The next chapter will be Daniel's POV. I hope this one is good, and thank you so much for the reviews! For me it means a lot! Enjoy and excuse me for some errors : )
The school day reached its end far quicker then I wanted. Usually I would be thrilled that I can leave the school, but not today. Today I hoped for the time to stop. The ticking of the clock was making me more nervous than necessary and I would have fainted if it wasn't for the lunch. I had drunk two coffees, only little water, and my head was spinning. I was grateful I had Michael with me, who wrapped an arm around my waist and walked me to the cafeteria. In any other situation I would have screamed if a vampire touched me, but my guard wasn't my enemy. He was on my side, for now at least. I must not lose his trust. Michael helped me sit and let me go; it was uncomfortable for him too. The guards were not allowed to touch the girls, but he did it so I wouldn't faint.
Anthony was looking at me worryingly, and he had made a move to stand up and come to me, but I pleaded with my eyes to not move from his seat. My boy obeyed, but stabbed his food with anger, and often glanced at me. My lips still remembered his kiss, but in front of my guard I had to pretend nothing had happened. If the truth was discovered, Tony will be dead, tortured probably by Daniel himself. How can my boy be so stupid to come and kiss me! That will seal his death sentence, if my master found out. I was happy to hug and kiss my Anthony, but the fear was bigger. So I had tried my best to hide my emotions and let Michael think I was nervous about the dinner with Daniel. The lunch was awkward. Djina was again surrounded by a group of the other popular girls and she took pleasure into telling them every detail about what the mansion looked like, and what Daniel Turner had done, said. My red-haired classmate had looked at me from time to time, and I was sure she had told about my humiliation because the other cheerleaders were laughing as they sat on the table, which was on the left from us. I would have plucked her red hair, but Michael stopped me. Other girls, the ones I don't usually talk to, had come to sit next to us. I had been invisible to them before all of this, but now they chose to invite themselves over, but I ignored them. One of the popular girls, Holly, asked if Daniel was as handsome as the magazines showed, but I didn't answer. If I had, I would reply some very nasty words, but Michael was with me, and he scolded me silently with his eyes, and I just nodded.
Me and the girls had chance to talk more. Apparently my master had returned everyone's cell phones, accept of course, me. God knows when and if I will receive mine again. Not only that, but he had let them explore the house. Daniel had played tennis with Beatrice, had lunch in the garden with Lizzie and arranged a hairstylist for Djina for today. The girls were given his best behavior, all the sweet words, and kind smiles. I was the only one he had made his servant. I was the only one he ordered to be locked into her room. I would have gone insane if I didn't have Michael to talk to. My routine consisted watching TV, reading the book I brought, and doing the chores Daniel asked me to. With no way out, only these four walls and the same furniture. At least my guard was a good company. I had never thought I will enjoy talking with a bloodsucking monster, but I did. Michael was by my side, he entertained me with stories about the places he had been to, and it was nice to watch movies with him. We were closer to breaking the ice between us.
The ride with the limo was so fast or it was my imagination. I was so tired, I wanted to hide beneath the covers, but I couldn't. I had to prepare for the dinner with Daniel. My date with him. I mentally scolded myself. It wasn't a date, but an order. A date would imply I fancy the guy and want to get to know him. This was just an order. What on Earth would Daniel want from me? He treated me like I was lower than him these two days, and now a dinner? My master had expressed a wish to get to know me? Was this a joke?
'' You are given another chance, Miss Owens. Don't waste it. Just show him that you are not a bad person.''- Michael had said when I had foolishly run and locked myself in the girls' restroom. I know, a stupid move, but my head was going to burst. That man treated me like trash, and now he wants to make up? How can I dine with him, when I had ironed his clothes, helped carry the carpet out of his room or changed the light bulbs? When I had dusted the chandelier? How can I pretend that didn't happen and just smile? –'' Please, don't make me break the door with a force, Miss. ''- I had wiped my tears and took a deep breath.
'' I'm coming. Just needed some space.'' – My fingers had unlocked the door and I stared at my guard, who had crossed his arms. –'' I don't want to do this. I can't stand to look at him.''
'' I know, Kamelia.''- Michael had used my first name, when the others exited and we were alone.-'' But for your own good you have to. Daniel sounded pleased by you, and in a good mood. Please, don't make this harder for you.''
I was standing in front of the huge wardrobe, wondering what exactly to put on for my dinner with Daniel Turner? When I had packed my luggage, I had so little time and my main focuses were casual clothes. I had two dresses, one I had worn for the lunch with my master's parents. I was ashamed to admit I didn't have anything to wear.
