Assail, Son of Assail @bulletpunchcut - Tumblr Blog

More Questions Than Answers (With @Evayhne_BDB)

Assail I found my foot tapping against the floor under mine chair, impatient with having to wait for Evayhne. It wasn't her fault, she was currently occupied with her managers at the far end of the VIP section. I kept mine gaze on the crowds, unwilling to give the eyes that scoured this place the idea that I was here for anything other than the pleasant company of one of their finest hostesses. I held the sole of mine shoe firmly to the floor the now, forcing my body to keep its relaxed pose as I fingered the tumbler that held an untouched drink. Mine cousins were wading amongst the humans, their grins snarky and feral as they communicated wordlessly with just glances back and forth at one another. I knew they’d keep their distance until I signaled for them, and I was thankful for the distraction this eve as the minutes ticked by. I had a dead dealer and the male responsible for his death was now on my list. He owed me cash and an errand. I wondered about the male’s heritage. There was little information on his patronage, I must needs dig deeper. He didn’t seem to be one of the Brotherhood’s trainees, but more the lone wolf type. A rogue hunter, a civilian vampire with some sort of grandiose scheme to take down the Lessening Society on their own. Which, if it were true, meant I could take advantage of his need for vengeance. I downed my drink, manners forgotten as the prospect of such a prospect lowered my lips into a scowl. Evayhne *I stood with the others while #Trez and #Xhex went through the things to remember for the night. I was in all black tonight, leather pants, cotton v-neck t-shirt and boots which was a normal gear for the waitresses. All black, leather. #Rehv wasn’t into formal uniforms, he wanted us to blend in and be whatever his customers need … or just work. He gave us complete autonomy. He even helped us if we had the courage to ask. He always seem to know if we were having troubles with clientele or so stressed we needed some time off. Even Xhex. I felt his eyes on me, like a warm caress on my back ... my six chambered heart beating a little faster. I stayed focused for the rest of the meeting, as soon as it was finished I looked behind me saw that his drink was full so I headed his way. The floor was crowded as the norm. I maneuvered my way through the masses. The heat and sweat filled my nose from the humans. Different perfumes from the woman and the cologne from the men were mixed did not mask the scent of the male sitting by himself. I recognized the scents of his cousin's who was strategically standing on either side of Assail. Protecting him. Hmmm. A flutter to my right, turning I saw #Rhev’s duster as he made way through gen pop into VIP and towards the back of the club where his office was. He briefly paused in his walk to bowed his head towards me and then glanced towards Assail and looked back at me and gave me an imperceptible nod and continued on. I told myself he only wanted info about the club and for whatever reason #Rhev approved of our conversations. Assail The moment Evayhne headed in my direction, mine cousins distanced themselves further, disappearing into the crowd. They knew my plans, and besides, they were scouring the patrons for Brotherhood trainees, hoping to do a little sniffing around. I had some curiosities about the young males that frequented the Reverend’s club. Trainees of the Brotherhood were often overzealous, short-tempered … foolish. They came to clubs like this, drank too much, then marched across Caldwell, looking for a fight. Mine gaze was drawn to Evayhne as she approached, ignoring her glance over at the Reverend, admiring her leather-clad figure instead. Yes, I knew he was there. He knew I was here. But he would not know mine intentions. Or that I was at his club for any other reason than to engage with the lovely hostess who now joined me. “Did you order a drink for yourself?” I took her hand and brushed a chaste kiss on the back of it. “I am most interested to hear about your visit with your boss. But first I must ask, how fare thee this eve? Has business been good for you since we last met?” Evayhne *I shook my head at his first question. I had to keep my head clear since I haven’t fed in a while and I needed to be on my game. His lips were warm against the back of my hand sending slight tremor up my arm yet again. I looking into his eyes and they seemed a little dilated as I sat down.* I am well as can be. *I scratch my lip as my fangs descended unexpectedly and quickly licked the wound and wiped at it with my index finger. I quickly changed the subject.* And how fare thee, sire? *I asked in the Old Language. I watched as his eyes widen which only made me smile as he realized I was older than he apparently assumed. I was pleased that I could surprise him. I leaned on my elbow on the table as I moved my legs to the side and cross them at the calves and continue to smile.* Assail I lifted two fingers at the nearest waitress when Evayhne answered that she had not had a drink yet. Mine gaze fixes on her mouth as her fangs make a brief appearance. But her question in the Old Language distracted me, an uneven smile sliding up one cheek as I watched her. “I am well, thank you, Evayhne.” As I answered in the Old Language as well, my accent was a bit thicker than hers, but she understood just fine. I leaned towards her as she got comfortable, drinks arriving not ten seconds later. “Have you fed lately, Evayhne? I do hope your bosses accommodate your blood needs. If not, I shall be having a stern word with them about their practices. Surely they have males on staff for you?” I slid her drink over to her and palmed mine, taking a few slow sips as I observed her carefully. The music pounded around us, bodies writhing all over the dancefloor. I had no doubts mine cousins were working their way among the crowds, Ehric enjoying the company and Evale enjoying his task. Evayhne *One of the girls brought me my usual but as I picked up the glass to quench my suddenly dry mouth … his question about feeding had me glancing away.* Um, no but I … I'm fine. Most of the staff is human with a few exceptions. *I quickly lied as I brought the glass to my lips but the ice rattled as a tremor betrayed me and revealed my lie. My heart beating rapidly as I quickly slammed the glass back down on the table and tried to change the subject.* I’m sure you are very busy male. What can I do for you this night? *I looked away before he could answer and watched around the club to at the other patrons. I could feel his stare as I avoided his observance. I knew I was being evasive and aloof, but I knew my faults were my own and revealing them to a male such is this one. Not with his expensive suit, expensive watch, cuff links, he exuded luxury and privilege. He need not know about my background and current situation. All he wants is information. Only info. He wasn't here to see me. I needed to remember that as I wait for his response wondering what he would say next.