A Cruel Fate

Nine human girls are brought before three vampiric princes to compete in a grueling trial. Their price? The crown itself. However, one reluctant candidate stands out; Simone, a fiery young woman determined to self-sabotage her chances of winning no matter the...

Chapter 1

The atmosphere was calm, and the smell of rain was still fresh in the air. What remained of the rain was now turned into small ice cubes suspended from the few cars in the parking lot. It was gloomy and icy, but it didn't stop Simone from completing her mission. She was determined that she would see her plan for victory.

"Simone, I'm not sure about that," Leah was chatting nervously. She used to talk to get out of things that were reckless.

Simone locked eyes with Leah's dark brown orbs. Simone wasn't about to let her best friend walk away.

“Yes, you do. This douche cheated on you. You wanted revenge.”

Simone was a very strong and impulsive person, but Leah was as well. Therefore, bringing them together was never a good idea. When Leah told her that her boyfriend was cheating on her, Simone was already formulating a sneaky revenge plan. She hated Leah’s boyfriend from the very beginning and couldn't wait for the day to kick him out of their lives once and for all.

Leah took a deep, calming breath. “Yeah, you're right. I'm just freezing my butt off.”

“Yeah, me too.”

They both hunched over behind a car. It was a nice, quiet part of the city, so they had to be careful. They were aware that getting caught was not an option. It sucks that the offices have security cams.

Kenneth, the infidel boyfriend, was once again detained at his office. He didn't know Leah knew about his unfaithfulness. It was a win-win situation for them.

Leah stared off towards the building he worked in. “He's probably with some girl now.”

“He's the boss. That 'some girl' just wants a raise. Having him out of your life is honestly something to celebrate. Come on. We got some damage to do.”

Simone threw her sack of supplies over her shoulder and headed towards his polished mustang. He loved his car more than anything, and that was why this pay back was so sweet.

Leah pulled out a key from her purse and started her intricate art design on the top of the car's hood. Simone tore open a bag of sugar and drained it into his gas tank, laughing like a maniac.

Simone then took a step back after puncturing two of his tires. Leah carved numerous words describing the object of a slut all over the car.

Simone clapped her hands in approval.

“I think we out did ourselves this time.”

Leah felt a newfound glory after getting back at the dirt bag, who broke her heart. She couldn't believe she wasted half a year with him.

Simone grabbed two bats from her sack and handed Leah one. “Not quite yet.”

They both snickered in delight before positioning themselves on either side of the car.

They counted down in sync. “One, two, three.”

The windows shattered to a million pieces, and the custom detailed paint chipped. The alarm went off immediately. It was loud; there was no way Kenneth wouldn't hear it. Hell, the whole block probably heard it.

The dents on the car looked costly to fix, and they were counting on it.

“I'm betting he'll cry.” Simone could just imagine it and couldn’t help but snicker to herself.

Kenneth came down and out of the building in a matter of seconds. Leah and Simone both grinned ear to ear as he approached.

“What the hell happened here?” he shouted, taking in the view of his damaged car.

“Would you believe us if I said the bat slipped?”

They figured he was too busy holding in his tears to respond to Leah. Kenneth was gawking at his precious car, dumbfounded.

Minutes later, Kenneth’s face turned bright red with rage. “Why the hell would you do this to me, Leah?”

Leah crossed her arms over her chest to gain better leverage. She understood his anger, but it didn't compare to the betrayal she felt. She also knew for a fact that he could easily afford a new car.

“No. Why don't you tell me how you could cheat on me?” There was no reason for him to wander. Leah was a terrific girlfriend, or so she believed anyway.

His eyes glazed over. “What are you talking about? I never cheated on you, baby.”

So, he was going to play denial and stupid. Simone felt sick to her stomach. He was breaking down and acting all emotional. Damn, he was a good actor.

“It's too bad your lies don't grow more brain cells. But brains aren't everything.”

Kenneth glared at Simone, like a cat would a mouse.

“You put her up to this. You’re nothing but a little jealous whore.”