'' You can take one of my dresses, if you like, Kami.''- Lizzie said from her place on my bed. The brunette was sitting, legs crossed, while my friend was going through my clothes with me, trying to match them. Djina was on cheerleader practice, and Daniel had told her his driver's number, so my classmate could call him when she was finished. None of the other girls had this number yet. Apparently my red-haired classmate was feeling absolutely great in this situation, being selected for a candidate bride to a vampire. I had heard her many times to tell she longed for luxurious life and my master can give her that. I was glad she was away. When she learnt I was to dine with Daniel alone, Djina's face turned green with envy, and then she started to make her friends laugh by telling how I served her, cleaned. Michael had put a hand on my shoulder to keep me from picking a fight with Djina, and her guard Tobias told her to behave and not provoke me. I had smiled with satisfaction when Djina pursed her lips and obeyed her guard. By the looks Tobias was giving her, he couldn't stand her talking. I guess not everyone got on well like me and Michael did. Beatrice and Eric were trying to break the ice, like me and Michael. Lizzie was a little awkward with Derek, but it seemed he was trying to make her more relaxed in his presence- he carried her school bag, and the tray with food.
'' Thank you, but I think I will wear this.''- Beatrice gave me one of her dresses-a knee long one with black lower half and white sleeveless upper one. It was classic and it fit me.
I did my makeup extra carefully. I didn't want it to be too much, just lipstick, eye shadow. I looked myself in the mirror and sighed. I was so nervous.
'' You look great.''- The girls both said and I smiled nervously. My eyes moved to my guard, who had knocked politely on the door and I let him in.
'' You are a very beautiful girl, Miss Owens.''- Michael smiled and I returned his smile.
'' Good luck, Kami.''- The girls both hugged me and I prayed that luck was on my side tonight. I will need it.
'' What am I going to do, Michael? How to react, what to say?''- I muttered when we walked down the corridor. Needless to say I was so nervous, that if somebody pinched me, I would probably jump or scream. My feet were moving on their own accord, I was glancing at the surroundings to help me relax. I nodded as we passed one of the servant girls, Irene, the same one who had made my bed and vacuumed my room. She bowed to me and Michael, who also nodded.
'' Act polite.''- My guard answered, after thinking for a while. –'' The Master is in good mood, don't worry.''- We finally stopped in front of the dining room. I didn't want to let go of Michael, I wished he could be with me. But tonight it will be just me and Daniel; the girls were going to eat in the other dining room. I felt so vulnerable, standing outside the room, with my vampire master waiting for me. I looked again at Michael, wondering if he could really stay in some way. The grey-eyed man smiled kindly as he saw my nervousness and squeezed my hand, before releasing it quickly. –'' Try to calm down, Miss Owens. Be yourself and everything will be fine. ''- And after that sentence he knocked on the door and after:'' Come in.'', my guard opened the door and held it as I entered. Daniel Turner rose up immediately from his seat, and walked to us.
'' Thank you for escorting her, Michael. I will call you if I need anything.''- My guard bowed, glanced at me and his lips curved in a smile, before he exited. I fought the urge to rush after him and just go, but I had to pull myself together, and take this seriously. I just had to act nice towards the vampire, not make him angry, and pray he doesn't choose me as his bride. In fact I was pretty sure Djina was the one for him.
'' Good evening, sir.''- I bowed as I had done these past days. Daniel smirked at the word '' sir''. He owned me after all. After I was selected to be his last girl, the vampire guards had taken us to be examined. They took samples of our blood, and did other tests. I learned I was perfectly healthy, and was fit to become his potential wife.
'' No need to be so formal, Kamelia. ''- The vampire handed me a red rose, which he had hidden behind his back and casted me another of his charming smiles.-'' I want to apologize for my behavior these days. You had made a mistake, and it made me really angry. Please, accept my apology.'' – The charming, seductive smile vanished and the vampire seemed really sincere. Daniel blushed, and it surprised me. I didn't reach for the flower, and the man before me was nervous because of that. Was he not used to make an apology? Or I was making him feel awkward? It must be the first, the vampire avoided my face, and I finally took the red flower from his hand, and my master let a deep breath, a little irritated.
'' I accept your apology.''- Total lie, but I even smiled, hoping I could have fooled him.
'' I hope we can break the ice between us, starting from tonight. I am willing to give you another chance, starting from this week. '' – Daniel gained his smug look back.-'' You look heavenly, Kamelia. ''- The look in his green eyes made me blush, despite myself. Daniel's gaze traveled from my shoes to my head, and my cheeks heated when it moved over my dress. But my master focused more on my face, especially the eyes. - '' This dress really shows the blue in your eyes.''- I would roll my eyes at these compliments, which I had heard before, but there was something in the way he said it, and the way his eyes were staring at me, that I couldn't. Daniel lifted my hand to his lips and kissed it lightly. I reminded myself I had heard that vampires were famous for their seduction and charm, and probably my master was trying to use them on me. But Daniel Turner was indeed a very attractive man, and many girls would have fainted if they meet him in person. But that man had made his personal goal to humiliate me the past two days, and now he wanted to charm me!
