“Sire.” Disco spoke and Marius was no longer the only person in the room.
Marius kept his eyes trained on me as he spoke. “She has to understand I’m not the most dangerous person she’ll face if she refuses to listen to orders, Gabriel.” Marius lowered his head, until his nose was inches from mine. “If my maker travels here, he will make you suffer in ways you cannot possibly conceive. He’ll harm those you care for. I’m showing you mercy, despite what you might think. Heed me if you want to keep your head attached to your shoulders. Contrary to what you believe, my protection in this home only goes so far.”
Then Marius was gone.
I coughed as I inhaled, gasping for air. I could feel the imprint of each of his fingers even though they were no longer touching me. As I rolled to my side and attempted to get to my feet, I glanced at the couch where Disco and Paine were seated, and their marks rolled through me. I collapsed onto my stomach. I wasn’t sure why, but having both of their powerful presences swarming me made it impossible to move, much less crawl or walk to them.
“Stay down,” Disco instructed me telepathically. “Don’t move.”
I wanted to ask why. What was wrong with having a little self respect? For wanting to rise to my feet and shake myself off?
As the questions arose, I knew the answer.
I wasn’t entitled to self respect. To Marius, I was nothing more than a dog or cat, kept around to fetch the paper or kill off mice if need be. If he saw me coming to my feet, he’d know that despite his warning he hadn’t managed to exert total control over me. That would be more than dangerous; it would likely sign my death certificate.
“She can’t go tonight to retrieve the knife,” Paine said. Whereas Disco’s mark gave me strength, Paine’s comforted me in warm waves.
“Explain,” Marius responded briskly.
“When she joined the family, we gave our word she could keep her job,” Disco answered. “It was a small request, considering the power she brought to our home.”
No further explanation, not telling him I enjoyed what I did, that I actually liked my job. A possession didn’t have the right to enjoy anything unless they were told to, or so I was guessing. I waited for Marius to respond, my belly flush against the carpet, my forehead resting on the floor.
“You’ve grown weak in my absence, Gabriel. Your lingering humanity still dictates your thinking. We’ll discuss that before I leave.”
“It wouldn’t be the first time.” I wasn’t sure how Disco managed to sound humored, considering the insult, but I knew without looking a breathtaking smile would be gracing his face.
“When can you leave for Miami?” Marius asked, returning my attention to the biggest baddie in the room.
“Monday.” I detested how weak I sounded, how defeated.
The amulet at my breast came to life once again, tempting me to call on its power and go head to head with Disco’s maker. I resisted the compulsion, difficult as it was. I had exactly three days to sort shit out. Thank God for Deena, who was responsible for my work schedule.
“Very well. I expect you back with the knife in hand no later than Tuesday morning.”
Marius strode past me, and I heard shuffling as everyone rose from their seats and exited the room. I thought Disco or Paine would stay behind, but they didn’t. The marks between us vanished as they left me exactly as I remained long after I heard the door close.
Insignificant and forgotten on the floor.
Chapter Four