“You really should stop calling yourself that. I've already started to believe it.” Simone wasn't scared of him, though he was stupid if he thought she would be.

“Leah, baby, you can't let her break us up. We're more than that.”

A week ago, she would have believed him. They were perfect for each other, but she figured it wasn't good enough for him. He had cheated on her multiple times with numerous girls.

His pleading made Jules roll her eyes and snort. “Simone didn't tell me anything. Jessica, your assistant, dropped me a hint after quitting on you. Remember her?”

Kenneth knew he should have fired the little snitch a long time ago. “Look, let me explain.”

“Don't bother. We're through.” Leah took the bat, flipping her hair, and turned to walk away.

“The hell we are. What about my car?”

“It looks so much better than before, if you ask me,” Simone chimed in.

“I don't think we're going to have a problem with that. And if we do, I'm sure your boss won't mind hearing about how you shagged his wife.” Leah had plenty of secrets on him that he wasn’t aware of her even knowing.

Kenneth’s eyes grew scared. “How?”

“Your little assistant was very informative. Apparently there was a lot more to you than even I knew.”

Kenneth cursed. There was nothing he could do. There was no way he was going to lose his job.

“Damn you both!” He yelled in frustration.

“Is there an issue here?” a fourth voice came from a cop walking out of the shadows. He was a patrol cop just doing his rounds.

Kenneth bit his lip to keep from spilling and confessing to the cop.

Leah raised her brow, daring Kenneth to say a word.

“No. There's no problem here.” Kenneth sounded defeated and exhausted.

The cop gazed over the messed up car and wasn't sure what to think of it. “How did this happen, exactly?”

Kenneth answered reluctantly. “It happened last week. It was some stupid kids playing a prank.”

The cop nodded, giving them all the once over. “Alright. You all drive home safe.”

He left shortly after. Simone and Leah decided it was their time to go.

“You're going to regret this, baby. I was the best you ever had.” Kenneth was beyond delusional if he believed that.

Simone almost puked with disgust. “Only you are dumb enough to believe that.”

Leah threw her arm over Simone and walked away with more respect for herself than she had before. “Thanks for doing this with me.”

“Are you kidding? I've been waiting to can that jerk since the first day you introduced him to me. I thought he was a snake from the beginning but gave him the benefit of the doubt.” Simone snorted.

Leah’s weak smile was hard for her to see. Simone knew all too well it felt being cheated on.

“Hey,” Simone bumped her side against her in hopes of getting Leah's attention. “What are you thinking?”

“I can't help but wonder, was it me? Did I do something wrong?" Leah was blaming herself.

“No. Don't you dare? You did nothing wrong. You are a great person, and he was just a two faced liar. Kenneth doesn't deserve a person like you. You deserve so much better and more.”

Simone pulled her into a hug, and Leah instantly felt better.

“Thanks Simone.” She pulled away. “It's late. I better get going.”

“Yeah. I'll see you tomorrow.”

They both headed in the opposite directions inside the mall parking lot. It was the place they decided to meet at, since it was only a block away from Kenneth's work. Looking around now at the sketchy empty lot, Simone was starting to think it may have been a bad idea.

Simone pulled her thin coat a little tighter as the cold breeze hit her face. She was a few feet away from her car when she noticed a tall figure leaning against a black BMW. He was facing away from her, toward the deserted streets. She tried not to think much of it as she came closer to the mysterious figure. Her curiosity got the best of her, and she glanced up at his face.

The parking lot was dark, but there were a few lights around the area. She could easily tell the man was very handsome. His jaw line was strong and demanding. His muscular arms were crossed over his broad chest and were lightly flexing through his thin, black V-neck shirt.

She couldn't help admiring his body, but the fact that he was just in a shirt in the middle of December shocked her. He had to be freezing, but he was not showing any signs that he was.

Strange, she thought. Glancing up, he was now looking in her direction. She quickly dropped her gaze to the keys in her hands and turned to face her car door. Just as she was placing the key in its slot, she heard footsteps coming towards her.

