Page 15 of House of Vampires and Flame

I blinked. “You want me to hang out in the kitchen, swing my cock around, and order the chefs to bring you daily meals with sufficient protein and vitamin C?”

“You’re the nutrition,” he said shamelessly. “I’ll drink your blood daily.”

“Bloody hell! No way!” I shouted.

“We can do it the hard way or the easy way,” he threatened. “For your contribution of blood, you’ll receive good benefits besides my protection, food, shelter, and good pay.”

“I don’t need your protection, sir,” I said. “There’re beings much worse than you out there, but I can protect myself well. However, I’ll accept food and accommodation. I also expect to get paid biweekly for being your squire.”

He dropped me like a sack of potatoes, a magnificent maroon building looming ahead. We stared at each other. I massaged my stiff hip, and he narrowed his eyes in displeasure.

“There’re beings much worse than me out there?” he demanded.

“You have no idea, sir,” I said, shaking my head. “The universe is a big, scary place.”

He snorted. “I’m one of the most powerful, terrifying superior beings in this realm.”

“No offense, sir, but I’m not interested in whose dick is the biggest,” I said, then hurried on at his scowl. “Let’s get down to business then. You won’t drink from me daily. My blood is very precious, and I don’t give it away easily. We can go for once a week.”

“Twice a week,” he said firmly. “That’s my final offer.”

“Fine, but I must insist on you not taking more than necessary during each session, sir.”

“You drive a ridiculous bargain, little Bob,” he growled. “If other servants dared to be so insolent, they’d be dead at my feet by now.”

He meant it. I should never forget for one second that he was a predator.

So are we, Sy chimed in. We’ll handle him.

“You said you promoted me to squire,” I argued. “Besides, I have a rare commodity that’s worth more than gold.” I pumped my fist to drive the point home. “I get to call the shots!”

“Do you now?” he asked drily.

“Being fed upon isn’t my favorite,” I said testily. “I can’t believe that I’m even agreeing to this!”

“Then I must have one more test run and see if this commodity is worth all the trouble,” he said, and he brought my wrist up before I could pull away and sank his fangs into my throbbing vein.

“What the—” Before I could ram my other fist into his face, he released me.

“You passed the test, little Bob,” he said with a dreamy smile. “Now come.”

He led me toward the maroon building inside a sleek steel gate and fence. That must be his lair.

Suddenly, a dark thought came over me. Sex predators roamed the human world since their society deteriorated two decades ago. Everyone was out for themselves now. The foundation of “do the right thing” had long since been shredded and left in the dust.

“One more thing, sir,” I called urgently.

“What now?” he asked with irritation.

“Vow on your mother’s soul you aren’t going to molest me!”

“What the fuck?” he grated, then shook his head. “I’m not a little boy molester.” I glared at him at the insult, as I wasn’t a little boy. “I won’t touch you even if you beg me,” he added with a half-snarl. “And my mother has no soul. Now be very careful what comes out of your stupid mouth next, little Bob. I might be in a good mood today, but my patience is running thin with you.”

I nodded. I had that kind of negative effect on people, but it wasn’t entirely my fault. I had a terrible childhood.

“Sorry about your mom, sir,” I said.

He was still better off than me. At least he recognized that his mommy didn’t have a soul. I didn’t even know who my mother was and didn’t care to know. Whoever mated with the worst predator, birthed a monster, and left me for Ruin to consume daily wasn’t worth two shits.

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