Escape: A Vampire Blood Courtesans Romance Page 2

  She looked wild, free, and something else that I couldn’t quite grasp.

  What was she doing on our land? My land, I corrected myself. It was now my land and I had no clue what I was going to do with it. I’d not set foot in Scotland for many years, centuries, and I was pretty certain I’d be leaving as quickly as I could.

  I much preferred my life in the US. It was structured the way I liked it. I had friends there, well, maybe not friends, but acquaintances whose company I enjoyed. Kristos and I had known each other for a long time, over a hundred years, and I’d been surprised when he’d fallen for one of his Courtesans. That was until I met her, and saw them together.

  Myra seemed to bring out the best in my old friend. Complimented him in ways I’d never thought possible for one of our kind. We weren’t exactly known for being all warm and fuzzy. Cold, lethal, emotionless. Those were the words that sprang to mind when I thought of myself, and other vampires.

  Kristos was still lethal, and could be cold at times, but in the presence of Myra he most definitely wasn’t emotionless. The sight of them together brought hope to many vampires that maybe their souls weren’t entirely lost.

  I held out no hope whatsoever for my own. I knew it was gone. It had left centuries ago and I had no illusions that it would suddenly make a reappearance. vampires may be in long ago written books, but I was well aware that there’d be no happy ending for me.

  I strove to survive, enjoying the better things in life that my wealth provided. Things like having Blood Courtesans at my beck and call to do with as I wished. I just hoped the local Madame had a good selection for me to choose from. It had been a long journey and I was hungry and not just for blood.

  Myra had contacted the woman for me and I was advised that there’d be an “open audition” at ten this morning. What the hell was an open audition? I wanted to hire a Blood Courtesan to meet my requirements whilst in Scotland. I wasn’t putting on a play!

  I squirmed in my seat, annoyed and anxious in equal measures. Annoyed at this Madame for doing such a thing, and anxious that there would be no suitable candidates. If I had to go much longer without my urges being met, I didn’t want to think of the consequences.

  As we came in to land, I saw her, the Madame, standing waiting for me at the large double doors that gave entry to Forbes Manor. My childhood home where my fool of a father had invited a vampire inside to decimate our family. My mother died that night and I never forgave him for allowing that to happen. The death of my mother, and turning him and me into monsters, my father had a lot to answer for, and it looked as if the burden had finally been too much.

  The information I’d received shocked me. Not that he was dead. That part actually made me happy. But the fact he’d committed suicide, or rather, assisted suicide, was what shocked me. He’d sought out a Hunter and paid him to slay him. Now that was something I had never expected. Not in a million years did I think the old man would do such a thing.

  I had to accept the facts and that’s why I was now landing in the courtyard of the family seat and had to figure out just what the fuck I was going to do with it.

  My mood was as dark as I could ever remember and I hoped I could keep it together so that I didn’t rip the throat out of the first person who pissed me off. That would definitely not be a good homecoming.

  The pilot shut off the engines and I realized I’d already forgotten the name he’d given me when he met me in Edinburgh. No matter. It wasn’t high on my list of priorities to remember names. What was, was employing a Blood Courtesan and heading to a bedroom for some much needed sustenance and relaxation.

  I jumped out as soon as I could, the confines of the craft making my insides clench. The Madame came rushing forward, a false smile on her face and a hand held out.

  “Welcome, welcome, Mr. Forbes.” She gushed, her badly dyed black hair stiff and unmoving. “I’m Madame Felicity and I’ve got several girls for you to see.”

  “My name is Mr. Steele, Maxwell Steele,” I corrected her. I’d long ago given up my family name.

  “What?” She looked confused, flustered as she shrugged. “I’m terribly sorry. I just assumed as your father was Mr. Forbes that, well . . .”

  I glared at her, taking in the dark red lipstick that bled into the creases around her lips, the shifty look in her eyes that told me all she wanted was to get her hands on my money. I didn’t like her. Of course that wasn’t a surprise to me. I didn’t like most people, especially money grabbing humans.

