“Oh well then, perhaps the young human, he seems rather interested.”
William closed his mouth as he ducked his head and blushed just as vibrantly as Aria suddenly did. Her discomfort was nearly palpable as her fingers curled into his shirt. Braith hated this, hated that she had to be in this awful place, exposed to some of the worst forms of debauchery he knew. But for all of his numerous faults and all of his sinful tastes, Gideon was a strong vampire and a natural leader. At his core he was not an evil being. It wasn’t easy to discern that at first glance but Braith had known Gideon for a lengthy amount of time. He knew what resided inside of Gideon, or at least what had resided inside of him.
If Gideon was anywhere near the vampire he had once been than this servant girl was here willingly and was not abused.
“Gideon…” Braith started.
“Perhaps I can even introduce him to some of the things that we used to enjoy,” Gideon continued as if Braith hadn’t spoken. He idly twirled his goblet and watched Aria intently as he weighed her reaction to his words. “Or perhaps you would like me to teach her. That is, of course, unless you haven’t already.”
“Enough!” Braith snapped as Aria went completely still. “If you mean to punish me for the past hundred years, then so be it. But unless you would like to stay here for another hundred years than you need to get over it, or I’m going to rip out your damn tongue so you can’t say another word!”
Gideon became thoughtful again, staring at Braith from under hooded lids. “Protective aren’t we?”
“Gideon.” This time it was Ashby who spoke in a low, warning tone.
“Oh, it’s all in fun. Dara why don’t you show our two young humans to a room so they can get cleaned up?”
“They aren’t going anywhere alone,” Braith informed him.
“Lighten up Braith. You’re nowhere near as much fun as you used to be. Why don’t we all take a small break and meet back in an hour then. You can replenish.” Gideon’s eyebrows quirked as his gaze ran pointedly over Aria. “And clean yourselves. How does that sound?” It really was taking all Braith had not to punch Gideon. His increasing need for blood wasn’t helping the situation much. He didn’t have the patience to deal with Gideon’s taunting and candid manner. Not right now. “Show them to the guestrooms upstairs please Dara.”
Braith held tight to Aria as they followed the semi-nude woman up the stairs. He led Aria into the first bedroom the girl pointed to, eager to get her away from the girl and Gideon, eager to have just a moment alone as he closed the door and leaned against it. “Can we trust him?” she blurted instantly.
Braith closed his eyes and rubbed the bridge of his nose. “I still think we can, he’s far more bitter than I had anticipated, but I don’t think he’s dangerous.”
“Maybe we should leave Braith. This place…”
For the first time she glanced at the walls, relief filled her as she realized that they were free of the “artwork” that the downstairs possessed. “This place is awful, and strange. We’re going to bring these creatures back to help us, and then give them positions of power? What would they do to the rest of us?”
“At one time these were the vampires that fought for human equality. No matter Gideon’s anger, I believe that he still wants that equality. The people in this town are amongst the vampires Aria, they are living with them. It won’t be easy, but it can and will be done.”
She stared inquisitively at him. “Is this what you liked? That girl…”
“I was never like Gideon, or even Ashby, and most certainly never like Caleb. I’ve never stooped to rape, even after you left the palace and I thought I’d lost you. Though, I suppose taking someone’s blood by force is a form of rape.” The color drained from her face, her lower lip trembled slightly as she took a small step back. Any reminder of his past was distressing to her, especially that one. He hated doing this to her, but she needed to hear and understand some things. “As far as I know neither Ashby, nor Gideon, has ever done such a thing either.
“If Gideon is anything like he used to be, that girl is here willingly. He never abused a human that didn’t agree to it and he never would have possessed a blood slave. His tastes are more salacious than most, but he was never cruel.”
“Those teeth, the paintings…”
“I’m sure there’s an explanation, and perhaps he will eventually give it to us, but until then you need to be a little more understanding and open minded. Though there may be things in our pasts that we are not proud of, we are not all monsters. If you are willing to look past my faults and the sins of my past, you should be willing to at least give Gideon and the others a chance.
“I wouldn’t have brought you here if I thought Gideon was dangerous.”
“Vampires and people change,” she whispered, her eyes raking over him.
Self-hatred flared through him, he shook his head as he looked away from her. “I don’t think he’s changed as much as he’s trying to portray. That girl is not unhappy here Aria.”
She shook her head as she turned away. Her fingers trembled as she untied the knot of her cloak. Though he wasn’t sure if she wanted his help right now he pulled it free of her. The material slithered to the floor; she didn’t bother to pick it up. He watched her as she placed her bow and arrows by the bed; he was disturbed by how thin she had become again.
“Oh, a shower!”