His brow arched suggestively as a devious smirk surfaced on his devastatingly gorgeous face.

I corrected, Do you need me for something that doesn't involve tasting my blood?

Five nights and I'll be tasting you whether you like it or not.

I snorted. You keep telling yourself that if it helps you sleep in the day.

Chapter Three.

(Sam) Fletcher, the gem, insisted on accompanying me to the Residence Hall that he had earlier pointed out as the place where the commanders all reside. In front of the hall was a s.p.a.cey garden with a pebbly path that wound toward the entrance. The main doors were black and bulky yet easy to open thanks to my vampire strength.

It was even quieter inside than it was outside. Quieter than I thought anything could be. You know that feeling when everything's so quiet that you can actually hear a weird little buzzing sound in your ear?

Fletcher's voice was like a boom in the silence, "All of the personal a.s.sistants of the commanders, me included, live on the ground floor and bas.e.m.e.nt. Our apartments aren't as big as yours but they're nice and cosy, that's all I ask of life."

"Have you always been a personal a.s.sistant here?"

"Oh yeah. When my Sire got the position of one of the security guards about forty years ago he brought some of his vampires with him one being me. I've only been Jared's a.s.sistant a few years. Before that he had a dozen different women. I think Antonio appointed me for Jared because he just wanted Jared to have an a.s.sistant he couldn't s.h.a.g."

I giggled. "Something tells me you would s.h.a.g him given half the chance."

"Am I that easy to read?"

Together we ventured up the soft regal-blue carpeted staircase until we came to the eighth level. We walked along a beige-painted corridor, pa.s.sing two or three black doors until we finally stopped at a door that sported the sign Commander Samantha Parker'.

Earlier I'd pictured myself dashing inside that apartment content as a pig in s.h.i.t. Call me odd, I know I would, but I now found myself procrastinating. I'd spent the past three years sharing a flat with Victor and having him and his guards spying on my every move. Now I would not only have privacy, I'd have things that were mine and just mine. That t.i.tle on the door was mine. This apartment was mine. The new job I had and the wages that would come from it would all be mine. What's more, I didn't belong to anyone now except myself. There was a lot that my slow brain needed to absorb, so many changes so quickly.

"You're gonna love this, I just know it," said Fletcher excitedly as I finally unlocked the door with my key card. "The walls are even vampire sound-proof. How great's that!"

Noiselessly the door swung open and presented me with my new home. Wow. It was much more stylish than what I'd been expecting. I walked along the soft luxury beige carpet of my living area. The walls were brilliant white, as were the window frames, the curtains, and the balcony doors.

"Oh yes I have a balcony," I drawled, pa.s.sing a crescent-mooned shaped three-seated sofa in the centre of the living area that was angled toward a wide screen T.V. at least thirty-two inches that was hanging on the wall. Ooh nice. In between the two was an oval pine coffee table that was positioned comfortably on a white fur (fake fur, I could tell) mat. In one corner was a large dish lamp while in the other was a C.D. player and a collection of C.D.s. As I swerved back to flash a delighted smile at Fletcher I noticed that my duffel bag had been placed near the sofa.

"Come see your kitchen," urged Fletcher.

The carpet ended at a small glossy-cream kitchenette which was tiled the same glossy-cream. Although it was miniature it was all there: cupboards, oven, hob, sink, refrigerator, microwave, kettle, washing machine, and tumble dryer. Fletcher did a Vogue-worthy pose against the fridge before opening it and doing a viola sound. "In here they've stocked you a load of NSTs -"

"NSTs?"

"Sounds like a s.e.xually transmitted disease, doesn't it? No, luv, I mean Nutritive Supplemental Tonics. They've got blood in them and a load of other funky vitamins. Antonio has them made so we don't have to move thousands of humans into The Hollow to feed on." He took one of the gla.s.s bottles out and sniffed. "They're not bad, actually. And they get to your thirst quick enough and they give you a good boost. This one's supposed to have a vanilla flavour to it but I wouldn't know if it does, I've never tried it. I think these ones are the best." He pulled out another of the gla.s.s bottles. "Honey flavoured. Go on, have a sip."

Mainly because I knew Fletcher wouldn't shut up until I tried some, I took the Honey flavoured NST and removed the cap. The aroma that escaped the bottle was alluring and hypnotic, drawing you to the liquid. It was the kind of smell that would make you feel hungry even if you originally weren't. But I was hungry well, thirsty so I aggressively chugged it down. I probably looked like an animal but I couldn't have cared even if you paid me to. "That's alright that."

"Good Lord, you must've been parched. Why didn't you say something?"

The feeling that came from devouring the drink was strange. I felt relaxed the way I did after a mug of Hot Chocolate, but I also felt giddy and hypo the way I did after a can of Red Bull. There was such a silky feel to the liquid that it soothed my throat and made me feel refreshed rather than groggy. But although it got to work on the thirst pretty quick like Fletcher had said, it at the same time had left me wanting more. Nothing quenches the thirst other than pure blood itself.

Fletcher tugged on my arm. "Come on, come see the bedroom suite."

