https://youtu.be/1rfSHisyHdc

Oliver disappeared significantly longer than Theo had ever left me alone for. For a while, I accepted my new situation. I had clothing that fit well. The room itself was warm and cozy. But I didn't quite like being alone for so long. The night faded into dawn without Oliver returning. I drifted into a quiet sleep atop of his bed and when the day had moved into night once again, I was still alone.

It didn't help that I didn't know the rules within this room. Were there any rules at all? I ended up deciding rules didn't really matter anyway and crept from the room swiftly. I wasn't familiar with this part of the mansion, but I figured if I wandered enough I'd find someplace I could recognize.

I made it well enough by myself up until my path was abruptly halted by a looming figure. I stepped back only a step, looking up into the face of none other than Jax. His onyx eyes were watching me curiously, looking over my body and possibly the outfit I had been placed in. It was only a pullover sweater dress over a pair of fitted jeans.

"Katia, is it?" Jax asked me quietly.

"Yes. Hello," I spoke to him carefully, recognizing that this was the first time I had directly spoken to him. I looked him over as well, noting his usual well-pressed and yet average clothing. "You look nice." Jax appeared startled by the comment, his eyes tense.

"What were you doing?" He asked me, his tone obviously scolding. I immediately became defensive, crossing my arms and looking away sharply.

"What do you mean what am I doing? Are you trying to say something?" I asked just as accusingly, turning my eyes on him from the side. "What were you doing?"

"You shouldn't just wander around the mansion. You might end up somewhere you shouldn't be. You might end up hurt," Jax responded, ignoring my questions in a way I was beginning to notice was very much like him.

"I'm not afraid of being hurt," I stated simply, dropping my arms, "I don't feel in danger, anyway. I feel safe here." Jax stepped forward, lifting his hand to my face almost in an intimidating manner. He restrained himself from touching me, only inches away, but the move was enough to cause that intoxicating aura to rise from being so close.

"You're possibly in the most dangerous place on Earth," Jax told me slowly before pulling away from me swiftly, "I'm able to control myself. I can't say the same for the others. You may be Oliver's for now, but it doesn't guarantee your safety from the rest of us. You should travel with more care, Katia." His words only unnerved me slightly, but the rest of me still couldn't register that he or the others would actually harm me. Or perhaps I could understand this fact, but couldn't help but desire it. Either way, I had a sudden urge to explain myself.

"I was... lonely," I explained before Jax could turn away. "Oliver's been gone awhile..."

"He always takes longer than necessary on his drop-offs. He's usually dependable, but he tends to get distracted easily," Jax told me simply, but something seemed to register at the fact. "Did he leave you with any food?" The question sparked a hunger I hadn't noticed before. I shook my head; it had been quite a while since I had any food. Jax held out his hand, similar to the way he had offered it to me when I'd first arrived here. I reached for it immediately, pausing just before touching him, but then couldn't find a reason why I should deny him.

Jax's touch was like a bright fire, lighting from my hand up throughout the rest of my body wildly. I almost didn't notice him leading me through the halls swiftly. He moved me past another hall that I finally recognized as one that would lead to Theo's room, but continued until we were walking into a separate room.

"This is our kitchen and pantry," Jax told me determinedly, "Usually it's completely bare. Vampires can eat human food if they wish, but we can't taste food or any type of drink. The only thing that has taste is flesh and blood. However..."

Jax opened a few cabinets, revealing food products. He opened the refrigerator to show me the food and drinks within. It was absolutely packed with an assortment of items.

"Theo has taken a liking to you, but he was a bit uncertain as to what things you'd like. It looks like he just grabbed anything that seemed appealing," Jax shuffled through the products as if he also wasn't sure what food would actually taste good anymore. "Do you have any preferences?"

"Can I have chicken soup?" I asked pleasantly, picking something I knew to be easily made. Jax shrugged and reached for the food I desired, heating up the regular brand of chicken noodle soup without a hassle. When he presented it to me, I gladly ate it all before peering up at him slyly. "Vampires that make soup... dangerous."

Jax planted his hands on the counter in front of me, leaning forward slightly. His face was so serious, but I only watched his reaction with curiosity.

