Blood Thirst: A Paranormal Vampire Romance

By Alice Knight

When Alice's sister falls deathly ill, she turns to the shadowy vampire underworld, willing to sacrifice anything to save her sibling. But after an explosive encounter with the darkly handsome Caspian, Alice finds herself drawn into a enticing game of cat and mouse.

 

Caspian knows things about Alice's family that she doesn't, secrets that could unlock dangerous powers within her. As their passions ignite, Alice is torn between her distrust of Caspian and her undeniable longing. But Caspian has plans for Alice's newly turned vampire sister, and Alice must fight to protect her, even as a mysterious organization known only as the Council begins hunting them down.

 

With blood bonds and danger binding them together, Alice will risk awakening her own latent vampire abilities to fight for those she loves. But can she trust Caspian when his kisses leave her breathless? The stakes are life or death, and Alice must decide who to give her heart to...before it's too late.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Alice Rose
• Release date: Jan 15, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224989294

Book preview

CHAPTER 1

Aslight breeze blows in the night and I shiver as I make my way down the dark, cobblestone street. My bare legs tremble slightly beneath my tattered dress as they struggle to keep me upright. My stomach growls in protest as it begs for the food it hasn't been fed in days. This week hasn't been kind to me or my family as I've failed to bring home food 3 days in a row. Moments like these I often wonder if I'll make it to tomorrow. My bones are easy to notice under my skin and my dark brown hair is so limp and thin it looks as if I'm balding.

I try to quicken my pace as the night grows darker and the street lamps begin to turn on. The sun sets in the distance just behind the lumber factory. The factory where my father worked for many years before being laid off to bring in younger employees. That was two years ago now and I still hate that factory for the hell it's putting my family through now. The three of us nearly starving to death and barely able to keep a roof over our heads. My mother's cancer slowly killing her and not having the money to get her treatment. Despite the numerous available jobs here in town, they all have an age limit of 35 or younger with males being the primary target. My 40 year old father and I do not qualify.

I jump at the sound of metal trashcans crashing to the ground in the distance. I slow my pace and squint my eyes as I search the darkness. Unfortunately now that I've crossed into the poorer part of town, the streetlights have dwindled down to two per block with usually only one barely working. This part of town is the perfect place for our night dwellers to find a meal.

Zypheria, our beautiful thriving kingdom, is crawling with vampires. There are the lower class vampires that wander the streets at night looking for an innocent victim to steal their dinner from. There's a poor victim in the paper everyday from their nightly attacks. Then there is the middle class vampires who do well enough for themselves to buy the blood packs offered in certain stores. Thankfully, they typically keep to themselves and go about their lives after dark as we humans sleep. Next is the upper class, also know as the royal family. Not many have had the opportunity to see them, mainly because they never seem to leave the palace. And why would they when they have everything they need in their mysterious castle in the mountains. The few that have laid eyes on them though only exalt how beautiful they are.

When the night grows silent again I continue on my way home. As I turn onto Arescet Lane, my eyes set on my small withering house. It sits on one side of the street alone, fenced in around dirt that was once a beautiful green lawn. As I get closer I see the holes that we tried patching up with mud and sticks are now open, exposing my parents inside to the cold. The greenish cracked and peeling paint on the exterior walls is nearly nonexistent and the house seems to lean slightly to the left.

I jiggle the front door to unlock it and lift it to keep it from scraping against the floor as it opens. I slide in through the smallest opening I could make and close the door behind me quickly to keep as much cold air out as possible. My mother lays in her bed against the back wall with her face turned away. Just about every blanket we own covers her and a cap is placed on her head. She's always cold now and the wind coming inside from the exposed holes in the wall don't help.

My father stands from his position on the ripped couch and places the daily newspaper on the coffee table in front of him. He turns and greets me with a smile, crinkles forming at the corners of his deep brown eyes. He approaches me slowly, his steps hesitant and tired. His shirt seems to fit him even looser than when I left this morning, and a new hole has appeared in his left pant leg. I notice the new grey strands taking residence in his hair and long beard. Tears prick at my eyes seeing my father this way, but I hold them back knowing my father would scold me for crying over something that can't be helped.