* Assail I catalogued every movement in Evayhne’s reaction. She was avoiding eye contact by looking away, avoiding saying too much by downing her drink, then changing the subject altogether. This was the first time I’d seen her go totally cold, as if I was just a John and she wanted nothing from me but the business at hand. I froze my expression before a frown could form on it, lifting my glass so my face would have something to do besides react. My mind began cataloging all the things I knew about this female. She worked for the Reverend, but not in the same manner as the other females in the VIP section. She was willing to dig for information for cash. And she played her part quite well, both with me and with other patrons and staff. Masks, so many masks. We all wore them, some of us more convincingly than others. Rather than push an issue she clearly didn’t wish to breach, I set my glass down and let it go. “I was wondering how the interaction with your boss went. Did you have a chance to speak to the Reverend about the humans selling drugs in his club or the overdoses?” Evayhne *The glass clinked noisedly on the table by my unsteady hand, numb to the cold, as I placed it on the table. I needed to feed … by tonight, if not tomorrow. I was relieved that he accepted my lie and I tried to focus. Pushing my hunger aside, I needed to deal with the present.* Actually, one of the girls … #Stella overdosed and one of the bodyguards had to take her to the hospital. When I showed the baggie to #Rehv and he already knew. He called in #Xhex and #Trez and they started mulling over the repercussions of this new guy. #Rehv was livid to say the least. He gave me the following night off, but I ended covering a shift for one the girls. *I took deep cleansing breaths to stave my hunger, then felt a sting on my lip. I swiped my tongue and tasted blood. I picked up my drink again to hide my thirst yet again as I sat up straighter in my seat. I attempted to hide my action as I waved one of the girls down for another round of drinks. When I turned back to my guest, he was staring right at me. Damn. What had he noticed? Assail I kept my gaze borderline uninterested as Evayhne spoke. I didn’t want her to think I didn’t care about what she had learned, but I also was trying to be respectful of her desire for privacy. Scribe knew I would kill for mine own. Apparently the Reverend was privy to the human dealer in his club. For a moment my adrenaline spiked … did he have eyes on me as well? Ears? Was I putting this female in danger by asking questions? Then again … humans weren’t always the brightest. My Lesser dealers were proof enough of that. Vampires had quick eyes, quick noses, quick reflexes, we could spot handoffs, hear deals under the table, whispers in the dark corners … all that. Which is why the descending fangs of the female sitting next to me was like a tuning fork in a concert hall. Another round of drinks arrived, and we both gulped them down without speaking. Normally I enjoyed forcing awkwardness on my patrons, but normally I was trying to get them to spill information they wished to keep secret. With Evayhne, she knew I was paying good money for her intel. “Can you tell me more about the Reverend’s reaction? He was angry, yes? How did he look, when he found out? Specifically? And Evayhne…” I leaned in and lowered my voice. “If you have blood needs, mayhaps I can arrange for one of mine cousins to assist you?” Evayhne *As I took another fortifying swallow of vodka as I pondered his questions thinking about how my answers would affect my family here. There was a known reason why most people stayed clear of #Rehv’s fury.* He was beyond enraged but not surprised. When #Trez and #Xhex arrived the temperature room grew more cold. Like an icebox. I heard small snippets about … other dealers, damn humans, unexpectant revelations about some supplier. *I shrugged as I tried to think back about yesterday morning as I stood to the side while the three of them cursed.* They talked about having to deal with amateurs along with the undead. *A shiver ran through my body uncontrollably as I thought about lessers, creatures that were once human until the #Omega took their hearts from their beating chests and replaced their blood with his own.* Thank the Scribe I have never had the opportunity to come across them. The tension was palpable … I was relieved to be dismissed. *I thought about my relief and thought of how I was suppose to have tonight off and how I planned to feed and then one of the girls fell ill and here I was sitting at the table with this gorgeous male. And then his last few words hit me like a freight train. I could actually feel myself salivating as my fangs unsheathed. I turned my head quickly in my chagrin, my cheeks warmed from mortification. I let it go on for two long. My head was spinning. My eyes dimmed, my fangs throbbed, and I closed my eyes to take deep fortifying breaths to calm my nerves. As I reopened them and they refocused I could see the narrowed amethyst eyes of #Rehv. Trained on me. Shit. Instantly, I knew he was pissed that I hadn’t asked him for help to feed. I had wanted to try and do it on my own. He nodded imperceptibly as he had heard Assail’s offer. I gradually turned back to Assail as I found the strength to overcome my bloodlust and nodded slowly.* I-I-If they would n-n-not m-m-mind. *The quivering was barely under controlled. Then all of sudden #BigRob strolled up to our table.* “Boss man said you were suppose to be off tonight, E. I called in one of the other girls to cover the shift your covering. You're off tonight. Plus a week. Paid. He doesn’t want you back until next Friday. Go on girl, take off. Boss’s orders.” *He left without waiting for a response. My mouth was hanging open laced with a “but” balanced on my lips until I saw #Rehv’s thunderous expression when I turned in his direction … as if he knew what exactly what I was thinking. He gave me a pointed look as if to say … “Don’t even think about it. I’ll damn well take you over my knee and spank you myself.” I flinched from his chastisement from just the one look from way across the huge room.* Assail Evayhne’s description of the Reverend’s reaction reminded me of Wrath. He was the only male I knew who could turn a room into an icebox with just his emotions. Was Reverend of noble birth? Unlikely … our paths would have crossed before now if he was of royal lineage. So what else could it mean? Had he somehow amped up his power? This needed more research, to be sure. But the now, I had more important things to attend to. Such as the needs of my informant. I sat back as an oversized bodyguard approached, ordering Evayhne to go home. My fingers fisted on the table, unhappy with the manner in which he spoke to her. My mouth opened to put the male in his place, but the reaction of the female next to me stopped me in my tracks. She was frozen, rigid yet shaking on the spot, her eyes locked on none other than the Reverend himself. He was glaring at her, knowingly, reinforcing the order of the giant guard. She reacted to it physically, sinking back into her chair. “Aye. May I assist you, Evayhne? Where can I take you this eve to address your blood needs? I have a vehicle outside. Anywhere you’d like to go. And Ehric will be at your disposal. He shall be the perfect gentleman.” I lifted one finger, and mine cousins emerged from the shadows behind us, flanking the table. I offered my hand to Evayhne, waiting patiently for her decision. Evayhne *I looked up, only to look even higher as my head fell back stretching my neck as I met his cousins for the first time and just gaped. There was a rarity among the vampire species and they were it … a set of identical twins. Dark, heavily muscled, very handsome males … apparently gorgeousness ran in this family. Just wow. My mouth was parched and my hands were shaking so badly but I managed to place my numb hand into his. He easily lifted me off my seat bringing me abruptly in front of him with one pull.