"I'm not here to prove to you how dangerous we are," Jax told me, his voice low, "You will make your own choices regardless. I only suggest taking care in what you choose to do. All actions have consequences." I considered continuing to tease him to see his reaction, but something about his words rung as personal to him. He was an intense character; serious and cautious. Some part of him reminded me slightly of Theo, but Theo was the type of man who was apathetic and bored of the world. Jax was a steel wall, carefully placed together in neat fashion around the bomb that no doubt was hiding within him.

"I understand," I answered, deciding to respect his advice. He leaned back, appearing to be satisfied. I smiled up at him sweetly. And then I gasped when a flash of warmth flourished over my cheek down to below my jawline.

"Don't listen to him," Oliver's voice teased from just above my ear. "Be wild. Dare to do whatever it is you desire. I'd rather do something and deal with the consequences later than not do something and regret it later." Jax narrowed his eyes with disapproval.

"You were going to let her starve to death waiting for you," Jax stated, that scolding tone reappearing in his words. "I found her wandering the halls alone."

"Oh, stop exaggerating. I just mismanaged my time a bit. Had to stay over until it was safe to travel again. I didn't mean to abandon my little angel," Oliver brushed his fingers over my skin momentarily once again, the touch similar to a drug. I turned to look at him, his black eyes still oddly bright with life as he watched the glow fade on my skin. "Are you ready to go out, Katia? We've been invited to a party."

"Oliver," Jax warned without another word. Oliver smirked at him until Jax rolled his eyes, his features cracking into one of amusement just momentarily. "I know. I'm wasting my breath."

"Well, when you're right, you're right," Oliver laughed lightly, the sound most appealing. He moved his hand over my arm and grasped my wrist lightly before tugging for me to follow him. I flashed Jax a quick smile.

"Thank you for the food," I said politely as I stood to go with Oliver. Even as Oliver's touch thrilled through my skin, I couldn't help but cast a glance at Jax as we left. His face was set back into that serious intensity, his arms crossed defensively as we disappeared into the hall.

Oliver led me back to his room where another piece of clothing was spread on the bed waiting for me. He released me and moved aside, presenting the clothing to me like a lost treasure.

"How do you like it?" He asked me expectantly. The clothing itself was a dress, elegant and stunning. As I looked at it, I felt an uncomfortable idea present itself within my thoughts; that I would have to wear said dress. I had become accustomed to the soft thread of sweaters and loose cloth of oversized outfits. This dress was tight and thin; revealing on top despite the flowing skirt that would have flowed to my feet.

A part of me demanded I accept whatever gifts were given to me; to be submissive and kind and cause no disapproval or disappointment. But Theo's words were whispering to me quite the opposite. I had to have my own opinions. I had to reveal my own thoughts. And being a mindless doll was no good.

"It's pretty," I stated, delighting Oliver before continuing, "But I don't like it." Oliver's delight was promptly dampened into a look of confusion. He appeared at a loss of words for a moment, as if the idea of me having an actual opinion beyond just blind acceptance hadn't crossed his mind. And then his face cleared of expression as he looked at me.

"Well, would you rather go naked?"

"Accepted," I responded simply, "Should I undress now?" The comment was a sarcastic one, but I did well to hide the obvious tone. Instead, I sounded downright serious. It was a clear challenge.

"It's a formal party," Oliver told me, his amusement creeping in despite his effort to appear firm. "You can't just show up in anything."

"Fine. I'll wear that," I gestured to his current outfit, which was a buttoned top over dress pants. "And you can wear the dress." Oliver stared me down, but I only watched him determinedly. For a moment, neither of us said anything. And then he suddenly laughed openly, the sound like music on my ears.

"Okay, you win," He said with a smile, "What would you prefer to wear, Queen Katia?" I hadn't expected that question. I immediately lost my confidence, looking down at myself uncertainly. Oliver didn't offer any help, instead choosing to watch me struggle at my new decision. My eyes raked over my surroundings until I suddenly pinpointed one of the models on the wall.

"Something like that," I pointed at a particular lady who stood posing against a motorcycle. Oliver followed my finger to the portrait. The outfit looked unique to me, both tight and comfortable. Her black pants were like another layer of skin and her shirt was loose, being covered by a dark leather jacket. She was adorned in metallic chains and dark boots. Oliver looked for only a moment before his smile deepened into one of mischievous intent.

