WELL! No reviews? Pffft, whateverrrr. :] Haha, naw I don't deserve reviews I was away for much toooo long. :] And also…I'd like to ask…does it seem like a lot of romance, because right now it isn't my goal for overly romantic or sprouting love. From this chapter on you should start to see a little bit of loveyness, but let me know if it seems to be coming on to strong. I'm looking for a slowly progressing love. :]

Pain Without Love

Chapter 4

The party was extravagant, Zoey could tell before their limo had even pulled up to the door. There were hundreds of people flooding inside of the large mansion, while dozens were littered among the huge stone staircase that led to the French doors at the front. "So…If this is for vampires…Why didn't you all just make yourselves appear here…what's the need to drive?" she asked quietly. Daniel looked at her, a smirk on his face as he considered her question. "Don't look at me like that…it's a perfectly reasonable question…"

Daniel sighed, "Because…though we have the ability…we thrive on the traditions of our human counterparts…" he murmured. "We like to appear as though we aren't complete monsters…or…some of us at least…" he chuckled quietly. "Now remember…You have to act like a pet…Do not speak unless I, or another vampire, speaks to you first. Answer all questions, no matter how personal…If you're not supposed to answer something then I'll step in and interject. Do not smile, but don't frown, just keep your face devoid…Stand up straight, and act as if you're infatuated with me-"

"Wait! What? Infatuated with YOU!" Zoey cried out.

"Yes…most pets have been bonded to their masters, or the masters at least have some level of control over their subjects…" Daniel rolled his eyes. "So just act…alright?"

"Fine…" Zoey mumbled begrudgingly.

"Just remember, little bird…Once you've fulfilled your purpose…I said I'd let you die…" whispered Daniel as he slid from the stopped limo. He stood and held his hand into the car, reaching for Zoey. She hesitated, but soon took his hand and was pulled gracefully from the car. Nervousness slipped into her bones. What was her purpose? Was she just to make Daniel look good? Was that all he needed her for? Or was there something else?

Inside the party was even crazier than outside of it. Men and women of all ethnicities covered a vast ballroom, where classical music was being played. "Ah! Lord Daniel!" called a voice from the behind them. Daniel turned and as he did so, he made sure to pull Zoey around as well. "I've been looking for you, ahh it seems you've finally gotten yourself a lovely little pet…" The man was a vampire, obviously from his crimson colored eyes.

"Hello Master Darius…" mused Daniel with a sly grin. "I was wondering when you'd slither your way out of the shadows…"

"Oh well…you know me well don't you?" the vampire laughed darkly. Darius' eyes fell on Lacey once more and he grinned again, "What's your name, my darling…"

Zoey looked up to Daniel and he nodded, so Zoey replied in a soft voice,"Zoey, Sir…" She lifted her head just barely and so Darius reached forward to place a finger on her chin, lifting her head so he could look at her closer. It didn't last long however, because Daniel pulled Zoey back a few steps, causing her to stumble out of Darius' grasp.

"You'll have hard time keeping her to yourself this evening, Daniel...Watch your back…" Darius mused before slowly walking away. Zoey looked up at Daniel with alarm. He shook his head and wrapped an arm around her waist before leading her farther into the party. With every step her heart started to beat a bit faster, in fear.

Time went by slowly as Zoey was introduced to vampire after vampire. Some were cruel, some were kind, others were somewhere in between. But one thing she couldn't get out of her head were the few pets with terror in their eyes. Daniel was right, some were infatuated with their masters, but others, others were terrified.

Suddenly the lights dimmed and Zoey tensed. "Shh…" calmed Daniel. "It's alright…" he cooed, his grip on her waist tightening. Zoey pressed herself closer to him, closing her eyes as she did so. He smelled wonderful. She opened her eyes and looked up at him in the dim lighting, his eyes, they always seemed to guarded. Memories floated in of her first few moments with Daniel, and how he'd seemed hurt when she was scared of him.

"Attention my lovely guests…the time has come for our evening main events…" called a man from the front of the room. He stood on a grand staircase, his eyes burning a yellow hue in the dimness. He was the host, a Lord Ezrial. "It is time to draw names and swap our tender pets…"

Zoey tensed at the same time Daniel did. Daniel had no idea that was going to happen, and Zoey felt herself grow dizzy. Swap! She was going to be given over to another vampire?

[Bwahahah! Okie, all done with chapter 4, but I've already started on chapter 5! So worry not! Reviews please.]