* I live with with a human … so I c-c-can't … *Another reason why I hadn't fed in so long. It wasn't like I had my own place. There was reasonable degree of intimacy when it came to feeding. Which was why there were often supervised when you first came out of transition. As adults … it was a delicate dance between the sexes. A game. All of which caused me much apprehension. A disadvantage in this situation. Assail I could tell Evayhne was distraught, and far be in from me not to take care of those that had served me well. I slid an arm around the female’s thin waist, easily supporting her slight weight, but not allowing others to see that she needed the support. Ehric strode in front, Evale in the rear, and we escorted my confidant out the back door. I could feel the Reverend’s hot eyes on us, but it was only a matter of time before I was the bullseye in his target. An idea came to me then, and with a smirk I slid my eyes his way, winking at the male as we passed. I felt a low cool breeze, and knew I had hit a chord with the owner of the club. Perfect. Once outside the males opened up the Tahoe, and I helped Evayhne inside. The twins slid up front and in an instant, we were off. I leaned forward and spoke quietly to Ehric as he drove. I had a quiet condo downtown, it was for emergencies such as if I was unable to return to my home on the Hudson before sunrise. It also was a place to lay low if my house was being watched. My reinforcements had yet to be tested, but I always had a back up plan. We circled the city streets until pulling into an underground parking garage. Ehric parked the car and turned it off. I turned to Evayhne and spoke low. “This is a condo I own, it is private and safe. I will escort you up with Ehric, and then Evale and I will give you whatever privacy you desire. I swear unto you, female, that you are in no danger, and nothing is expected of you except that you take what you need from mine cousin. There is no debt incurred for this. Is that clear?” Evayhne *Before I knew what was really happening, I was outside and into an SUV. An expensive SUV. The handsome twins sat in front while Assail sat with me in the back. All that male testosterone in one now very small vehicle. My mouth was watering. I was barely hanging on by a thread. We were in an underground garage underneath a building in downtown Caldwell. Perhaps he lived here? Strange. He seemed like a male who coveted privacy and control. Living with neighbors seemed out of character. Then he said “condo that I own” rather than “this is where I live” which meant he owned probably lots of places like this. And that perhaps my first assumption was correct. My wayward thoughts were interrupted when Assail spoke about privacy and security and debt. All I could do was nod. I couldn't speak without feeling the desire to attack him where he sat and drink deeply from his vein. His blood surely would nearly be pure … considering his obvious upbringing. I felt numb all over as I sat there quietly, my entire body tense and rigid with the control I had to muster to keep from being a savage animal.* Assail With care the twins and myself exited the Tahoe, and I went around to open Evayhne’s door. Taking her hand, I led her from the vehicle and to the building’s private elevators. Ehric inserted his keycard and we were upstairs in a flash. I kept the female at my side until we were safely inside the condo. Evale headed off to turn on the lights and make sure there was a room ready for Evayhne. He returned quickly with a nod. Ehric stood watch over us as the moments passed. “You may go with Ehric now, Evayhne.” Mine cousin smiled politely and offered his arm to the stunning female. His eyes met mine briefly in understanding. He would be only what she wanted and needed, and take nothing in return unless invited to do so. Evale stood at the chamber’s door, ready to stand guard. I offered a bow of mine head towards Evayhne. “Go the now, take what is needed. I will remain nearby.” Evayhne *My body felt so strung out, as we left the SUV and into the elevator. A few moments later, we arrived to an exquisite condo, fully furnished with beautiful furniture and most likely expertly designed and decorated. Standing there between these gorgeous men made my libido who took a backseat to my blood lust, suddenly come front and center. My fangs immediately unsheathed and cut my bottom lip, my mouth started to water and I could feel my whole body shaking. Fuck. I waited /way/ too long. This was going to get messy. There were reasons why we were taught to keep to a regular feeding schedule. Reasons why rogue vampires with no moral compass were put down. Why the humans had their legends and portrayed vampires as they did. There was always some truth to the legends. Though we were not vampires in the most /human/ traditional sense. Though we need to feed on our own kind to survive and flourish. It was not uncommon, to be able to feed off humans to survive if drastic measures called for it. The problem was, human blood was not as strong and therefore multiple feeding would be needed to compensate … some couldn’t be bothered to take a little at a time. That’s how the legends began. I took the arm of the closest twin, which apparently was Ehric, and had a tight hold on his forearm to keep from collapsing completely on the ground and nodded in thanks in passing to Assail. I said nothing, in order to keep my jaw tightly clenched and entered another room. I felt so cold, goosebumps appeared on my skin. I heard the door close behind us.* Assail As Evayhne and Ehric headed off, I pulled a cigar from my pocket. Stepping outside onto the balcony, I slid the glass door closed behind me. Cutting the end of my Cuban and lighting up, I took a few deep breaths. The matter at hand was being taken care of the now. And I could let my thoughts wander to the information Evayhne had given me about the Reverend. He was powerful, mayhaps nearly as powerful as the Blind King. His allegiances with Xhex, who was rumored to be a bit off kilter in her own vampirism. Trez and his look-alike brother were also… different. Different seemed to be the keyword when it came to the Reverend. Mayhaps he was “different” as well? But how… I pulled out my phone and started making a few calls. I needed more information. But to avoid suspicion by the club owner himself, I sent my spies out after the female head of security and the oversized male who worked so closely with her. Once I had leverage on them, I had a suspicion they would lead me right to whatever it was the Reverend was hiding. And based on his reactions this eve, I was more sure the now that he definitely had things to hide. #MoreQuestionsThanAnswers #TheInformant #PartSix #BDB

Call Me Maybe (With @InMyOwnMhis)

