Chapter 50
I always placed the blame on vampires. It was simply easier that way.
They were rich and privileged, and their power was transparent.
Yet, what I had failed to recognize was how humans with higher status treated those beneath them.
The disparity was appalling. Now that I had the opportunity to live on this side of town, I was beginning to see the bigger picture.
I tried my best to avoid the humans in this part of the city, but I realized I couldn't escape them entirely.
As I grew closer to Jager's family—except for her sister and her friend—I found myself swept into their world.
The wives had brought me out a few times, and although they held high status, I couldn't help but wonder about those outside their circle, whose names were not emblazoned on billboards.
"We can try this store?" I suggested to Seraphina and Liva, both of whom were married to Cedric and Ambrose.
They seemed to be quite close to Jager, but I felt a sense of distance between us.
Now that Jager, Wade, and I were together, I sensed their disapproval; I didn't have the same longevity in their lives.
"I swear, if I see another human giving us attitude, they're getting punched," Liva declared, her doe-like eyes scanning the corners of the store for any sign of trouble.
We spent the day dodging unwelcoming humans, which was surprisingly enjoyable.
We managed to buy a few items with Wade and Jager's credit cards—both had handed me a card, complete with the password.
The shock of that gesture left me wide-eyed; I wanted to spend my own money, not theirs.
"We just need to skip to another store," I suggested, glancing at the price tags. With Jager and Wade absent, I felt freer to browse. But as I looked, I felt a twinge of guilt about the steep prices.
"The clothes here aren't even that good," Seraphina muttered, flipping through hangers in search of dresses for her new restaurant opening in Morocco. I had learned of her passion for cooking, and her focus on food and hospitality was inspiring.
"What about this one?" I asked, holding up a dress for her to see. Her face scrunched up in distaste as she felt the fabric. I realized that they cared less about the price and more about the design and how it would feel against their skin. Both women were simply amazing.
I wanted to ask them about their experiences being married to vampires, but I hesitated, not wanting to intrude.
They both bore faint bite marks on their necks, but I could tell they had not been used merely for sustenance; the marks looked like symbols of intimacy rather than just a sign of feeding.
I, too, bore bite marks, but for me, they were reminders of pleasure rather than mere hunger.
I found myself wondering if they felt the same.
The rack wobbled as we pulled dresses from it, and I noticed a human girl approaching us, her movements almost as if the rack had beckoned her over.
"Human," I said quietly. Both Seraphina and Liva turned to watch her approach.
I could see Liva's fists clench; was she really going to punch this girl if she got too close?
I looked down at the price tags again, feeling the weight of their absurdity.
Everything seemed overpriced—made for vampires, not humans.
I mused that the combination of humans and vampires had yet to become a full-blown trend, but it was slowly happening.
More couples were emerging on social media, as if they had been hiding in the closet for too long.
We all sighed contentedly when the girl offered us a large smile. "Can I help you with anything? Would you like to try on some dresses? We have a dressing room down the hall."
"No thanks, we're just browsing," Seraphina replied. The girl nodded and turned to assist another customer.
"Well, that wasn't so bad," Liva said, her lips curving into an approving pout. "And she's human. I'll mark this store as one of the few worth visiting."
"Have you guys gone shopping much lately?" I asked.
They shook their heads. "We've been so busy that we usually shop online and have everything delivered. Jager just wanted to take you out so you wouldn't get bored."
"Right?" I chuckled, feeling a blush creeping up my cheeks.
After shopping, I felt eager to return home and catch up on some Netflix. However, I froze at the doorway when I spotted Petra, Jager's sister, and her friend Lylah. I considered turning away but decided against it.
"I'm feeling a bit tired, so I think I'll skip dinner," I said, even though I truly enjoyed the family setting they maintained.
Each day, all the siblings, partners, and a few friends gathered to eat and converse.
It wasn't so bad sitting beside either Wade or Jager, but now that they were absent, I felt a pang of awkwardness.
"Jager wants to see you," Liva said with a warm smile, her brows furrowing slightly as she noticed my hesitation.
I guess they thought I was only with Jager. It was probably for the best that they didn't know the truth. I often reminded myself that I would eventually fade from their lives.
Emily and Sera were already enjoying their meals with family and friends, and I felt increasingly out of place without one of the two holding my hand beneath the table.
"Come on," Liva coaxed, her smile encouraging.
A sad smile graced my lips. "I have a headache, so I'll pass on dinner."
Their expressions turned concerned. "I can call you a cab," Liva offered.
I quickly shook my head, casting a glance at Emily and Sera, who were watching me closely. What was their problem? Perhaps they had seen my face that night.
Seraphina wandered off, leaving Liva and me at the curb. "I know you're uncomfortable with Petra and Lylah. They're just protective of Jager; it's nothing personal."
"Not really," I murmured, my cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"I saw them together that night, and they seemed to be dating Wade and Jager."
She looked confused by my explanation, so I broke it down for her. "What were you doing at the club?" she asked.
My heart raced. "I worked there..." I said weakly, waving my hand to hail a taxi. I didn't dare look at her face, fearful of the judgment I might see.
"I worked at a club before," Liva said, casually.
I nearly turned to her in surprise. "Oh," I managed, the only response I could muster as I kept my hand raised.
I supposed they come from a small place.
I would never think that. I would think they were born rich and just find the path with a vampire.
But it seemed trending. Club girls...Rich and privileged vamps.
"No one at the table is judging you," she assured me.
I chuckled nervously. If only she knew I was taking both of their friends to bed almost every night; I doubted she would be so understanding.
The cab finally pulled up.
"I look forward to seeing you more often. We really enjoyed today," I said as I climbed into the car, glancing back at her.
"Thank you," she replied with a soft smile.
"No need to thank me. I hope we can hang out again soon—hopefully after Seraphina opens her restaurant. We wish we could bring you, but it's very sudden."
"It's okay. I'm sure we'll see each other soon," I replied, feeling a mix of excitement and apprehension. I still hadn't received my passport back, and the trip was only five days away.
As the car drove off, I couldn't shake the feeling of comfort that being around them provided. It felt good to consider them as friends, especially after so long without anyone to connect with.