The novella has definitely taken a way different direction, so I'm still trying to figure this version out in a fun way. And Ryker has had to become a wolf shifter, it was the only way to make him useful to the ending of the main book, but he won't be changed here. I had to make changes to make the laws of matriarchs, vampires, and fortresses work properly with the world. This will have a bit of an infodump for what can be incorporated moving forward, and I will be behind on the other version a bit as I make sure everything aligns.
No sex here.
Zane had me tossed into a cell. How had I liked or trusted anything about him? He lingered though, as if he thought I wanted his company. he couldn't be more wrong!
I could hear the noises of captives and vampires in the distance, and I knew what was happening. "We aren't food for your kind. Why don't you regain some of your honor and set everyone free?" I asked, hoping he felt guilty.
"Technically, Matriarchs make the best food. I told you we would come here. I have no clue why you are so mad at me." He looked into my dark cell, shadows outlining his smirk. "This is one of the strongest cells and only has one key. You are very safe from hungry creatures."
"I'm not a matriarch, and you didn't say you would be bringing us to be fucktoys and food when you said you'd bring me."
Zane shrugged and pretended to examine his nails. "You could be a Matriarch--if you wanted." He leaned forward. "After all, we are on magical grounds."
"I'm not willingly fucking you."
"I'm full vampire, we don't swoon and obey like the Fae bloods who flock to the powers of Matriarchs. And fucking is the reward, you simply need to use your natural abilities as the maiden of your Fae, otherwise, they will remain weak."
"But you just said Matriarchs make the best food."
"And they also make the best mothers of powerful vampires." I caught a glimpse of his smirk. It was a damned if I do, damned if I don't choice. "Des will be brought down here. Just stay close, and you can see him pass by."
Despite the horror of how I would see Des, my heart fluttered. He was alive. Abused but alive. I was at least granting him a reprieve from the vampiress, and hopefully he would be able to kill her.
"I can even see to all our fellows watching as Sin has his way with you. He is here, you know. Thoroughly punishing a few people, I believe. Or publicly fucking Macy. We vampires are all exhibitionists...aside from uptight Ash. But I'm sure my comrades Des and Ryker will enjoy watching the show Sin will give. Oh, and these fortresses are spelled to weaken vampire magic of the lesser vampires. That is why they are so hungry and require an endless supply of humans and Fae to snack on."
"Lesser?"
He left the hall before I could think on what he was saying. Clearly he was mocking my circumstances. The ruthless, selfish bastard! I waited, clutching the bars and cowering back any time one of the tall, armored vampires would pass by. I didn't want to draw attention to the key given how they all glanced at me like I would be an extra special meal.
One looked at me before he looked to either direction. "Aren't you a pretty little creature."
