Ironic Sacrifice Read Online Free PDF Page A

you can see people’s secrets without touching them. That makes you very powerful…and interesting.”
    They climbed a set of stairs and came upon a narrow arching bridge. Razvan leaned over the railing to peer down at the water. A slight breeze ruffled dark locks against his cheek. He was so beautiful.
    “Why aren’t you going to kill me, Razvan?” she whispered.
    He smiled and scratched his beard. “Sometimes my kind will keep a human companion. Some of us call them ‘pet mortals.’ I think you shall make a nice one.”
    “You want me for a pet?” She didn’t know whether she was more shocked or outraged.
    Uncomfortable with that subject, she moved on to another. “What made you change your mind about killing me?”
    Razvan smiled wickedly. “I never said I was going to kill you. I just accepted the offer you made: your life for that woman’s. And I intend to keep you…and your life.”
    Waves of heat rushed through her body at his serious tone even as her skin prickled as if chilled. He meant every word he said. Her stomach knotted at his trickery as her heart thudded at the possible implications of the situation. What would it mean for her? Would she become a mindless zombie like in the Dracula movies? Or would he keep her as a regular food supply, locked up in a cold basement where no one could hear her screams?
    Cautiously she asked, “Were you going to do that with the other woman, Charise?”
    He shook his head, still smiling in that unnerving manner. “No. She did not amuse me.”
    Jayden trembled with fear and confusion at his cavalier attitude at the prospect of making her his plaything. “Why do I amuse you?”
    Razvan chuckled. “Come now, Jayden. You are a clairvoyant so powerful that you are half mad with it. What’s not amusing about that?”
    She choked back a gasp. “You are evil.”
    He laughed low and sinister. “Only when I’m bored. Any more questions?”
    “Plenty, but you kinda unnerve me, so I don’t know what to ask.” She sighed and turned away from him, leaning on the railing to stare out at the dark water. Maybe jumping in wouldn’t be a bad idea. Wasn’t there a myth about vampires and water?
    The vampire leaned beside her on the railing, still laughing softly. “I am sure you will come up with something. Women never stop with their questions.”
    Jayden ignored the jibe and watched a boat pass under the bridge. Finally, she had a question. “Why don’t I have visions when I touch you?”
    “I have control over my thoughts.” Something that almost sounded like respect tinged his voice. “You will not see what I do not wish you to. Don’t worry, dear pet, I will get help for you to control your powers as well. That way, you will only have visions when you choose to.”
    “You can do that?” Tentative hope bloomed in her breast. Perhaps belonging to this creature wouldn’t be so bad. She would give anything to have her sanity back… anything.
    “Of course,” Razvan said. The arrogance and amusement returned to his tone. “I am a Lord Vampire.”
    No way! Not only did she end up with a vampire, he was also a big boss vampire? “Is that a power thing, or political?”
    He inclined his head in a mock bow. “Are they not the same?”
    “Well… I guess so, but I meant, what does being a Lord Vampire entail? How did you get the job?” She couldn’t help her curiosity.
    Razvan grinned. “I control the vampire community in my city. Any who live and hunt there need my approval. If one wants to open a business they must go through me. And if any want to enter my city, they must offer gifts and beg my approval.”
    “Vampires run businesses?” she asked in disbelief.
    “Of course,” he replied patiently. “We need money too. What did you think? That we skulk around cemeteries, sleep in sewers?” He turned to rest his back against the railing, a deceptively casual pose. “Power grows with age. Only centuries-old vampires can be Lords and I am probably the