Invitation

[Catherine's POV]

"Can't sleep?"

My breath was stuck in my throat at the sight of Charles sitting on the couch in front of my bed with crossing fingers on top of his interlacing knees.

W-when did he get in here?

"M-my lord . . ." I humbled at his presence and lowered my head. I didn't want to see him, especially after what happened.

Though all I could think was his lips and blood. No man ever made me feel this way like he did, not even Jorge, who became a character that I forgot. Was it because I was turned into a vampire that my sex drive suddenly went out of control?

"You don't look happy, Catherine."

My brows twitched. "I was forced to become a vampire and leave my newborn in the hands of strangers. My life had completely turned upside down. Of course, I'm not happy."

". . ."

". . ."

I gasped and realized my mistake.

"I . . ." I bit my lip. I was not sorry. If ever, he should be the one apologizing to me.

I meet his gaze. "I want to return to normal. I don't want to drink blood. I want to be with my son. But you . . . you took my happiness away from me. How would you expect me to feel about it?"

". . ."

I was expecting him to be annoyed or mad, but he just looked at me before he sighed.

"You're right. I'm sorry. It was insensitive of me."

". . ." my heart drummed when he stood from his seat and went for the door. He stopped and said, "I will leave you alone . . . for now."

And then he was gone without looking back.

. . .

. . .

I didn't know what had happened.

I thought I would be happy for telling him my feelings but . . . I was wrong. I got madder that he didn't react and say anything to appease my anger.

I burrowed my head against my pillow. I still didn't understand why he turned me and brought me here when clearly, he already had lots of women.

Was it a fetish? A hobby of collecting women with golden curls of hair and eyes of blue? And do what with them?

My face heated, and I shook the dirty thoughts out of my mind.

Veronica and Patricia seemed to like him. It was apparent how the two were fighting for his attention during dinner.

While Lizbeth . . . I didn't know what she was thinking.

. . . What's going to happen to me now?

I wondered and fell asleep with these thoughts.

----

"Is it safe to come out in the sun?" I asked came morning.

"As long as you won't get hit directly by the sun, the light possessed no dangers," Millie answered as she did my hair while Mille fixed my makeup.

I woke up late morning to find an invitation from Patricia to have tea under the shades of the gazebo in the garden. It would be disrespectful to turn down her first offer, especially since she lived in this castle longer than me.

But I was worried that the sun might burn me. I read that vampires can't go out when the sun is up, or they'd turn to dust.

"Would it be alright?" I mumbled.

"Don't worry, my Lady. Lady Patricia might be extreme at times, but she wouldn't cause trouble, especially that Master Charles is in the castle," assured Mille.

But what if he's not? I shuddered at the thought. I didn't know anyone in here except for Mille and Millie, and I didn't completely trust the two of them either. For now . . . what's keeping me safe was Charles.

But even he could end my life if he wanted to.

Would he get bored like Jorge and kill me if he realized how dull I was?

I sighed at the thought. My life right now was tied with him, and I couldn't even do anything about it. I didn't know what he expected of me, and it was hard to move without knowing the rules and boundaries.

The twins draped me under a large cape with a hood before we set out into the garden. The path towards the garden was covered with roof tiles, trees, and all sorts of flowers, making sure that everyone was under some sort of shade.

I thought I could no longer see the sun, but I was wrong. Well . . . I could not be directly under it. I wonder if I'd really turn to dust if I exposed my finger to that glaring beam of light?

I wanted to find out, but Millie stopped me in time.

"Please don't, my Lady. Though you'll recover your lost hand soon in enough when you feed, but once my lord hears of it . . ."

"We will be punished," Mille added. "He strictly ordered us to protect you and that no harm shall befall you."

"I . . . I'm sorry." That surprised me. I didn't know that Charles would care whether I got hurt or not. But knowing that he did, my heartfelt bigger inside my chest.

But maybe he was like that to the others as well, and my heart dropped. It was not that I liked him. I loathed him, but he was my master. There was something about him that made my blood jump, and my heart thumped in excitement with just the thought alone.

I wonder if it was a natural reaction for their master.

Maybe I could ask Patricia, who was sitting on a small table, dressed in a black lacy gown, embroidered with golden patterns.

"Ah. You're finally here, sister."

----

A/N

Sorry for not updating for 2 days. I took a rest and time off during the weekends ^^

We'll update 2 more later so smash that vote button to keep me motivated and publish more ^^