Chapter 5: Pet Life Part II

The old man threw Katerina into a room that was in the back of the shop. He then connected her shackle to a hook in the wall before gripping his claws around her cheeks. He squeezed so tight that he drew a small amount of blood from her skin. "What is your name, girl?" He questioned.

She looked up at him, his black eyes pierced into her soul and without thinking she spoke, "Katerina Sirakov." As if she had no control over her body.

"You're going to make me rich." He smiles at her but she quickly pulled herself away from him.

"Or I could have you for myself and torture you until the end of time." He snarled at her then ushered a couple of young vampires into the room. "Have the glass box cleaned and shined." They nodded their heads and left the room.

"What are you going to do with me?" She spoke softly, not expecting an answer.

"Why dear, you're a prize. Your beautiful features have become your enemy. You'll be given to the top price." He yawned, happy with his decision.

She didn't respond to him, she only thought about her mother and father. She missed them dearly, and didn't understand why they were killed.

"I will fetch for you when the glass box is cleaned." He left the room.

Katerina looked around the room in hopes for an escape but a lock was on the door to the backside of the shop and the only other entrance was the corridor that led to the front of the shop. She sighed, feeling defeated.

She heard clinking of stone and her head pulled up to see that the room was actually filled with other cages, with humans in them.

"Hello?" She tilted her head at one of them. "Can you please tell me what this place is?" The young human was shivering against the cage then she noticed that it was a young boy.

"Please answer me, I wish to leave this place." She pleaded. The boy looked at her, "There is no way out." He whispered in fear.

"What is this place?" She pressed and he sat closer to the edge of the cage. "It's a pet shop. Humans are brought in everyday, Miss." the answer made her shudder.

"Vampires purchase pets because it is a sport. We have to be the best, most well behaved and beautiful or.." he gulped his words. "We would be killed."

Her breathing picked up as she began to worry. "Don't worry miss. Mr. Manuel said you were going into the glass box which means you are very special." He continued, "Sometimes we get nice owners.." he trailed off as the old man came back in.

"Alright, girl. Time to get into the box." He stepped towards her and unshackled her from the wall to be placed in the box like a puppet. She chewed on her bottom lip for a moment and realized she could make a run for it once she was unshackled.

She darted for the door but the old man sighed, flashing before her eyes to appear in front of her. "Wrong idea little girl." He gripped her around the throat so hard that it was becoming bruised. She could feel her wind pipe being crushed as she gasped for air. He walked over with her in his hand and placed her in to the box before letting go.

She immediately collapsed to the floor and heaved for air. Her nerves were shaking as he placed her wrists into ropes to reel her up into a standing position. He then closed the door to trap her for display.

She felt weakened and exhausted so she stood in place and awaited her fate.