In Between by Rizonne Alexander (the reading strategies book .TXT) 📕

shouted at me again. I grabbed her by her throat and lifted her off the ground. I knew it would make no difference as she is a Pixie and can slip through my fingers at any time. “Leave Neriah!” I demanded. “Why Bastiaan? I have waited for you. I visited your body and the castle for fifteen years until my heart no longer could take the heartbreak! Then about an hour ago news came to my ears that you were seen outside the castle walls. Alive and well. That is why I am here.” She explained. I walked over to the window with my hands in my pockets and looked out beyond the walls. Neriah came from behind and held me. “Don’t leave me Bastiaan.” She whispered. “Neriah, I have never seen a future with you and never will. I’m speechless to how you were even able to develop love towards me.  Have I ever fucking showed you love?” I screamed at her slapping her across the face. “I am not your happily ever after, I am the King of Vampires. I fall, I rise and keep rising. You have betrayed me many times and do not make as if you do not know of anything. Leave now!” I demanded. She immediately changed back and flew out. “Fuck!” I said out loud and fell into the couch. I rubbed my temples; my head was aching. Neriah is a Pixie I met one night while I was hunting. My blood lust was really bad that night and I needed something fresh. For about four years we just had sex. I had no one in my life, I had no love. I still don’t, and she was there to keep me company. When I was attacked by the witch, she went on with her life and that’s where things ended. I have no time for psychopathic behaviour.  Chapter 3 - Ambers POV

I really thought life is all roses and daisy’s. How gullible of me. I had my blood drained, mixed and shared. I share blood with a vampire that runs through my veins. Once Dregicht left, I saw an opportunity to escape. Still in my nightgown, I jumped out of the window, ran a few blocks. Jumped over hedges, through the thorns and climbed over the wall. I was told about the lurking danger, but I seriously did not expect that bullshit. Try and picture yourself in one room filled with sun and clear skies, then entering another that is just darkness and thunder. The moment I climbed over and landed on the ground I heard so many scattering noises. I curled myself up against the wall, I could not even climb back up. It was like a numbness that expelled over my body. I peeked up and saw two massive green eyes, but I was so numb that no sound would escape my throat. Within seconds I heard another thump next to me. Arms picked me up, I did not check who it was, but I sensed it was him. I wrapped my arms around him and just prayed he would get me out of this alive. When I opened my eyes, we were in the bedroom once again. His voice was so calm and gentle, but I rejected it. It’s because of him that I am in this damn mess! I hate him. I just want my life back. I want my house, I want my car, I want my fashion show and fuck I want my parents! How dare this man just kidnap me, take my blood and keep me against my will! I then slammed the door shut of the bathroom and took a shower. The white night gown was full of soil and dirt. Once I was done, I wrapped myself in a towel and stepped out to get some clean clothes in the wardrobe. I could feel his eyes following me, the damn pervert as well! His such a monster. Once I was dressed, I left the bathroom and climbed on top of the window sill hugging myself. I longed for the outside, I longed for my home and my mother. “Beautiful, isn’t it?” those was his words to me. His voice enchanted my soul but the rest that came with it made me nauseous. I challenged him and when he felt that I was not giving him attention, he laughed it off. He then stated that he was hoping to see me at dinner, that is what ticked me off.  “What? Dregicht said I would just be meeting you and then I can leave!” I shouted at him, I pleaded. Within a split second he was in front of me. He spoke into my ears, his lips touching my earlobes and I was under his spell. His voice caressed my soul, my heart beat for him once again. “No.” I answered, and he left. I don’t understand what is happening to me, I hate this man. I hate him for who and what he is but at the same time his voice pulls me deeper into a place I don’t want to be in. I decided to get dressed for dinner, a house worker knocked on the door and entered. “My Lady, dinner is served. Shall I escort you?” She asked in her husky voice. Czech Republic is known for their husky voices. “I don’t know what to wear.” I stated sitting on the bed. She walked towards the wardrobe and tossed a few pieces aside until she was finally satisfied with the dress that she had in her hands. “This will look good on you.” She said. it was a red