When I wake up, Vincent is gone and Marcus is still sleeping. In Vincent's place, there is a neatly folded dress for me to wear, and I notice my room has been tidied. I try to get out of bed but realize Marcus is holding my arm again. He looks adorable. I sigh and let him wake up on his own.

…

"Good morning, milady," He says, cheerful.

"Good morning, Marcus!" I smile.

He smiles and stares at me without saying anything.

"Is something the matter?" I ask, worried.

"Where is Vincent?" He asks.

"I'm not sure…" I look around.

"Oh, ok. Did you sleep well, milady?" He hugs me tighter by my arm.

He's so close to me again, but this time he's awake. I turn my head away from him.

"Y-Yes I did. Perhaps you should get d-dressed." I ask, a bit flustered since he is still shirtless.

"Get dressed?" He looks down at himself and then backs away from me in a flash. "Milady I am so sorry! I- I'll go get dressed right now!" He exclaims.

I don't see him leave, but I hear the door open and close. I’ll use this time to get dressed myself. I stand up and slip out of my nightgown. I glance at my body in the mirror, there's a bruise where Vincent was holding me. I run my finger over it. It’s slightly tender. I slip on a new pair of underwear and a pair of matching stockings that I brought from my home. I tie my garter and put on a pair of pretty shoes. Lastly, I put on the dress that Vincent left for me. Its deep pink color compliments my brown hair. I open my door to see Lucian waiting for me.

"Good morning!" I greet him while smiling.

"Morning… Caeru and Benille have left for town. Vincent is in the office, don't disturb him unless you get hurt somehow."

I frown. "Oh… ok…"

He sighs, "Marcus has prepared your breakfast. We'll be sparing outside if you want to watch."

"Sp-Sparing?!" I question.

"To track his growth." He explains.

"I…I see. Maybe I will watch."

"Sure." He walks downstairs.

I know Lucian said not to disturb him, but I walk around the manor until I spot Vincent sitting at a desk and writing on some papers. I tap the glass on the door. He glances at the door and then back to his papers at first, but then looks at me and smiles once he realizes it's me. He stands up from his chair and walks over to open the door for me.

"Good morning Lilac." He smiles and greets.

I didn't think he would stop what he was doing. I’m flattered.

"Good morning Vincent…" I walk into the office.

He closes the door behind me. The only chair in his office is the one at his desk, so he moves a small drawer to the side of it for me to sit on. He sits down then I take a seat next to him.

"So, did you need something?" He asks, wondering why I’m here.

I look down at my lap. Why did I come here? Lucian said not the disturb him unless I got hurt. Should I tell him about the bruise?

"No… I just wanted to see what you were doing." I say as I look back up at him.

"I see," he looks at his desk, "I'm responding to mail. Along with a few other things."

"You're writing letters?"

"Mhm." He nods.

I remember what I said to Father before leaving.

"Can I write one?" I ask.

"Go ahead." He gives me a piece of parchment and his pen.

I carefully write about how kind the vampires are to me, and how they promise to take care of me in exchange for my blood every once in a while. I leave out the part where they asked if I would bear their children and marry them. I sign my signature at the bottom of the paper. The ink dries then I fold the paper into 3 parts.

"All done?" He asks.

"I sure am!" I answer.

"Can I read it?"

"What?! Of course not!" I exclaim.

"What if you're divulging our secrets?" He teases me.

"I promise I did not!" I frown.

He chuckles. "I'm just teasing you. You're writing to your father correct?"

"Y-Yeah." I nod.

"I also wrote to him. I'll send our letters this evening."

"Thank you… I-I should go eat breakfast now." I stand up and begin to walk to the door but Vincent grabs me hand.

"Ah wait! How is your stomach, when I woke up I realized I had been holding you in my sleep, I'm sorry if-" He starts to apologize to me.

I cut him off, "M-My stomach is fine! And no you didn't make me uncomfortable… so don't worry about it!" I blurt.

"Hm… ok. I'll see you later, Lilac."

"B-Bye bye Vincent!" I leave the room and close the door then walk downstairs.

