REJECTING THE VAMPIRE PRINCE

ELEANOR'S POV

Words were not enough to describe the grandeur and elegance of the Nightshade Clan's castle.

As the superior species, it wasn't uncommon for vampires to have mansions and large properties, but this was another story entirely.

The high arches that were supported by well designed columns and the bright lights that winked at visitors mysteriously did more to intimidate me than to draw any of the awed gasps that the other girls couldn't seem to stop making.

I saw this mansion as nothing less than a well-furnished prison.

That these people, these so-called royals, had the nerve to make showing up at their stupid ball obligatory for every young woman who gets chosen was unbelievable.

I shouldn't have been here at this time but this Trojans forced me here. On weekends like this I would be hanging out with my friends, partying and going wild.

My brother Aaron had been furious when I received the summons. It had taken the combined efforts of my mother, my father, and myself to keep him from doing something that would ultimately get him killed.

I stumbled on the last step as I went up the spiral staircase, but I was spared the humiliation of falling by a steadying hand on my arm.

"I'd watch my step if I were you. It's a long way down."

I looked in the direction the voice came from, hazel meeting frosty blue as I tried to stare this stranger down.

Everything from the loosely pulled tie around his neck to the Valentino suit that fit his body a little too well carried the stench of arrogance and wealth. He was the type of guy my mom always warned me about.

"Thank you," I said stiffly, already beginning to walk away. The dark-haired man reached out and grabbed me again.

Wow, he is seriously pushing his luck.

"I don't believe we've met before. I'm Jaxon," he said smoothly.

"Eleanor," I snapped, yanking my arm out of his unwelcome grip.

God, why can't these guys ever take a hint? They think that if they wear expensive suits and Rolex watches, then they immediately own any girl.

Although judging by the little fan club of bumbling bimbos not too far from us, I'd say he's not just any rich boy.

A smirk tugged at his lips, and he took his time looking me up and down. He took a few steps towards me until he was standing so close that I could smell his cologne. I narrowed my eyes at him as I hurried to restore the distance between us.

"You do not know who I am, do you?"

"Damn it, I must've missed the lesson at school about guys who can't take a hint. I'm sure anyone of those girls aced that class though," I snarled with an obviously fake smile, nodding at the ever-growing group of girls behind him.

"Are you being serious right now? Is that the way you speak to your prince?" He teased.