Free My Beloved by T.M. Mendes Page B

sense. It felt rude if she were to comment so she stayed quiet and got out of the car when Anya parked. "I'm surprised you're not asking questions," the native Russian commented when she unlocked the door to the house. Inside was even plainer. It was like a picture though, as if this house was out of Home and Gardening magazine.
    "W-Well...it's just..." Wendy trailed off, not knowing what she should say. Anya laughed softly and gestured for the confused girl to follow her to a door. When she opened, it looked like a normal closet... until Anya flipped the light switch over to reveal some kind of scanner. Placing her thumb on it, Wendy heard a quiet beep before the back wall of the closet moved to reveal a door. Gasping to herself, she looked at Anya with wide eyes.
    "He likes his privacy." Anya smirked and opened the door to stairs that descended downward. Anya's heels clicked and clacked on the stone steps as Wendy marveled behind her. Her worn sneakers made quiet and dulled thuds. The more they continued, the colder it got from being underground. It was dark except for soft lights that were on the wall near the steps they were walking on. Finally, Anya stopped at another door before another scanner came out with a keypad. She typed in a number before the door clicked and opened for her.
    Wendy thought to herself, 'this seems more like Darcy,' when she stepped into the underground home. The carpets were the color warm brown and the lushness of it gave way with every step she took. The room they were currently in was extremely spacious and had different furniture scattered throughout. Suede and leather seemed to be the main focus when it came to chairs and couches, as were earthy colors.
    "I'll go let him know we're here," Anya said, taking out her phone. Wendy's fear started to creep back up on her.
    "H-He's here?" she stuttered, not liking the fact she could be stuck down in this underground crypt with a vampire.
    Anya laughed. "Usually he would be, but he had to bunk elsewhere for the day when it got cut too close waiting for me. Mr. Gilmore made sure Darcy would stay until I arrived. I felt bad for a moment that he needed to rush off, but that man can use a day without the luxury of his homes." Anya winked at her and dialed a number Wendy assumed was Darcy's.
    "Good evening, Darcy. I have arrived with Wendy at the house. Don't get crabby with me, sir, you've had plenty of rest... Okay, I'll see you in an hour. Bye." Anya hung up with an eye roll. "That vampire is such a baby when it comes to waking up," she muttered and turned to Wendy. "Come with me. I'll get you some clothes and then a shower."
    Wendy perked up with the thought of a hot shower and wanted to get one with enough time to finish before they arrive. Wendy was in awe of how a place of this magnitude was hidden underground. It was much like a warehouse except a little more warm and inviting with the electric fireplace and various knickknacks.
    "Here you go. I'll go find something for you to wear," Anya spoke and opened one of many doors. Inside was a posh-looking bathroom that had an extremely large glass shower and a copper claw-foot tub next to it. On the wall that sat opposite of the tub there was another electric fireplace and a TV above it. It overwhelmed the small town girl slightly from seeing such an expensive room. She turned around to tell Anya her thanks when she realized she had already left. Walking in, she carefully took off her shoes while placing a steady hand on the granite tops. She didn't want to dirty this room with herself and felt extremely out of place, but excited nonetheless to use such a room.
    When Anya returned, she handed her a pair of aqua colored sweat pants that had drawstrings so it wouldn't be so big and then handed her a white tank top with 'I only date vampires' on the front in bloody red writing. Wendy's cheeks burned in chagrin but Anya simply winked and walked out knowing Wendy wouldn't wear her cami or sweatshirt with it