There's a sandwich with eggs, meat, and lettuce waiting for me. It's wrapped in a lilac cloth. How cute of Marcus. I pick the sandwich up and take a bite. It's so tasty! I walk outside and find Lucian and Marcus. Lucian is wrapping his hands and wrists with bandages and Marcus is stretching.

"Hello!" I speak loudly since they're standing some ways away from the house. I take a seat on a bench that's against the wall.

"Milady!" Marcus rushes over to me, excited, "Do you like the sandwich?"

"It's delicious," I smile.

His eyes light up. Lucian calls him. He looks at him, then back at me.

"I-I need to go back over there now." He says sadly

"That's all right." I continue to smile.

Marcus runs back, but waves at me once he returns. I wave back and take another bite of my sandwich. The boys begin to fight each other. I notice Lucian stays in one spot while Marcus seems to be attacking from multiple angles. Granted, I can't see what Marcus is doing because he's moving too fast. This continues for a couple of minutes. I finish my sandwich.

Eventually, Marcus gets pinned down on the ground. He looks worn out. Lucian seems fine. I walk over to them. Marcus has his arms and legs spread out on the grass as he pants, trying to catch his breath. Lucian sits beside him.

I’m not close to them yet, but I can just hear what Lucian says, "You're still sloppy. You might be faster than me but it doesn't matter if I can predict what you're going to do next."

Marcus sighs through one of his pants for air. Once I reach them, I see that Marcus is sweaty while Lucian remains calm.

"That was cool!" I compliment them.

Lucian looks at me and blushes. The fact that it's so obvious causes me to blush and look away from him. He looks cute when he shows how he's feeling. I sit down beside them.

"Milady… I'm dying of… exhaustion!" Marcus exclaims.

I rest my hand on his forehead and smile at him, "Do you guys… want my blood?…"

Marcus springs up.

"Really?" They say in unison.

"Yes. I’m feeling replenished now… so."

"Can we drink from your neck?" Lucian asks.

I tilt my head and expose my neck.

"You can go first, Lucian." I say.

He crawls over to me then cups my face with one hand and holds my shoulder with the other. I close my eyes and prepare to feel the sting in my neck but all I can feel is his lips. There's no pain, but I can feel myself losing blood. After five seconds he stops.

"That was… so… gentle." I look at him and smile.

Marcus comes closer to me for his turn. I can feel blood trickling down your neck. As I go to wipe it, Marcus stops me.

"I’ll clean that for you. Ok milady?" He suggests, warmly.

"O-Oh, go ahead." I comply.

Lucian stands up as Marcus moves his head toward my neck. He's on all fours on top of me. "Um… How much can I drink?" He pauses.

"Not too much, I would still like to be able to stand." I joke.

"Got it." Marcus tilts my head to find a better angle for my neck. He licks the blood trickling down my neck trying to reach my shoulder. My back shivers and my face flushes red. Marcus is hesitating, I can tell by his rapid breathing.

"Do you know where to bite?" Lucian asks.

"Y-Yes! Of course, I do!" Marcus snaps, insulted.

He bites a low area on my neck, close to my collarbone. I yelp. It's not painless like Lucian's bite. Lucian sighs and mutters something under his breath while shaking his head. Marcus spends about 10 seconds drinking my blood. That's too long. I begin to feel dizzy once again. Marcus pulls away from me and licks any of the blood that spills from his bite mark. He looks at me, examines my face, then smiles.

"I'm sorry that I hurt you." He apologizes, holding the left side of my face.

"It wasn't that bad…" I lie.

He stands up and offers me his hand. I take it and stand up as well.

"Are you feeling fine after that?" Lucian asks.

He looks concerned. Truth be told I still feel lightheaded, plus my neck is sore.

"Yes. I'm fine." I smile at them both.

"Let me carry you to Vincent." Lucian sweeps me off of my feet.

Marcus let's go of my hand. I blush again in Lucian’s arms.

"I can walk… put me down," I request, slightly embarrassed.

"No," Lucian says as he begins walking toward the manor. "Go prepare a hot drink for Lilac," Lucian says to Marcus.

"Oh- ok!" He runs inside.

