Royal shuffle: Vampire's mate

ANDREA

I cycled into the small town, heading straight for the library. The second I entered, Lauren gasped loud, holding her hand to her chest. It was then I looked down at my self, and saw that I had blood stains on my uniform. That, and I was still holding on to the bloodied knife.

"What did you get yourself into, child?!" She asked loudly.

"Where's Leo?" My voice came out in a small whisper. I could feel my lips quivering.

"I'm here. What..." Leo stepped out from one of the offices, and paused when he saw me.

His eyes raked my form and I could see alarm settle in them. He rushed to me, and placed his hands on my shoulders, turning me around to inspect me.

"What happened to you?" He asked.

"It's a long story," I replied.

"Come."

He began pulling me towards his office, and then turned to Lauren. "Lauren, please order something for all of us," he said to the stunned older women.

She nodded, and immediately got on the phone. Leo took my hand and pulled me into his office, and pulled out a seat for me. I sat, breathing in like I was being suffocated. He pulled another chair, and sat opposite me, and took both my hands in his.

"It's okay..." He said. "Now, tell me what happened."

I took a deep breath, and opened my mouth, amazed at myself at how the words flowed out effortlessly, and with ease. I felt safe here. I told him about the times he would corner me in the library, and how he would make stupid excuses to touch me. I told him how frustrated I felt because there was nothing that could be done except quit, and that wasn't much of an option seeing that I and my family were low on funds, and quitting a job that more or less paid my sisters' tuition wasn't a good idea.

I told him about how he had bought me a 'gift' today, tried to put it on me. And how he tried to forcefully kiss me. By the time I was done, I felt as though a huge load had been lifted off of my chest. I felt lighter, and I could breathe easier. Leo, on the other hand, looked like he was about to commit murder. Even though his outer features seemed calm, and his fingers still rubbed against the back my my hands in slow, comforting rhythm. I could see the lines on his face had hardened. His bright eyes looked like they wanted war, like he was hungry for blood. And the way he stared straight ahead made chills run down my spine. "Leo?"

He cocked an eyebrow at me. "Hm."

"Are you okay?" I asked.

He smiled lightly, and nodded. "I am. Are you?"

I shrugged, and smiled. "Not exactly, but I definitely feel better."

He nodded again. "How did you escape him?"

I showed him the knife that I had stowed away in my pocket. "The housekeeper gave me this this morning, right after she told me the prince demanded my presence. Almost as though she knew what was going to happen..." I took a deep breath, and relaxed into the chair, taking deep breaths and enjoying the reprieve I had just gotten.

"I'm just wondering what I'm going to do tomorrow," I said.

"What do you mean?"

"I have to go to work tomorrow..."

"No, you don't," Leo said firmly.

"Yes. I do. I can't just quit."

"And why not?"

"My sisters' education is being sponsored by the palace. I need the check," I replied.

"I'd employ you. And pay your sisters' fees," Leo said.

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I stared at him in shock, and then threw back my head and laughed.

"What's funny?" He asked.

"You!!!" I said, still laughing.

"And what did I say that turned out to be a joke?"

"That you want to employ me, pay my family bills. That's something."

"Why, you don't think I can do it?" He looked offended, and I immediately stopped laughing.

"No, I don't mean it like that."

"Then what do you mean? Do you want to continue working there and face all the harassment from that bastard?"

"No," I said, somberly.

"Then let me..."

"Okay. Where am I going to work?"

"Here. You seem to love the place so much, you might as well."

I cocked my head at him. "I'm quite sure you'll be needing the boss' permission for that."

He smirked. "Good thing you're looking at him."

My eyes opened in surprise. I always knew that he was someone important here; but somehow, my brain just assumed that maybe he was a relative to the owner or manager or something. I never thought... "Oh. Okay, then. Am I getting interviewed?" I asked.

He threw back his head and laughed. "No. Lauren would show you the ropes."

He stood from his chair, and gently pulled me to my feet. "Also, let's get you cleaned up. You're sitting there with that pig's blood all over you."

He led me through a door that was located on the other side of the room, leading us into a bedroom.

"Wow."

"Yeah, I spend time here a lot," He said and walked us to another door in the bedroom that opened to a bathroom.

"Everything you need to clean up is here, I have some clothes that would fit you. I'll leave them on the bed."

I nodded and smiled. "Thank you, Leo."

His eyes softened, and he nodded and left the bathroom.

I rinsed my face and looked at my reflection looking back at me. My eyes were red and puffy, dark and sullen. A true reflection of how my life has been for a while...since my whole existence on Earth. I sighed and wet a rag and began to clean the blood off myself. I wiped down till I was clean, brushed my hair, disposed my clothes into the basket in the corner, and came out in a towel.

On the bed we're some oversized tee shirt and some joggers. They would have to do. I lifted them up to my nose and took a deep breath, they smelt of Leo, and for some reason, that was comforting. I took off the towel, and threw the clothes on, letting my hair fall down to my waist. I sighed and rubbed my elbows. I went back into the office, and the delicious aroma of food hir my nose, my stomach immediately growled in protest.

"You must be hungry," he said. "Sit, eat."

I did. I dug into the tasty chicken and properly cooked rice, enjoying the way the flavors burst in my mouth. Thinking of the way forward. I wondered if Prince William would decide to take some action against me. Maybe get me arrested for attacking him, or maybe kick my sisters out of school, or maybe get us banished all together. I sighed, and took a drink of the fresh fruit juice.

Anyway, at least I've already gotten another job...