  “You obviously didn’t do your homework,” I snapped. “I’m aware that Myra has been in contact with you and as she most certainly would not have used the name Forbes.”

  The woman dropped her eyes from my harsh stare, wringing her hands together, the vein in her neck throbbing. “My sincere apologies, Sir. I hope you can forgive my error.”

  “How many do we have for this cattle market?” I asked curtly, still not happy with the way this Madame had arranged things.

  “Cattle market?” She looked shocked. “No, no, I assure you it’s not that.”

  “You didn’t answer my question.” I almost snarled, barely containing my anger. I wasn’t sure if it was because I was weary after the long journey, or hungry, but every syllable this female uttered seemed to annoy the shit out of me and I didn’t care if she knew that fact.

  “Sorry,” she mumbled, taking a deep breath and waving toward the door. “There are five girls inside. I’m sure at least one of them will be suitable. I’ve already had my wardrobe assistant dress them more appropriately for you.”

  I followed behind her, the cloying perfume she’d soaked herself in almost making me gag. She looked over her shoulder, smiling. “Some of them came dressed in business suits. I just about had a hissy fit! A business suit for a Blood Courtesan! Whoever heard the like? Silly girls.”

  “Maybe they’ve not been made aware of the requirements. Is that the case?” I raised an eyebrow questioning her.

  “Well, some weren’t aware, but my assistant made things perfectly clear,” she spoke quickly. Too quickly. But it didn’t hide the lie.

  This woman was pissing me off more by the second and I briefly wondered what the fallout would be if I snapped her neck.

  A man dressed formally as a butler waited just inside the immense double oak doors, bowing as I entered. Jeez, my father hadn’t lost his need for servants to be dressed as such. I shouldn’t have been surprised, he’d always been all pomp and ceremony.

  “Sir, welcome home.” The old man actually bowed. “I’m Graham and I’ve been your father’s Butler for over forty years. Or rather, I was.”

  “Good morning, Graham.” I’ve no idea why, but I instantly liked the old man. He had a twinkle in his eyes that told me he wasn’t quite what he seemed.

  “Morning, Sir,” Graham replied formally.

  “Firstly, I’m not Sir, I’m Maxwell, or Mr. Steele,” I put him right straightaway. “Secondly, there’s no need to stand on ceremony for me. I’ll meet with you this evening to go over whatever information you think I need, staffing, how this place is being run, and anything else you feel is pertinent. For the time being, I will be engaged and do not wish to be disturbed.”

  “Of course, Mr. Maxwell.” Graham inclined his head. “I’ve taken the liberty of preparing a suite for you. It’s in the West wing, at the end of the corridor. It is large and has stunning views, but if it’s not suitable just let me know and I’ll have you moved. I’ll arrange for your luggage to be taken up and unpacked.”

  “No need.” I motioned to the helicopter outside. “Just have my cases taken to the room.”

  “Certainly.” Graham nodded. “Will there be anything else you require?”

  “Wine.” I pondered for a moment. “Three bottles, a red, white, and a rose, doesn’t have to be the very best, but make them decent wines. Also a platter of crackers, cheese, and fruit.”

  Graham didn’t bat an eyelid, knowing the food wasn’t for
me, but whichever Courtesan I employed would require food.

  “I’ll do that now.” Graham turned away to do my bidding.

  A hand landed on my arm. I jerked it away, growling as I spun around. Madame Felicity jumping back. “Don’t ever touch me again,” I snarled, allowing the tips of my fangs to show.

  I saw her fear as she nodded vigorously. “Of course, I’m sorry. I just wanted to get started with the interviews.”

  “Interviews?” I snorted derisorily. “I rarely make mistakes, and I’m certain the wording you used was ‘audition’. Let me make myself clear. I am not impressed with the way you’ve handled this and if I had the time, I’d look elsewhere for another Courtesan, Madame. As it is, I don’t, so let’s get this over with so you can leave, before you try my patience any further.”

  I saw a host of emotions run across her face, her hand shooting up to her chest. Fear was prominent, but there was a decided note of anger too. I took a guess that she was rarely spoken to in such a manner. Tough shit. I didn’t like her, her methods, her hair, perfume, shit, I plain didn’t like anything about her at all. She set my ire going and I knew I’d lose my temper soon if I didn’t get rid of her.

