Kaius grinned, clearly expecting the question. "That's the beauty of it, Rafael."
The grin widened. "I'm not the one mixing things in the lab, no, I leave that to my experts. You see, I've hired a team of professionals, highly skilled researchers, vampires, and humans who specialize in this kind of thing." he paused to add, "The humans are compelled, of course."
"So, your team has developed a process to treat the blood," I stated.
Kaius nodded, "Yes. I'd love to bore you with the technical details, it's just not my area of expertise." He turned to a maid who stood quietly at the corner of the room. "Send for Samantha," he ordered again.
The maid bowed and hurried out, leaving us in silence for a moment. I shifted in my seat, a small part of me pleased that Samantha would return.
Moments later, she entered the room with her head bowed again. She stopped a few feet away from Kaius and folded her hands in front of her. "You sent for me, Lord Kaius," she said, her voice louder this time but still hinting at trying to avoid attention.
"Yes. Explain to Mr. Langston here the details of our process. I lack the knowledge to do it justice, and I'm sure he'll appreciate the specifics."
Samantha's head swiveled to face me, her baby blue eyes lifting just enough for our gazes to meet briefly, and in that moment, I saw her fully for the first time.
She was breathtaking.
I felt an unexpected tug in my chest as I tried to focus on her words without getting lost in her beauty.
"It involves advanced filtration and the use of specific enzymes to preserve the blood,"
Samantha explained, her tone professional despite the discomfort of Kaius' scrutinizing glare.
"The enzymes are made to prevent spoilage by neutralizing bacteria and other microorganisms."
She did not shy away from my gaze as she continued, "They also stabilize the blood's proteins and other…"
I zoned out, focusing on her instead. Everything she was saying didn't register because I couldn't look away from her eyes. They were beautiful, yes, but they were sad, and that knowledge ate at me.
But there was something else…that smell…she was human.
"Rafael?" Kaius' voice cut through my mind, snapping me out of my haze. I cleared my throat and shifted in my seat, regaining composure.
Samantha was staring at me as if waiting for me to respond.
It took me a moment to realize she had finished speaking and was now watching me expectantly, perhaps wondering if I had any questions.
I quickly searched for something to say, anything to hide my distraction. "So, uh, this process… has it been tested thoroughly?" I asked, my voice more relaxed than expected, "I imagine there's no room for error when dealing with something like this."
"Yes, sir. The process has undergone rigorous testing. Samples have been preserved for extended periods, and an example is the bottle of wine you're drinking," she gestured to the bottle.
"Results have been consistent. The team has ensured that both the flavor profile and safety meet the highest standards."
Kaius beamed, clearly proud of her explanation. "You see, Rafael? We've thought of everything. My team has poured their blood, sweat, and tears into this—figuratively, of course." He laughed raucously at his own joke, but I ignored it, keeping my attention on Samantha.
"So, how do you obtain the blood?" I asked.
Samantha opened her mouth to answer, but Kaius raised a hand to silence her. "Ah, I'll answer that," he looked at me. "We partner with legitimate blood banks and clinics."
"You mean you pay them off."
"Yes, but no need to worry about the shady dealings."
"Thank you, Samantha," I said softly, taking in how tense she still was. Her hands shook, but she tried to hide it.
Kaius took another gulp of his wine. "You have to admit the flavor is exquisite," he wiggled his eyebrows. "And it's completely safe for vampires to consume."
I wasn't looking at him, I was still looking at Samantha , whose gaze no longer beheld mine but the floor.
"So … what do you say, Rafael? What do you think?" Kaius asked expectantly.
I tore my gaze away from her to look at him. "Who is she to you?" I asked in response, evading his question and gesturing subtly with my chin toward Samantha.
Kaius' eyes shifted to her. "Oh, her?" He guffawed. "She's been my pet for ten years now. She remains loyal and serves me."
"Remains loyal." It didn't seem like she had a choice.
He snapped his fingers impatiently. "Raise your head, you fool. Can't you tell we're talking about you? Must you always wait to be told what to do like some witless child?"