'' You look good, too.''- I smiled, remembering to be polite and returned the compliment. But it was not a lie. Daniel was wearing a black shirt, expensive looking one, and matching trousers. His black hair gave him a sexy look and he could be mistaken for some male model. Yes, my vampire master was a dream to many girls indeed.
'' Thank you. And to show you, I have forgiven you, I will return you phone.''- He couldn't have surprised me more if he had told me to pack my things and go home. I had thought I will never see my cell, but Daniel handed it to me.-'' But I will warn you to not contact your sweetheart. Anthony, right? I had blocked his number.''-I lifted my head from the phone and my eyes widened. Had my master read my texts? Probably, the phone was on, and he had plenty time to do that. I only nodded, to answer his question.
'' Thank you for the phone.''- It was so good to have it back, my favorite songs were there. But knowing that the dark-haired vampire in front of me had seen everything I have on it, personal things, it made me sick. How dare Daniel invade my privacy like that?! But he had every right to. He owned me, I signed a contract, which clarified I was property of Daniel Turner until he decides. He could of course, ruin the contract at any time, but he and he alone could do that.
'' No need, the other girls have them too. I think it will be appropriate for you too, to receive it, Kamelia. You have proved you can be good.'' - I felt like a disobedient child, but I gritted my teeth. Daniel pulled the chair for me, and I sat, placing my phone on the table. Tonight the table was set for two, with three salads, and servants entered with different bottles of wine. My master asked me which one I preferred. I didn't understand a thing of wines, but I chose a red wine, the one Caleb was holding. The dressed in purple servant was the one, who had brought my suitcase in, and I remembered his face and the ginger hair. More waiters entered with other bottles- soft drinks, and I chose a mineral water for me. Two waiter girls carried trays with the main courses- a fish one, and a chicken. Everything looked and smelt wonderfully, the plates were huge, the food arranged like a painting in them, the wine was old, and the mineral water one of the most expensive ones. The forks and spoons were engraved with the letters D.T , and shiny. The napkins were ruby red. The table was decorated with flowers, and the lit candles created romantic mood. Too bad I didn't feel like on a date.
I could feel Daniel looking at me as I watched how the servants hurried to arrange the table for us. One of the waiters, Simon, I read on his nametag, opened the mineral water for me, and poured me some. Another filled my glass with wine. It was really awkward to be served at. Daniel had no problem with that, he seemed used to such treatment, but I didn't. I spontaneously tried to help one of the waiter girls, Sonya, place the chocolate cake on the table. The girl glared at me, and then at my master. Blushing like a tomato, I sat up again, Daniel was smirking at me.
My master dismissed the servants, and they bowed to him and exited. Leaving me with him.
'' I know you are mad at me. Don't try to hide it, behind nice words and smiles.''- Daniel spoke, running a hand through his hair.-'' I acted like a jerk and you smile and call me sir. I know you can't stand me, but I want to get to know you, before I decide if I should send you away or no. This night is my way of making it up to you and to start at new. I had decided to give me and you this week. If I find that you are not worth my attention, I shall send you home the next Monday.''- Deep inside I was happy. There was a chance I will leave this place, man, and be free again! Just one week and I could have it all again! But what if he changes his mind? A lot can happen in 7 days. What if Daniel suddenly decides I am interesting, or even like me?! I squeezed the table cloth.
'' So I have to be with you every single day?''- I spoke lifting my wine glass, and clinked it with Daniel's. I regretted the words from the moment I said them. Was I rude or…? But the dark-haired man just smiled.
'' Yes, for us to get know each other better, Kamelia. I realized I had judged you too harshly, before I even know you. We had barely exchanged few words and you made me mad.''- My fingers held the fork a little too tight. The salad with sea food was amazing. I looked up at Daniel and his green eyes made me freeze. –'' Honestly, I still can't understand how such a great student did such a stupid mistake. ''- The vampire had seen my school record, I knew that. Another invasion of my privacy.
'' I forgot. I was so lost into unpacking and preparing for the lunch that…''- I was defending myself again, but I felt the need to. I knew relationships with other boys were forbidden.-'' It wasn't mine intention.''- Fear overtook me again and I wanted to bolt to the door, but I was frozen on the seat. Was that why Daniel wanted us to dine alone? So he could kill me in private?
