Hey! Sorry its taken awhile for me to update! I'd like to send thanx out to my new reviewers: MysticJewel, Audra (lol, my name is Audrey), Blue Moon Wolf, Starr, and Healing Hands!! Thanx! They made my day! Enjoy chapter 23!
DRACULA'S POINT OF VIEW:
Insolent boy! He dared touch my Cassidy? She belongs to me! Mine! I couldn't even begin to comprehend the unknown feelings of betrayal that rushed through me at this very moment. For standing, I was, in the corner of Cassidy's room, watching her sleep in a chair next to that bloody idiot. Cassidy slowly began to stir to. I watched with interest as my beautiful little servant tried to recognize her surroundings. You are with me, my love. With me alone. She glanced down at Thomas and something in her lavishly green eyes flashed. I snickered, for I knew that look. It was the look of loving care. Something I have yet to receive…fully. As Cassidy stretched and headed towards the door, I smirked to myself. Cassidy left the room and I stepped menacingly out of the concealing shadows. When Thomas wakes up, he'll have quite the surprise.
CASSIDY'S POINT OF VIEW:
Rubbing my cold numb arms, I made my way down to the kitchen. So many uneasy thoughts filled my head. Dracula. Octavian…loser. Thomas. Oh, poor sweet Thomas. What was I to do? I have not spoken to the Count in almost a week and I fear he might not care for me anymore. Octavian…well, he's just a nasty old creep and Thomas…oh Thomas. What was I to do with my Thomas? Entering the kitchen, I yawned and grabbed a pan absentmindedly. Eggs for breakfast. Again. As I cracked eggs over the pan, I heard the door to the kitchen open. I turned, half expecting it to be Thomas or one of the Brides, but to my most displeasure…it was Octavian. "Hello there, young one. I fear I couldn't sleep and I find that I can find peace when I am with you." He said gently, leaning against the wall casually.
I found my lips deceived me. I didn't reply. "Am I disturbing you?" he asked knowingly. I simply shook my head and quickly turned my head to my burning breakfast. Great! I pulled the pan out from the old fireplace and stared at my black eggs with longing. No… "Pity. Could I be of some assistance?" Offered Octavian with a slight smirk. I merely lifted an amused eyebrow and gave him a look that said, 'be my guest.' He chuckled and took the pan from me. Grabbing some eggs, he idly cracked them over the pan and gently rocked them over the fire pit. "Keep shaking this a bit while I get some meat." He ordered softly as he made his way to the icebox. I slowly and cautiously took the pan and did what he said, never taking my eyes off of him. He grabbed some fresh ham and set it on the old cutting board. I watched curiously as he sliced it with ease. He then lingered up to me with a disgusting, yet dashing grin and threw the sliced meat in. It sizzled in the pan restlessly and he took the pan from my hands and began to shake it around. Ok…so it smelled good. I didn't have to let him know. "There now. That is what I call an omelet." He announced proudly.
Serving me, rather enthusiastically, I watched him with my eyes narrowed. What was he playing at? "Are you not going to eat?" He asked with a slight frown. I studied him unconvinced for a moment before taking a bite. Ok, so it was good. He watched me in amused silence as I ate quietly. I finally slammed the fork down and glared at him. "What? Do I have something on my face or something?" I almost shouted. "No, why would you think that?" He asked mockingly. "Oh, I don't know, maybe because of the way you're staring at me!" I replied shrilly. Calm down, Cass. It is not your place to yell at a master. But this guy? Really! He chuckled lightly, yet a bit threateningly. "I was merely thinking of what I would like to do to you." My eyes widened at this. What did he want to do to me? Most likely something I wouldn't like. His eyes traveled over my body and I felt very uncomfortable. I crossed my arms and stood up. Grabbing my pan, I sat it down on the counter, not wanting to be in this room another moment; I didn't take mind to wash it.
As I, rather quickly, walked by him to the door, he pinched my backside and I stopped momentarily in my tracks to register what he had just done. I clenched my fists at my side and closed my eyes. Just keep walking, Cassidy. Just keep walking. I finally urged myself to leave without pummeling him to the ground and thought that I should check on Thomas. My intentions were to act like nothing happened last night. Nothing whatsoever. As I neared my door, I couldn't help but think I was overhearing some voices within. Angry voices. I came closer and heard the sound of a whip tearing flesh. I gasped and jumped back from the door with terror. Dracula? I leaned towards the door and I heard his angry voice shouting, with the whip. "Hopefully, this will teach you not to touch other people's things!" Once again, I heard the whip crack down and the torturing screams of Thomas followed. Gathering my courage, I kicked the door open and ran at Dracula before he could snap down again.
DRACULA'S POINT OF VIEW:
I was on my merry way to crack down upon Thomas when my Cassidy ran to me and grabbed my arm. Not in the best of moods, I pushed her away and snapped down on Thomas once again. "No! Stop! Please stop!" Cassidy screamed. She had sweet, yet blessed salty tears running down her rosy cheeks. How I yearned to kiss them all away. I raised the whip once again, but her next words stopped me in midair. "No! Vladislaus! Please stop! Please!" I loweredthebloody whipand stared at her in wonderment. She choked on a sob and instantly ran to Thomas. He was covered in much blood and the smell was overwhelming.
I watched in silent disgust as she sobbed over his broken form. She raised his shaking arm over her shoulders and helped him to his feet. He almost fell to the floor with pain and exhaustion, but she held fast and helped him to steady himself. "Cassidy…" I was cut short by her blazing green eyes. "Don't! I don't even want to hear it! Just don't come near or touch Thomas…and stay the Hell away from me!" She yelled with pained fury. Stay the Hell away from her? Oh, the irony. She left with Thomas in her arms and I couldn't help be desperate at thought of being in Thomas's place instead. Her arms…so warm, strong, yet so gentle. What really bothered me about this whole situation was that that was the first time she has ever said my name. My real name.
I would like to thank Hermione-Malfoy, Lady Kathrin, Widow Dracula, Silver Flover, Jasmine Sparrow, Gumpergirl07, Agnes Fey, lilegyptiangoddess, angelofopera, Erin, Gem, Luthien Anwamane!! Thanx a whole lot!!