Samantha's head jerked up at his command, but her eyes didn't meet mine.
"Forgive me, Lord Kaius," she said again, almost like in recitation.
Samantha stared past me, her eyes fixed on some invisible point over my shoulder and in the far distance.
"You know who he is, don't you?" Kaius threw the question at her.
"Yes, Lord Kaius," she replied softly. "He is Sir Lang…"
Kaius raised a hand, intending to hit her again, but I caught it midair, grabbing his wrist tightly. A frown graced my brow, darkening my expression, and I hissed through clenched teeth, "That won't be necessary, Kaius."
His laugh was forced, nervous, as a sheen of sweat formed on his forehead. "Oh, my apologies," he said quickly, attempting to brush it off. "I only meant to correct her. Addressing you as 'Sir' is far too small a title for someone of your, er… stature."
"I don't mind," I replied coldly, releasing his hand.
I continued to glare at him, making it clear I wasn't going to let this slide easily.
The thought that he'd raise his hand over something so trivial infuriated me.
I was distracted when Samantha lowered to her knees, head bowed before me. "Thank you for gracing our home with your presence, Lord Langston," she said meekly.
"Rise," I replied, my tone softer. Calmer.
She rose.
"What of your family?" I asked.
"She has none" Kaius replied. "Took her in when she was er… young. Look at me watching her grow into an adult" he grabbed a drumstick from a large dish and bit into it ravenously. "I plan on turning her when she turns 25 this year," he said "Don't want her growing all gray and weary around me, ey?"
He released a laugh.
It sickened me to hear him speak those words.
"So you intend for her to serve you till the rest of your days?" I asked.
Kaius poured himself another full glass of the blood wine and drank from his cup greedily, "Well, yes. I am a vampire after all. I live forever."
I rose to my feet, preparing to leave, and Kaius struggled to rise too.
"I'm afraid that's not going to happen, Kaius," I spoke, and his face blanched in surprise.
"Why not?" He asked.
"Because she's coming with me."
Samantha's eyes widened in shock, but she stayed silent. Kaius, caught off guard and searching for words, spluttered, "B-but…"
I met his gaze with a hard stare. "You don't need her, do you? There are plenty of others who can take her place."
Kaius fidgeted, "I've grown rather attached to her," he said, attempting to regain his composure. "We've come a long way, and I don't think I can just release her to you."
Samantha's head dipped again as we debated her fate right in front of her.
I frowned slightly, "That's unfortunate," I said coldly. "Because if that's the case, I guess I won't consider your proposal." My eyes drifted to the bottle of wine, pointing out my disinterest.
Kaius' face paled. "You can't be serious…"
I tilted my head, my expression remaining hard and unreadable.
After a long pause, Kaius sighed heavily, his shoulders slumping. "Fine," he muttered, "I suppose I could do away with the mortal. You can have her."
"Good choice,"
Without wasting another second, I reached for Samantha's hand, taking it in mine. "Let's go."
"Sir, my belongings, my…" she began.
"Leave them" I cut her off. "I'll get you new ones."
We started towards the door. I wanted her out of this hell as fast as possible.
I heard Kaius struggling to move, his footsteps sounding behind us as he called out, "You promise to help me, right? To convince Darcia to see the value in the proposal? It could be the start of something great"
I glanced back briefly. "I will."
Pushing open the main door, I led Samantha outside, refusing to look back, not even once, until we reached my car.
She was silent, her small frame moving quietly beside me.
I opened the passenger door for her, and she slipped into the seat, still not meeting my eyes.
Once we were both inside, I let out a long breath, realizing for the first time how tightly I'd been holding it in. And how crazy what I just did was.
I hadn't even stopped to think about my actions.
Exhaling another breath, I glanced in the rearview mirror. Kaius stood in the house, peeping through the wide UV-blocking glass in the house, watching us. Behind him, some of the staff peered through the windows, their faces filled with curiosity, or perhaps envy, as they watched Samantha.
I'd rescued her, but who was going to rescue them?