''Don't worry, you are safe. I know you didn't do it on purpose. But still you had to receive some kind of punishment. ''- Daniel leaned forward and my hand nearly touched his, but I pulled mine away. The vampire smirked at this notion, leaned more and grabbed my other hand and squeezed it. I trembled by his touch, he was warm. – '' You are really very obedient, Kamelia. I thought you would yell at me or even hit me, but you always did what you're told. Michael speaks nice about you, and you peaked my interest. Who is Kamelia Owens? The girl, who pissed me up? What is hiding behind her blue eyes? I have to know.''- My master finally let go of my hand and leaned back on the seat.-'' I chose you amongst the other girls in your school, and I intend to get to know you this week. If I find you boring, then you will leave next Monday morning.'''
'' Are you ordering me?!''- I sat, my back strained on the chair. I was about to bolt at any minute. Anger made me bold, but I wished I could take my words back. But Daniel just seemed amused.
''Finally some character! No, simply stating the inevitable. You could really enjoy your week here, if you allow yourself to''- The vampire raised his wine glass and drank some.
'' If it is filled with cleaning, making coffee, I would pass!''- I rose up and ran to the door. I was so angry, so mad, that I again forgot who I was dealing with. That the creature could kill me on instant, but I had enough humiliation for this week. I had enough of sweeping the floor, dusting the chandeliers, and carrying heavy trays with food. I had enough of doing the laundry.
'' You have fire in you, Kamelia! My, my! ''- My master had moved with his unnatural speed and blocked my way out. I stumbled back and when I looked up I froze, this time by fear. What have I done? The dark-haired vampire's green eyes were not leaving my face, and I could see his sharp canines showing up, before Daniel hid them quickly. The man smiled and walked slowly to me, while I continued to go back. –'' Who would have thought?''- I bumped into the table, and the vampire stopped only a meter from me. His eyes were burning me.-'' Sit down and relax, darling. I'm not going to hurt you. This week, Kamelia, you will be my guest in every meaning of the word. You will spend time with me, get to know me. And in the end of the week, I will decide should I send you home or no. ''- Daniel returned to his seat and motioned me to do the same.
'' I didn't mean to yell at you, sir! I…''- I had stupidly forgotten everything Michael told me, being polite. God knew what would happen to me now!
'' Well, I don't like to be yelled at, but I will forgive you, Kamelia.''- I sat again, otherwise I would collapse.-'' At least you showed a part of your character, other than simply obeying. Come, eat, the food is wonderful.''
I took small bites, still shaking. The man opposite me noticed it and groaned.
'' Loosen up a bit, please! I'm trying to give you a chance here, and you tremble like a rabbit! I'm not going to hurt you or your mother! ''- Daniel leaned forward and I could swore he sounded sincere. No, this was a trick, was the food poisoned or…?-'' I know you don't have a high opinion on me, Kamelia. But like it or not, I own you, at least for this week. The guard assigned to you, only says nice things about you. One of my wolves, Marcus, often comes to your room, and my pets have sixth sense about humans. You proved you can follow orders. So I decided that maybe I should find for myself who you are, before I make my decision. But you will address me only as ''Master Daniel''. And please, don't act like I'm about to attack you, I won't. I only want from you to show me a part of yourself.''
'' What don't you know? ''- I was still lightheaded, and I ate more of the main course. It was wonderful and probably more expensive than everything I have ever eaten.
'' I know you are healthy, born here, father dead. I know your mother's real last name-Parker, before she changed it to Nichols, and then to Owens, when she married your father- Cole Owens. I know where he had lived, but your mother is all alone. ''- Yes, she was an orphan, one of the many during the war with the vampires.-'' I know you are in love with Anthony , and his address. But I don't know the real Kamelia Owens, not the facts, the real person. I want to know who the girl that managed to make me angry is.''- Daniel lifted his wine glass and I clinked it with mine.
'' I don't think I am that interesting.''- I stabbed with the fork some of the salad, and stuffed it in my mouth. I was breathing deeply to calm down.
'' Allow me to decide that.''- My master gave me his usual smirk, as his eyes never left me as I ate. –'' I see you like the dinner. I will give more money to the chefs tomorrow.''
'' It's wonderful.''- I nodded. The cheesecake was simply amazing and I licked my lips, but I stopped when I saw my master's green eyes following the movement. I blushed, hating myself for that. The vampire smirked.
'' I had watched a movie with Elizabeth. Maybe we could do this too, tomorrow. I have a huge movie collection.''- My eyes widened at the idea of being near him again, but I nodded. Watching a movie?! Together?!
Later, when my master had walked me to my room and wished me good night, with kissing my hand, I closed the door and leaned against it. Sighing, I slid down and hugged my knees. What has my life turned into?