You've found food. He says, his voice somewhat hoarse. He relieves me of the bundle I'm holding and takes the sack into the kitchen to place it on the counter. Eggs, bread, and a glass of milk. He says emptying the bundle. He pulls a rusty dented pan from the cabinet.

I snatched what I could from a farm on the other side of town. I explain. I tried my best to be quiet, but a piece of loose wire from the fence nicked my leg and I let out a sound. After I alerted the farmer I grabbed what I could while he was in the process of getting his gun. I was able to escape before he finished. The sound of the farmer loading bullets into his rifle comes to mind and I shiver.

As long as you're safe, that's all that matters. You did very well sweetheart. He places a gentle kiss on my forehead. How about you wash up for dinner.

I nod before heading up the creaky stairs to the bathroom. I turn on the water and watch it fill the tub. Rust chips from the faucet and floats in the water and I gave a small grimace. One day we'll live in a beautiful house with expensive tubs and all the food we can eat. Someday my family will thrive again and I won't have to steal from people for us to get by. I'll do whatever it takes to get us where we need to be. I just need the opportunity to present itself first.

After washing up I go back downstairs where a small plate of food is waiting for me. My mother sits up in bed with a plate of her own in her lap. Pillows propped behind her back help her to sit up. She smiles as I pull up a stool beside her bed. Up close I can see how pale she's become. Her face creased with age lines and her green eyes dimmer than usual.

Hello sweetheart. She greets me, leaning forward to place a gentle kiss on my forehead.

How are you feeling mother? I ask, taking notice she looks worse than when I left this morning. She tries so hard to keep a smile on her face when I know she's in pain. She's a fighter and she's strong, but unfortunately that doesn't fight the cancer off.

Alright. She responds with a small smile. The pain she's in is obvious. For once I'd like for her to tell us the truth about how she feels. No one would blame her for crying out in pain or shutting us out for days on end. She doesn't deserve the pain she's in and I wish for nothing more than to have her healthy again. I think I'm going to turn in early. She says, handing her now empty plate off to me. I love you.

Love you too, Mother.

I help to remove the pillows propping her up as she lays back down and pulls the blankets over her. I finish my food and stand from my chair to go put our empty plates in the kitchen. Returning, I take a seat beside my father on the couch. He reads an article on a woman found murdered in an alley not too far from here with two puncture marks on her neck. Another vampire attack.

Yet another victim whose murderer won't be brought to justice. The amount of vampires in this town is too great for the culprit to be found and prosecuted. Therefore the vampires in this town will never stop taking what they want and people will continue to die.

My father hands the paper off to me suddenly and I begin to search through the job ads as I do everyday. I'm sure he's looked through it already and couldn't find anything he's qualified or young enough for.

I skim over the numerous factory and trash cleanup ads. Jobs that are not best, but offer something. However none of them are woman friendly. I wouldn't be considered to work in a factory unless it was to make some type of clothing, but of course none of these factory job ads are for that.

Same job ads. My father says, taking his last bite of food. Same old, same old. He stands from the couch and stretches, his stiff bones cracking.

I nod in agreement as I flip to the last page where one last job ad is printed. I expected it to be another ad for the factory, instead it reads: Palace Servants Needed. My heart begins to race with excitement as I realize I just make it into the age group required.

Father, did you see the ad to work in the palace? I ask, looking up at him. His brows furrow. I just make the age requirement. They're looking for male and females between ages eighteen and thirty. I could work there and send you the money I make.

I look up at him hopefully then frown as I see him shaking his head. I clutch the paper in my hands as I bolt up from my position on the couch.

Why not? I ask, sounding more like a whining child than the young adult I am. We need the money. We can't afford to say no.

Yes we can. He says. I will not have you working in that palace with those heartless, murderous, bloodsucking demons. You see it in the papers all the time. It's too dangerous. We'll find something else.

But father...

That's the end of it. He says firmly. We're not discussing this anymore. Go on to bed, you'll be heading out early again to search for food.