Lucian walks inside the manor. To my surprise, Vincent is waiting by the door. Lucian sets me down on my feet.

"It's been 40 minutes, maybe only an hour and a half since you awoke." Vincent states.

He looks disappointedly at Lucian. Lucian stands his ground by looking at Vincent sternly.

Reading on this site? This novel is published elsewhere. Support the author by seeking out the original.

"You shouldn't let them drink your blood whenever they ask." Vincent scolds me.

"They didn't ask! I-I offered it to them..." I confess, nervous.

"They should have said no then," Vincent says firmly.

He seems disappointed in all three of us. I bow to him while clasping my hands together.

"I'm s-sorry." My voice happens to waver, making it seem like I’m about to cry.

"Look what you did," Lucian says to Vincent.

Lucian pulls me into a hug, bringing my head to his chest. I blush and look at the ground. Why is he suddenly embracing me like this…?

"I… I didn't mean to make you sad. I was just worried." Vincent says.

"I know!" I reassure him.

"I can tend to you if you come to my room. Your neck wounds, I mean." He suggests

"O-Ok…" I let go of Lucian and follow Vincent to his room.

He takes my hand. I get butterflies from his gentle touch.

"I'm sorry I upset you. I didn't mean to." He apologizes while closing the door.

"I know." I smile slightly.

I look around his room. It's huge. He walks over to a medicine cabinet on the other side of his room. He motions for me to come over. I walk to him and take a seat on the cushioned bench in the area. It's like a small clinic.

"Lilac?" He calls me.

"Yes?" I respond.

"Would you mind if I did a full body exam?" He asks.

"W-What?! Why? Plus you're not a doctor!" I exclaim, concerned.

"I want to make sure you're physically healthy. I can also get your measurements. And yes I am a doctor, I'm a herbal practitioner. I can fix your wound first." He declares.

"Do that then…" I say, still skeptical.

He sits beside me on the bench and reaches for my neck. His fingers glide over the bite marks and they disappear. I blush, feeling nervous. He looks at me. I look down. He places his hand on my shoulder. His touch sends chills up my spine. He smiles and lets go of me.

"So may I?" He asks.

I look back at him, not recalling what he’s talking about.

"The exam?" I question.

"Yes." He nods.

"…I suppose… b-but I'm not going to get completely undressed." I make that clear.

"That's ok." He stands up and rolls his sleeves up.

His hand extends to me. I take it and stand up. He waits. I wait as well.

"Are you waiting for me to turn around?" He asks, perplexed.

"Yes!…" I say as if it wasn’t obvious.

He turns. I begin to take my dress off and fold it neatly. I place it on the bench. Next, I take my shoes off. I’m left barefooted in my bra and underwear. My face is flushed pink.

"I-I'm done," I say embarrassedly.

He turns around. His eyes immediately fall to my stomach which is bruised. He frowns.

"Why didn't you tell me? Does it hurt? What if you had a fractured rib?" He sounds worried.

"N-No! I didn't tell you because it doesn't hurt- It's just a bruise is all!" I say trying to reassure him.

He continues to frown. "May I touch you? I'll heal that and inspect your rib cage and chest."

"Go ahead…" I respond shyly.

He steps closer to me and places both hands on either side of my stomach where he held my last night. His hands are always cold. The bruise disappears once again.

"Lift your arms." He directs.

I do as he says. He bends down to my chest height. With his fingertips, he lightly feels my ribcage. It almost tickles, I smile, trying not to laugh. He looks up at me and smiles lightly.

"What?" He asks.

"N-Nothing!" I turn away from him.

"Hm, ok." He moves past it.

His hands reach closer to my breasts, then around to my backside. He stands up fully while examining the back side of my ribs. He puts his hands to his sides.

"Could you turn around for me?" He requests.

"Ok…" I turn, arms still in the air.

He chuckles, "You can put your arms down now."

I put my arms down. He reaches his hands under my arms and places them under my breasts on my ribs.

"Inhale." He says.

I breathe in like he said to do.

"Exhale."

I breathe out. He removes his hands and walks in front of me.

"Your ribs are fine." He smiles.