“Hello,” the man’s voice was warm and silky.

She gathered her courage to face the mysterious man, even though her instincts told her not to. He stood a foot taller than her 5 foot 6 inch frame. His dark, sparkling blue- gray eyes were gazing down at her with intrigue.

“Hi,” she replied, admiring his gorgeous features up close.

He looked unreal, like something out of a book. The colors of his eyes were something she had never known existed on a human. His beautiful lips turned into a breathtaking smile at the tone of her voice.

He didn't say anything in return. He swept his eyes down her face, taking in her golden eyes, soft lips, and faintly pink cheeks. Her nose was red from the cold.

She narrowed her eyes in suspicion. “Is there something you needed?”

Simone maybe figured he might have had some kind of car problem, since he was out late and waiting in the blistering cold.

“Actually, there is. What is your name?” His low voice spoke with ease.

“My name is none of your business.”

He smirked at her comment and took a step closer. She wanted to step back, but her back was already pressed against her car.

“Please, can you tell me your name?” He asked more politely.

She didn't understand why he wanted her name, but she knew better than to give it to a stranger. He could be a killer. “Jessica.”

His eyes grew accusingly. “You're lying, love.”

She raised her brow, challenging him. “Am I?”

He chuckled softly, and she found herself enjoying listening to his voice. He leaned in. His eyes now pleading, making his face look even more adorable and boyish, “Please tell me your name, beautiful lady?”

Beautiful lady? Was this man for real? Simone shook her head in disbelief because his pleading pulled her in, and she told him. “Simone."

His eyes grew warm as he took in her name. “That's a very intriguing name.”

“Thanks.” She turned to her door to escape his stare.

“Simone?” His voice went silky, like he wanted something. Nothing in his tone made her think he was a threat.

“Yes, stranger?”

“You shouldn't be out by yourself this late at night.”

She had to look back to see what kind of expression was on his face. She was excellent at reading people and smiled when he seemed to look sincere.

“I can take care of myself, but thanks, any way…"

“Damien.” He replied.

“Damien?” she repeated. “The name suits you.”

He raised his brow in a questioning, curious fashion. “How so?”

“Might sound weird, but you look like an old soul to me; like you might have seen a lot. Damien isn't used to that much anymore. It's a nice name, though.”

Damien chuckled and shook his head, staring at Simone with what seemed to be fascination. “You're special.”

“That's what guys say to girls when they want to get in their pants. But that won't be happening here, good sir.”

He laughed, and she could feel his breath on her neck. She wasn't scared of him; after all, she still had her bat in her backpack.

“I like you, Simone,” he said as he trailed his nose down her neck, making her shiver a bit.

She didn't know what to say, and she didn’t seem to have the will power to move. She couldn't explain it, but it felt like some sort of force was holding her captive. Her body in explicitly went limp, and she blacked out as fear crawled into the ripples of her brain.

Chapter 2

Simone began to stir as she tried to pull out of her restless sleep. She forced her eyes open, even though it hurt to do so. She took in the sight of the strange bed covers and tried to remember how she got there. Nothing came to mind. She had no idea how she ended up in a foreign bed.

She turned her head to the side and saw a man staring at her in amusement. Furthermore, she didn't flinch back or show any fear. Not only that, but she just stared back at the familiar features. The dark blue- gray eyes were now searching into hers, as if attempting to intimidate her. His face looked like the same strong jawline, sharp nose, but there was something different in the way he was looking at her. As if it were his first time seeing her.

He stood up from the chair across the room and went to sit on the side of her bed. The bed dipped as his face came into better view. He hovered above her, and with him up close, she could tell he was not the same man from the night before.

He didn't say anything, only stared at her face like he was trying to memorize it.

"I'm dreaming, right? This has to be a dream.” Otherwise, she would be freaking out like any normal person would be in this situation.

“I'm flattered you think so.”

Who was this cocky son of-? Maybe it was Damien. Why was she getting a feeling it wasn't?