The beige fluffy carpet began again after the kitchenette, leading into a gorgeous bedroom where there was a Queen-sized bed adorned with rosy-pink satin bed sheets. Fletcher and I exchanged a knowing look and then simultaneously we both dived on the bed.

"My word, this is comfy," he purred. "I think you'll struggle to get out of this bed in the evenings. I know I'd never leave it if it was mine."

"And it's all mine!"

"You're not getting yourself a consort?"

The word always gave me a chill. I'd been Vince's consort against my will for the past three years. Having s.e.x with someone you despised had a way of making you feel ill inside. I had to question whether s.e.x itself had ever really been that thrilling. "Not a chance in h.e.l.l. Do you have one?"

"Better. I have a boyf. Norm. We've been together 'bout a year now. But maybe you should think about getting a consort just for a little. Pardon my saying this but it looks to me like you could do with a good s.h.a.g. I mean it might help with the aggressiveness and then maybe you wouldn't get so hot around Jared all the time."

Completely taken aback by the comment and the way Fletcher had said it so casually, I guffawed. "What?"

"Oh don't muck about, it's obvious you want him, and him you. You might have decked him at the tryout but those red irises tell me he's gotten over it quick enough. I've heard he's well hung if that helps."

"I do not get hot around him."

"That's a little thing called denial." He waved a hand. "Anyway, if you're not going to get a consort at least get yourself a vessel, luv." A vessel being a human readily available to only you for biting anytime. "There're plenty of NSTs but nothing compares to the act of biting and drinking blood, does it? Maybe you could have a little nibble on Jared's -"

"Right, that's it." I reluctantly rose from the bed. "If you persist on mentioning that sod I'm continuing my look of the apartment without you."

Fletcher gasped. "You can't do that, I'm your tour guide."

On either side of the bed were fitted, white triple wardrobes that had long mirrors on the doors. I was now looking forward to going shopping just so I could fill them. G.o.d it would feel good to go shopping and pick my own things as opposed to having Victor picking everything for me.

Hanging above the top of the bed, adjoined to the wardrobes, was a row of six white cupboards. I fully intended to fill them with books. I'd always liked reading, mostly Stephen King or James Patterson books. You couldn't go wrong with those authors.

On the opposite side of the bedroom was a white chest of six-drawers on which stood an elegantly framed oval mirror. Last but not least, in the corner of the room were a black leather desk chair and a smaller version of the bureau in my office and on it sat a laptop computer and printer.

I guessed that my astonishment must have been clear on my face because Fletcher elbowed me and said, "Overwhelmed?"

I nodded. "But in a good way."

"Well you're about to get even more overwhelmed because in that en-suite bathroom you'll find a large corner bath that doubles as a Jacuzzi."

"What? You're joking."

"See for yourself, woman."

No, it hadn't been a joke. The bathroom was immaculately clean. The walls were painted spearmint green till halfway down and then had large white tiles decorating the bottom half. A turbo shower was hung on the wall over the Jacuzzi bath.

"Well...what d'ya think of your new home?"

"I'm in love." In theory the predominantly white decor should have been quite plain and boring considering that this colour scheme ran throughout the apartment, but it was actually very beautiful. It made the place feel pure and heavenly, even. But even if it had had a dull, gloomy appearance I would still adore it because it was mine.

(Jared) It was getting so easy to sense her. I can't explain how I do it. It's like there's a part of me that's dormant until her husky voice or intoxicating scent is near and then that part of me wakes up and completely takes over. At that point all I can think about, all I want to think about, is her.

I didn't even suspect that she was aware of me hanging over my balcony watching her hanging over her own, two levels down from me, until she sent a thought to me.

What? Her gaze didn't move from her balcony view. I can feel you staring so don't say nothing'.

So she was intensely aware of me too. I couldn't resist teasing her: If you really want to know, I was getting a good look at your a.s.s.

That made her swerve on the spot, her mouth gaping open as she glared hard at me. I could've sworn she looked a little self-conscious.

The truth is I was thinking about what that blood of yours tastes like.

She scowled. You should know that you're setting yourself up for disappointment.

You know you've wondered what it would feel like to have me sink my teeth into your skin.

Oh yes. Sarcasm. I want you Jared, I need you. Eye roll. Haven't you got a twig to go snuggle in to?

Joy doesn't sleep in my apartment. Come see for yourself if you want.

Another eye roll. Good night. Looking a little flushed, she retreated into her apartment.

As much as I teased her about our little bet, the truth was that I didn't really want to win it. Did I want to taste her? Oh yes. But I wanted to taste her because she wanted me to, not because of some bet. I'd make sure she wanted that. I knew it wouldn't happen if I started giving her leeway or showing signs of weakness. Sam was spirited, and it was letting her exercise that spiritedness that got her going. Whether she realised it yet or not, this betting stuff and the constant conflict between us was foreplay.

