A Diamond at Midnight Read Online Free Page B

refused to submit...at first.” Diamonique shuddered, but he continued. “Once you have Dark Dominion blood in your veins there is no escape. As part of the initiation, you’re put in a dark soundproof room. The sensory-deprivation brainwashing they put the new recruits   through is sheer hell.” He shuddered thinking back to those awful days. When no one was around, he’d prayed for death but was never granted such luxury.
     
    “They don’t give you any blood for the first three days and nights, then on the fourth evening you’re given a few drops. Barely enough to survive, but more than enough to start your cravings.” Cain swallowed back the bile that rose up at the thought of how he’d begged for more. “Insanity comes quickly.”
     
    She narrowed her eyes, clearly suspicious. “I’ve heard horrible rumors of The Dominion, and I remember what you said they did to you, but why me? Why would they want me when they could just come for you?”
     
    “With me they would have quite a fight on their hands. I figured out how to separate myself from them. But with you, a mere fledgling, they could drain you dry before you even realized what was happening.”
     
    “How many of them are there? Can I fight them?”
     
    Two strides and Cain was kneeling in front of her. “They are a small group, but you will have no chance against them. They have been around much longer than you, love; longer than me. If they come anywhere near this apartment, I would sense it immediately. No matter how much you wish me gone. It’s not safe.” Cain hoped he was telling the truth about keeping her safe. The alternative was too horrific to consider.
     
    “Why would you sense them and I wouldn’t? What aren’t you telling me, Cain?”
     
    Damn, she was too smart for her own good sometimes.
     
    “The one who started the small band of rebels, Rafael, is my creator. He’s had it in for me since Lucas, his son, left The Dominion. He blames me because I helped Lucas escape.” He paused. “If Rafael comes sniffing around, I’ll sense it, which is a good thing. The bad is Rafael can also find me . ”
     
    “It just figures that you would be able to pick out a twisted vampire at fifty paces. What I don’t understand is why Rafael has waited until now to hunt you.”
     
    “I’m not sure. Maybe he didn’t think anything he could do to me personally would be enough. Since he learned about you, he knows my Achilles heel.”
     
    “How nice, comparing me to a body part.”
     
    He chuckled at her disgruntled attitude and stood.
     
    She watched him, wary.
     
    “So, you see now why I must stick to you like glue?”
     
    She nodded and looked away.
     
    He took that moment to examine her apartment. Cain liked the colorful décor. She’d always had a penchant towards ancient Egypt, and her choice of furniture and wall hangings clearly reflected that. “You have a nice place here.”
     
    “Thank you, but don’t get too cozy, you’re only staying long enough to eliminate the threat, then you’re gone.”
     
    He grinned .“ Of course, love.”
     

 
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Four
     
     
     
    Diamonique rose abruptly, dismissing Cain as if he were an insect, then started walking down the hallway. She could feel him following close behind. She turned and growled, “What are you doing?”
     
    “Scanning our surroundings for any sign of a threat. This is something you should be doing as well, Diamond.”
     
    Automatically, she sent her mind outward. When she found no evil presence lurking, she let out a heavy sigh. “I sense nothing.”
     
    He nodded. “I don’t think they’ve found you, yet.” He shrugged. “I don’t suppose I could talk you into coming with me to my two hundred acre, well guarded property, where I’ll be on my own territory?”
     
    Diamonique stiffened. “No.”
     
    “Be reasonable. We both know I can protect you better there.”  
     
    “Really, Cain? Because I don’t think