Jessica and I sat silently, waiting for Jared to come back. I decided to open the doors and let everyone back in. Then, I sat back down on the couch with Jessica on the floor in front of me.

I couldn't believe her. We had a deal. And of all people to mouth off to she mouths off to Jared? We all know he likes to make her life a living hell. Ugh. I needed a drink.

My eyes flickered down to her. Could I trust her to go get me a drink from the bar? Or will she mouth off to the bartender too?

Before I had a chance to ask her, Jared returned, "this is the most elegant one I could find." He handed me a black silk ribbon that had a matching black middle bar attached to it.

"Thanks. Hey, do you mind grabbing me a drink from the bar? Lords know I can't trust her to do it for me right now." I growled.

"You're finally going to start drinking? Hell yeah! I'll go grab us shots!" Jared ran out of the lounge and to the open bar.

"Open your mouth," I directed to Jess and turned her around. She did as she was told without speaking or giving any eye contact. A sigh escaped me. I couldn't believe I was already having to do this.

I placed the bar in her mouth and secured the ribbon in a bow behind her head. "If you take this off before I tell you to, I will sew your pretty little lips shut," I whispered in her ear. My voice made her shiver in response and I had the urge to say, 'Don't give me those puppy dog eyes. You did this to yourself.'

"Oh, don't tell me she already got into trouble. It's her first night," a familiar voice stated. My eyes widened, "Dad. You're here."

"Is it ten o'clock already? Gosh, time flew by," Tanner ran his hands through his hair. He had jumped off the couch and now walked with his dad back into the ballroom with me shyly following behind.

"Don't dance around the subject, son. What did she do?" Tanner's dad looked a lot like Tanner. Due to vampires not aging, they could actually be the same "human age". He had light brown hair that was set in a perfect swoop on his head. His sideburns connected to his neatly combed beard. Standing at six feet something he towered over me and most of the other guests at the party. That, plus his "head held high" attitude that came with ruling over an entire country made his whole aura threatening. Was he going to send me back to the boarding house? I hope not. What Tanner told me earlier was hitting me now. I don't want to get sold to some other monster. Damn it, Jess, why did you fuck things up? Note to self, avoid speaking to Jared at all costs. It was clear he only wants to get you sent away, even if he helped Tanner find you in the first place.

"I guess she disrespected Jared when he asked her a question. It's nothing we can't handle though, normal human stuff." Tanner's voice was nonchalant.

His dad scratched his beard, "did you see it happen?"

"No."

"Did you ask her for her side of the story?"

No! No, he did not! I straightened my back and raised my head a bit higher. Finally, someone who at least pretended to care about what I had to say!

"Well no. But s-she's a human, dad. She's just going to lie to get out of trouble." I fought to roll my eyes. As if vampires didn't lie?

"I see. Well, how about you go enjoy the party. I'd like to speak with her alone."

At that, Tanner froze. "Uh, I, a-are you sure? It wasn't that bad of a thing. I already punished her. You don't need to take her back to the boarding house, I can fix her I swear." Watching Tanner squirm under his father's authority made me feel a little sick. Normally nothing could break his charisma.

"Calm down. I just want to speak with her. I own her, so it's only right that she and I have at least one conversation. Everything will be fine." His tone was welcoming, but something didn't feel right. I prayed to the fancy chandelier above us that Tanner didn't leave me with him.

"Alright, I guess. I'll be at the bar with Jared," he looked over at me. "Be good." Oh, of course, I would be. Who in their right minds would act up in front of the King?

"Come, let us go sit somewhere away from all this noise." Tanner's father motioned me to follow, and we walked in deafening silence until we reached the entertainment room of the west wing.

The room was as big as a corporate theater. It had a wide variety of places to sit in front of a giant screen that took up an entire wall. Tanner's father sat on one of the love seats and I sat cross-legged on the floor in front of him.