“Don't be. I dream of dogs too.” It was in her nature to deflate men's egos.

His laugh sent chills down her spine. Was she dreaming? She gripped the covers. It was the realest dream she had ever had.

“You're not Damien,” she examined the man in front of her thoroughly. “you look similar, but your eyes are too close and your smile is more crooked.”

“You're lying.”

She raised her brow in a challenge. Who was this man? Of course she was. This man looked exactly like Damien, but she was going by a gut feeling.

The Damien look-alike smirked, and his eyes caressed her with fascination. “He was right.”

“What? Who was right?”

“I'm Darius, Damien’s brother.”

Simone tried pushing herself up but was struck with dizziness. It was a familiar sensation she wasn't proud of. “Was I drugged?”

His silence was an answer. “It will help you cope with this new transition.”

“What the hell are you talking about? Where am I?” Perhaps the drug was wearing off because she was starting to hyperventilate.

She was kidnapped.

“Luna calm down. We mean you no harm. We won't hurt you.” The brush of his old British accent distracted her, but only for a second.

“What the hell do you want from me?”

His eyes were like a trigger, a trigger that sent her mind to la-la land.

She felt like she was hit with another dose of drugs. Her hands stopped shaking and instead of chaos, her mind was clear all of a sudden.

“Don't be scared. We won't hurt you.” He pressed into her conscious.

Probably to trick her into making him feel like a friend.

“I have to go, but I want you to get washed up. Athena will come by in a few minutes to escort you to another room. There is where I will answer all your questions.”

She controlled her breathing as he got up to leave.

“You also have a roommate who is currently in the washroom.”

Roommate? She threw the covers off so she could stand. What was this, a sorority? Darius was gone by the time the bathroom door flew open. A tall brunette girl with bouncy curls came out, looking just as confused.

“Hey,” the girl said awkwardly as she approached Simone, “I'm Lacey.”

“Simone.”

Lacey gave her a small smile and then turned to stare around the extravagant room. Simone did the same, since she hadn't already. The room was plenty big for two people, with two full beds on either side. The walls were covered in elegant red and gold Victorian wallpaper that gave the room a feel of old glamour. The bedpost, night stands, and tables were all a dark cherry wood that went well with the feel of the decor. It looked like a room out of a palace.

“So you were kidnapped, too?” Lacey trailed on the delicate subject.

“Yeah, but my question is who kidnapped us?” Simone picked up a solid gold hand mirror off the vanity. “The prince of England?”

“This place is ridiculous. That bathroom is twice the size of my room back home.”

“Do you think this is a dream?” Simone wasn't knocking out that theory until it was proven otherwise.

Lacey shrugged. “Maybe. It's not the worst dream to have. I just remember meeting a gorgeous looking guy one second, then the next waking up in this palace.”

“I'm not buying it. What if it's all a catch, like we're actually going to be sold into sex slavery? Like some high-class shit. Oh, God!.” Now her mind was spinning with the horrible, endless possibilities.

“If that's the case, we'll stick together and find a way out.” Lacey seemed more sane than Simone was at the moment.

“I need a drink.”

Simone went to the bathroom and splashed some water onto her face. None of this made sense. Why was she there? Why was Lacey? There were too many questions floating in her head. Simone pushed them aside and noticed a new toothbrush on the sink. She rolled her eyes and started to use it.

When she stepped out of the bathroom, there was another girl in the room. She was in her mid-twenties, wearing a tight floor length red dress. She had pretty short strawberry-blonde hair that shine like a reddish moonlight.

“Are you ready?” she asked.

Simone only nodded. She assumed the girl was Athena from what Darius had told her. Athena led them into the hall, which matched the interior of their room.

The whole place was beautifully romantic with the Victorian appeal to it. As they entered the study, Simone was shocked to come face to face with eight other girls in the same room. Her sex slavery theory didn't seem so farfetched anymore.

Blondes, brunettes, and even a redhead or two were scattered about the massive room. Simone’s heart screamed at the sight of her best friend's face.

