The Vampire’s Servant novel Chapter 15

“Please come in, Master Marius.” I bowed and opened the door to him.

He entered and looked around. There was an appreciative nod. At least he liked the house. It was something.

“What’s your name?” He asked.

“Echo Nightshade, sir.” I replied.

“You’re my child?”

“That is what my master and Ms. Rosalynn determined.” I told him with a small bow.

“You doubt them?” He pressed.

“I have no reason to. It’s the only answer I could give with confidence. I have no actual idea if it is the truth, so I have to trust they were correct. Can I show you to a room for the day?” I offered.

“Am I boring you, child?” Master Marius asked with a raised eyebrow.

“No, sir. I’m trying to be polite and offer you a place to rest. My master rests until about five in the afternoon. He may wake earlier on overcast days, I don’t know a lot about vampires. I can only assume he will not. I’m expecting people over soon and have to eat my breakfast. My master wants me eating three meals a day.” I explained.

“Go eat. I’ll sit with you.” He smirked.

I took a deep breath and smiled. “Thank you, Master Marius.”

Walking back to the kitchen, I worked to contain my scowl. Something about him irritated me. I didn’t want to let my anger out again. Especially with how dangerous Victor said he was. By the time I sat, I had myself under control again.

He watched me eat like I was an exhibit in the zoo. I focused on my food, which wasn’t terribly warm anymore. Luckily, I was used to eating cold food.

Once I was done, I washed up and turned to find him right behind me. It made me jump. I hated that.

“Sorry, sir. I didn’t see you move.” I murmured. “Is there anything I can get you?”

“What are you doing now?” He asked.

I looked at the clock. It was just after eight. There was an hour before Drew and his friend arrived.

“I was going to make sure my master’s office is ready for the delivery of his computer and do some light cleaning. Ms. Rosalynn’s clothing had bloodstains on them when she arrived yesterday. I’ve had them soaking overnight and was hoping to see if I could get them clean, then run them with my own laundry. Would you like me to show you to a room or the library?” I asked.

“No. I’ll watch you.” He said matter-of-factly.

To my credit, I didn’t groan, sigh, or roll my eyes. My parents’ training was coming in handy. I just smiled and started working as if he wasn’t there.

For a while, I actually did forget he was there. Until I heard Drew come in the house. Then, I nearly ran into him when I turned again.

“Pardon me, sir.” I said.

Master Marius smirked again and waved me past him. I couldn’t figure him out. I knew he was powerful, but he should be sleeping, right?

He’d been running a big risk on the porch, too. If the sun had been out, he could’ve gotten killed.

In the entryway, Drew was looking around with a big grin. His friend was focused on the bag on his shoulder. I greeted them and he was introduced as Paris.

“Who’s that, Echo?” Drew asked.

I didn’t know if I was allowed to introduce him, so I turned to Master Marius and checked for any indication of what I should do. He came up to the men and extended his hand.

“Hey there, I’m Mario. A friend of Rosy and Vic. Nice to meet you.” He smiled politely.

“I’m Drew Golden, this is Paris Sexton. I’m surprised you’re up. Victor is over eight hundred and he has to sleep for most of the day. My mistress sleeps longer than he does.” Drew nodded.

“I’m very old. What are you up to?” Master Marius asked.

He was acting like a normal person. It was creepy and felt fake to me. Drew and Paris seemed to accept it though, maybe it was just me who could see through him.

“We’re testing Echo for school. Tomorrow, we’re getting her enrolled.” Drew explained.

“It sounds interesting. Do you mind if I watch?”

“We’re letting her test alone, so she can focus, but you can hang out with us while she does that and while we’re doing the other work. I was planning on looking through the house. Echo just got everything delivered and set up yesterday. I’ve been itching to see how it all came out.” Drew chuckled.

“Just stay out of my master’s room and the guest room with the number four on it. I don’t want you bothering them while they sleep.” I warned.

“You know they won’t wake up, right? They’re not really sleeping.” Drew said.

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