"That's good… but I didn't think there was anything wrong with them." I hear the door open. "Milady your drink is-" Marcus barges in.

I squeal and cover myself with my hands.

"M-Marcus! Get out!" I exclaim, embarrassed.

He looks from me to Vincent to me again. Vincent steps in front of me.

"You heard her, go." Vincent sounds irritated.

Marcus gets flustered and bows with his eyes closed.

"I-I-I am so sorry! I'll j-just leave your drink outside by the door!" He quickly closes the door shut.

My face is burning red. That was so embarrassing!

"I apologize. Should we continue?" Vincent says as he turns back to me.

"G-Go ahead..." I say in a low tone.

I have tears forming in my eyes. Vincent notices my expression.

"Ah… perhaps we should stop if you're feeling uncomfortable- or I could go lock the door if that'll make you feel better." He wipes my eyes with his thumbs.

"Go lock the door, please…"

"O-Ok." He responds.

He rushes over to the door and peaks outside. He steps out of the room and puts one finger out to tell me to give him a moment. He closes the door behind him. After a few seconds, I hear Marcus yell.

"Owww!… I didn't mean to!" He whines.

I place my hand over my mouth, did he hit Marcus?

I sit down on the bench and wait for Vincent to return. After a few minutes, he opens the door slightly and slides in while carrying my drink. He closes and locks the door then comes to me. "Here you are." He hands the drink to me, "It's hot, so be careful."

"I will. Thank you." I nod, blowing on the drink.

"You're welcome." He smiles.

I take a few sips. It's very hot still. I sigh.

"Let's continue now?" Vincent suggests.

"Ok…" I set the drink down on a nearby table and walk back over to him.

"Can I listen to your heart? Do you have any conditions? And… how is your fertility?" He inquires.

"You can listen… I don't have any conditions or anything." I answer

He leans down and puts his ear to my chest for a couple of seconds. My face becomes rose-tinted yet again. He smiles.

"Your heartbeat is increasing. Do I make you nervous when I touch you?" He teases.

"N-No! Of course not." I lie.

He brings his head up.

"Do you want to listen to mine?"

"Your heart?" I ask.

"Mhm." He nods.

"I suppose." I lean my head against his chest.

It just sounds like a normal heart. That's odd. I didn't think vampires had one. What's even more odd is that this area by itself is warm unlike everywhere else on his body. I wonder if all vampires have warm hearts.

"Does it sound ok? You've been listening for about a minute now." He alerts me.

"I- I'm sorry, I didn't realize." I back away from him. "Yes, it sounds ok… it's warm." I continue.

He smiles, "I know. All hearts are warm."

"But… all of you have cold skin and hands," I say, confused.

"It's… difficult to explain." He looks away from me.

"Oh… o-ok." I’m a bit dejected.

"You didn't answer my question about your fertility." He reminds me.

"That's because I don't know," I answer.

"That's ok, I can't evaluate that here." He shrugs.

"R-Right." I watch him as he walks back to his table.

"I'll take your measurements now." He declares.

He picks up a roll of measuring tape, a pencil, and a piece of parchment.

"Go ahead."

He spends about 5 minutes measuring and recording the length of my arms, legs, and torso. As well as the width of my hips, thighs, waist, and chest. He records it all down on the parchment.

"I will need you to stand against this wall while I measure your height." He says.

I walk over to the wall and wait for him to begin. He kneels in front of me and places the tape end under his shoe. He stands up and brings the rest of the tape to the top of my head.

"164cm. You're tiny." He smiles as he teases me.

He rolls the tape back up.

"It's not my fault…You’re just tall." I furrow my eyebrows, insulted.

"I'm 186cm." He boasts.

"I can see that." I smile.

He turns around and arranges some things on the desk.

"C-Can I get dressed now?" I ask, concerned.

"Of course." He nods.

I quickly put my dress back on.

"Thank you… for healing me."

He turns to face me and smiles.

"Do you feel all right now? No dizziness or drowsiness?" He continues the check-up on me.

"I'm feeling fine now," I answer.

"I can help you replenish your lost blood, but it takes a lot of my energy depending on how much you lose." He reveals.