“Leah!” she cried out, not caring whether they had an audience or not.

Her friend turned around, unraveling hopeful suspicion. “Oh Simone, I can't believe you're here too,” she said pulling Simone into a hug.

They pulled apart and examined each other, but of course, neither one of them was physically harmed, which made things that just more weird.

"Do you know what's going on?'

Simone shook her head. “Whatever it is, we're going to get out of here one way or another.” She promised confidently.

Then, pulling the ladies out of their conversation with a clearing of the throat, all eyes turned to the noise. There stood three beautiful, gorgeous men that looked identical in almost every way.

Their dark brown hair slightly curled at the ends, their piercing blue-gray eyes scanning through the women, their pale skin accenting their flawless features. They gave no indication of danger, but more of interest and amusement.

The one in the middle stepped forward, which Simone predicted as Darius. The girls were enthralled at the spectacle of these hot men. It wasn't their fault. It was like being under a spell.

“Ladies,” he started off in a sultry voice that could calm any storm. “We know that all of you may be confused right now, but we're here to clear a few things.”

“You all are here for a vital reason. You were specifically chosen by each one of us because we saw something in you.”

He took a dramatic pause to scan the room of helpless women. Simone sat on the wooden table behind her. She figured his answer was going to make her feel sick.

“My brothers and I as you can tell, are identical, but what you don't know is that we're not human. We are vampires, and you are now in the vampire world.”

Simone, along with three other girls, burst into a fit of laughter. He had to be joking. Maybe they were on some kind of stupid reality show.

"So you guys are not only gorgeous, but you are mentally insane also,” one of the girls said from the front.

All three of the brothers were smirking. “Do you want me to prove it?”

Before she could answer him, he was standing beside her with her neck in his hand. He was hoisting her up in the air, using no effort at all. The sounds of gasps coming from every girl. Darius put the struggling blonde girl back on her feet.

She threw her hands up protectively around her neck, but Darius didn't let go. He pulled her hands away, forcing them down. She whined, but he only gave her a devilish smile that would send anyone to their grave. He leaned towards her neck and bared his sharp teeth. The blonde felt his fangs scratching at her skin.

“Do you need any more proof?”

“N-no,” she shrieked.

He took a step back. And She collapsed on the ground, gasping for air and rubbing her neck, but no one made a move to help her.

Everyone was too stunned to move.

“I am Darius. This is Damien,” he pointed to his left, then to his right, “and Lucien. We are the three princes of the vampire world in this kingdom. You are no longer in your world, but ours. The reason you are here is that we are looking for our future queen. One of you lucky ladies will be the next ruler of our kingdom and will have one of us by your side.”

“Wait, so we're not on earth anymore?”

“Think of it as an alternate earth. There are portals that link us to your home. You are indeed in a supernatural world.”

Simone couldn't believe what she was hearing. It was worse than she feared. “Why a human? Did you run out of female vampires?” Simone mocked.

She saw Damien chuckle. “They're not as sweet,” Marcus replied, playing Simone with his eyes.

“Not all humans are sweet, Damien. Some of us are poisonous. So be careful.”

It was definitely a threat.

She was not falling for their perfect and the simple explanation. They were hiding some gruesome stuff about their unnatural world. If it were even true at all because she still couldn't believe it.

“This is a competition?” Another girl asked.

“Yes. The more time we spend with you will hopefully reveal which one is capable of ruling our kingdom. It is our tradition to find a human rather than an existing vampire.”

“Well, aren't we lucky,” Simone said, rolling her eyes.

“You should be honored.”

Simone raised her brow at the voice that spoke because it belonged to the brother she hadn't met.

Lucien was stiff with his posture and his jaw was so tight she thought he might shatter his teeth to bits.

“So honored dear prince, and privileged,” her sarcasm was driven by anger. “But what if I would rather not play your game?”

“You don't have a choice.”

“Your experience here will not be like any other,” Damien, she concluded, was the brother with the most compassion. “You will be staying in a palace, have food catered, and go on a few dates with us. It's not like you'll be tortured. I promise after a few days, you won't want to go back home.”

