Chapter 18
Chapter Eighteen
“ G et up,” I barked. The pillow I had thrown landed with a soft thud against Maaier’s sleeping form.
It was still early in the morning when I finally dragged myself from a fitful sleep. My mind racing with each possibility of what the day and my confrontation could bring.
Maaier stirred in his bed, a fitful sleep evidently taking place. Bending forward, I ripped the bedding from him at the foot of the bed.
His exposed skin now on full display. Eyes clenched shut to avoid the morning sun.
“Vespera, as much as I have craved you coming in here. You could have announced yourself better,” He groaned. Throwing his arm down to pull the covers back up.
With a hum of acknowledgment, I walked to the window. The thick curtains blocking out almost all sunlight. I threw them wide. Bright light blazed through the grimy glass.
Maaier hissed behind me. Like a cat startled in an alley.
“Oh shut up. It’s not like you are a vampire.” I teased. Maaier muttered something under his breath before rolling to face me. His head propped up on his elbow.
“I must say. I rather like you in green.”
My brow furrowed as I looked down at my dress. A simple woollen dress suited for going out for a walk in the forest. I filed the colour away in my mind. Not seeing anything but a dark shade of grey.
“But red is my favourite.” He shrugged.
“Why? Because it reminds you of blood?” I mocked innocence into my tone. Rolling my lips to hide my smile.
“I am not a vampire.” His tone darkened along with his stare.
“Then you must be a creep. Now get out of bed.”
“Why?”
“Because you told me that I can’t go anywhere alone and I thought that surely my master would escort me on a walk.”
Maaier’s smug grin covered his face. I made my way to the bed standing just beside it, staring down at him.
“I’m your master?” He drawled, his voice like sin.
“I belong to no one,” I said. Recalling my mother’s warning. I knelt down onto the bed leaning over him.
Maaier remained as still as stone, watching my every move. His hair tousled from a long night of sleep. My fingers itched to run through it. The urge to climb atop him and pull him close is intoxicating. My hand moved forward. A moment of brief unfamiliar confidence overtaking me. My hand met his cheek. Cupping it slowly before drawing it down the column of his throat. His breath hitching under my touch. He flexed against his will, moving toward my touch. I inched my fingers over the expanse of his chest. His breath stuttered as my hand drifted lower. Fingers gently scratching into him. God I wanted to sink my teeth into him.
As I met his eyes once more I could tell he thought the same thing. Slowly withdrawing, I kept eye contact. The air in my lungs non-existent.
“Quickly now. I hate waiting,” I drawled.
Maaier tilted his head examining me. Possibly wondering why I had changed my attitude to him. If only he knew I was onto him. Something strange lurked beneath his surface and finding out what it was was the key to all my questions. And come hell or high water, I was going to find it.
I left without another word. Heading into the hall now bustling with people. Maids gossiping in hushed whispers.
Mary hissed my name in a soft whisper as I approached her down the stairs.
“Whatever is going on?”
“They found another victim. Another girl was attacked.”
“Is she okay?”
Mary’s shoulders slumped as she shook her head.
“She was found dead in the streets.”
“The poor soul.” I deflated, shoulders dropping. Another woman dead. I couldn’t help but feel guilty. The pain I felt that night was nothing compared to what she must have felt.
“The police are finally taking it seriously now they have seen the link between both attacks.”
“What link?”
“Both of you have an X on your chest.” She pointed at the partially exposed scar peeking through the neckline of my dress. “But that’s not the strangest part.”
I opened my mouth to press for more information. Only for Mary to whisper.
“She looks just like your crazy friend in the flower shop.”
My heart sank to the floor. My blood dropped to ice beneath my skin. My voice trembled. “Mary, clean the spare room beside mine. I want Dorian brought here immediately.”
Mary nodded before dashing down the hall.
“Victor!” I called as Maaier stood at the top of the stairs taking in the clamour below.
“What is going on?” He asked over the noise. Eyes raking over the disarray.
“Another woman is dead.” I waved him off. Now wasn’t the time for my silly little escapades.
I shouted for Victor once more.
I was halfway up the stairs when he called my name from below.
I twisted to face him coming from the back garden.
“Take Arthur and fetch Dorian. She will fight you but I need her sedated. She hates this house but I know for a fact it’s the safest place she will be.” I didn’t care if my words didn’t make sense as I said them. I just needed Dorian safe. I needed her with me.
Victor’s face paled at the order, his kin grew whiter with each blink of his eyes as he absorbed the situation.
“Please.” I pleaded. I wasn't below begging when it came to her.
“Donovan has taken Dorian to London for a few days to see a flower show. I thought you knew,” He said gently, not wanting to upset me further.
My shoulders sagged with relief.
“Oh thank the heavens. I want her brought here as soon as she’s back home.”
“Of course.” Victor’s smile was strained. As if spending the night in the strange manor with Dorian was enough to bring on a night terror.
Maaier stood behind me. His hand gently landed on my shoulder.
“Come,” He said softly. “Let’s get some air.”
I stifled the thrill that ran through me at his touch. ‘ A woman just died, Vespera!’ I cursed myself before walking down into the halls. Maaier fastened my coat before turning to Victor.
“We will be back. Don’t wait up, doctor.” His tone was teasing but firm. I flung my elbow back, the impact of it hitting Maaiers chest causing a slight wince to sound. I looked at Victor from the corner of my eye. His lips curled as he held back a smile.
Maaier gripped that same elbow and thrust me toward the door.