“Jared,” he crooned, shaking his hand. “Always good to see you. You look well.”
“And so do you, Rupert.” He flashed him a charismatic smile.
“Your charm is still there, I see. May I enquire about Antonio?”
“He’s great, thank you. Sends his regards.”
“Ah, you must thank him for me. I have hopes to visit The Hollow later this year...”
The conversation faded from my attention as my eyes settled on something else. Bennington. He was stood at the arched entrance to the dining room, sipping a drink...and staring straight at me with a disturbing smile plastered on his grimy face.
Reminding myself that it was important to play my role, I returned his smile of acknowledgement. He gave me a look that said he would see me later, and then he waltzed off into the dining room. I had no doubt that he would see me later, especially now that he had seen me with Jared. If he planned to attack The Hollow the last thing he would want is me fighting on Antonio’s side. Three times he had challenged Victor, Bennington’s idea of a duel, however, was to set one of his vampires against the others’. All three times Victor had used me, and all three times I had won the duel. Bennington knew how well I controlled my gift, and I wouldn’t be surprised if he made one last ditch effort to collect me. Luckily, I was secure in the knowledge that Jared would oppose this.
I returned my attention to Jared and Connelly in time to hear Connelly’s, “This one is a massive improvement on your last consort.”
Could I resist smiling at that? No.
“Yes, she is,” agreed Jared.
“A Sventé?”
I felt Jared stiffen. He was obviously waiting to be frowned upon or looked at like he was crazy. He should’ve listened to me.
Connelly flashed me a smile. “And a beautiful one, too. May I ask your name?”
Say Samantha, not Sam, said Jared. High Master vampires don’t abbreviate their consort’s names, it’s too informal.
I know. My expression was shamelessly flirtatious, only missing the wink. “Samantha.”
His smile became cheeky and his face was suddenly flushed. He turned back to Jared. “It has been so long since I have had an encounter with a Sventé. This brings back some fantastic memories, I must admit. Dare I ask if your new consort is available only to you?”
Translation: Can I borrow her for a few minutes? I couldn’t hold back a smirk. Told you.
“I never was very good at sharing,” said Jared, sliding his hand from my back to around my waist. God that felt good.
“Ah,” murmured Connelly disappointedly but without dropping his smile. “Well, Jared, when you next do a consort spring cleaning, be sure to let me know. I do believe you may set off a trend.”
The noise of the Grand Entry doors opening and closing behind us pulled us all out of the conversation. Connelly laid his hand on Jared’s forearm. “I have to dash. More guests to greet. Please enjoy your evening, I’m sure we will speak again before you leave.” Connelly bowed his head at both of us. “A pleasure to meet you, Samantha.”
“Did he really just suggest I pass you on when I’m done?” asked Jared disbelievingly once Connelly had left to greet his new guests.
“What, you’ve never had anyone do that before?”
“Never. I would never have thought he’d have been so interested when you’re a Sventé.”
“Look, upper class vampires getting involved with Sventés is a bit like dogging – it happens, but no one let’s on that they do it.”
His laugh was silent. “And here I am strolling around with one like it’s the norm.”
“Believe me when I say that if they look shocked it’s only because they wouldn’t have expected you to be so out-in-the-open about it, not because they truly think it’s degrading. If you decided to pass me round this place like a parcel they’d all make sure they handled me at some point, I promise you that.”
Jared’s lips were suddenly at my ear. “The only vampire who’ll be manhandling you tonight is me.”
“If I let you.”
“You get such satisfaction out of teasing me, don’t you?”
“I still maintain that you like it.”
It wasn’t long before master vampires came to greet Jared, each with the same questions – How was Antonio? Was Jared well? Was I his new consort and did he like to share? I could sense that Jared was getting more and more aggravated by that last question. His grip on my waist intensified until it was possessive and a blatant display of ownership. Even that didn’t discourage people from asking. Of course there were the odd looks of disapproval but never did those snobbish vamps let Jared see their distaste; they probably feared causing offense.
One by one the High Master vamps that Jared had told me about last night also came to greet Jared, except for Bennington. Although I glanced around and feigned disinterest, I was listening intently to every word that was exchanged and the tone in which those words were delivered. I almost laughed aloud at how their consorts, all Kejas, seemed to look down on me. They disliked me even more when the High Masters questioned Jared about me, his new consort. I didn’t let it show that I was getting sick of being referred to as a consort. It brought back memories I didn’t want to think about.
When Jared discretely gave my hand a supportive, comforting squeeze I gathered that he had picked up on my irritation. It unnerved me that we could read each other like that. I had slowly gone from being able to sense when he was near to also picking up on what he was feeling at times. If Jared and I had shared blood at some point then I could blame this weird link on that and have the comfort of knowing the link was only temporary. But right now I had no idea what this link was or how to get rid of it.
What do you think about the High Masters then? asked Jared as we made our way out of the patio which overlooked a large, fancy swimming pool complete with a man-made waterfall.
I’d say Carlos’ loyalty is questionable, and I’d say the same about Winston Jones. But I reckon the others would be loyal to Antonio, especially Bran.
You and me are on the same wavelength then.
Oh I knew that and it was what disturbed me.
Have you noticed Bennington acting odd?
A couple of times I saw him whispering and lingering around the other High Masters. He’s been looking over at you quite a bit.
Actually, I think it’s you he’s been looking at. The idea seemed to piss Jared right off.
If he is, he’s probably thinking how best to approach the prospect of you passing me onto him. An idea popped into my head. How about you go leave me alone for a sec and let him have the opportunity to speak to me on my own?
Hell no, Sam, I’m not leaving you alone. I told you, you don’t leave my side.
Just act as if you’re going to answer a call of nature, it’s not like I can’t defend myself if I have to but I can’t see anyone, not even Bennington, trying to hurt me.
No, I’m not comfortable with having you out of my sight.
I pressed myself up against him, seizing his gaze. Instantly his irises began to glow.
Don’t even try seduction to get your way, Sam.
Just give me five minutes.
Hell. No.
With my tongue, I drew a circle on the patch of skin that was exposed by the V of his shirt. He shuddered. I scraped my teeth over the patch the way I knew he liked. Jared, you know this is a good idea.