"Tell me something I don't know,” Sarah snapped back.
"How much time do you have?"
Sarah swung around. “What?"
"You said tell you something you don't know. Well, how much time do you have?"
"Har, har.” Sarah watched enviously as Emelie strode away from her. She looked like a model on a runway despite the heavy bag thrown over one shoulder and the functional black combat gear she wore. Or maybe because of it. The contrast only accentuated her very feminine appeal. As if aware Sarah was watching her, she turned around and walked backward for a few steps, grinning. “Come on, Sarah. I've got a story to tell you and I'm going to need a drink first."
"A drink? But—"
"Don't be such a wuss.” Emelie dropped her bag near a pile of similar gear and sauntered back to hook Sarah's arm, leading her across the large, empty space toward some sort of living room in the corner. Since Emelie was as strong as any other vampire, Sarah had a choice between going along or being dragged like a rag doll. She went along.
They crossed into the faux living area which was about the size of Sarah's entire first floor. It was defined by a thick-pile carpet, or maybe just a really big throw rug. Several couches and chairs were scattered at odd angles, although every one of them was turned toward a wide-screen display worthy of a private theater and complete with a dizzying variety of electronic devices. Emelie dropped Sarah's arm and walked over to a bar which stood along one wall, with several rows of bottles lined up on a counter behind it. Emelie grabbed one of the bottles and poured herself a shot of some clear liquid. She offered the bottle to Sarah who shook her head.
"Raj got me hooked on vodka decades ago,” Emelie said. “When it was still only commies who drank it.” She laughed at her own joke and threw the shot of liquor down her throat. Sarah almost coughed in sympathy, but Emelie didn't seem at all bothered by the alcohol. “Tastes better with blood in it, but I don't want to sully your innocent sensibilities.” She winked at Sarah and poured herself another shot, downing it the same way.
"Okay,” she said, drawing a deep breath and letting it out, as if reaching some momentous decision. Hands resting on narrow hips, she gave Sarah a speculative look. “Have a seat, Sarah. I'm going to tell you a story. It's one that very few people know—in fact, only two people in the world know it, and that includes me."
"Uh, I'm not sure—"
"Oh, pooh. You're a scholar, right? Where's your curiosity? You're about to hear how I became a vampire."
Chapter Thirty-four
Em poured another shot, swallowing it quickly. “I was gang raped.” She glared at Sarah, as if daring her to comment. When Sarah said nothing, she continued. “The circumstances don't matter. Let's just say I was more attracted to the cook's daughter than the young men who called at my parents’ house to play suitor, and I did something stupid trying to make up for it.
"Raj found me while . . . Anyway, he pulled some of them off me, scared the rest away. I don't remember much about that part. I don't really try very hard. But I remember afterward. He took me back to his lair. It wasn't fancy, but it was safe."
She leaned back against the bar, a half smile on her face. “I know what you're thinking. He's a vampire, right? A sensible girl would have run from him screaming. But I knew who the real monsters were and it wasn't the nice vampire offering me some hot soup."
Rubbing her hands up and down her arms, as if suddenly cold, she walked over to one of the couches, picked up someone's discarded jacket and slipped it on. “The true monsters were altogether human. Those men could have been my cousins or uncles. Hell, for all I know, some of them were. I was beaten and raped nearly to death. She stared down at the floor, her face blank of any emotion. “Stupid,” she said at last, then drew a deep breath and met Sarah's gaze.
"Raj offered me a choice that night. He would heal me, wipe my memories of the rape and send me back to my parents. Or freedom. A chance to be myself. The choice was easy."
"Have you ever regretted—"
"Never,” Emelie said immediately. “Never. Raj might say differently. As good a leader as he is, as powerful a vampire, he never asked to be turned. But I love my life, and I love Raj. Not as a lover. We were never that. I have no interest in men, and Raj would never, ever force himself on anyone. You were way off base on that. But I love him as my master and my friend, my true creator. He's the best man I've ever met, Sarah, vampire or not, and I've lived a long time.” She leaned forward intently, forcing Sarah to look at her. “And I will not tolerate anyone causing him pain."
Sarah sighed. “I really f**ked up, didn't I?"
Emelie barked out a laugh. “Yeah, you really did. And he's not happy you lied to him about who you are, either."
"I lie to everyone about that,” Sarah said dismissively. “No one knew before today."
"What about your friends?"
"No one,” Sarah repeated.
Emelie cocked her head as if listening, then took two steps and crouched in front of Sarah. “Listen to me. Raj is almost here. I've never seen him care about a human the way he does you. This whole thing tonight? He wouldn't have done this for anyone else. But if you want him—and you're a fool if you don't—you've got to make him believe he's not a monster."
"He's not!” Sarah said, outraged at the very suggestion.
"No, but he sometimes thinks he is, and you pretty much told him you think so too."
"I—” Sarah remembered the things she'd said to Raj and blew out a long sigh. “Damn."
"That about sums it up,” Emelie agreed. She stood and began walking toward the exit. By the time she reached the door, it was opening and Raj was striding through.