Four

The limo arrived at a plantation house set amongst several others in a rich neighborhood somewhere on the outskirts of Atlanta. Roses and vines looked out at me from the yard and porch, and I felt the same discomfort I felt when visiting my wealthiest friends. I climbed out of the car after Lily, avoiding Cain as much as possible. The driver of the car remained inside, and I wondered if he was one of my captors. We stood inside the garage waiting until another girl, a bit older- looking than me, opened the side door.

“Welcome back, sir,” she said, nodding.

I watched in fascination as she and Lily timidly skirted around Cain with their eyes cast to the ground. Just as I did. Anger swelled inside me.

“So this is it?” I bellowed, my voice echoing in the garage. “I’m apart of some vampire harem now?”

The two girls gaped. I stood my ground, my eyes now piercing Cain’s. I watched him smile.

“You are now apart of my life, Georganna. Apart of all their lives,” he nodded toward Lily. “Don’t worry, I always value the feisty ones. Friday was once quite feisty as well. Maybe I should introduce you to her now before supper.”

I wrinkled my nose. “I’d hate to see what you’re having.”

“A five- year- old and some young men from the underground.”

My stomach dropped. “Are you serious?”

Cain laughed, bending back to emphasize his amusement. “Oh, no, I’m just kidding about the child. Come on!”

I screwed my face up in fury as I was led into the manor. The manor was large, and elaborate. Every part of it was exquisite in some fashion. Diamonds glittered down from chandeliers and candelbras. Portraits of various men and women hung from the walls, and statues stood in corners and on tables. A painting of Cain stood in the den, as well as a portrait of several young women. I recognized Lily in the dead center, holding a bouquet of flowers. I followed Lily across the hardwood floors and up a banister staircase, staring at the artwork that flourished the walls.

“The master loves fine art,” Lily said in a small voice, still carrying my suitcase.

“I can carry that–”

“No, it’s fine.” her dark eyes stayed transfixed ahead of us. “The master has said you will live on the third floor. You will be near Friday that way.”