He was reeling in the upside to the dark contract. It wasn't as shabby, but could they be trusted?

“At the end, if you wish to go back, then the choice is yours.”

“Just like that? Wouldn't you try to stop us, since we know your secret?” Lacey asked an important practical question.

“Who would believe you? We would disappear. You wouldn't know where to find us. People would think you're a lunatic.”

Most of the girls were far too calm, but it might have been, but that was due to the drugs.

“Now, ladies, I believe that some of you are hungry. So, if you will follow us, we shall enter the dining room, where we will be happy to answer more of your questions.”

The three princes stepped to their right and practically walked in sync as they exited the room.

The girls slowly began to follow the princes down the elegant grand hall. The dark wood of the walls made the feel of the narrow hall seem that much gloomier. They entered a massive eating den that had a table set for forty people. It was decorated with food that smelled divine.

Chapter 3

Simone and Leah waited patiently to be seated at last. They weren’t in a rush to dine with their kidnappers.

Leah softly whispered to Simone and just then, one of the vampire princes stopped her with his toxic eyes.

“What did you say?” His aggressive approach frightened them both.

Leah swallowed hard and knew she'd regret what was going to come out of her mouth.

“Nothing.”

His eyes grew impatient and irritated. “There is a punishment for lying.”

“Is there a punishment for abduction?” Simone couldn't stop her tongue even if she wanted to.

Lucien took a very intimidating step towards her, towering over her with authority. “Not for Royals.”

“Ahh yes, that’s right, all you have is a birthright. You probably couldn't survive without it.”

His jaw tightened in anger. “I suggest you show some respect before I teach you some.”

“Respect is earned. Even dogs know that.” Simone said, trying to walk to the table, but the prince grabbed her arm. His stern grip caused her to wince in pain.

He was furious; that much was obvious. It could be seen through his heated gaze and pulsing veins.

“I think a quick lesson is in order.”

“What's the point? I'd never use it, anyway.”

Before she could even grasp it, Lucien’s hand flew across her face. The hard strike made her fall to her knees, and the sting of her cheek was throbbing.

“Well, we can cross Prince Charming off your resume. And so much for no harm will come to us.”

“You will learn how to speak to royalty one way or another,” Lucien replied. Yet even with the stern look on his face, it was as if he regretted the action of hitting a woman.

“Will you beat it in me?”

Simone watched as his eyes softened. Deep within them, she could see what looked like pity.

“It's time to eat.” Darius chimed in, pulling them both back into the presence of the crowded room.

Simone sat next to Leah at the very end of the table and the furthest from the princes. She wiped her mouth and groaned when she touched the cut on her lip. She licked her lips and tasted blood.

Great, just what she needed: a fat lip because of some jerk wad prince with a temper.

Wine was served continuously. There was never an empty glass. Simone had a grueling suspicion it was a method to unwind and ease the girls. She took advantage of the free relaxation, but it wasn't enough to drown out the nightmare she seemed to be stuck in, though.

The princes began to ask the girl's random questions and then also explain a few rules.

“You are free to go about the castle, even the gardens. There are vampire guards stationed everywhere. There is no point in trying to escape. So, try to stay out of trouble. We promise no harm will come to you if you respect these simple rules.”

Darius flashed the girls a brilliant and irresistible smile.

“We will be spending time with each one of you to get to know you all personally. We promise to make this adventurous stay worth your while,” Damien said with a seductive smile playing on his lips.

The girls had no hope of resisting the three devilishly handsome charming princes, especially under the spell of intoxication. They were defenseless and more vulnerable to any seductive and entrancing thing the princes offered them.

Trust and comfort were sure to follow.

The girls were cleverly led into the arms of their captors. Simone couldn't be positive if each one of them was bewitched, but she had no doubt that in time they would be. Deeper and deeper they dove into the night, and with that, the princes grew more in charm.

