Chapter Three
The vampire manor was a three-day drive for a human, but because the vampires had no need to rest, they were able to complete the journey in a day and a half. While they traveled, Alice was able to get enough of her powers back to sense Talon. The cat was alive, and judging by the strength of his presence, he was following along behind them.
At least she would have her companion with her.
The manor was immense and beautiful. Everything that Alice saw around her was a tribute to the wealth of the coven. Intricate designs were carved into the side of the rare and imported stone that made up the manor. A lush, ornate garden complete with exotic flowers and trees spread across the grounds, and just in front of the house, a fountain depicting one of the greatest victories in vampire history stood proudly.
“What do you think of your new home? That shack of yours is nothing compared to the luxuries you will enjoy here, even if my son does not select you as his mate,” Jennifer hummed in Alice’s ear as she forced the witch out of the carriage.
The sun had long since set over the coven grounds, making it the perfect time for the vampires to move around the grounds. Already, she could make out various shapes looming in the darkness. It was all very dramatic and gaudy. She had never liked the way that the vampires flaunted themselves as if they were better than those around them.
“Yes, it’s quite impressive, but not really to my tastes,” she quipped back, grimacing when Jennifer’s razor-like nails dug into her shoulder painfully. “I mean, I suppose under all the glitz and glamour it has a rather rustic appeal,” she continued, hissing when the woman shoved her forward.
“You’ll learn to adore it, I’m sure,” Jennifer huffed, not pleased with the lack of awe on Alice’s face. “You’ll live in the lap of luxury even if my son decides not to select you as his mate. You’ll just have to learn to play nice, because if you don’t, I promise, your life is going to be a lot more difficult.”
“You know, I wouldn’t have to play nice if you hadn’t kidnapped me,” Alice growled, grunting as she was led through an ornate entryway, her eyes locking with a few human servants as they scrambled to get out of the way of their mistress.
Clicking her tongue against her teeth in irritation at being manhandled so roughly, she promised herself she would figure out a way to get back at Jennifer. Stumbling up the stairs and down a hallway, she grumbled as they pulled to a stop in front of a large, oaken door.
“Try to look a little less like you’ve just caught a whiff of spoiled milk, would you? Most girls would kill for the opportunity to mate with the head of a coven as powerful as this one,” Jennifer ordered, glancing up at Alice and frowning as she looked her over.
“I will gladly switch places with those girls. Shall we go, then?” Alice demanded, cursing when the door opened and she was shoved inside.
The room was huge, scattered with couches and pillows that were occupied by a collection of women ranging in age, size, race, and even species. From where she was standing she could see humans, vampires and even Fae, who were all scattered across the room chatting softly with each other. She assumed that these were the concubines that Jennifer had mentioned before. She would have to do her best to help these girls escape when she left. She hated to think of so many young ladies acting as sex slaves for a vampire lord.
“You there!” Jennifer snapped at a particularly small human girl with huge blue eyes and short dirty blond hair. She was cute, with a boyish figure and a slender form. “Go fetch Matheus!” Jennifer ordered, earning a nod from the girl as she scrambled to do as she had been told.
“You know, a please never hurts,” Alice grumbled, swearing when she was smacked on the head. She didn’t have time to protest, though, because before she could turn on the woman, the girl who had disappeared returned with a man in tow.
What a man he was. Alice found herself a bit startled at just how attractive the vampire king actually was. His soft, short, golden hair waved lightly around his alabaster face. His eyes were the color of the ivy that curled up the side of her house. He was built like a warrior but carried himself like a lord. Power and grace seemed to emanate from the man with each step he took, and as he approached, a charming smile curled over his full, pale lips.
“Mother, I didn’t realize you’d be back so soon.” The man, who she assumed was Matheus Lindgern, smiled, his voice rumbling through the air warmly, a deep tenor that offset the sopranos and altos chirping around the room. “Who is this?” he asked, moving up to Alice slowly.
“This lovely woman is the witch that I spoke to you about. She’s lovely, isn’t she?” Jennifer hummed, her hands on Alice’s shoulders as her son studied the woman his mother had brought before him.
“Yes, she is,” Matheus chuckled, eyeing the woman in front of him, his eyes lingering a bit too long on her full curves for Alice’s liking.
“My eyes are up here,” Alice snapped, crossing her arms over her chest and ignoring the startled look of both of the vampires. They were obviously used to receiving at least some sort of courtesy from their servants and followers. Luckily for Alice, she was neither and had no intention of becoming one of their doting minions.
“You certainly have quite a bit of spunk, don’t you?” Matheus laughed, moving forward and studying her slowly. Seeming to like what he saw, he glanced up at his mother with a warm smile. “Thank you, mother, I’ll take it from here.”
“Are you sure? I could stay and see if we can’t control that mouth of hers,” Jennifer grumbled, and Alice wondered just how much she was regretting her decision to bring Alice back to the coven.
“Positive. Why would I want to control her mouth if I want to potentially take her as my bride?” he asked, raising an eyebrow at his mother. “I can handle things for now. I’ll join you later for dinner,” he promised, leaning in and kissing his mother on the cheek before turning his attention back to Alice. “Now, you’ve had a long journey. Would you like to bathe and get changed?”
“Already trying to get me naked, your majesty?” Alice raised an eyebrow, earning a chuckle from the prince, who shook his head.
“Only if you want to, my dear lady. For now, I think that I’ll send Lindsey here to tend to you.” His smile was charismatic as he waved the girl forward. “Please bring her back to my rooms once she’s done,” he requested of the blonde, who nodded and gestured for Alice to follow her.
“Right this way,” the smaller girl ordered, raising an eyebrow when Alice seemed to hesitate. “What? He’s not going to try anything. He’s a better man than you think. Now, are you coming? Unless you like smelling like horses and sweat.” She shrugged before moving towards another side door.
Grumbling to herself, Alice glanced after the vampire king, her eyes flashing as she relented and followed after Lindsey. At least this would give her some time to think of an escape plan.