"Perfect," He agreed simply before glancing at me, "I like how you think. You're a rebel. Just give me a second." He pulled a cellphone from his pocket, dialing a number before stepping away. I touched the dress while he spoke to someone quickly. Then he returned.

"Let's go. We'll stop and change on the way. Moonlight's burning," Oliver tilted his head, indicating for me to follow him. A flourish of excitement crossed through me at the thought that I was going to a party with him. I wondered what type of people would be there and what the place would look like. I gladly stepped away from the forgotten dress to follow Oliver.

~...~

Driving with Oliver was significantly different than with Theo. I didn't even have to mention to him about the weather, the cold within the air, or things of that nature. He had already provided me with clothing that fit, along with a coat and my own shoes. The car was started and heated before we even entered.

I still felt a longing for Theo, despite his previous incompetence in caring for a human.

Besides the warmth, the car was loud with music. Only it wasn't the classical music I was used to. It was like a roar of music with guitar riffs, dangerous bass, violent drumming, and dramatic lyrics. The difference was overwhelming at first, but something about it made me feel... alive. Other than that, it was entertaining to watch Oliver attempt to sing along, which included his vocal version of guitar solos.

We had stopped momentarily at what appeared to be a closed warehouse, but turned out to be where he had called before we had left. It was here where I was offered another version of an outfit, one that I could agree to. While it wasn't the same as the outfit on the poster, it was still just as satisfying and comfortable. I especially grew a liking to the thick boots.

The woman who had assisted us also volunteered accessories and a miniscule amount of makeup in the form of blood red lipstick and mascara. With an addition of a partial side pin back, I apparently looked innocent yet fierce. The only addition from Oliver was in the pair of lace gloves he presented to me. They only covered up to half my forearm, but the rest was unnecessary due to the jacket I had been given.

Once we had our outfits, Oliver including his own type of rebellious outfit to match mine, we were once again on the road aiming for the party. For a while, I allowed him to continue his obvious enjoyment of the music, but just as I was about to interrupt, he spoke up as though he could sense me.

"Even though being a vampire enhances the senses, this shit never gets too loud," He declared suddenly. He cast me a glance, confusing me for a moment, before looking to the road again. "You're going to ask about those gloves, I know." I frowned.

"Theo can't see the words, so nobody else would notice, right?" I still asked, concerned. The main reason for my dissatisfaction was the clear fact that I wanted to feel his touch and these gloves would prohibit that.

"Just trust me on this one, darling, please," Oliver asked sincerely. I sighed, but said nothing more. "Also, if anyone asks, you belong-"

"-to you, yes. I remember," I interrupted, remembering those words from when he'd first brought me to his mansion. "And Jax. And Theo... and Levi, Miles, Sebastian... pretty much everyone in the world."

"Just me for now," Oliver remarked with humor. "The world's a lot bigger than you think. And where we're going, being a witch isn't the best thing to be. So if anyone asks, you're my... pet. Or lover, if you wish to go by that." The term startled me. I looked at him quickly before looking away. Lover.

"I do miss being a witch myself sometimes," He abruptly admitted, catching my attention once again, "Especially for parties like this. I had this trick I liked to play. When someone would take a drink from their fancy little glasses, I'd mutter the simplest spell. Etign. Poof. Fire in a glass. The looks on their faces were hilarious." He laughed once again and I smiled at the image of him annoying those poor souls.

Oliver suddenly turned down another road which expanded to a large unfamiliar building. He screeched to a halt in front of the building and a man opened my door formally. From the look that crossed his face, he deeply disapproved of the rock music that greeted him and consequently the girl that blinked up at him uncertainly. I escaped the car quickly, meaning to come up with a useless apology, but was saved by a thick arm snaking its way over my shoulder comfortably.

Oliver leaned against me protectively, casting the man a dangerous look, and it was enough for him to quickly bow and take the car keys respectfully. When the man went to park the car, Oliver smiled down at me pleasantly.

"You'd better be ready for a lot more dirtier looks than that. People don't like it when you're blatantly disrespectful for some odd reason," He told me with amusement, obviously quite happy to offend every soul on Earth. "Like I said before; live life for the moment. Fuck everybody else." That said, he turned me to the building where I could hear the faint sound of classical music in the distance. I took a deep breath, and then looked at Oliver.

"I'm ready."

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Music: Castle by Halsey