I was grateful that the vampire chose to show us the garden first; it was getting difficult to breathe inside. I needed fresh air and sunlight. The lunch with the mayor was tiring. I felt judged by James Turner all the time, I had to be careful if I eat properly, to not spill something or stain my dress. My master's father was polite, but his eyes were watching our every move. Cornelia Turner was more human, and I really enjoyed talking to her. I was envious of the places she had been to.
Welcoming with a smile the sunrays I walked next to Trish. The garden was huge and I felt peaceful all of sudden. There were so many types of flowers here, some I don't know the name of. The wooden benches, the swing, the shaped like Greek statues fountains. The trees casting shades over the laid with pebbles paths. The place looked amazing even without the lights in night and it smelt wonderful. Carefully I touched one rose and inhaled it.
'' For you, Kamelia.'' – Daniel handed me with wide smile the red flower, after he did the same for the other girls.
'' Thank you, Daniel.''- I managed a smile as I took the rose, my fingers touching his for a brief moment. It was really a sweet gesture , and I blushed when the dark-haired man's eyes remained on my face.
'' What is this statue called?''- Djina asked and the vampire averted his eyes from me and put one hand around her waist and told my classmate some Greek myth. I was glad my red-haired classmate interfered and broke my master's staring. Every time he looks or talks to me I feel shivers. Daniel seems like a human, but he is not. Despite his warm smiles and reassuring words, he is still my owner, and I must not make him angry.
Daniel showed us the outdoor swimming pool. I am a good swimmer and I felt little tempted to dive in the clear waters. The only pool I have ever been to was the school one. The sea was foreign to me, although I dream to see it, to walk over the hot sand, make sand castles, and collect sea shells. But my dream was impossible now, we didn't have money to go to the sea, very few people could afford it now.
'' There is an indoor one.''- The vampire said as he placed his hand on one of the chairs around the pool . –'' You can use it every time you like.''
'' I'm afraid I can't swim well.''- Lizzie said looking at the ground.
'' That's all right, darling. I will teach you.'' – Daniel lifted her chin and winked at her. Djina was practically fuming with anger.
'' The devil is out.''- Trish whispered to me and I hurried to grab Elizabeth's hand and whisked her away from Daniel. I and Beatrice knew how dangerous Djina could be and I wanted to save Lizzie from her wrath. If it was up to me, my red-haired classmate could have the vampire, she seemed to like him and fancy the idea of living permanently here. But he dragged the rest of us in this, so we had to find a way to get along. Trish was already like a sister to me; Elizabeth looked like a person I could get along with. The only problem was Djina, she was like a viper.
I was walking behind Daniel Turner as he was giving us a tour of the house. There was a SPA centre, a movie salon and a gym. I had never been to SPA's, never had aromatherapy or massages. I admit I was envious of this life as I saw how beautifully decorated in oriental style the place was.
''When you come here, you can order drinks. Just call for Helena or Jack.''- He introduced the two servants. I blushed. As long as I am here I have to be served like a princess. This morning I couldn't even make my own bed, one girl, Irene did it for me. She even ironed the dress I am wearing. It was uncomfortable.
My eyes were trying to memorize all the corridors, but I was getting confused more and more. The floors were polished, the chandeliers were golden, and the smell of wonderful flowers filled the air. How many people had to die to buy this beautifully crafted mirror or this amazing painting? How many tears were shed so the vampires could afford those carpets or the golden ornaments carved into the walls? It made me sick as I recalled all the food for lunch. All those dishes we couldn't ever afford, or don't know the name of. I was eating such a delicious food while people somewhere starve.
Marcus brushed on my leg and I stop myself before screaming. The grey wolf didn't look that terrifying, but right now my nerves were pretty wired. Carefully petting the animal's head I followed Djina in the library, which was on the third floor.
'' You could come every time you like here, darlings. I' m sure each one of you will find something appealing.'' – Daniel ran a hand through his hair as Lucian sat at his feet. This place was huge! Five bookshelves filled from bottom to the top with books, cozy armchairs, and a fireplace. I saw myself cuddled in one of the plush armchairs; book in hand, as the snow is falling peacefully outside. The lit fireplace is keeping me warm as I read and drink hot chocolate. I loved to read, always have a book on my night stand and by looking at the names of the authors, I would surely enjoy coming in here. I shook my head and got out very quick from my blissful winter fantasy. The impressive collection of classic and modern literature belonged to the man, creature before me, Daniel Turner. I wasn't on a trip or stay here, I was ordered to be here. And no matter how handsome Daniel Turner looks with his expensive clothes and green eyes, he is a monster , the same kind that killed my grandparents, forced my mother to leave her hometown and hide for months in the woods, learning how to shoot. I mustn't let all the luxury cloud my mind and forget.
'' Can I take this one?'' – Lizzie lifted from the table one book and glanced at the vampire.