Simone, who had drunk more alcohol than most should in a night, had a small buzz. Her tolerance level had grown incredibly in her recent years. Instead of listening to the chatter around the table, Simone wondered if her family had figured out she was missing.

Deep in thought, Simone hardly heard the loud throat clearing from the person trying to grab her attention. Leah had to nudge her shoulder to pull her out of her trance and back into the real world that she was so desperately trying to escape.

Thankfully, Damien didn't look upset. Instead, he was staring at her adoringly.

“So, love, care to tell us where your mind was wondering to?”

“It should be obvious.” He frowned, and she continued to rant in her distress. “Our families will realize we are missing. How long do you expect to keep us here? We didn't sign up for this.”

“It will take some adjusting to, but I promise it's not as bad as you think it is.”

Simone shook her head, pissed off and annoyed. “Not as bad as I think. You've got to be kidding me. I don't care how gorgeous and charming you princes think you are. I want to go home.”

“Well, that's not going to happen any time soon.” Lucien obviously felt the need to butt in.

“How long do you think this wine will keep these girls at bay before they too start rebelling?”

“Simone,” Damien spoken her name with such care she had to turn and look at him. He was offering a peace. “When this is all over, the possibility of seeing your family again won't be terribly unimaginable.”

She saw the truth in his eyes and that silenced her. For now that is.

Darius took it upon himself to be the guided entertainment. He accommodated to the girls, and Simone quickly picked up on his attentive vibe.

“If you ladies will join us on the terrace, it is a lovely night tonight, and it should be enjoyed.”

It took a few seconds for the girls to grasp their footing, but luckily, none fell on their way to the doors. Simone tried to stand back and book it for the other exit. But someone unfortunately stopped her attempt by grabbing her arm.

“Where do you think you are going?” His low, velvet voice was raspy and aggressive.

“I might not be a vampire, but I also bite.”

She knew exactly his type. He wanted a challenge; a woman to talk back to him and try to put him in his place. He needed an equal.

“I need to use the restroom. Care to watch?” She was trying to be smart, but was a little afraid he might take her offer.

He released her, and she could tell it irritated him to do so. She resumed walking towards the doors with her heart thumping with adrenaline. There was a man dressed in a suit standing just outside.

“Excuse me, can you point me towards the kitchen."?

He smiled warmly and said, “I'll personally show you where it is, my lady.”

“Thank you.”

The tall butler led her down the hall to the left, where they entered through a white door. The kitchen was impressively large and modern. Simone heard the footsteps of the butler fade away, and she made her way to the man in the middle of all the cookware.

“Ciao.” He greeted her kindly.

“Ciao,” she smiled.

He was a middle-aged man with a stained apron covering his faintly large belly, but he was definitely a lot like a father figure of sorts.

“What can I do for you, Bella?” He asked her in a very thick Italian accent.

“I am in need of a drink. Do you have anything stronger than wine you can spare?”

He grinned and raised a curious brow. “Is there any particular reason for this drink?”

“I don't know if you can tell, but I was struck by one of the vampire princes.” She wanted to add in the asshole, but wasn't sure how fond the chef was with the princes.

“Your cheek is red.” He quickly grew remorseful.

“And still throbbing.”

“I know exactly what you need.” The Italian man started to pour a dark liquor into a cup for her.

She graciously took it and said her thanks before making her way back out. Would the princes even notice her absence? Technically, Lucien was the only one to have seen her leave.

Could she make a run for it?

Was there a phone nearby?

Yet if the princes were telling the truth, what good would a phone call be in a different world?

She was more than certain Sprint didn't cover this kind of service. With no efforts and disappointment haunting her, Luna headed back to the dining area.

The night sky was already fading to pink and orange by the time she reached the terrace. Luna soaked in the beautiful view as she took a sip of her drink. It was strong, strong. The Italian knew how to drink. Good thing she liked her drinks strong, or else she would have spit it back out as soon as it hit her mouth.

Simone heard giggles and found the girls crowded around the princes. They didn't have a care in the world, but it was better that way. That was the whole point of the wine, wasn't it? It was a sneaky distraction, blinding them to their new reality.