tight-fitting dress and was complimented with a fur shawl. “No this is too revealing and Bastiaan will be there!” I said frustrated. “Yes, and many others too, this dinner is a welcoming of the King.” She explained. “What’s your name? Are you a vampire too?” I asked. “My name is Nora and yes I am a vampire. I’m the Head of the house workers here.” She explained again. “Oh, okay I will wear this. Shoes?” I asked. She took out a pair of stilettos, red ones to match. “Pin your hair up.” She said. I quickly got dressed and did my hair as she told me to. “Why can’t he just let me go?” I asked. “Who?” she asked back. “Your King!” I said angrily “I do not know My Lady.” She replied. “My name is Amber, just call me Amber please.” I snapped at her. “Alright Amber, let’s get going before the King gets upset that you are late.” She said hastily and walked towards the door. “Upset? So, if I stay he will be upset?” I asked curiously “Indeed.” She looked back at me worryingly about my next move. “Then I shall stay, I am nobody’s possession.” I said smiling and made my way back to the bed. I climbed on top and laid down. “You may give your King the message thank you.” I stated and turned my back on her. She gave a huge sigh and left the room. I know I am playing with fire here, I am dealing with vampires. Monsters that I never knew existed but who are they to take advantage of a human being? Who am I to not have any control over my own life? I was not raised this way, I was not raised to just let go of who I am. I will fight my way out and I will die knowing that I did not succumb to their demands. Seconds later and I was fast asleep. I woke up the next morning still dressed in last night’s dress. I got up and opened the curtains, it was raining heavily. I undressed and got in some comfortable clothes. I quickly popped into the bathroom, rinsed my mouth and combed my hair. When I left the bathroom Dregicht was sitting in the room. “Morning” I said walking over to the window sill and climbing on top. “Amber, breakfast is served.” He said pointing to the silver trolley. “Thank you.” I said jumping down again and moving the trolley towards the bed where I sat. I ate through most, I keep on forgetting how hungry I am. “You are playing with fire Amber.” He stated. “Oh, I am?” I said with a mouth full. “Listen here you spoilt human brat. I am tired of your ways, I’m fed up with your tactics. I would drain you of your fucking blood do you hear me!” He immediately stood in front of me and shouting. The door flung open and it was the head of the house workers. “Stop Dregicht!” She shouted. I nearly choked on my breakfast. “Nora, she is fucking testing us!” He shouted angrily at her. “I know but she is human and does not know our ways. You should know better too.” She told him off. “Leave and go calm down. I will speak to her.” She stated. He gave me one last glare and he stormed off. Nora joined me on the bed. “Can I tell you a story?” she asked me. “Okay.” I said looking down and pushing the trolley away that still had some breakfast on. “We were created through a curse that was placed upon Lord Bastiaan’s father. This is not what we asked for. This place, this castle that we are in, was built by King Brunisah, Bastiaan’s father. It is our sanctuary and our safe haven. King Brunisah who is the first vampire, established a proper meaningful way to live as a vampire. We are like you, but different. Yes, we feed on blood, but we don’t go killing people for it. We have hosts which offer to us, we have blood bags from the hospitals and then we have animals too. We live civilised like any other person.” She explained. “And you have special powers.” I responded softly. “Indeed, we have incredible strength. Lord Bastiaan keeps us safe, he makes sure that the vampire community abides by your laws, abides by vampire laws and makes sure there is peace.” She continued to explain. “I understand better now but I’m still dazed to why I am still here.” I said. “Amber, that’s a question I cannot answer. Should you give Lord Bastiaan a chance to speak, he might give you the answer and possibly more insight to our history.” She explained. “I think I probably messed up every chance already.” I stated. “Bastiaan knows how to forgive, try?” she said putting her hand onto my shoulder. She stood up and left the room taking the trolley with her. I need answers, as much as I appreciate the discussion I had with Nora, I just can’t seem to bring myself to speak to him. I’m so angry and confused at the same time as well. I climbed back onto the window sill and watched the rain pour down, it was really chilly today. How I wished for a warm fire place with hot chocolate and a book to read. A sketch book would be amazing too. I’m probably going to get killed but I’m leaving this darn room. I slowly opened the