Chosen (Part I) Read Free

it to myself.
    I feared the truth.
    * * * *
    T he next morning after devouring breakfast, I lounged on the sofa.
    Click went the door. So-called Master Ryan Bouvier shuffled into the room. He wore a buttoned-up dress shirt and slacks.
    Ryan's stylish outfit enhanced his masculine beauty. But I didn't find him too attractive because his personality sucked .
    Reluctantly I slipped from the sofa to join him.
    Ryan's arm held a girl snugly at his side. Deep chestnut hair tumbled to her breasts. Big blue eyes peered at me, seemed as terrified as I'd once been.
    Her slender legs trembled beneath a red halter dress.
    "I'd like you to meet Ashley. She's our thirteenth and final victim—er virgin." Ryan displayed a shit-eating grin.
    And those fangs . Those goddamn fangs! I wanted to take a pair of pliers and yank them out. Defang every one of these freaks.
    "Hi Ashley. I'm Tatum." I forced a smile. She didn't return it.
    "H—hi," she said.
    Filled with compassion, I wanted to gather her in my arms, hug her till she felt safe.
    Hug her until I felt safe.
    Thank god. Thank god those evil things gave me a friend.
    Misery loves company.
    * * * *
    T ime to meet the candidates.
    Thirteen robed individuals filed through the suite. Each one paused, observed me as I stood and waited like a pre-devoured slab of meat. A sex slave as the grand prize of a perverse contest.
    Anxiety knotted my stomach during this process. Thirteen pairs of mesmerizing eyes studied me from head to toe, back to front. They sized me up to see if I was a suitable specimen to breed with; produce offspring worthy of continuing their freaky bloodline.
    It wouldn't happen. I planned to run off at some point and take Ashley with me. They couldn't watch us twenty-four/seven.
    Once they finished with me, the freak squad drifted to the other side of the room.
    They began to size up my poor roommate.
    * * * *
    C ourt was one of a handful who didn't resemble a California surfer. His jet black hair and dark looks reminded me of Johnny Depp. Court had elevated cheekbones and sea-green eyes which clashed attractively with his olive skin tone.
    So yeah, he was cute. But I didn't know much about his personality.
    I felt sorry for Ashley and hoped Court would treat her okay. Ashley seemed even more innocent than I. Maybe the most innocent girl out of all thirteen.
    I also felt sorry for myself. The one who chose me was the very last guy I wanted.
    I loathed him.
    Ashley kept her head low as she perched on her bed. Tanned legs dangled over the round edge.
    She hadn't said much since her arrival. Maybe I could coax her out of her shell.
    I stepped up to her and crouched on the floor. Her bare feet hovered inches from me, toes curling and uncurling, tips painted scarlet.
    She sniffled. Chestnut hair hid her face.
    "Are you okay?" I asked.
    She slowly nodded. That was her only movement besides curling her toes.
    Brief silence.
    "It's really not so bad here. Sometimes it's actually... nice. They pamper you like this is a spa or fancy hotel. You'll get used to it after a few days. I did." I desperately wanted her to feel comfortable, because I knew how scared I was when I first arrived. I didn't want her to go through this crap alone.
    Not like I had to.
    And I'd never mention any of the bad stuff. She didn't need to know, though I supposed they'd informed her about the eventual 'deflowering'. That was horrible enough.
    Ashley released a shaky, anxious breath. "I was practically raised in church." She still didn't look up or meet my gaze. "My parents were Bible thumpers... that's what my friends called them. Every other day Mom reminded me how sinful sex was, unless you were married. Every other day since I was twelve. She made me ashamed and... no one has ever seen me naked. No one." Her toes scrunched so tightly the blood pooled under the skin. It hurt my own toes to see hers.
    "I'm still a virgin because I'm shy around boys. Or I used to be," I said.
    "Really?"
    "Sure. I could never