She took another gulp and savored the burn as it went down like lava down her throat. She loved the feeling. Furthermore, she welcomed it and embraced it, knowing it would dull any pain she felt; both physically and emotionally.

As she turned back to the view of the gardens, she felt a hand on her shoulder. She wanted to avoid turning to see who it was.

“You leave for the restrooms and return with brandy in hand.”

His voice was low and slick. She assumed it was Lucien, since he was the only one who knew where she was supposed to be going.

“It's to help with the pain.” She took another long sip, savoring the burn and hoping it will help fade him from sight. “Either you purposely struck me too hard, or you don’t know your strength.”

“It has been a while since I've been around humans.”

Was that almost an apology?

“How long exactly?”

If she couldn't fight it, then maybe she should give in to this ridiculous vampire fantasy. Perhaps it was a dream, and she was going to wake up soon.

She was humoring herself; wondering how far her imagination would take her. “This personal? A decade or two. Here, humans are mostly food. It is rare if they ever get turned into a vampire.”

“Well, a group of love struck/desperate women should cure that right up,” she shook her head.

He was in for one hell of a rollercoaster ride with this group of ladies. He had no idea what he'd gotten himself into. Barely knowing any of the women, yet she knew what they were thinking and what they wanted from the three god-like princes.

He smirked at her statement, finding it rather amusing.

Without any more words, Simone began strolling down the stone stairs to the garden. The further they got, the more complex the castle became. The castle, or rather palace, was literally built inside a mountain.

It was a stunning view, like something out of a fantasy novel she once read in her teen years.

“The elevation of the mountain gives us an advantage from enemies. The gardens stretch out for a mile and descend into a vast mass of trees. The other side is connected to a waterfall with a magnificent view of our kingdom.”

She couldn't wait to see it for herself. “Do you have many enemies?”

“At the moment, we have world peace.”

“Well, isn't that delightful?” Who would have guessed vampires were the ones who could achieve world peace?

They continued walking side by side.

“How old are you?”

“For humans, isn't it considered rude to ask that question?”

“Yes, but you're not human,” she stated.

“Let's just say I'm over 500 years old.”

“Wow.” It was remarkable how incredibly preserved they were. She wouldn't have given the princes a day over 25 if she didn't know any better.

“Like I said, you'll get used to it.”

“I don't think so.” She didn't want to believe it.

He stared deeply into her eyes, wondering what she was thinking.

“I think the only reason I haven't freaked out already is that this feels like a dream. That and I've also read too many Twilight/vampire books in my day.”

He laughed again, and Simone couldn't help but smirk. “You're laughing, but that's probably also the reason the other girls are not scared of you. They want their Edward, too.”

Lucien stopped laughing and gazed into her big golden eyes. He didn't have to cover his emotions. He wanted her to see him for who he was. Not only that, but he wanted all the girls to see his true self.

“Don't worry Lucien, I know you're not all cute and cuddly, like Edward. You definitely have a dark side. But I'm afraid it's too dark.”

His lips curled at her honesty. “You don't have to worry, baby doll. I won't unleash my dark side on you again. That is, unless you want me to.”

Simone stumbled back. She didn't know how to react or answer back to his last comment. So, instead, she tried to change the subject. “Don't call me baby doll.”

“I'm a prince. I can call you whatever I want.”

“Are you one of those royal pain princes?”

“Baby, you have no idea.”

Simone closed her eyes. This new world and the mysterious people in it were far more than her brain could take in for one day. It had to be a dream. Any minute, she expected to wake up in her bed and reminisce about her awful nightmare.

The nine girls were eventually ushered back into their rooms. They were told to be ready in the morning to have a meeting with the princes, discussing their first challenge, which was also the next day. Simone made it to the bed only to crash on top without any thought left to care about.

She hugged the pillow tight and prayed her worst nightmare was just that; a nightmare. As she pulled the covers over her body, she wished her dream wasn't so physical next time because her face was still hurting.