Page 27 of Tainted Blood

“I specialize in computer sciences. In Jacob’s nest, I was the head of my department. I made sure things like cellphones and laptops in the nest were secure, both for a vampire’s personal information and for secrecy. I also updated the home with modern technology to automate crucial aspects like the daylight shutters and kept them in working order.” I shifted nervously as Maxwell studied me with more interest than the other Romans. Aelia seemed mildly interested, and Lucas, at the end, was practically checked out.

“Having a member of the household specialized in the technologies of the new digital age has proven invaluable already. She’s also working as my general assistant.”

“Fascinating,” Aelia said, keeping her polite smile. “I actually can see how that might be useful. Hopefully safe as well. It would be a shame for Alexius to bring an innocent girl into this world only to get her killed.”

“Mother, from my understanding, he already has gotten her killed.” Lucas smiled, showing teeth.

There were several chuckles around the room, a few bold laughs, all accented by a few soft gasps in shock and awe at Lucas’s boldness.

We were just played, weren’t we? We walked right into that, and it was definitely a stab at Alexius. Isaiah was right. I do need to be careful. I thought the Romans were fine. They seemed really nice when they arrived.

Guess I was wrong…

And being wrong pissed me off, fury flooding me as I glared at Lucas.

“Apologize,” Aelia hissed softly.

“I’m sorry. It was intended to be lighthearted,” Lucas said quickly. He didn’t look all that contrite, but the words sounded genuine.

“It was honest,” Alexius said, and I had to believe I was the only one who noticed just how tightly he said that because everyone else relaxed. Ihatedhow he agreed with Lucas, though. The idea that my choices would be used to make him hate himself even more made my blood boil.

They weremychoices, after all.

“He didn’t get me killed,” I said, correcting both of them. “I knew the risks. I could have backed out, but I wanted to do it for my own reasons. Edwin murdered my mother and made me cover it up from the world and the rest of the staff. He allowed vampires to steadily grow more out of control and harass the staff when we had lived in relative safety for as long as the nest had been there.

“I watched a friend die, then was forced to sit there and keep myself composed while Edwin moved on with his night. I knew the risks and took them anyway because I couldn’t fathom doing anything else.” I leaned back in my seat, trying to summon the ability to remain casual when I knew my eyes were red. “Even if I had stayed dead, it wasworth it. So, you can keep your insults and misconceptions to yourself.”

When I was done, the room was eerily silent. I hadn’t noticed I’d gotten everyone’s attention until I looked around, realizing the activity in the room had come to a screeching halt. I wanted to shrink and dive under the table, anything to get out of being the center of the room’s attention. I focused on the wide-eyed Lucas again, trying to ignore the silent crowd.

“You aren’t what I expected,” Aelia declared, smiling. “Which is a good thing. When you start getting job offers from other nests and smaller households, feel free to reach out to me. I’ll match any offer you receive.”

I knew my jaw dropped open, which only made her laugh.

“Any human worthy of getting Alexius’s attention, one he thinks deserves immortality… Well, you must have been worth it. I like when someone is willing to speak up for themselves and in the defense of their employer… I wouldn’t mind being your employer.”

“I’m glad I could offer myself as the sacrificial lamb for your curiosity, Aelia,” Lucas said, his shock shifting into a smile. “I didn’t think she would take the bait, though.”

I wanted to scream as he said that. Alexius groaned in clear frustration. A moment later, Isaiah was at the table, putting drinks down in front of Alexius and me.

“Why don’t you three leave these two alone for the rest of the night?” he suggested, giving the other Romans a tight smile. “You could have at least left trying to poach her for tomorrow night.”

“I wanted to scope her out and get my offer in before anyone else. The first offer has to be the most lucrative, something to be remembered.” Aelia waved a hand. With that, Lucas got up and let Aelia out, letting her drift to another part of the room. Maxwell lingered, but he took a look at Isaiah, then followed his family.

Isaiah took their place, looking at the room until everyone went back to their own conversations.

“You did well,” he finally said, pushing my drink closer to me. “Didn’t she do well, Alexius? Everly, have a drink.”

“I think that won’t be the first offer of employment she gets before this is over,” he said, picking up his glass and taking a drink.

“I—”

“Don’t tell us what you plan yet, Everly. Let us be surprised,” Isaiah said, smiling over his own glass. “We’re not surprised often enough, and it seems you are full of them.” He pushed my glass with his free hand again. “Drink. You’re red-eyed and sharp right now. It’ll ease your nerves and might help you finally relax. Plus, it’s time, right? You still have midnight feedings, don’t you?”

I nodded and finally gave in to the thirst, but I tried to drink in the same controlled fashion as everyone else. I wanted to say I had no intention of working for any of these vampires, but Isaiah wanted me to keep my plans to myself, and I had a feeling he had a reason.

Once we had a private moment, I planned to make sure at least Alexius knew, then I would find out whatever Isaiah was clearly scheming. I just had to survive the rest of the evening. No one was trying to kill me, but if I kept finding myself the center of attention, I wouldn’t need anyone to try. I might just drop dead.

13

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