Page 73 of The Vampire Debt

He studies me then gives a curt nod as if deciding on something.

“I suppose,” he says. He steps around me and trails a finger across the book spines, pretending to browse. “Someone like you would really enjoy having access to the finer things in life for a change. Surrounded by riches all of a sudden must make it quite difficult to sleep at night.” He stops walking and turns to face me, an over exaggerated scandalized expression on his pretty face. “Or is itMr. Devereauxyou are hoping to get a glimpse of? You are awfully familiar with him.”

I know by his tone what he’s implying. I was informal when referring to Alaric. But I choose to address the fact that he’s insinuating I am here because I was tired of being poor, that I chose this, not because of a debt but because I am desperate and greedy for a life beyond the capabilities of a normal human’s ability to procure.

My face burns with my temper. “I could care less about any of this.” I spread my arms out, motioning to the library and the manor itself. “There’s nothing he owns that would make me happy.”

He raises a single brow and advances, stalking toward me like a predator with languid and grateful movements. “Then, tell me little human, what would make your mortal heart happy?”

Nothing. I think. There’s not a single thing in this world that could bring me joy. Things matter little to me, and the people I know are horrible—except for Kitty and Xander.

I can’t remember a time when I wasn’t fighting just to survive, let alone a time when I felt happy. Though I must have been at some point. My gaze flicks to the shelf beside me. Except when reading, when I allow myself to get lost in a book.

This stranger, this vampire, leans forward and inhales a deep breath. I shudder to think why. He tugs the collar of my gown to the side and his eyes widen.

“Well,” he says. His eyes flash with a spark of red. The power infused in his voice makes my head pound. “This is a pleasant surprise. Perhaps you would like to play a game with me?” his voice echoes in my head, making it pound.

I lift my hand to swat him away, but the library doors are flung wide and Alaric steps through the shadows. Anger sears across his perfect features, making him look like a stranger instead of the man I’ve come to know.

Mr. Harkstead moves away, but not far enough for my comfort.

Alaric strides over to us, looking down his nose at me. The distain in his eyes takes me aback. Mere hours ago, he was worried for my safety and wanting me to accept his mark.

“It is late, Clara. You should consider retiring to your room for the night.”

I don’t argue but take the escape he’s offering. I push past his guest who sighs wearily.

“Run little human. Hide. The others are coming, and they are far more dangerous than even I…” Mr. Harkstead calls out.

“Stop that,” Alaric bites out.

“You never let me have any fun,” he pouts.

“You need to leave,” Alaric’s voice booms through the room.

“I will be doing no such thing any time soon.”

My chest heaves. The mark could protect me. But what good would it do if I lose my chance at freedom? I would be here forever, and it would not be by my choice.

I am down the hall before I can hear any more, my feet padding softly on the carpeted floor.

Chapter Thirty-Two

Alaric

“I toldyou to stay away from her.”

Lawrence Harkstead smiles like the cat that ate the canary. “Oh, but she promises to be a delicious little snack.”

“Meet me in the study in five minutes. I must deal with her,” I bite out then turn on my heel and hurry after Clara.

I reach her door just before she manages to close it and press my hand against it, not enough to force it open but enough to keep it from being closed in my face. “Clara.”

As soon as I say her name, the pressure against the door ceases and two heartbeats later, opens wider. She steps to the side and allows me inside.

The urge to wrap my arms around her is immediate, but with her pinched brows and lips pressed into a tight line, I know that isn’t what she needs right now.

“I’m sorry,” I say, but my words don’t have the intended effect. After what happened with Elise, tonight with Lawrence was just one more blow to her safety. Though he hasn’t caused her harm, the threat he made was enough.