  “We’re in the Great Hall, it’s . . .”

  I shook my head, tutting. “You forget yourself. This used to be my home. I’m well aware of where the damn room is. Just go on and prepare the applicants, I need a moment to myself.”

  I paced back and forth, my eyes taking in the worn stone flooring, covered in places by lavish oriental rugs. I remembered well just how cold the floor was on my bare feet as a child. My mother forever shouting at me to put my boots on.

  My lips tugged up at the memory. My mother was my everything as a child and one of the reasons why I never left when I was of age. I couldn’t bear to leave her with my father, who’d become churlish and jealous. He treated her badly and I ran interference between them.

  That was until the stupid fuck invited a vampire into our midst. Greed. Pure greed had driven him to do business with the dark being and that greed had cost us everything. My mother dead and my father and I became the thing I’d hated with every fiber of my being. A vampire.

  Centuries fell away as the horror of that night engulfed me. I stared at the floor near the hallway leading to the kitchens, certain I could still see, and smell, the blood of my mother. Her lifeless body flung away to land with a dull thud. Like a puppet with its strings cut, she crumpled to the floor, her eyes wide and unseeing.

  “Fuck!” I cursed, shaking myself free from the nightmare. “This is why I’ve never fucking returned.”

  Too many ghosts, too many bad memories overshadowing the good. Too many damn emotions!

  Kristos and I had discussed how I’d been turned, and was aware of my disgust and hatred for my father. He’d pointed out how things had been different in those dark days. vampires hiding and trying to survive, but that didn’t change my feelings. I still held my father accountable for my mother’s death and always would.

  A door creaked behind me and the sickly scent of the Madame’s perfume stung my nostrils. I’d tarried too long and she was looking for me. I wish there had been time to employ another Madame. This one had annoyed me from the second I laid eyes on her and I was barely holding onto my manners. Hunger did that to me. Made me even more hard and cold than usual. My stomach clenched again, reminding me I hadn’t eaten the past couple of days, so I left my memories behind and headed toward the Hall.

  I needed a Courtesan, quickly, so my hunger could be satiated and hold the bloodlust at bay. Something I fought every damn day. My feet speeding up to see exactly what kind of women had turned up for the “audition.”

  ~ Chapter 3 ~

  Joining the Madame, who looked flustered as she paced back and forth before a line of girls, I tried to contain my annoyance. Her voice shrill as she told them to stand up straight and ready themselves for inspection, which set my nerves on edge.

  I strode in, ignoring the décor of the vast room I’d last seen eons ago. Making my way over to one of the large windows where the applicants stood, I stared at each one. They were dressed like cheap whores with almost nothing on and make up plastered on to, supposedly, enhance their beauty.

  I barely restrained my annoyance, barking over my shoulder. “I am aware of the instructions that Myra passed onto you. You know.” I speared her with a deadly glare. “The ones that expressed my explicit preferences. I’m certain one of those preferences was ‘little cosmetic enhancement.’ I loathe a woman’s beauty to be covered like a cheap call girl. This, Madame, is not what I asked for.”

  I waved my arms along the line-up, noticing a few lowering their heads, and one cursing loudly.

  “I fucking knew I shouldn’t have let you do this to me.” The young woman glowered at Madame Felicity. “We look like a bunch of eejits.”

  I had to give the girl credit and agreed with her. “I’m afraid you have not met your remit, Madame, and I am now in a position where I am without a Blood Courtesan. Pray tell, what are you going to do about it?”

  I tapped my chin, my voice ice cold, and my eyes boring into the jumped up female who rushed to her bag, tugging out a phone.

  “I’ll get some more applicants here, within the hour,” she said, but both of us knew that would be impossible.

  Before I could berate her for her failures, there was a commotion in the hall. Graham knocked and opened the door slightly, apologizing immediately.

  “I’m sorry, I know you said no interruptions, but a young woman has arrived and she says she’s here for the,” Graham paused, turning back into the hall as someone furiously whispered. “She says it’s for the open audition.”