Great. Now we were away from anyone that could help me if he decided to kill me. God, does this bar hurt. I wasn't used to having gags anymore, and it was cutting the sides of my mouth. But I'm sure that was nothing compared to the awful types of vampire torture the King of Vampires could inflict on me...

He smiled down and reached toward me, "All I'm going to do is take this off, okay Jessica? I wouldn't want you to be uncomfortable on such a joyous occasion." I nodded, and he pulled the end of the ribbon, causing the gag to fall into my lap.

Thank God. I stretched my jaw. "Thank you, my King," I whispered. That was a kind gesture that I did not expect in the slightest.

"You're quite welcome. I'm sure you already know, but I'm Tanner's father. My name is Christopher. It's lovely to meet you."

It must be weird, to introduce yourself when everyone in the world already typically knows who you are. I bowed my head lower still, "it's an honor, your Majesty."

My response rendered a smile, but it quickly faded back to a serious tone. "As it should be. Now tell me, did you disrespect my son's friend?" He had his arms crossed but his back was relaxed on the couch.

I bit my lip and stared at the floor. Was this a test? Am I supposed to tell him the truth? Or agree with Tanner and Jared? "I-i didn't know what I said was rude, your majesty. I swear I was being as polite as possible. All I did was tell him the truth.

"I figured as much. So he lied to my son and got you in trouble. Did Tanner give you a chance to defend yourself?" The King was acting like Jared's antics were nothing new to him either, and that made me feel a little better about being so honest.

"No, sir. I admittedly spoke out of turn and tried to explain, that of course only made matters worse..." I trailed off. I was starting to feel I was saying way too much.

"Uh-huh. Jessica. I'm not going to lie. When I heard that my son wanted you as his servant I was very much against it. I know you two used to date back when we were still in hiding. I also know that Jared has his own grudge against you that tends to complicate your daily life when you are in contact with him. The McClain family is a very powerful family. We are constantly under the eye of the public, so everything about us must be perfect. I was one of the many that lead the revolution that got vampires to the top of the food chain. So you must understand, to have a son that can't handle one human servant..." he paused to scratch his head. "That's just not going to work. All of that being said, here is my question for you. Can you be good enough for this family? I want you to know, that you do have options. You can tell me 'no', and I will take you back to the boarding house right now. I will get my money back and Tanner will find a girl who can give the family a better image. You can say 'yes' as well. Though, if you say yes and disappoint me, I'm afraid it will be the end of the line for you. Think about it carefully. I will give you a few."

He took out his phone and started looking through it while sipping on a brown liquid in a glass. Wow. Some options. I, either say no and go back to that hell-hole to be bought by a stranger or I try to tough it out and be good. If I'm not good...he will kill me.

I did agree with him on one thing; this was a terrible decision on Tanner's part. Our feelings are clearly getting in the way. Could I put everything aside? I thought I could, but would I bet my life on it? "I-i've decided."

"Good. I'll have my driver pick us up right away. Does the owner of the Cordozo Boarding house usually stay the night? Or will you need a place to rest until we can get you back?" Chris said not looking up from his phone.

"Actually, your majesty, I'm going to stay with Tanner. I think I can pull my act together enough to remain with this family." That actually sounded pretty damn convincing. Good job me.

"I see. Well, then I have a task for you. I need you to humble yourself and go apologize to Jared in front of our party guests. You and I both know that was not your fault and I will speak to Jared about embarrassing this family as well. However, I feel that this will show me you would do anything for this family, even more than my son or his friend. Do you think you could do that?"

What! No! I mean, I guess I could, but seriously? Why couldn't I apologize to Tanner? At least he would be an adult about it. fuck. Well, I guess I should suck it up.

"Yes, sir I can."

"Good. Glad to hear it. I will inform my son of our talk while you go apologize. Meet us back in the ballroom by the band when you are finished."

I stood and bowed slightly, "yes your Majesty. Thank you, sir."