Chapter 19
All about the blood
"Are you alright?" Elijah asked worried. "Did it hurt?"
I shook my head. Of course I felt his fangs but it didn't hurt that much. He took a piece of cloth and wiped my wrist. I wanted to do this with him before I would have to do it with Klaus. I needed to get used to it. I didn't think that he would be so careful with me. Tonight would be my first night in his chamber and it scared me. I had slept well last night since I knew Elijah wouldn't hurt me. He had brought another bed in his chamber for me. That was understandable; it would have been uncomfortable for him to sleep too close to me.
"Would you like some breakfast?" Elijah asked.
I nodded. But first I needed to get dressed. He escorted me to my room and waited until I was finished. Jane looked at me a little oddly. She knew that I hadn't slept in my own bed but she didn't say anything. I wore a simple violet gown. Klaus was already waiting for us in the dining room. His eyes turned immediately to my wrist that was almost healed. Almost. I could saw some feeling on his face but I wasn't sure what it was. He seemed tense. I swallowed and offered him my other wrist. He looked at me and smiled.
"No thank you. We have time for that later."
I was nervous but at the same time I was grateful that he didn't want to do it now. I wanted my other wrist to heal first. They were both quiet when I ate my breakfast.
"I think we need to have that talk now", Klaus said calmly when I had finished.
I was very nervous but I nodded. We went to the library and I sat on the armchair. They were both looking at me very closely.
"So, who are you afraid of?" Klaus asked.
I tried to think where to start. I had to tell them.
"The people who trapped you?" Elijah repeated.
I nodded.
"Who are these people?" Klaus asked.
"They practice dark arts, sorcerers of some kind. They held you captive until I found you from the woods", Elijah interpreted. "You saw two of them in Lord William's ball and they recognized you."
I shivered. I was scared. They understood that without any signs. Elijah touched my shoulder.
"No one will harm you Annabelle, I promise."
I looked at him and smiled. Klaus seemed tense.
"I need more information about these people", he said calmly. "You must tell me everything you know."
I nodded. I felt relieved but also scared. I really hoped that I could someday feel safe.
...
I brushed my hair and wore my long white nightgown. I really hoped that I could sleep in my own room. Klaus and Elijah were both standing in the hallway. I could saw that they had been arguing. About me probably. Elijah looked worried. I kissed his cheek and signed him good night. I didn't want him to worry about me.
"Good night Annabelle", he said trying to smile.
I smiled too and hugged him. Klaus seemed impatient but he didn't say anything. I followed him to his chamber. There was only one bed. That made me even more nervous than I already was. I turned to look at him when he closed the door. I pointed at myself and the bed. He smirked.
"Yes, it is a big bed; there is room for both of us."
I tried to look calm. He smiled and touched my cheek.
"There is no need to be afraid my sweet Annabelle. You are perfectly safe with me."
I wasn't so sure about that. But it was better to get the whole blood thing over with, so I sat on the bed and handed him my wrist. He looked at me for a moment before he walked slowly to the bed and sat next to me. I really hoped that he wouldn't be rough. I was breathing faster when he touched my hair.
"I do not wish you to fear me", he said quietly.
I looked at him. He closed his eyes and smelled my hair.
"You smell so sweet…" he murmured.
I swallowed. I truly hoped that he wouldn't lose control again. It wasn't nice to be drained. He touched my neck and pushed me gently on my back. He took a pillow and placed it under my head.
"Are you comfortable?"
I nodded although I was very nervous. He leaned closer and kissed my neck.
"Ready?" he asked.
I nodded and felt his fangs on my neck. It hurt at first but the pain passed. He raised his head and looked at me.
"Are you alright?"
I nodded. He lied down next to me and wrapped his arms around me. At first I felt tense but I got used to his presence. It wasn't so uncomfortable.
"What an intriguing little creature you are", he murmured and kissed my neck. "I want more than just your blood."
I felt tense again but he stroked my hair calmingly.
"Not tonight, if you do not feel comfortable."
I looked at him and shook my head. He smiled.
"I understand. This must be strange to you."
I nodded and pointed at him.
"Yes, this is strange to me too. Funny, I never thought I could…"
I waited for him to continue but he never did. I yawned and tried to find a more comfortable position. He chuckled.
"Careful sweetheart, a man can only take so much."
It took a moment before I understood what he meant. I had basically rubbed myself against him. I felt embarrassed. I moved further away from him but he pulled me back and sniffed my hair.
"My girl", he murmured and started to caress my neck.
He sounded…what? Happy? I felt confused. Then I realized that he was probably acting this way because of my blood. Maybe it affected him like an alcohol or something. Either way I was sure that he would get over it.