new Fangtasia apparel and give me the best."
Adelaide smiled. It was a simple task, but she was willing to do anything to help and make sure Eric didn't regret helping her.
She took the papers from him and sat on the couch. Most of the designs were awful and went directly into the trash. She found some promising ones and put them aside. She was done rather quickly and turned her attention inward.
She had essentially been on her own since she was eight, and here she was age twenty two, being looked after by a very old and powerful vampire. They hadn't known each other for twenty four hours and she had already kissed him. And practically dry humped him! She blushed. But she had read his thoughts and knew he wasn't going to hurt her. He made her feel safe in a way that no one ever had.
She looked over at the vampire she was thinking about and decided that she was going to go with the flow. She would work her ass off for him in any capacity that he needed to make sure she paid him back for all his generosity.
She was shaken from her thoughts when he called her name.
"Are you ready to go out onto the floor?"
She nibbled on her lip and nodded.
He took her hand to help her up, then ushered her out the door and into the bar with a gentle hand on her back. He then escorted her onto the platform and sat her in a chair that was placed next to his own. He then took his seat on his throne.
Adelaide felt the excitement of the bar climb as Eric walked in. The excitement turned into curiosity and anger when the fangbangers realized he was not alone. She started scanning immediately.
"Who's this bitch?"
"Look at that whore thinking she's all high and mighty."
"He could do so much better than her."
"I need to text Stacey and tell her to get her ass down here so she can see this skank."
"I'm texting Becca right now! She will not believe this."
Adelaide let Eric hear the last two.
"It looks like you'll be good for business." He responded with an upturn of his lips.
Adelaide continued to scan the humans and vampires of the bar and didn't find anything of interest until she read Longshadow. She kept that information to herself until she and Eric were back in his office.
After two hours of sitting on the platform, Eric rose and brought Adelaide with him, walking them both back to his office. Pam joined not a minute later.
"Are you ready?" He asked.
Adelaide straightened her spine and nodded.
They headed back out the back entrance and climbed into the car. Adelaide closed her eyes and pictured the path she took from the hell hole she had been kept in to Fangtasia, and gave Eric directions.
When they pulled onto the dirt road that led to the house, Eric shut off the lights and drove slowly towards the house.
"All four of them are in there. They are freaking out because I was able to get away. All of their supplies are in their truck because they plan on taking another vampire tonight. "
Eric got as close as he dared and stopped the car. He and Pam quietly got out and they were gone in a flash.
Adelaide entered the minds of the drainers and watched as Eric and Pam knocked them out in milliseconds. She saw them dragging the guys out of the house and into the back of the car, not being careful at all. She let out a giggle. They deserved it.
Eric and Pam got back in the car and they were at Fangtasia before she realized it.
Pam went into the bar to make sure no one went into the back, and Eric picked up the bodies and carried them down into the basement where he chained them up.
Pam came down the stairs a few moments later.
"I informed the staff that no one is to come down here unless they want to be stabbed repeatedly with my stiletto."
Both Adelaide and Eric chuckled.
"Shall we wake them?" Eric inquired.
When Adelaide nodded he dumped cold water on all of the men.
They came to stuttering and struggling. The leader was the first to look around and notice Adelaide standing on the steps.
"You fucking bitch!" He spat before taking a punch to the gut by Eric.
"You will not speak to her that way."
The leader wheezed and coughed. "I'll do whatever the fuck I want you dead piece of shit."
Eric smiled. "I do love when they are feisty. It makes it even more fun when they break."
The other three wisely stayed quiet.
"Adelaide? Would you like to do the honors?" Eric asked with glee, while making a sweeping motion with his arm to show all the tools that were kept down there just for this purpose.
"I would be delighted."
Adelaide walked over to the tools with a sense of purpose. She didn't hurt people unless she had to. But after seeing what these men did, and after promising she would, she was going to make them suffer.
"What are you going to do you fucking whore! You're nothing but a piece of trash! I bet you gave it up for this fucking fanger as soon as he looked at you! I bet you let them all take turns you disgusting cunt!"
"Eric? I grow tired of his tongue." She handed him a pair of clamps. "Help me?"
Eric's eyes widened and a smile graced his features. "Anything for you, min älskling."
He walked over to the man and grabbed his hair, forcing his head to snap back. He then pried the man's jaw open and pulled his tongue out with the clamp.
Adelaide walked over, making sure to keep eye contact with the now thrashing man, and showed him the scalpel she was carrying. His eyes went wide and he started struggling in earnest. She brought the scalpel down and very slowly, so that he would feel everything, cut off his tongue.