Page 11 of Awakening the Dhampir

After what I thought was half a day—or half the time until my next sandwich—I parked my ass on the floor. I guessed the distance to ensure the door could still swing open without bumping into me, but I’d still be able to reach out and grab it easily.

I crossed my legs and assumed the standard lotus pose, letting myself fall into a deep meditation. It didn’t last long. You’d think after being in the tiny cell for eighteen days—or was it nineteen now?—I’d be done with the boredom. Nope.

I resorted to doing all kinds of yoga until my body wore out, then I resumed my lotus. At some point, I fell asleep right there in the middle of the concrete floor. But it must have been a quick nap because I still had time for another round of stretches before Jared showed up.

I’d just assumed my pose and cleared my mind when Jared’s voice echoed over the speaker.

“D’laej, move to the bed so I can bring in your meal,” he said. His voice sounded tired, but I didn’t give a damn.

I also didn’t move from my spot. My eyes stayed closed, my body stayed relaxed, and my mind stayed calm. I’d made all my decisions. There was no turning back now.

“D’laej?”

Silence.

“Mallory?”

I flinched, but hopefully, he couldn’t see it on the camera. I knew they had always known my name. Assholes!

“I’m coming in,” Jared said. “I don’t want to see you hurt, so don’t move.”

I didn’t make a sound or move a muscle. The locks tumbled over, and the door creaked. I opened my eyes just enough to see Jared peek in. I still didn’t move. I needed him to push the door just a little farther. He was way faster than me. Unless I caught him by surprise, he’d be gone before I could blink.

“Mallory?” he whispered. “Are you okay?”

It took all my restraint not to respond to my name. It took even more restraint not to draw in his luscious scent. Now that my dhampir was no longer caged, her needs were right on the surface. She wanted his blood.

Jared’s boot scuffed the floor as he took a step closer, holding one hand on the door. “Mallory? Talk to me.”

Another step and the door opened a little wider. I slowly opened my eyes and smiled at the man whose face was mere inches from mine. My dhampir’s magic reached for him, like an invisible hand stretching out and caressing his cheek. I didn’t stop her. He was our means to escape. He hadn’t been awful to me, but he hadn’t tried to help me either. At any time, he could’ve slipped me some extra food. But he didn’t.

I could feel the moment my magic enthralled him. It slipped into his mind and wove around the little sparks in his brain. He made me feel welcome, and my smile widened. I wondered if a vampire’s compulsion felt the same. I giggled because I’d likely never know. Conrad had tried to compel me but failed. Could I be lucky enough to be immune?

“Jared,” I purred softly. “You will do exactly as I say.”

His furrowed brow smoothed out, and he smiled back at me. “Of course I will.”

“Hold the door for me,” I instructed, rising to my feet.

Jared did exactly as I wanted. The guy behind the camera did exactly as I expected. A bitter smell reached my nose as Jared and I rushed out the door. It slammed shut, and I spun around to face my now-willing helper.

“Thank you for everything,” I said, cupping the sides of his face.

The scent of his blood wrapped around me along with his arms. He leaned forward, and I let him press his nose against my neck. I did the same to him, then closed my eyes and let my dhampir take complete control.

Any apprehension I might have had about harming Jared vanished completely. There was no more indecision, no more thoughts of guilt or consequences. Only freedom from my prison. Our prison.

My vision sharpened, and I could now hear the murmur of voices somewhere else in the building. A chair scraped against the floor in the room across the hall, and a man’s voice trickled in through the door.

“She’s free, Master Conrad,” the man said. “She’s got Jared.”

Time’s up, I thought. Or maybe it was my dhampir.

My fangs pierced Jared’s skin. As soon as his blood hit my tongue, everything stopped. A euphoria I never could’ve imagined washed over me with each gulp of his chocolatey goodness. I could taste the hint of orange that his scent promised. It was decadent but not nearly satisfying enough.

All too quickly, it stopped.

“What the hell?”

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