Jagger: -The air had a crisp quality to it, the kind that made you want to fill your lungs because the oxygen content was notable. It made me feel alive. Oh, irony, you satirical bitch. My state of body was robust while I sought out my destination for the night: The Iron Mask. My reconnaissance over the course of several evenings had pinpointed the goth hang as a likely locale for the source, or at least close to it. I’d tailed one of the enemy with gritted teeth, his scent so strong it singed my nostrils, guy was the Pig Pen of lessers and gave the pungence of bleu cheese a new lease on pleasant. His carelessness was my boon. He’d had a wad in his pocket that could only be bills when he’d disappeared around the backside. When he’d strolled back a short twenty ticks of the minute hand later, the pocket had greatly atrophied. I’d observed the routine for long enough to confirm some sort of connection. My will power was tested beyond normal limits as I watched the enemy disappear. I need not draw any attention by becoming some vigilante for this new enterprising group of lessers. After several toe taps of impatience and two nights, I’d decided it was time to disappear inside the heart of the beast, and I was seeing the place with new eyes. It wasn’t just a vampire friendly club pumping industrial through the speakers, it was a well veiled front for something bigger, something I wanted no part of. Was it possible vampires were in bed with lessers? My moves would have to be calculated. I slinked through the shadows, in and out of dark corners meant to give privacy for sex, drugs or the whatever-the-fuck-the-patrons-pleased. Finally I found someone on the verge of nodding out. Before the drugs took them under, I had a seat right next to the guy. Without a word, I flashed them the symbol I’d removed from the baggie and what do ya know, they pulled out their own to match before consciousness was lost. Right. On to the next one. I’d climb each rung of the ladder until I hit top, or in the least leveled up a few times. It was a game that walked the line between going unnoticed and drawing attention, the latter of which would be necessary, but it still had to be the right kind. Junkies two, three and four were clueless about what I was after. When user number five finally gave me more than a “hi how’re ya” with her bag of snortables, it wasn’t the answer I’d sought, instead she’d dead-ended all my efforts, letting me in on the fact I wasn’t going to find anything with this mark inside the Mask. I hit the bar, perching on an end stool to saturate my disappointment in something overly expensive while I mulled over square one.- Assail: After a long night of pulling details from a barely coherent drug addict, I had a description. No name, no vehicle, not even a direction of flight. The user was so far gone, his brain must have been mush. For those kinds of clients, only the best product would do. Which was why he bought from me, clearly. For a moment I had entertained the idea that maybe he was bait, meant to lure out my dealers while the Brotherhood laid in waiting. But it took barely five minutes in the human’s apartment to know that he was barely surviving, and he lacked sufficient focus to do anything besides get from one hit to the next. The twins and I made our way to the Iron Mask the following night. I wasn’t due to see Evayhne again but they needed to feed, so a trip was necessary. I would stay out of the VIP section this eve, so as not to distract my informant from her duties. Perhaps I’d admire from afar, watch how she handles her clients and acts the host. While mine cousins made their way into the crowd, I hung back, arms crossed over my chest while I waited near the bar. The humans were rowdy as always, bodies and scents mixing as they dabbled unknowingly in the supernatural. My eyes danced across the crowd, thankful the headache that plagued me the eve prior had faded after a hot meal and another round of sleeping like the dead. This felt oddly like the days leading up to my transition many, /many/ years ago. But I knew it was just my body running on fumes, on coke instead of blood. Soon I’d remedy that. For now, I had a killer and some cash to find. I sensed something, my eyes flicking back, something had caught my attention. It was Evale. His gaze had sought mine across the busy club, and hadn’t failed. We were connected in that way, mine cousins and myself. It came from spending so much time together over so many years. We were closer than cousins, closer than brothers. Kin of a different kind. Evale didn’t say anything--not that I could have heard him over the pounding bass, even with vampire senses--just nodded towards the other end of the bar I was leaning against. I turned and looked… and Scribe be. A male slouched at the other end, dark hair, bright eyes, stubbled jaw, and the tell tale jacket with the scuffed elbow. Just how the human described it. He hadn’t remembered much, but he had glanced back and watched the males face off as he ran for his pathetic life. I moved instantly, mentally chastising myself for not thinking that the wannabe-Brother may come here looking for more addicts, more dealers. Little did he know he was barking up the wrong druglord. The dealer had been mine, not Rehv’s. I claimed the stool two down from him, a drunk human male hugging his bottle of beer in between us. As his head fell lower and lower, I sat back, eyeing up the vampire. I’d seen that look before. It was equal parts pain, desperation, and acceptance. “Need a pick-me-up, son?” I tossed a bag his way, one with my signature emblem on it. This was going to be fun. Jagger -I wasn’t sure which offense came first, the unpleasant ring of the word “son” scorching my eardrums as the sound carried across the slick bar, or the insult of the bag of drugs that was flicked my way. The implication was derogatory at best. The injuries were eased when I caught sight of what had been sent my way, complete with the mark I’d been seeking. I noted the drunk side-eyeing between us in my periphery before quickly covering the packet that matched the lot back home. I didn’t act in the immediate. First, I scoped out the delivery boy. He was a polished, sharp male but with somewhat vacant eyes, which almost made him feel kindred. Almost. His pupils were well dilated which could be a result of the sooty light of the club, or maybe he was sampling what was on offer. Didn’t care. Whoever he was he was a bridge, or at least a few squares of the hopscotch closer to the man in charge. This was a twist I didn’t see coming. Right place. Wrong place. Right place. Dosed face. Smug face. Drunk face. Night had the makings of Dr. Seuss all over it. Time to turn the page to the next part of the book. My gut churned, unsure of how any of this was going to go. Clearly there’d been eyes on me, but whose? I did a quick scan, but blurs of grey and black with hints of red lips and fleshtones streaking the moving canvas turned up no audience I could detect. This transaction was not for crowd consumption so without a word, I stood, kicking up my chin just barely at the one in the know. Destination was a fairly unpopulated corner of the place between two thick columns, clearly meant for discretion but not completely out of the fray. The elbow room could only be described as cozy and that made my collar feel more constricting. I hadn’t bothered to check to make sure I’d been followed, pretty sure the contraband in my pocket would ensure the RSVP to the impromptu party. Rotating to face my pursuer, a flat grin my most generous offer along with the packet that I’d snatched off the bar in my open palm.