(Sam) I should have sliced off his salami. I should have. Then I wouldn't feel all flushed right now, imagining him biting and tasting me. G.o.d this was ridiculous. How could you be attracted to someone who made you so p.i.s.sed off that you'd considered burning their b.a.l.l.s with a lighter? I wanted to t.w.a.t myself over the head for being so relieved that he didn't share his apartment with the twig. I didn't want to want him or think about him or be jealous about the twig. Maybe it was nothing to do with Jared, maybe Fletcher was right and I needed a good s.h.a.g to set me straight. Maybe getting a once-over by a stranger would help me burn off these stupid feelings. With horniness out of the equation, I wouldn't want Jared anymore. Right?

I'd think on that a little more at dusk. For now, as much as I was curious to know if I also had internet access and satellite channels, I was way too tired for that or anything else. Without undressing I plonked myself on the bed and immediately entered dreamland and slept like, well, the dead...until about fifteen minutes after dusk had settled.

I dug out the last of my clothes from the duffel bag a pair of black denim, slim-fitting jeans and a white long sleeved top that hung loosely over one shoulder and dressed with vampire speed. Then I enjoyed three NSTs (greedy, I know, but I'd burnt off a lot of calories yesterday and I'd have a busy evening tonight) before heading out my door.

As I descended the final set of stairs I saw a blonde bloke coming my way that I'd never met, but who at the same time found familiar. It wasn't his tallness that was familiar, or his athletic yet slim build, or his c.o.c.ky strut which I really liked. I'd remember someone that appealing. But there was something about his smile and his eyes...hazel eyes.

"You must be Commander Parker," he said in a friendly, chirpy tone.

"Sam."

"Commander Michaels the other one but just call me Evan."

I took the hand that he offered. He had a firm handshake. "You're...Jared's brother?" I hadn't known he had one.

"We're twins. Both got Turned into vamps at the same time. I heard you're a Feeder."

"Yep."

"And you use an energy whip...?" His smile turned a little roguish.

"Not in a Dominatrix kind of way." What was it with blokes and whips?

"Shame." His eyes ran over me, but not in a slimy way, as he continued pa.s.sed me. "See you at the meeting."

The meeting was being held in the mansion in one of Antonio's many conference rooms. Inside there was a long table that seated thirty people. Only Jared and a few other blokes were in there when I arrived. I was fifteen minutes early.

"Evening Commander Parker," said Jared with a smirk as I sat opposite him near the head of the table. We'd be the nearest to Antonio, by the looks of things. Jared was wearing that same expression that he wore when he proposed his little bet. A bet that I was having a hard time not thinking about.

"Stop calling me that, you know it does my head in."

"Does your head in?" Unfamiliar with the terminology, it would seem.

"It annoys me," I amended.

"Sam, this is Commander Dawson." Jared gestured to the bloke beside him who had quite a gangly look and buck teeth.

"Hi," I said. I wasn't much of a conversationalist after just waking up.

"Heard about your performance at the tryout." Dawson's voice was gruff, making him sound aggravated, which perfectly suited a Pagori vampire. "Controlling the elements is a hard thing to do."

"And this is Commander Marsh," said Jared as he pointed to the vampire beside Dawson. Marsh flashed me a smile that was obscured by a badly-in-need-of-a-trim moustache. Both his moustache and his hair were bushy and silver.

"And I'm Donnie," said a wide-eyed, incredibly cute vampire in a flirtatious voice. "Or Commander Rodney."

Just then more vampires piled into the room, laughing and joking amongst themselves. I recognised two of them as the blokes who judged at the tryout with Jared. If I remembered rightly, the dark-skinned Keja was Commander Lou Sherman and the auburn Pagori was Commander Will Norton. Both nodded at me, looking a little awkward.

I knew it was childish that I didn't nod back, but both of them should have done the fair thing and told Jared not to be so biased against women and give me the place I'd earned in the tryout. Well, here I am sitting in a meeting with them as their equal so who's laughing now?

Jared introduced me to three more commanders: McGowan (a German tall, miserable-looking Pagori), Baker (a dark Pagori who laughed like a hyena) and Rowan (another Pagori who turned out to be a whistler).

"And, of course, there's me," said a familiar voice. I turned to find Evan doing his c.o.c.ky strut into the room. "h.e.l.lo again," he said to me before turning to the bloke beside me, Commander Baker. "Move along, Laugh-a-lot." After a short game of musical chairs, Evan was seated next to me.

"I see you two have met." If I didn't know any better I'd think Jared sounder sour about it.

"I tell ya something, bro, that consort of yours Joyce, or whatever her name is is weird. She's just pulled me aside and asked me to keep you away from Sam."

"Why?" I asked, amused.

"Because she's weird," Evan repeated. "Not that I mind keeping you company."

Going by the odd expressions being exchanged between the brothers, I'd say they were having a telepathic conversation. And it wasn't altogether pleasant.

"But won't that upset your consort?" I said to Evan, teasingly.

"Oh I don't have one." He waved a hand as if the whole concept was dumb. I liked Evan.

Just then Antonio, his two guards, his two Pit Bulls, Sebastian, and a strange, tall Keja bloke who had long white-grey hair and a matching long beard entered.

That's Luther, Jared informed me. He's Antonio's Advisor.

Someone should tell him that he's not living in the film Lord of the Rings.