Free Reign of the Vampires by Rebekah R. Ganiere Page B

floor as he neared them. “Let me open the door.” He punched in the code and stepped aside. The man in front, a vampyr with long, light hair, and the telltale light blue eyes of a vampyr, stepped forward. His face was chiseled and hard.
    “Collar.” He flicked his tongue over his protruding short fangs and put his hand out. A second man handed over the black, metal-looking dog collar. Mason recognized it. It was the same as the one Clive had taken off him the hour before. His fists squeezed closed harder.
    “I am Neeman. I’m in charge of the Tracking Squad. We’re the elite guard of the Vampire society. You’ve been given to us for the next thirty days to train. Your new master has paid quite a lot of money and is highly regarded by both myself and our entire society. That is why we made this break from protocol and agreed to train you. You will come with us and learn what we teach you. If you don’t comply, there will be consequences. You’ll wear this collar until we deliver you to your new master. Do you understand?”
    Mason nodded. What he wanted to say was, Screw you! But he didn’t because getting out of this fight alive would not be an easy task. So he would wait until the time was right, and then he’d strike and kill as many of them as possible before winning his freedom. But to do that he’d need to take them one at a time, or at least fewer than four of them. They were too strong as a unit.
    Neeman raised the collar. Mason’s temperature rose and he fought to keep the anger out of him as the skin on his back stretched and moved.
    Neeman neared, and then stopped, his eyes narrowing. He moved forward again and quick as lightning clicked the collar shut on Mason’s throat. Mason swallowed hard. The collar was thick, but not as uncomfortable as others he’d worn.
    “Follow me,” Neeman commanded. He strode from the cell and down the courtyard, leaving Mason and the Vampires behind.
    Mason blew out a breath and unclenched his fists. He stepped out of his cell humming his ancient chant.
    * * * *
    Danika had slept without nightmares for the second day in a row. The renewed energy refreshed her mind and body. She felt like feeding again, but decided to wait. Too much too fast led to as many problems as not feeding enough.
    The evening before she’d eased William into his duties. He’d been scared as a rabbit in a trap, but he’d made the calls, followed the instructions, and got it done. For now, that was enough.
    She walked to William’s room and knocked. The door swung inward.
    “Good evening.” He bowed. His eyes were tinged with red. Puffy bags swelled underneath. The new schedule would take some getting used to. Slaves and minions were sometimes needed during daylight hours, as well as sundown hours. When Vampires took over a year after the outbreak, the new workday switched from sunlight to moonlight hours. Midnight was the new noon.
    “Good evening, William, I have a business meeting and a package that’ll be arriving at the office. After it does, we need to come home so I can deal with it.” She walked down the hallway toward the stairs.
    The house was a bustle. Vampires said their goodbyes to their mates as minions and slaves rushed around to collect any last-minute items their masters needed. The house slaves were already set about their work cleaning. Cars lined up outside with drivers waiting to deliver their patrons. Everyone stopped to say hello to Danika, and eye William as she advanced to her vehicle.
    “Evening, Lord Danika.” Paul bowed.
    “Paul, this is William. He’s my new assistant, and you’ll take him anywhere I should send him.”
    “Very good, m’lord.” Paul nodded to William.
    Danika slid into the backseat of the sedan and moved over to allow William in. Her phone rang and she pushed the button on her Bluetooth.
    “Chase, you’re out dark and early this evening.”
    “I came in to check on a few accounts and happened to notice that your personal account