- Forget something? Assail I knew it was ballsy to toss around my product in the Reverend’s home, but as long as the young vampire didn’t go running to Trez and the female bouncer who ran things, I doubted anyone would notice. The real deals went down in the VIP section, where the rich and the King’s warriors spent their time. This side of the club was mostly humans. Desperate, sweaty pigs that they were. The male stood, giving me a quick nod before wandering into the crowd. And I was meant to follow. He must have no idea how things worked in my world. I glanced over, catching Evale’s eye once more. His head tipped and I knew he and Ehric would flank me, abandoning their companions until my safety was ensured. They’d be invisible in the crowd, mere shadows amongst the bodies that writhed to the heavy bass pounding inside the club. Soon my target and I were hidden among the vertical beams that supported the roof of the Iron Mask. I met his gaze with amusement, his eyes dark, and so very angry. His face was tightly held sheet over something much bloodier. His veil was thin… fraying at the edges. Wouldn’t take much to unravel the whole thing. My lips twitched in amusement. I did love a slow destruction. Patience was a virtue, and I had centuries ahead of me still. I lifted a hand and drew the design on the packet with my fingertip, tapping it gently when I was done. I didn’t take the baggie back. “Let me see... Lonely male, sulking at the human bar? Check. Shady corner of the club for a little privacy? Check. Bag of happy drugs? Check. Am I forgetting something? I think not.” Jagger -Eau du Cavalier was coming off this city slicker in thick wafts. By some sleight of hand he both blended in and stood out in the surroundings, but his bold assumptions were off by more than a little. I was momentarily tempted to pin the bag he’d failed to retrieve with a fingertip to his chest, but my war was not with him and I was not looking to incite confrontation. My energy was reserved for the enemy of the race alone, and there was no need for the unessential. Despite the arrogance, the potential to keep the transaction quick and clean seemed to reside between myself and this male, he didn’t seem the type to rough up the baby-soft knuckles. Definitely upper echelon, maybe even glymera and not any kind of scrapper. The glaze of vacancy in his eyes could have been hiding something, however. I crossed my arms and narrowed my eyes in a manner that felt shrewd.- If I wanted this, I wouldn’t have needed to make the trip. So how about I help you off the ASS-YOU-ME train and onto my track? -Reaching in my back pocket to pull out the emblem I’d so carefully removed from my unintended bounty-slash-burden, attempting a more direct approach rather than the surface banter. Games weren’t on the agenda.- I need to connect with the top dog. Seeing as you have some of his product at the ready, you’re my new escort, ya dig? Trust, he’ll want to talk to me. Maybe you’ll even pass go and collect two-hundred dollars before we’re all done. -My lack of social experience put me at a disadvantage. I was hawk-like in my observations, but reading people did not come natural to me. My shining example of a father had left me with nothing but the uncouth to abide by and my resistance to his tendencies were my greatest strength. My mother’s kindness and unfailingly beautiful heart, alternatively, had only given me the other end of the spectrum. I was lost somewhere in the in between. Neither here, nor there. A lost cause. A young, but weary soul. My poker face was the only thing I had going for me, as to not let on to this male that I was completely out of my element.- Assail This was just too precious. The male was playing the same game he accused me of. He assumed I was just a dealer. He assumed I’d take orders from him. He assumed he could just swagger his way into the den of a sleeping bear, bang some pots and pans, and the beast would cower in fear. Now I smiled, all teeth. It wasn’t a friendly gesture. “You want to meet the bossman? I think I can make that happen.” I pulled out my phone and called Evale. He accepted the call without speaking. The only indication he had answered was the sound of the same club music echoing on a short delay in my ear. I spoke to the silence, not waiting for a reply. There wouldn’t be one with Evale. “I need to see the boss. Is he available this eve? Aye… thank you. We’ll be there shortly.” I hung up and pushed my phone into my breast pocket. Then I slid my hand into the ballsy male’s, palming the bag of drugs. I lifted it and crooked my finger. Turning without a word, I headed towards the side door, forcing him to follow me as he had done earlier. Funny how the tables turned. Pushing outside, the twins were waiting by the Tahoe already. Their meals had been postponed indefinitely, but I would make sure they fed before the sun rose next. Mine cousins each opened one of the back doors. I almost giggled like a young. Oh yes, this male was about to meet the boss. Up close and very personal. I gave Ehric a look. He knew where to take us. Jagger -That smile rivaled that of a shark and it was somewhat emasculating that it sent a chill up my spine, one I’d never admit. My eyes narrowed but more in a manner of measuring what Mack the Knife was holding behind that gate of pearly whites. There was zero time for speculation when he took back the wares he had so readily offered me. Instinct was punching at my ribs like a couple of fists going at a speed bag when he went all come hither with his finger. My guts clearly wanted to send the message: You’ve been played, fucker. I was damn confident the whole offer had been a ruse. Or had it? Neither of were showing our cards, and I was only used to having me, myself and I as an opponent at any table that wasn’t a city street. Composure was my best bet even as my feet wanted to play cement block with the floor, so I forced myself to follow. The night air temporarily rolled out the welcome mat with its sobering edge of cool, but it didn’t last, the effect waning when I got an eyeful of SUV. I told myself it would work out despite the organized crime vibe that was rolling so hard. I told myself I wasn’t the over-sexualized female in the horror flick walking into the decrepit barn full of macabre death traps. I told myself it was not my time and that I wasn’t going out like this. But as I stepped up into the awaiting ride, certainty was off the menu and a watery grave was the Blue Plate Special.- Assail Not a word was spoken as we traveled. I held back the victorious smirk that threatened to push my cheeks up, mine cousins playing their roles perfectly as we headed down to the docks. There was a corner in plain view I used for some of my dealings. It appeared inconspicuous upon arrival, tame, even. But the few lights dotting the area played tricks on the eyes, and it wasn’t until you were mere meters from the spot that you realized just how dark and shadowed it was. Even vampires were caught unaware. It was a short jaunt from the club to my waterfront view, and as we pulled up, I could feel the jitters working through my companion. He played it perfectly calm, which impressed me more than I cared to admit. Normally by now my guests would be shaky, babbling messes. I had heard every form of begging, been offered any and everything as payment, even kin had been presented for barter. As Ehric and Evale climbed out and took post next to our doors, I peered over at my passanger. “What name am I presenting you as? I do prefer to keep things formal. We are gentlemales, after all.” I pressed my jacket into place as my question lingered in the air, the vial of blow burning hot against my chest. I craved a hit. But it would have to wait. Jagger -Suspicions were plugged into an amp when we pulled up