Chapter 46
I gently rubbed the sore spots on my body. Last night had taken a toll, and even though I got my payback, the ache lingered. It still felt like I was being dragged across rough carpet and steel.
Food was the last thing on my mind, yet I could smell it—close, too.
I opened my eyes and saw Wade and Jager standing with trays.
Both women looked sharp in crisp suits. Seeing them made me realize I'd probably be left alone all day.
Maybe I could use the time to figure out my budget and how to make it on my own by the end of the year.
Living in that human community I'd dreamed about felt increasingly unlikely. Kem might have left me some money, but she'd taken unity, motivation—everything. Looking back, I was grateful that a mover had handled the packing, sparing me from the pain of slowly leaving that apartment.
That place held so many memories, both joyful and heart-wrenching. Packing it up myself, knowing it was all because of betrayal, would have been too much.
"We made breakfast."
"You have food?" I asked, confused. I'd planned on getting takeout or grabbing something outside. "You two cooked?"
My confusion deepened as the aroma of breakfast reached me, and my cheeks flushed.
This wasn't what I'd expected. Vamps didn't cook; they might own restaurants, but cooking was rarely something they did themselves.
Strange how much they still relied on us humans, even as they acted like they didn't need us at all.
"We can do a few things," Jager replied with a smirk as Wade held out a glass of orange juice.
"Thank you, but you didn't have to—I could've managed... really, I appreciate this," I said, watching Jager set the tray on the bed. Wade handed me the juice, and as I took a sip, the sharp citrus stung my tongue.
"Is it okay?" Wade asked, reaching out to take it back, but I pulled it away.
"I just haven't had this type before. It's branded."
She looked at me, puzzled. "Shouldn't it be? Isn't that how it's sold?"
"Well," I began, "when the economy started tanking for humans, our government introduced off-brand food. It's cheap and doesn't have much nutritional value, but it keeps people going." I shrugged.
Wade's confusion didn't waver. They were oblivious to how things really were for us—living in their own world of privilege.
I looked at them and saw an Icelandic princess who left her throne simply because she could and Jager, born into business, with the world always within reach.
They'd never had to think about survival the way we did.
I savored every sip of this juice. They'd brought a few groceries the other day, and Kem and I had savored every bit... though maybe she'd just been pretending. After all, she'd been living with the privileged vamps all along.
"We're taking you out for lunch. We'll be back at our lunchtime, so make sure you're dressed," Jager announced.
I couldn't help but wonder if this would become a daily routine.
I hoped not. A knot of anxiety twisted in my stomach.
At times, I felt grateful for their kindness, but a nagging part of me believed I didn't deserve it.
Other girls believed they were worthy of love and care—not me.
Don't get me wrong; I grew up with loving parents, but I was trapped in my old ways of survival.
"You do realize I can find my way to lunch on my own, right?" I replied, sensing their pity.
"We know," Jager said, settling onto the bed as if she didn't have a care in the world.
She picked up a fork, cut a small piece of waffle, and dipped it in syrup from a separate plate.
Holding it up to my lips, the syrup dripped enticingly.
I leaned forward, opening my mouth and savoring the sweet, soft waffle.
As I chewed slowly, I tried not to meet her intense gaze.
"We know you can navigate life on your own, but we want to take care of you for now," she said. Just then, Wade leaned in and kissed me softly, making me pause mid-chew.
I swallowed, and Jager presented another piece of waffle, this time with a bite of eggs alongside it. "Thanks," I said, feeling my cheeks flush. This all felt too good to be true.
"Which restaurant are we going to?" I asked, curiosity piqued.
I'd never eaten at a restaurant here; they were too expensive.
Kem and I had often tried to budget for a night out, dreaming of indulging in an expensive meal, but we never managed to make it happen.
Maybe that was part of the reason she left—she deserved a life like that.
"My siblings' new restaurant," Jager replied, a hint of mischief in her voice. It dawned on me—this was their way of introducing me to the family. "And you want me to come along?"
"It's a human restaurant," she added.
I was taken aback, momentarily unable to lift the fork to my mouth.
I loved how casual this felt. There was no headache, no tension—just Jager feeding me while Wade playfully tickled my skin with her fangs.
Normally, I'd feel fear at the proximity of those sharp teeth, terrified of being drained dry.
"We've been going there for lunch since it opened a week ago," Jager continued.
I couldn't help but wonder if they intended to introduce me to her siblings.
"What will you tell them?" I asked, taking another bite of waffle.
The sweet syrup was making a mess of my lips, and before I could wipe it away, Wade leaned in, swiping her tongue across my mouth to clean me up.
Her tongue was rough and aggressive; she'd never be the gentle princess type.
"That we share you," Jager said matter-of-factly.
I nearly choked on the syrup, and Wade quickly handed me the orange juice. I gulped it down, clearing my throat.
"That's quite a bold statement," I said, still processing her words.
"We're serious about you, so it's time we tell them," she insisted.
I shook my head. Her family was significant, and I was just a club girl. I could already picture their looks of disappointment. "I think I'll skip lunch," I replied, taking the fork from her hand and beginning to feed myself.
"Lunch is at two—make sure you're dressed," Wade growled in my ear before playfully sinking her fangs into my earlobe. I shot her a glare as she sauntered away. Jager redirected my attention, leaning in to press her lips against mine.
"Don't be a bad girl and forget to get ready."
"It feels like you're pushing this on me," I replied, slightly exasperated.
"It's just lunch, Snow Bunny," she reassured me.
I sighed, returning her kiss. A smile tugged at her lips. "We can't wait to show you off."
"I'm not a trophy," I protested, wrapping my arms around her.
She kissed my forehead softly. Suddenly, all their affectionate gestures began to linger, wrapping around me like a soft embrace. "Now that I think about it, you would make a lovely trophy wife someday."
With that, she walked out of the room, leaving me to grapple with the whirlwind of their kisses and words. Part of me found it hard to believe that this was really happening.