I lower my head as I toss the paper onto the couch and head upstairs to bed. I know my father is only trying to protect me, but in doing so he's jeopardizing this family to starvation. I can help, this job can help, and I'll risk my life if I have to.

I enter my small room and lay on top of my mattress, being sure to avoid the two springs poking through the top. I ball up a ratty blanket beneath my head and cover myself with another. The slight smell of mildew permeates from the blanket beneath my head but I ignore it as I attempt to get comfortable.

I stare straight ahead at the loose planks in the wall, wondering about the job in the palace. Of course I can understand why my father doesn't want me to work in the palace. The royal family happens to be some of the bloodsucking demons he wants to protect me from. Not to mention we know nothing about them besides the name of King Lucien. But this is the first job I've been eligible for, so I can't turn it down. We're out of choices.

I wake up earlier than usual unable to sleep from the decision I made last night. I find and put on my least tattered dress. I descend the creaky stairs as quietly and quickly as I can. My father sleeps curled up on the couch, the new location he's chosen since my mother's condition worsened a few days ago. I walk over and place a gentle kiss on top his head. I do the same for my mother before taking one long, last look at them before I leave.

I'm sorry. I whisper to them with tears forming in my eyes. I grab the newspaper from the coffee table where I left it before slipping out the front door. The sun just barely kisses the sky creating a symphony of oranges, pinks, and blues in morning sky. I read the address of the sign up location for the job and rush there, hoping to get a head start in line.

I LOOK AHEAD OF THE somewhat long line at the sign up table. A man with curly shoulder length hair and green eyes sits behind the table. I watch him as he questions people one by one as they sign the paper placed on the table in front of him. Do we have to be qualified in some way? Is this a job I could possibly be turned down from?

After what feels like hours, I walk up to the table. The man leans back in his chair, looking bored and somewhat irritated. He yawns before gesturing to the paper in front of me. I look down to see the paper filled with names and birth dates.

Do you have any illnesses? The man finally asks, his voice deep and clear.

No. I respond after I finish writing the information asked. But my mother has cancer. I'm not sure if it's family related.

Your age? he asks as he writes some information on a sheet of paper of his own.

I'm eighteen almost nineteen. I shift my weight, growing more and more nervous from his questions. Is it possible to say the wrong thing? Could I be turned away?

Any special skills we should know about? I wish. It would probably help me find a job much easier, despite my gender. However I've been too focused on helping my family to hone any special skills. I didn't even have time to finish attending school.

Not particularly. No. I reply sadly.

Have you ever worked a job before? He suddenly looks up at me, his eyes expectant.

No.

How do I know you have the discipline to follow orders? He crosses one leg over the other and folds his hands in his lap, his eyes boring into mine as he awaits my answer.

My heart begins to race, beating so fast it may beat out of my chest. This is it. This is the question that determines whether I get the job or not. If I say one wrong thing, I'm out. So what does he want me to say?

Look at me. I hold my arms out, showing him the clearly visible bones beneath my skin. Clearly I'm desperate. This job is life or death for me. I will do whatever it takes to complete this job and provide for my family. So in other words, I'm the best worker you'll find.

I expected to feel better after my explanation but instead I feel more nervous. I sounded confident, but maybe that's not what he wanted. Perhaps he wanted me to beg for the job.

Alright. He nods. In that case, two thirds of your income will go to your family. The rest is yours. As a worker in the palace, you are bound to the palace. You've signed over your name. He gestures to the paper between us. Our highness's own you now. However, you have until nightfall to plead your case should you no longer want to stay. Only then will you potentially regain your name. Understand? I nod. Join the group over there.

I look over at the medium sized group of men and women standing with the royal guards. Some look just as battered as me, but none of them nearly as starving. The man had already called the next person in line before I could move. The curly haired girl behind me gives me a slight push as I move out of her way and make my way to the group at the side.

Once the last person in line finishes their questioning and joins our group, they divide us into five smaller groups. Five large, black carriages pull up and I stare in awe at their elegance. I've never ridden in such an elegant carriage, or any carriage for that matter. We've never had the money to own one.

