Chapter 30
Chapter Thirty
Harlow
“I can’t help but wonder… I wonder if our mother felt any guilt when she set me in that basket and left me on Dad’s doorstep. How could she walk away from her own child like that?”
Those are the last words I hear from Bree as I desperately plead for her to set Scarlett down next to Rhen.
My heart is beating so violently that it feels dangerous, but I am ready to do anything to protect my daughter.
If something happens to Scarlett, I will lose the very reason for my heart to continue beating.
My body is suddenly slammed against something hard. My eyes shoot open, and a loud gasp leaves my lips. The last thing I remember is trying to convince Bree to set Scarlett down and her strange words.
Bree had placed my daughter on the floor next to an unconscious Rhen.
I had never felt such an intense and raw fear before that moment.
I felt something crack against the back of my head, and the tiles rushed at my face before I finally saw Bree walk away from my daughter.
I didn’t care that she was coming toward me.
As long as Scarlett was safe, I didn’t care what happened to me.
When I manage to pry my eyes open, I can hear two people talking.
“You’re revolting. She just had a baby for fuck’s sake! Did you forget that already?” Bree growls angrily.
Clearly, they are discussing me. Yet, in this state, I can’t understand why or what is happening. My head is pounding to its own beat.
“Yeah? Well, let me give you a damn news flash. You have no idea what it’s like being a vamp.
I never asked for this, but at the end of the day, blood is blood, like it or not.
She, however… She smells fucking divine.
Not that you can tell a gem from a stone or anything.
Pull this piece of shit over. I just want a quick taste. ”
I blink a couple of times, struggling to get back to my senses. As if this confused state isn’t bad enough, I also can’t remember where I’ve heard that voice before. I know I recognize it, but I can’t tell from where. Nothing makes sense.
“Climb over the seat then. I am not stopping or pulling over until we get to Corbin. Especially not for you and your sudden, sick needs,” Bree snaps at the strange man.
Now that I know Bree is near, I find the energy to sit up. I finally register that I am in a car, and I have bled through my pants. I peer out the blackened windows, and I can barely make out the trees and the highway. Where is Bree going?
The car suddenly hits a bump, and a groan escapes me as my head smashes against the window. I reach up to touch the aching spot, just to discover that my wrists are tied together.
Disoriented and absolutely lost, I blink a couple of times to clear my vision. I pull my fingers away from my head, and I notice that my fingertips are stained with blood.
“Well, well, well, aren’t I lucky? Look who’s wide awake and ready to play? Just in time, too.” The sultry purr startles me, and I barely hold in the scream that threatens to escape me.
My head rolls back to hit the headrest as I try to recognize that voice. My gaze settles on a man I have met only a few times before. Vadum, the keyman from the smoke shop.
“How are you feeling, sugar?” he speaks up, offering me a sickening smile. He tilts his head and, somehow, manages to smile even wider. “Want some company back there? I would be more than happy to help you out,” he growls.
Cold shivers run down my spine as I watch his eyes oddly flicker. The fact that Vadum actually licks his lips as he stares at me makes the situation much worse. I know exactly what sort of creep he is. This is the same bastard who asked me to flash my tits for a ride and then snapped a picture.
While I think of that vile memory, Vadum keeps licking his lips. The action makes my eyes dart to them. I can see the sharp points of his protruding fangs almost piercing his bottom lip.
My heart starts beating a little faster as I finally remember that Vadum is more than just the key guy: he’s a vamp. He uses my momentary confusion and suddenly climbs between the front seats.
Realization crashes over me like a ton of bricks. I try to thrash to get out of the restraints, but all he does is laugh and climb into the back, grabbing my knee. I quickly turn in my seat and kick my tied-together legs out. My feet hit his chest, shoving him against the other door.
“Someone woke up cranky,” he mutters under his breath. His eyes set on my feet and slowly travel up my body. “You should have warned me you’re not a morning person,” Vadum growls as he traps my feet against the leather seats.
“Let go of me! Don’t touch me!” I try to scream, but the sound of my own voice makes my head pound even harder. I watch as Vadum unclips my seatbelt and drags me toward him. I keep thrashing and trying to fight, but he presses his weight on top of me. I act on instinct and headbutt him.
Pain explodes through my skull, while all he does is release a barely-audible grunt.
His hands wrap around my throat and cut off my oxygen.
I struggle and gasp for air, yet despite my attempts, I am unable to do anything or fight back.
After all, I am restrained, and he is holding me down.
My eyes hurt, tears sting them, and my face slowly turns purple.
“You stupid bitch! Do you have any idea what you did? That fucking hurt!” he screams in my face as he adds more pressure to my neck.
“Hey! Hey!” Bree yells as her hand slaps my attacker's shoulder from the driver’s seat.
He responds with a growl. He’s too busy with me, apparently intent on ripping my shirt apart.
“I need her alive, damn it! Don’t you dare fuck this up for me, you moron!” Bree snarls. His grip around my neck tightens again before he slams my head into the car door.
For a brief moment, all I can see is black. My eyes roll back while I feel him rip my shirt to pieces. To my surprise, he lets go of my throat, and I instantly take the opportunity to gasp in a breath. Somehow, I manage to choke on air when I feel him bite into my breast.
His fangs sink into me painfully. The scream of agony that tears out of me is deafening. Tears escape my eyes, and once again, I start thrashing against him. My attempts to fight him off do nothing but make him laugh. He pulls his fangs out, just to bite my other breast.
A weak whimper escapes me. I feel disgusted when I finally understand what he is doing. This creep is feeding on me.
“Please. Please, stop. I’m begging you. Stop this,” I croak out as he sinks his fangs into my neck.