to meet the “boss” after an uncomfortably quiet albeit short ride. Comfort zone was a no show allowing heat to lick under my arms. The perspiration didn’t reach my brows which was only a slight victory, because my pulse would not be lost on my escorts. It was also unpalatable irony that I’d ended up in the exact scenario I’d been aiming to avoid. I internally floated the question on whether the boss was named Titan, considering there was nothing but water for an office at our destination. My composure broke when I snorted a laugh at the term “gentlemales” despite the fine threads that clothed the guy next to me. Sure, I’d encountered males of worth, but overall the scales had been tipped in a direction towards the dirt, the grit and the greed of the male population. Image did not make the man. Dear old dad had stripped all illusion of such from as soon as I could comprehend and reinforced the notion at every damned opportunity. I’d be more likely to be convinced that unicorns existed and were responsible for shitting rainbows all over the sky while playing in the rain clouds. I momentarily considered my naivety walking into this situation. I was unarmed, outmanned and completely green when it came to this kind of dealing. Still, there was an edge of excitement that buzzed under the surface, maybe the detour from monotony would give me a new lease on life. Nah.- Jagger. -I left out anything else. The name that branded me. The one I wished to escape, the one I could not. There was no use in that disclosure, especially if I was about to swallow lead.- Assail Jagger. Just, Jagger. No surname. No father’s heritage to dig into. Nothing I could use. I scowled, unhappy with his response. Offended at his snort. Was his accent of preference that of a cock-grabbing, long-legged swaggering, baggy low-belted human who thought himself some sort of gangster? They had no idea what a real mobsters did. Humans were feeble imitators. And this male… Did vampire males no longer announce their family when they introduced themselves? Were manners so hard to come by now? I knew I was a bit old fashioned, but even I had the self-respect to provide my full name when someone asked it. Assail, son of Assail. My name carried quite a legacy, I was as Old Country, as old world, as old money as they came in the vampire world. Mine blood could compete with the Blind King’s when it came to purity. He was the only pureblood left. I guessed mine at about 98% unblended. Enough games. I was itching for a hit, my tolerance for bullshitting was low, and I had two males waiting outside the car that I had promised a feed-and-fuck session at Iron Mask this eve. My arm shot out, grabbing the male by the back of the neck. I slammed his head into the window, hard enough to hear it crack. Or perhaps that was his hard skull. I kept my grip tight, fingers digging into the skin of his neck. “Formalities are for the patient. Of which I am not at the moment. You, Jagger, son-of-whomever, owe me a dealer. And his earnings. The drugs I can replace, but the cash is something I cannot import into Caldwell.” Jagger -It was enlightening how tastes of death could in turn make you feel alive. Clearly my introduction had sat on this male’s last nerve. The dig of his fingertips into my neck threatened the integrity of my spine, and when my face met unyielding glass, the split of my skin above my eye intensified as the knock to the skull radiated a throbbing ache so powerful it numbed my lips. The blood gushed out, blurring my vision in one eye, casting a red filter over my sight. I licked across my bottom lip, tasting my mortality before a genuine smile presented and I met his gaze. Maybe this wouldn’t be a bad way to go out after all. Of course, Mr. Must-Be-The-Boss wouldn’t allow me the departure without his due.- Son of Rhuin if you need more reason to detest me. And might I ask your lineage since it is such an important talking point to you? -I purposely ignored acknowledgement of what I owed him. I wasn’t done with his ire; I wanted to explore it, sick, twisted and masochistic as that made me. Casting my gaze downward in acknowledgement of dear old dad. He’d been the one to invite this punishment. His actions were the ones I could never live down. His legacy was my death wish.- Assail Son of… Rhuin. I couldnae remember if I knew that name or if I’d just heard so many in my long lifetime that they all sounded familiar the now. And the way he spat out his father’s lineage had me wondering what sort of dissonance had driven it’s sharp wedge in between them. The only thing worse than politics and religion was family. Aye, Jagger, son of Rhuin hung his head and I could see now that he didn’t just lack the proper manners in announcing himself. He chose specifically /not/ to tie his name to his father’s. That was quite interesting indeed. My grip on his nape tightened once again, forcing his head to lift in my direction so I could pierce those daddy-didn’t-love-me eyes with my own dark stare. “I shall gladly do you the honor, Jagger, son of Rhuin. I am Assail, son of Assail. And in case your now-bruised head hasn’t figured it out yet, I /am/ the boss. Furthermore, in case those ears of yours aren’t working quite right either the now, I said: You owe me a dealer and his earnings. You took one of mine down the other night and made off with his cash. Now the question is, how do we fix this situation? I’m thinking perhaps if you are desperate enough for money to kill a dealer, then mayhaps you could not only pay back what you stole, but earn a little extra for yourself by playing my little errand boy.” Jagger -Errand boy. The fuck? I’d sooner meet my end. That little delivery of expectation left my mind ringing as much as the knock to my face. I let the fuzzy thoughts come back into focus before attempting my response, and now this male was going to listen to me. It didn’t matter if he had his hand wrapped precariously around my neck. If it was due to be snapped, so be it, still wouldn’t get him what he wanted out of me. There was the briefest moment of envy that flashed between heartbeats when the male so proudly stated his predecessor and namesake. Clearly he was not lineage-challenged like myself. I would use this to buff and shine his ego a bit. There was but one angle for me to take.- Assail, son of Assail. My mistake in taking you for anything other than the man in charge. My ignorance precedes me. Apologies. I was not so well graced as you were with your sire. -My flat tone was not meant in a manner of disrespect but to tamp down on the seething that that happened when I saw his aim from a fuller vantage.- Good? Good. Now, hear this. I will not be in bed in with the enemy, though they seem to be your current bedmates of choice figuratively speaking, natch. Brotherhood know about this? -I let the question hang for a moment, this was my only leverage in the negotiation, and my sticking point.- Guessing not. -Raising a hand before any protests or defenses can be raised.