The jet black horses stamp their hooves and shake their manes impatiently. Their breath comes out in small puffs of smoke as they breath heavily into the cold air. I stare at the beautiful creatures as I fight the urge to reach out and touch one.

The guards usher us into the five separate carriages. I climb in behind two others and end up in the middle on one side of the carriage. The others climb in and take every available, or unavailable seat. Despite the size of the carriage, it's still not large enough to seat us all comfortably. Once we're all squished inside, we begin towards the palace.

I look out the window and watch the shops and homes go by. The streets are still mostly empty from the early morning. I watch my home disappear more and more with every click of the horses' hooves as they lead us out of town and into the mountains. Eventually my home disappears and the only thing I'm able to see is walls of rocks and trees.

I dose off on our way to the palace and am woken by the jerk of the carriage coming to a halt. As we climb out of the carriage I look up at the stories high castle. The black brick almost camouflaged with the strange dark sky behind it. It's as if it's the middle of the night here, rather than early in the day. The sun can barely shine through the ominous clouds above the castle. Despite the lack of sun, the large, circular courtyard is bright green with bushes and flowers to decorate it with magnificent colors.

Four guards stand by the front entrance, their arms straight at their sides, faces stoic and their eyes focused. They each wear black trousers and dark grey, long sleeved and calf length jackets with black buttons lining them. Their hair is cut the same, short and out of their face, as a part of their uniform. Once we've all exited our carriages, the four guards come stand before us.

Follow us. One of the guards say before they al turn on their heels and star back towards the palace.

We follow the guards through the tall wooden doors where we're met with an endless hallway. The walls are made of the same black brick as the outside of the castle and are adorned with portraits of beautiful scenery and unfamiliar faces. The floor is a shiny dark wood. Glass chandeliers hang from the ceiling down the length of the hallway.

We hurry behind the guards as they continue to lead us to our destination. After a few yards, we turn into a large open room. A large glass chandelier, the size of five of the ones in the hallway, hangs in the middle of the high ceiling. The right wall is lined with drawn, dark red drapes that reach ceiling to floor, hiding the windows behind them. Tall, white marble pillars stand in between each window. The white marble floor shines to the point I can almost see my reflection.

At the center of the room we come to a stop behind the guards. I notice three marble thrones ahead of us resting on a large marble platform with three wide steps leading up to them. One throne is larger than the other two and sits right in the center. The two slightly smaller ones placed on either side. Dark red cushions that match the drapes are placed on each throne.

Bow before your majesties. A guards voice echoes throughout the empty room. I follow the actions of the guards and newcomers around me. We each bow our heads while the men lean forward in a bow and the women place one leg behind in a curtsy. As I hear footsteps enter, I lift my head slightly trying my best to catch a glimpse of the royals, but all I can see are their shoes. One of them a pair of heels.

You may rise. A soft, deep voice says. We do so and my eyes lock onto the beautiful creatures before me. A younger man and woman sit in the two outer thrones while an older man stands before the center throne, his hands clasped in front of him.

The older man, the king, wears a neatly fitted dark grey suit. His black hair is cropped short, and his brown eyes are almost the color of gold. Dark stubble slightly covers his chin and yet the paleness of his white skin is still shocking. He doesn't look a day past thirty. I would never have imagined him to be the king of Zypheria. I half expected a white haired man with wisdom in his tired eyes and age lines creasing his face. Instead, I find an angel's equivalent.

Welcome to my home! The King says with excitement. I am King Lucien, your humble and loving ruler. And this, He gestures to the woman beside him. Is my beautiful daughter, Princess Rosalinda. The Princess sits on her throne with her back straight and her hands folded in her lap. Her blue gown fits to her perfect figure and pools at her feet. Her waist length black hair cascades across her shoulders shaping her oval face, and her doe eyes are the same golden brown as the King's. Her full pink lips, positioned into a frown, is striking against her snow white skin. The atmosphere around her is heavy and intimidating.

Welcome. She says quietly as she stands briefly to give a small curtsy before gracefully sitting back down.

