Chapter 3 Sold to a Powerful Vampire

Eleanor's POV

The living room door opened again, and Mom rushed in, her eyes widening at the scene before her—Benedict on the floor, a strange vampire standing over him.

"May I ask who...?" Her voice trembled, clearly not recognizing this silver-haired, red-eyed vampire.

The stranger looked at her coldly. "I heard from Vivienne that you are a donator. I happen to be hungry."

Mom's face went even paler. She immediately pushed me forward. "My daughter's blood is very special! She can serve you... many vampires say her blood has a unique sweetness and power..."

I was trembling uncontrollably. This wasn't how things usually happened. The vampires who came for blood always arranged it through Vivienne first - scheduled appointments, proper introductions, clear boundaries. That's how the system worked. That's what kept us "safe."

But this one? He had kicked our door open without warning. No appointment. No introduction. Just violence and hunger in his eyes. The organized vampires never did this - they respected the protocol, if not the humans. This was something else entirely. Something wild and unpredictable.

I could feel my heart hammering against my ribs as my mother offered me up like a sacrifice. The vampire's eyes - dark and primeval - locked onto me.

Then he raised an eyebrow, his lip curling in disgust. "Why would I want the blood of a child?" he demanded, voice dripping with contempt.

I felt a confusing mixture of relief and surprise. Relief was obvious - I didn't want to be fed on by this terrifying stranger. But surprise? That was because vampires who got close enough to smell my blood never refused it. Ever.

"Oh, Eleanor may be almost eighteen, but her blood is truly special," Mom said eagerly. "Many vampires say it has a unique sweetness and power..."

The vampire seemed to take a slight interest in Mom's words. His red eyes assessed me. "How much was Donovan offering for her?"

"Mr. Benedict offered $1.5 million, but I believe she's worth more..." Mom replied nervously.

"Two million," he said simply, as if discussing an ordinary purchase.

Mom's eyes lit up. "Deal! That's very generous, sir. Perhaps you'd like to discuss the details with my husband in his study. You can also have a free taste of Eleanor's thigh tonight..."

My heart sank. When he had initially shown no interest in underage blood, I'd foolishly hoped he might be different, a gentleman among vampires. That illusion shattered as he agreed to buy me like merchandise.

He followed my parents to the study, leaving me standing alone in the living room.

Mom returned quickly, grabbing my shoulders roughly.

"This money will help Aurora and Olive," she said in a low voice. "They'll each get $500,000 for any additional education they want and to start their lives after they finish school. Don't you want them to have that? After all they've done for you? After all the times they've defended you, even when you didn't deserve it?"

"I just want to spend my eighteenth birthday with them in two months," I whispered, my voice shaking. "After that, you can do whatever you want with me... please, Mom..."

The crack of her palm against my cheek echoed in the kitchen. My head snapped to the side, the sting bringing fresh tears to my eyes.

"Don't you dare try that disgusting act with me," Mother snarled, her face twisting with contempt. "From the second you were conceived, you've been nothing but a curse on them! On this entire family! Now when you finally have one chance to be useful instead of a burden, you show your true nature yet again. Revolting. Did you honestly think a demon-spawn like you has any right to stay under our roof? Or are you so deluded you believe you're worth more than what he's paying? ANSWER ME, NOW!"

She was right. I wasn't worth that much. I only took.

We'd spent the first few months of our lives in the NICU because of me. Mom's body couldn't carry us as long as we all needed. The doctors said she would have been able to carry Aurora and Olive for longer if I weren't there. Aurora almost died because of me.

"I was only thinking of how much I'd miss everyone, ma'am. I know I'm not worth nearly as much as he offered. I'll go feed him now," I murmured.

"Good. Get out of my sight." She sneered, and I turned to the hall.

As I neared the study, I felt like I was going to be sick. He would drain me. This vampire would buy me and drain me before I turned eighteen.

My life was ending tonight. I could feel it.

The door opened before I could wipe away my tears.

"There she is. Eleanor, this is Sebastian. I realized we hadn't officially introduced you two. Now, be good for him. I'll be in the living room with your mother." Dad closed the door behind him, leaving me alone with the vampire.