- It’s not my intent to make any trouble for you with the Brotherhood. Not my business. I’ll return what I pulled off that lesser along with whatever sum of cash you demand. Errand boy is on you. Fair, no? Assail This male had balls the size of my Tahoe, and it displeased me that even with my long fingers wrapped around his neck, he still saw fit to think he could run this negotiation. As if I was about to negotiate. My other hand grabbed the door handle, popping it open. “Remove him from my vehicle,” I spoke softly to Ehric. Jagger’s door immediately opened, Evale grabbing him by his jacket and pulling his body outside. A second later I was out my side, Ehric and myself rounding the back as Evale held my guest against the vehicle. Once we got close Ehric grabbed him as well. There was no chance of escape. I sneered, fangs out, leaning in close enough to the male that each pore on his nose was visible to mine eyes. The flecks of color in his eyes were burned into my memory as I spoke. “If you think to threaten me with the Brotherhood, you should know… I operate outside their rules. I bend to no one. I serve mine own needs, and no one else’s, not even the Blind King himself. That being said, if you wish to hang a threat of exposure over my head, I’m afraid I’ll have no choice but to simply remove your tongue. No words, no tattling.” I drew my finger across the wrist of his arm as Ehric held him in place. “Fingers might have to go as well, can’t have any notes left in the First Advisor to the King’s mailbox.” I let those ideas sink in for a moment, stepping back and pulling out a cigar. I needed something to calm me, something to focus my senses on since I couldn’t take a hit at the moment. A spark, a flame in the dark of the night, and I was in business, puffing a few times as thoughts moved about inside mine head. Finally I turned and focused on the male again. “Ten thousand. That is what you owe me. And one favor, one you vow to complete the now, but shall be called due at a later date.” I nodded at Evale, who retrieved the male’s cell phone from his pocket. Mine cousin called my cell phone with it, the sliver in mine pocket vibrating twice before he ended the call. “Now I have your number, Jagger, son of Rhuin,” I pulled the cigar from my mouth and pointed at him with it. “Ten thousand. One favor. You’ll only have one errand to run in the end.” I leaned in close, our noses bumping together as I mocked his earlier sentiment. “Fair?” Jagger -Reflexes had my hand going to my neck at the moment I was pinned like the tail on the donkey to the body of the SUV. This invited my first rise of panic, not for the manhandling but instead for the lack of my mother’s cross, enhanced by the accompanying throb at my throat left behind by the insistent rush of blood back to the scene of the former grip of my captor. I somehow managed not to lose my shit over my most sentimental possession, reigning it in as focus shifted to the male in front of me, his patience seemingly dusted. There was no missing the slick line of his bared fangs or the hit of his breath on my face. He no doubt hadn’t missed my thick swallow within the intimate range he chose. I otherwise didn’t flinch. Not at the idea of losing my tongue. Not when he traced an invisible guide on my wrist to threaten its severing. The chill that climbed my spine was involuntary and somehow triggered by the proximity of a warm body. Strange. I met his bravado with an upturn of my lips, then observed with a keen eye as he stepped back, noting a small tremble in his hand as he raised a cigar to his, plumes of smoke circling his head as if choreographed with their perfect rings. Demands were laid out in a tone that held no give, edged with a deadly undercurrent. Helpless to stop the retrieval of my phone and the silent orders carried about by the mute Ehric and Evale, I let them shake me down without protest, again unflinching when met with Assail’s mocking final word and kiss of our noses that could only be classified as posturing. I shrugged in the hold of the henchmen as much as my restricted position allowed.- As I indicated before rage affected your hearing, I’ve no interest in reporting you to the Brotherhood. You will have your favor and the sum, Assail son of Assail. -There was no point in making counter demands. As soon as I was free from his bulldogs’ sweaty grips, I’d be master of my own ceremonies again. I’d every intention of carrying out the favor and paying my penance, so long as the male did not put me in league with the enemy. I could not allow that, but my new “friend” needn’t know it.- Assail I sensed his agreement to my terms wasn’t the victory he sought this eve, and although it didn’t bring me as much pleasure as I’d hoped, it did put a win in my column. I’d get my cash back, and a favor of my choosing some time in the future. Which would take careful choosing, as this male, this… Jagger, son of Rhuin, I sensed was something other than the usual young males I ran into in my line of business. They were usually half-cocked with their swagger hanging out. Jagger, while stubborn and ballsy, wasnae as foolish as the typical bullheaded male. I could tell he was perceptive, and while he had made a mistake this eve in assuming I was the errand boy, he got wise to what was really going on the instant we stepped out of the Iron Mask. A male like him could mayhaps be useful one day. Look at you, Assail. Recruiting like the Brotherhood. I had a worthy informant, the lovely Evayhne. And now I was scouting a male whose origins I must needs research further. Rhuin. I would find his lineage. I glanced at the twins, nodding once as I puffed on my cigar. “Let him go the now.” They did so immediately, but stood close by in case Jagger felt the need to retaliate now that his arms and legs were of his own use again. “I will be in touch, Jagger. Give you instructions on where to bring the cash. I assume a fortnight will be enough time. If it’s not, you can bring me what you have and we’ll discuss how to handle the balance.” With that, I turned away, stepping down towards the docks, under the cloak of night away from the low lights of the Tahoe’s interior. The twins would ensure Jagger’s departure. I had other things to ponder the now. Jagger -Although the night had ended up with a few rough edges and a small sacrifice of blood, the outcome wasn’t so far off the mark of what I’d hoped, save for one thing. There was no weight on my shoulders for the tithe Assail had demanded for my inadvertent meddling in his business. He would eventually be pleased to find how true I intended to be with my word. But the night had not been without its loss. My heart sunk like an anchor from my chest to the floor of my guts at the notice of the loss of my most priceless possession. For surely as it was missing from around my neck, the gravity of my mother’s absent cross bore down like an elephant having a sit in on my pectorals. It was hard to draw air. With my symbolic and physical tie to her gone, the confirmation had been penned in permanent ink; my time was coming. There was nothing left for Jagger son of Rhuin in this life. With that revelation in mind and no further word, I dematerialized into the night.- #CallMeMaybe

Reconnaissance

