off you—with my teeth.” “Great.” He closed the door, and I walked over to the window immediately. I tried to open it, but it wouldn’t budge. I pushed up against it as hard as I could. “What are you doing in there?” Jeryl called. “Just getting changed.” “You have thirty more seconds. If you’re not changed when I open this door, your friend is going to have a problem.” Damn it. I gave up on the window and picked up the dress. It was a faded white lace dress that looked like it was fifty years old. I stepped into it and started to slip my arms into the sleeves. The door burst open. “What are you doing?” “Putting on the dress.” “But you are still wearing your other clothes. Take them off first.” “Why? It will fit.” “I want you naked underneath.” “You didn’t specify that.” “Then let me make myself clear.” He walked over and put his hand over my neck again. By the look in his eyes, I seriously wondered if he was going to let go before he choked me. “I want you completely naked underneath that dress. Not a stitch of clothing. Underwear and bra included. Do you understand me?” I tried to open my mouth, but I couldn’t from the pressure of his hand. He released me, but I stumbled back. “You may think I’m stupid, but I’m not. You are going to learn to listen.” “Or what? You’re going to threaten my friend?” “Is that not enough of a threat for you?” He called down the hall. “Bring the girl up. It looks like we will have to do a demonstration.” Panic seized me. “No! I’ll do as you asked.” “Good. I’ll stay in the room this time.” “What happened to not watching?” “Watching you do as I command might be just as rewarding. And this way I know what’s going to be waiting for me.” I cringed at the thought. Not happening. I slid off my skirt underneath the dress, and I let my underwear follow. I had to pull off my shirt, but I was able to slide my bra off while covering myself with the dress. Unfortunately parts of the dress were nearly see-through. Jeryl just watched with his arms crossed, so evidently he was ok with me getting around the rules as long as I didn’t technically break them. “You may lay down on the bed now.” “Lay down?” What the hell? “Yes. I need to tie you down while I take care of some things.” “Tie me down?” “Do you have to repeat everything I say?” He grabbed me around the waist and pulled me over to the four-poster bed. “Lie down on your back, arms above your head.” “You don’t have to do this. You scared me enough, I won’t run.” His lips turned into a frightening smirk. “I have better hearing than you give me credit for.” He pushed me back on the bed. “Did you really think I’d leave you in a room with a window that opened?” Yes, but I kept that reply to myself. “The best part of being in our nest is I don’t have to gag you. You can scream all you want, and no one will come for you.” “Why do you want me? I’m not worth all this.” “You’re the most irresistible human I’ve been around in years. Your blood calls to all of us, which means you are meant for us.” “Meant for whom?” “Us. The nest.” “Wait. You don’t mean… aren’t there like fifteen or twenty of you?” “Twenty-three.” “And you expect me too…” “Have sex with them all? No. Of course not, Daisy. Your body is for me—and Duncan because he brought you in after all, but your blood. Your blood is for the nest.” “Fuck.” “I look forward to doing just that to you, Daisy, but like I said, I have things to take care of.” He grabbed my arms and tied them to the bed posts. “Might as well rest, precious. You’re going to need your energy.” “I’m not tired.” “Perhaps this will help.” He held up a needle. “It’ll make the bloodletting easier, but you’ll be conscious before I join you in bed. I promise you that. I want to make