"Really?!" I ask, intrigued.

He nods.

"I'll show you… if you'll allow me to feed from you." He suggests.

"You can!" I permit, excited.

"Are you sure?" He makes sure.

"Mhm!" I smile.

He approaches me. He places his hands on my lower back and leans over me. I tilt my head and expose my neck. He sinks his fangs into my neck and begins drinking from me. I wince. At 10 seconds I feel lightheaded. At 12, I find it hard to stand. At 15, my vision becomes blurry. He's not going to try to make me pass out, is he?!

"V-Vin… Vincent stop, please…" I say weakly, grabbing onto his shirt.

He withdraws himself, he also licks the spilling blood to prevent waste. He looks me in the face, looking entranced.

"You're really pale now. I apologize beforehand for not explaining how this works."

"Wha-"

He kisses me. At first, I’m too drained to comprehend what's happening, but I can slowly feel my energy being restored. Once I realize what's happening, my face becomes bright red. I place my hands on his shoulders. My fiancé, Eric, was a terrible kisser. Although Vincent's lips are cold, the kiss is soft and sweet. I close my eyes and lean more into it. Vincent pulls away from me after a few seconds.

"Did you… like that?" He questions softly.

I’m still blushing, "I did…"

"I can explain if you'd like, but I have to sit down first." He walks over to his bed and sits down.

I grab my drink and walk over to his bedside.

"To make it short, if I choose to, I can put my life force into my bodily fluids, but they have to come into contact with the receiving person's fluids as well. Saliva is the easiest way of transmission since I can’t sweat." He explains.

I take a moment to digest what he just said.

"But… you're a vampire? What do you mean life force?" I ask, confused.

"I'm immortal, but draining my life energy still affects my well-being. I'll be fine in a few minutes… but for you… If we drink from you too often you'll get sick… you could even die if you lose too much blood. If I give you my life force, it's almost like replenishing what you lost. However, that doesn't mean I can extend your life." He sighs, looking sad.

"I'm sorry that's a lot to take in." He adds.

"I think I understand…" I continue thinking it over.

He smiles.

"Does it hurt you?" I ask.

"No. It feels like being out of breath."

I finish my drink. Thinking about the kiss, I blush again. He smiles at me. I smile back.

"I'm going to get up in a minute." He tells me.

"Ok." I nod.

"You know… if I mark you, my brothers can't drink from you. It'll minimize your blood loss." He tries to persuade me.

"No. That wouldn't be fair." I shake my head.

He stands up and places his hand on your head.

"None of us want to share you, you know? You only agreed because of me, didn't you?" He smirks.

"W-Well…" I can’t deny what he says.

"I already know your answer." He takes his hand back. "I have to get back to working now. Come along." He starts walking towards the door.

With my empty cup, Vincent and I leave his room. Vincent goes to his office. I go downstairs and see Caeru and Beni. They've returned.

"Welcome home." I greet them.

"Hello," Caeru responds.

"Hey!" Beni says, happy.

Beni walks over to me and picks up my hand. He's about to kiss it but stops and backs away.

"You smell like Vincent?" He states, curious.

"D-Do I?" I act innocent.

"You, him, and Marcus all sleep together right?" Beni questions.

"Did you all really?" Caeru asks surprised.

"Yes, we did."

Caeru gasps, "Do you mean to say the three of you had intercourse?!" He asks shocked.

"What?! Of course not!" I exclaim.

Why would he ask me that?!

"She suggested we all sleep in the same room to avoid being left out last night, Caeru. You were there at the table, remember?" Beni explains nervously.

"Hm," Caeru pushes his glasses up, "I see. Apologies."

I frown while furrowing my eyebrows.

"Are you upset?" Beni asks.

"You shouldn't ask a lady who she's had intercourse with!" I say angrily to Caeru as I cross my arms and pout.

"L-Lilac, calm down. He didn't mean any harm." Beni tries to de-escalate the situation.

"Hmph!" I walk away from both of them and into the kitchen.

I find the sink and wash my used cup. I set it where the rest of the dishes are drying and walk out. I decide to walk around the manor.