'' But of course, dear. ''- Daniel moved closer to the brunette and said as he saw the title.-'' It's a very interesting one, good choice. I think I have more from this author here.''- Blinking rapidly I watched the vampire as he took out some other book and handed it with a charming smile to Elizabeth. –'' I can recommend you other books with the same topic.''
'' Thank you. But I will try these ones first.'' – My classmate hugged the books to her chest and returned the smile. I always thought vampires to be evil beasts, killing without batting an eye, drowning in rivers of blood and burning down houses. But doing something so normal and human as reading? Could the dark-haired guy before me posses such abilities?
Daniel's voice was smooth and sweet like honey. I understood why Djina was staring him like that, why the girls from my class casted us jealous looks. For a man Daniel Turner was indeed attractive, pleasant voice and the rumors of the girls he used for feeding often made everyone blush. I get why he was so fantasized about, not the mention the fact he is the mayor's son, wealthy and powerful.
'' You can take the book in your hand, Kamelia. '' – My master appeared at my right and I jumped a little. His green eyes moved from the title to the locket around my neck. It was a gift from Anthony with an engraved from my favorite love poem verse and inside the rose - shaped trinket a picture of us. I forgot to leave it home yesterday, and I had intended to remove the jewelry this morning. But I stupidly forgot, engrossed with unpacking and getting ready to meet the mayor and his wife. I had rearranged my luggage several times, stopping to wipe the escaped tears. I got lost in this, getting ready and I just forgot.
And now I realize how doomed I was, as I watched how Daniel's fingers were reaching for the locket. I was frozen at my spot; I swear I had stopped breathing. I felt every one's eyes on me. Trish's were scared, because she knew what this was. I was very happy as I received it from Tony for our six month anniversary .How he spun my body in the air, how I caressed before kissing him his brown hair. Djina was smiling wickedly because it would mean bad things for me. Lizzie was clutching the books to her chest, wondering what to say or do.
'' Very cute thing.''- Daniel whispered as he twirled the locket in his long fingers. My eyes were glued to his face, body literarily paralyzed with fear. Why was I so stupid?! Why I hadn't taken the damn thing off after I put makeup on and picked a proper dress?! Why I forgot?! Tears formed in my eyes. Now my mother will suffer for my stupidity. I would endure any kind of punishment even death, but endangering her, my only family...
'' It's endearing really. A cherished present. '' – The vampire read the engraved date and the To my Kami on the front. My heart broke as he opened the locket and studied the picture inside. It was of me and Anthony, him kissing me on the cheek and my arms around his waist. Daniel's eyes were glued to the picture and it felt like an eternity before he spoke. –'' Take it off. Now.'' – The sweet tone of his voice was gone, now he sounded more like the creature he was. The savage beast that enslaved our town. Daniel's green eyes met mine for the first time and I started shaking by the dangerous gleam in his.
I wanted to scream but the voice was stuck in my throat. My fingers fought clumsily with the piece of jewelry. The vampire was watching my every move, arms crossed.
My guard Michael appeared out of thin air and looked at me sternly. We had exchanged a few words with him and I was hoping that we might get along.
'' Please, dispose of this. Quickly.'' – Daniel dropped the locket chain he was squeezing in his fist in my guard's. Michael eyed me disappointedly and vanished with unnatural speed.
My knees buckled and I sat on the ground, raising my hands to pray.
'' Please, I am so sorry. Please don't hurt …''- The next words ended in sobs. Gruesome images ran through my head as I wept. My mother tortured, our home burnt. And all of this because of me! Covering my mouth, I closed my eyes as my shoulders were shaking from tears.
'' Get up.''- The vampire's words made me jump out off my skin. But I refused to move, eyes directed on the ground, unseeing.
'' Look at me.'' – Daniel's voice was gentler, almost kind. His fingers lifted my chin and I met his eyes. –'' Nobody will get hurt, Kamelia. ''- That must be some trick! The anger in his eyes was still there. –'' Since it's your first day here, I will make a compromise. You behaved so well at lunch today. And for that I thank you. But such things I won't tolerate again. Your past life doesn't matter anymore until I say so. So I suggest, Kamelia, that you check your luggage again and throw out every present, picture, given by your sweetheart. That goes for you all.''- He looked at my classmates.
'' Now get up, Kamelia. ''- The vampire helped me up and told Trish to walk me to my room.-'' She needs to rest.''
Daniel's POV
That stupid girl! What was she thinking to wear something like this in my presence?! I wanted to snap her neck for this, I hardly restrained. But she had forgotten, I read her thoughts. And I can't kill one of the girls after just one day! Yes, Kamelia Owens made me so mad for wearing a gift from her boyfriend, while she could be my future wife. I knew the girls probably had sweethearts, but seeing a symbol of that love made me sick. I felt it like a mockery, like a dagger. But her mind made me decide to spare her, for this time. The mortal begged so sweet, she was sincere and I let her be. I better keep a close eye on Miss Owens from now on.
