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“She’s new to all this. It’s not her fault. They’ve allowed her to behave as she wishes.”

I could only blink. They’ve allowed me?

Oh no, I wasn’t liking this. A few tense seconds passed of them glaring at each other.

“If you want to leave. I can tell?—”

“No,” she said rushed, her eye almost twitching. Her attention turned back to me.

“When introducing yourself, you would say, I belong to Crimson Coven or to the Crimson Coven Sires. You must make it known who your master is, but only if the opportunity presentsitself. Otherwise, stay quiet. Never stand beside your vampire, one step behind is customary, never speak first. And when you address someone, ensure you do not look into their eyes, it’s poor form. Lastly, it is custom to offer your neck to all vampire Coven Sires at a gathering?—”

“Offer my neck?” I parroted. I clutched my throat. A twitch assaulted her cheek.

She stood in a smooth motion. Her gaze seemed to spit fire at me.

I licked my lips and refocused on the angry woman staring me down. Everything I said seemed to be wrong in her eyes.

“You will eventually be replaced. You are not an appropriate candidate for your position.” Why did she talk about it like it was some job? She turned on her heel, leaving me in silence as she stormed out.

“What just happened?” I scowled. But honestly, good, she was a bitch.

Maddy chased after her, leaving me here in silence. A few minutes passed and she still hadn’t returned. I was beginning to doubt she would. I hoisted myself off the couch and slowly approached the dresses. Something shiny glinted, catching my eye. A rectangular item covered in fabric leaning against the wall. The gold corner of the frame reflected the light from the chandelier. I tugged the rest of the satin fabric until it glided off, exposing it.

A portrait of Imogen. The corners of her mouth turned up slightly. Her regal features, thin and sharp. She wore one of those dresses with bright colors, unnecessary jewels, and tulle.

Reality bulldozed over me. I stared at the beautifully painted portrait. This was who they valued and saw as an equal.

Could I ever be seen anywhere close to the same? I sighed and rubbed my tired eyes.

If this ‘Pet’ meeting wasn’t happening, then I should visit Peter. He’d been avoiding me. I knew it was because he didn’t want to hear my spiel, but it had to be done.

I trudged down the hallway and down to the second floor, my steps heavy and thudding. This conversation would not be easy.

I knocked on the last door in the hall, technically the third floor if taking the basement into account.

“It’s me,” I called through the wooden door. Nothing. I pressed my ear against the surface. I couldn’t hear anything, which made sense since the rooms were sound proofed. I turned the doorknob and poked my head in.

He sat on the bed, his computer on his lap, very much not asleep. I shut the door behind me, approaching until the end of the bed frame hit my knees.

“I didn’t answer the door for a reason,” he said. He finished typing whatever he was doing and then looked up expectantly.

“You’re right, I’ve been treating you like a kid.” I sighed and closed my eyes. “Vampires aren’t good, Peter.” Moisture gathered on my eyelashes and I did my best to stamp down my tears. “You remember when I disappeared?”

He nodded, setting his computer aside. I perched on the edge of the bed, next to him.

“A vampire captured me. He—” I swallowed hard. “It wasn’t pleasant before I managed to escape.” I paused and wet my lips. “I never meant to get involved with vampires again, Peter, but it’s like I’m cursed.” I squeezed his hand. “I can’t get away, but you can.”

His expression crumpled and I saw that little boy I found alone and hungry in our apartment. The one that thought I’d left him to die. My heart broke all over again.

“I knew you went through something, but . . . I didn’t think,” he paused, sucking in a deep breath between his teeth.

“You’ve got a life, you have friends, a future. It’s too late for me. Stop being stubborn and go back to the life you know you love.”

“Is that supposed to be a dig at me?” he snapped defensively. “I know, I should have visited you more. I should have asked you how you were. I should have helped you?—”

“Peter.” Tears welled in my eyes. “Stop. The way you can help me is by taking care of yourself. Return to your life. Be happy. Have a family.” My voice cracked. I puffed my cheeks out and let out a breath. He stared at the hand I held, gaze unfocused. Another few moments passed.

“Fine.” His swallow was audible.