Page 4 of The Vampire Debt

I still can’t shake the feeling that a shadowlike presence is hovering, watching, waiting to pounce. It stalks close behind, breathing down my neck. I spin to look behind and catch whoever or whatever it is, but I’m alone.

Shame colors my cheeks. Shame and fear that the vampire has already been found, that I’ve already been discovered, that they will find me and demand my life in exchange for its cursed life. I scowl—a human life in exchange for that of a beast.

It is only hunger that drives me from hiding and into town.

But I’ve gotten rid of my bow and the arrows that could link me to what I’ve done. They will be buried deep under a mountain of garbage and half rotted food by the end of the day. It’s a shame, I’ll have to buy more if I ever hope to hunt in the woods again.

Reaching up, I pull back my scarf and let my long, dark hair fall around my shoulders. I turn the scarf around, hiding the drab gray side and showing off the deep red of the other side. It will stand out just enough so that he can look me straight in the eye and still doubt it was me. After all, what thief in their right mind would wear such a color that would draw attention to them?

I take a deep breath and stand ready to move back out into the crowd. I think I have enough of a haul for today. I stick my hand into my pocket and pull out a few coins—just enough for a hot sweet roll or two. It’s a little decadent, but this week has been especially sparse. I’ll bring one home for Kathrine. She will enjoy the treat.

My mouth already waters at the thought of it—the warm, sweet bread, lightly coated with icing melting on my tongue.

The man continues making a scene a few stalls from where I emerge. I stroll on taking my time as I pass each vendor until I get to the potter. A hand falls heavy on my shoulder and I freeze. Not sure if I should fight, run, or play innocent.

Then a warm voice whispers close to my ear. “What has you looking so ruffled today, Clara?”

His fingers flick a lock of hair over my shoulder.

I turn to face Xander, giving him one of my rare, but honest smiles. I shrug with one shoulder and let the back of my hand brush against his so that it would look like nothing more than an accidental contact to anyone paying attention. I long to hold his hand, or link arms, instead of hiding our affections to avoid a scandal.

“Just on my way to the baker,” I say casually, taking a few steps in the direction of the patisserie. Xander sticks close to my side.

He gently elbows me. “Up to the usual then,” he says with a knowing smirk.

We both glance toward the center square where the man I pick pocketed yells even louder.

Xander jerks a thumb in the man’s direction. “I don’t suppose you happen to know what all that fuss is about, would you?”

“Not in the least,” I say sniffing once, feigning offense and continuing on.

Together, we walk in silence past several more shop owners peddling their wares. “You need to be more careful,” he whispers.

I choose to ignore his warning. I’ll do this as long as I must to make ends meet and keep my family fed and clothed. As we reach the patisserie, I inhale deeply. My stomach clenches at the sweet smells wafting from inside. “Do you want a sweet roll? It’s on me today.”

Then before I know what’s happening, he spins me into the alley and grabs my hips, pulling me to him. My chest is pressed up against his and his arms wrap tightly around my waist. My back presses up against the rough, stone wall.

“Do you promise that it’sonyou?” he practically purrs the words into my ears, sending a shiver down my body. His words make little sense, but the intended meaning shines clear in his tone.

“Why, Mr. Callowell! You are being indecent,” I say in mock horror.

Up close like this, his hazel eyes shine and I can see a smattering of freckles on the bridge of his nose.

I hastily swat at his arm and step to the side, freeing myself from his hold. Heat spreads across my cheeks and his grin widens, happy he received the reaction he wanted from me.

“Don’t do that.” I bite the bottom of my lip and look around to see if anyone was watching. “What if someone sees?”

He groans and drops his head back, running a hand through his auburn hair in an unsuccessful attempt to smooth the mussed locks. “I don’t care what they think. You are mine and there’s nothing they can do to stop it.”

“But what if they tell your parents? They’ll never approve.”

“They’ll have no choice,” he murmurs sweetly, and wholly unconcerned. “After allowing each of my brothers to wed whomever they please, they will have to let me have my choice. And I choose you.” He looks stern. “You turned twenty-one months ago; you don’t have to stay at home anymore.” His face darkens at the thought of my situation.

He’s right. I could have left years ago.

But not really.

I could never forgive myself if I left Kathrine alone with Father and no one else to look after her.