  Madame Felicity rushed to the door. “What? No, indeed not! All the girls who contacted me are already present. Tell her to leave immediately.”

  I moved fast, a mere blur to those around me, and grabbed the door, pulling it open. “This is my home, Madame, you don’t ever order anyone to leave. Graham, please show her in.”

  Graham cast a glance at Felicity, smirking at her, before disappearing into the hallway. “Yes, Mr. Maxwell.”

  A moment later a young woman entered, her body language screaming “I don’t have a clue what I’m doing.”

  I inhaled sharply, the green dress and long red hair letting me know exactly who she was. The girl I saw galloping on the black horse. I now saw her eyes were a rare shade of green, more like raw jade than anything else. Green eyes that were now darting around the room nervously.

  I held out my hand, drawn to the vein pulsing in her neck. “Come in, Miss?”

  She looked like a wild deer caught in headlights as she nibbled her bottom lip, stepping toward me, her eyes locked with mine. “Oh, hmm, I’m Flora MacNaughton, I was told about a job and I’m sorry I’m late but . . .”

  Her voice trailed off as our fingers touched, something fluttering in my belly, and my chest, as she clung onto my hand.

  ~~~~~

  I stood as if paralyzed, my hand in his, my eyes focused on his. They were the bluest eyes I’d ever seen. A cross between azure and sapphire. Unique. I opened my mouth to say something, anything, but my brain seemed fried, and nothing came out. I closed it quickly, not wanting to look like a fish out of water. Definitely not a good look when trying to get a job, especially one like this.

  Blood Courtesan. Jesus, I still wasn’t sure what it entailed, but it was my only way out and I’d do whatever it took.

  I didn’t think I was off to a good start though. Standing here mutely gazing into eyes I knew I could get lost in. A few dark specks drew my attention and I noticed his pupils seemed to be growing, wider, darker, as my breathing hitched in my chest.

  His strong voice broke the silence and I heard not an inkling of his Scots heritage. He sounded like a native American to my uneducated ears. “You can leave, Madame, and take your girls with you. Our business is concluded.”

  “What?” I heard the w
oman shriek. “No, she didn’t go through the proper channels, there’s no contract available for her. You . . .”

  “I said leave, now, before I lose my temper,” his eyes spun away and I felt as if I’d lost something I cherished. “I’ll contact my usual Madame in New York and get her to send me a contract. You are of no use to me and if you do not leave my premises now, I will not be held responsible for my actions. Is that clear?”

  A shiver ran through me at his tone. It was beyond cold, icy, and deadly. The realization I was standing in front of a very powerful vampire suddenly filled me with . . . what?

  I wasn’t sure. I only knew that I didn’t think I could turn and walk away if my life depended on it. And guess what? It did.

  His eyes returned to mine as his fingers tightened around my hand, tugging me forward. “Why don’t we take a seat so we can discuss terms?”

  I nodded, well, I think I did, then I found myself sitting on a plush velvet sofa, him next to me as his eyes scoured my every inch. I gulped then tried again to speak. “Hmm, thank you. I’m sorry I was late, but I don’t have a car and . . .”

  I trailed off, not wanting to give too much away. If he realized I was using him to escape an angry Alpha, he’d probably throw me out on my ear.

  “I saw your mode of transportation.” He raised an eyebrow cockily. “Rather unconventional, but I have to admit the sight was breathtaking. You ride well, Flora.”

  My name seemed to drip from his lips and my heart started to thud wildly in my chest. I tore my eyes from his, trying to clear my thoughts. “Thank you, I love riding.”

  “That was plain to see.” He stood, circled the sofa, then stopped in front of me. “Are you aware of a Blood Courtesan’s duties?”

  “No,” I admitted softly, heat rushing up my chest, neck and onto my face. I knew I was red as a beetroot as I stumbled on. “But I’m willing to do whatever it takes. I’m . . . I’m.” I stopped, inhaled deeply then carried on. “I’m in need of finances and this is the only way I can get enough for my needs.”