Page 65 of Bitten Vampire

“James,” Valdarr interrupts, “I’d like you to meet Winifred.”

Black eyes snap to mine.

“Hi, James,” I say, forcing a friendly smile.

He clips the stylus to the tablet, tucks the device under one arm, and offers his hand. “Ah, you’re the woman I’veheard so much about. The newest member of our clan. A pleasure.”

“Pleased to meet you.” I barely graze his fingers before he pulls away.

Valdarr steps inside, missing the moment when James whips out a bottle of hand sanitiser and douses himself. He scrubs like I’ve infected him. Perhaps it’s germs—or dogs. I give him the benefit of the doubt.

Still rubbing his hands, James follows Valdarr. His voice drops just low enough for only my vampire ears. “You won’t be here long.” The look he throws over his shoulder drips contempt.

Ah, so not OCD. Pure dislike.

Fine. I respond with a pleasant, vapid smile, leaning into the dizzy-blonde persona people expect. I’ve lived under that stare before. I give him nothing to use against me. I won’t be broken or manipulated this time.

We enter a sleek, modern office: charcoal walls, low bookcases, a single steel desk with a matte surface and no clutter save for a slim laptop. A muted abstract painting hangs opposite the windows, and recessed lighting casts a soft glow.

Valdarr gestures to a chrome and leather chair opposite the desk. I dutifully sit, noting all the exits, while James remains standing, tablet poised.

Baylor sniffs, turns in a tight circle—about a hundred times—and finally flops down with a dramatic sigh, eyeing James’s skinny ankles like chew toys.

I’ve created a monster.

“Do you need anything?” James asks, all sugary charm. “O-negative? B-positive? Warm? Chilled? Dog treats?”

“We are fine, thank you.”

“James, is Fred’s suite ready?” Valdarr asks.

“Yes, my liege.”

“Excellent. All right, Fred. Let’s go over the clan rules.”

Rules?

James clears his throat. “Clan Blóðvakt: Primary Laws of Conduct. One. Loyalty to the Grand Master.Every member shall offer unwavering allegiance to the Grand Master and his appointed heirs. Defiance constitutes treason and will be punished accordingly.”

I nod slowly. Unwavering allegiance to the vampire who killed me. Don’t commit treason.Got it.

“Two. Obedience to the liege.” James flicks a glance at Valdarr. “That would be your host. His orders are binding. No exceptions.”

Valdarr looks bored; James looks smug like he lives for this shit.

“Three. Secrecy above all. Clan affairs must remain hidden from the other derivatives. Breaches, accidental or otherwise, carry… consequences.”

No need to spell them out.

“Four. Blood control and consent. Feeding must be consensual and discreet. No rogue turnings, no public spectacles, no draining humans.”

I keep my face blank.

“Five. Territorial respect. Do not cross into other clans’ lands without explicit permission.”

That sounds relevant. Note to self: no wandering. No knocking on Clan Nocturna’s door with a bleeding thrall. No wonder they were so mad.

“Six. No magic without authority. All magical artefacts,abilities, or anomalies must be registered with the Council. Unsanctioned use may result in exile.”