And this is my son, Prince Damon. He gestures to the man on the opposite side of him. The Prince sits with his arm propped on the arm of his throne. His head rests in his palm and his eyes remain closed as if he's asleep. His long wavy black hair hangs slightly in his face and perfectly matches the black pants and dress shirt he wears. His pale white skin striking against the dark colors. Damon! King Lucien scolds.

The Prince slowly opens his eyes and my breath catches in my chest as his sapphire blue eyes are revealed. Their striking beauty drawing most of the attention. He glances up at his father before lazily standing and giving a bow.

Pleased to meet you. He says with a clear deep voice, before returning to his seat and closing his eyes again.

Excuse my son. King Lucien apologizes. We're not accustomed to being awake during the day. Anyway, we are very pleased to have you join us. Today you have all graciously agreed to work in my palace. It takes almost a small army to clean my palace from top to bottom, but there are many other jobs that need to be carried out as well. I leave the task of organizing you all into groups to my more than capable guards. I expect nothing but hard work and respect. The same that I give to all the people of Zypheria. As long as the rules are followed, there should be no problems. His eyes sweep across each one of us before a gives a small smile. I look forward to having you all on my staff.

The king turns and exits the room. Princess Rose reaches over to tap her brother who appears to have fallen asleep again. They both stand and follow their father.

Alright, let's get you into your designated jobs. One of the guards who led us to this room says. He pulls a folded sheet of paper from his pocket and unfolds it. He examines it as he paces in front of us. I will call a series of names and those of you who are called will come forward. He calls out a series of first and last names one by one. Once they all stand before him, he holds the paper to his side. This group will be working in the kitchen. Please follow my colleague here to your room. One of the four guards leads the small group of people from the room. Next group! Nora Emerson, Scarlett Conwell... I step forward and wait for my position to be announced. I just hope that it's something that I'll be good at, which doesn't leave much room for anything really.. This group will work as maids and servants. Please follow my colleague to your room.

One of the remaining three guards leads us away. We follow the guard back into the endless hallway. I examine the large portraits of who I assume are ancestors of the royal family. Surprisingly, some look more human than others. Less pale and more olive toned. Could it be possible that the royal family isn't entirely made up of vampires?

We stop at a medium sized wooden door. The guard knocks twice before slowly opening the door. On the other side is a small room, only a little bigger than mine at home. There are two rows of beds facing each other along the side walls. Of the six, three are already occupied. Two medium sized windows fill the back wall allowing the tiniest sliver of sunshine to seep in.

A girl sits up in one of the beds and wipes the sleep from her eyes. She yawns once before standing. Her long brown-blonde hair is tied in a single braid that hangs to her waist. Her white nightgown stops just below her knees.

What is it? she asks the guard, her voice heavy with sleep.

These are the new maids assigned to your room. You will be expected to make them feel welcome and to assure they get the proper training. Don't disappoint the king.

Yes sir. The girl says with a nod.

The guard leaves, shutting the door loudly behind him. The two other girls in the room sat up from their beds. Their tired eyes land on us and I feel as if I'm on display.

My name is Edna. The girl says, reaching out to shake our hands. We'll start your training tonight. For now I suggest you try to get some sleep. Our sleeping schedule matches with the royals so that we can better tend to their needs. It'll be a long night so rest.

Edna returns to her bed and climbs under the covers. I find an empty bed and kick off my shoes. I climb beneath the covers and rest my head against the plush pillow. I look out the window and can barely see the lights of my town below. the street lights slowly turning off as the sun rises above them. The smallest amount of sadness creeps in as I imagine my parents. They probably believe I left early to search for food. They'll expect me home this evening, but I'll never show. They'll be so worried. They'll think the worst, and I hate myself for doing that to them. But once they receive the first bit of my earnings, they'll understand. They'll know what I did. I just hope they can forgive me and know how much I love them. I may never see them again, but at least I'll know they're taken care of. That's all that matters to me.

I'M ROUGHLY SHAKEN awake and my eyes slowly open to see the sky darker than before. Nightfall. Somehow I actually managed to go back to sleep.