Consciousness came to me in a fog, a haze that my brain had to swim through. Grogginess was unusual for a vampire. Then again, most weren’t snorting blow every few hours like they were trying to slowly replace their blood with the drug. My eyes creaked open, swollen and teary. My chambers were a blur, the low hum of a headache rumbling under my skull. The room was dark still, the shutters drawn securely over my windows and balcony doors. Even if the lights had been on, I doubted I would be able to see much. The right side of my jaw ached, and not just because of the thunder that vibrated between my temples. Down-filled rocks smashed my face, the pillows that trapped my slumber a source of discomfort rather than contentment. I sucked in a deep breath, pushing myself up, having to untangle my legs from the sheets as if caught in a spider’s web. Just as I swung my legs and planted my soles on the floor, my phone began dancing across the nightstand, lighting up like the Twelve Month Festival Ball. I reached over for it as the pounding started on my chamber door. I snagged my phone, swiping across the screen as I stood and felt my way over to the loud banging sound. “Aye,” I said into the phone, other hand outstretched as I pulled on the handle, bright lights spilling in from the hallway. Blurry matching figures awaited me, my hand rubbing at my face to clear the daze once and for all. As the voice of Belnoise filled my ear with urgent nonsense, mine cousins stared at me with identical expressions. “What is it?” I addressed them. Belnoise made a confused sound, then kept rambling. I hung up and slid my phone the pocket of my flannel pants. He could wait. He would wait. “One of our dealers hasn’t checked in,” Ehric replied. “It’s been over a week.” “Scribe. Which one?” “Clemens. Went out with a pocket full of product. Never came back. No money did either, from any of the others. No one’s heard from him.” I sighed and scrubbed at my jaw. This wasn’t good. Missing dealer. Missing product. Missing cash. “Any leads on where he was last seen? Where we might look for his body?” Ehric nodded. I ignored the buzz of my phone in my pocket and shed my flannel bottoms, changing them out for pressed pants and a button down. Then I retrieved the angry device from the floor as I slid on socks and shoes. “Let’s go.” We took the Tahoe, mine cousins filling the second row with their lengthy, heavily armed bodies. Visiting the usual spots, speaking with my dealers, following leads. It took nearly all night, but by the end, we had found Clemens. The Lesser was stuffed in the back of an alley, the stench of his remains sending up smoke signals of rancid decay. I was amazed the body was still here, but then again, since the slayer’s chest was a gaping hole of no-heart, it was obvious the killer was sending a message. When the Brotherhood stabs a Lesser’s heart, they go poof and back to the Omega, their creator. Taking the heart instead means the Omega can’t recycle the juju and use the energy again to create more Lessers. I smirked at the body, admiring the killers work. Ehric and Evale checked the deadmale’s pockets. Empty. Well then. Robbery gone wrong? Doubtful with the Operation handiwork. Someone had killed my dealer and made off with my product and my profit. I stood over the body and thought for a minute. Evale reached under the dumpster across from us and pulled out a cell phone. “Check it.” We had to plug it into the charger in the Tahoe, but then it booted right up, even with the cracked screen. Contacts scoured, calls made, boom. We found the last buyer Clemens had met that night. I pulled a vial from the center console, taking a bump before we headed out again. I’d find the vampire that did this. I knew they had to kill Lessers. But they didn’t have to make off like thieves with my cash and product either. #Reconnaissance

Subterfuge: The Informant: Part Two

Assail: It had been just over a week since my visit to the club, and while things had been busy with Belnoise and mine cousins, I felt it was time to pay my little informant a visit. I wanted to be sure she had adequate time to put her ear to the ground a few nights before returning. This eve I planned to go alone. I knew that was a risk, but I needed the good Reverend to assume I had fancied his finest host and was back for mine own selfish purposes. Ehric and Evale were one push of a button on my phone away, at the house on the Hudson, armed and ready should I need them. Even though my plans for this eve required no violence, I could not control the behavior others. My hand absentmindedly brushed my breast pocket, feeling for that vial of wakey-wakey. I had filled my gasket in mine quarters before departing, but a quick pick me up was always a possibility. As security let me past I headed straight for the VIP area. When I met the bouncer there I smiled and offered him a few bills. He was already waving me past, but accepted the tip with a gratuitous bow. I stepped inside and scanned the booths, looking for the bright-eyed, dark haired beauty from my last visit. She was over by the bar, speaking to one of the staff members. I slid into a chair, loosening my tie as I sat back and waited for her to see me. No one else would serve me, that was our agreement. And she better intend to keep it. Evayhne: *I gave my drink order to the bartender, explaining the requests of the picky humans when I suddenly felt flush and warm as if I was being watched.* “Hey, Eva … there’s a guy looking at you.” #Gina elbowed me. “He looks like he’s ready to eat you up, lucky bitch.” *I turned slowly to follow her gaze and looked over my shoulder to see Assail sitting alone … pointedly waiting for me. I swallowed as I felt my fangs descend … he’s was quite mouth watering … and it had been months since I last fed. Not good. I turned away and took a deep breath, trying to calm my sudden racing six chambered heart. Then I remembered why he was /really/ here. It wasn’t for me … at least not exactly. Information is what he wanted. I still didn’t understand what exactly he was looking for. I asked the bartender for the Johnnie Walker Odyssey neat and asked #Gina to deliver my other drinks while I took the lone scotch to Assail. I turned to walk around the dance floor and the other tables as Rihanna’s “What’s My Name” blared through the speakers as the humans humped on the dance floor. I could feel his eyes on me as I concentrated on my breathing and relaxed my posture. His effect on me was palpable … a useless reaction on my part. But again … it wasn’t as if I was out there meeting anyone … my only association was with the employees here, the humans and the very few and rare visits from the males who I suspected where not just mere males of my species … but something altogether dangerous and unrivaled.* Assail: I watched as Evayhne caught sight of me, my lips twitching up as she pawns off her other drink orders and turns her attentions to me. Good girl. The drunken patrons part for her as she approaches, all long legs and midnight waves. I hooked the toe of my shoe around the chair next to mine and slide it in close, giving her no other option than to sit with her legs against mine. I rise from my seat and offer her my hand, drawing her in to join me with a slight bow of my head. “Evayhne. Stunning as always, and a pleasurable sight for mine eyes. How fare thee?” We sit and I rest my hand flat on the table, leaning forward, attention solely on the female in front of me. Despite the fact that this was a ploy, even I could admit it wasn’t hard to pretend with a female like Evayhne. This close, her warm scent filled my nose, overcoming the dry coarse leftovers of my last hit. It was like twilight after a steamy summer day, slick and floral. Sweet, but with a hint of richness. I wondered if she had any idea how appealing her blood was. I looked her over as I waited for her response, taking note that she appeared well this eve. Evayhne: *I watched him rise as he towered above me and as my hand was placed in his … the touch was unnerving. My heart palpitated in my chest as I tried to steady my breathing. His effect surprisingly flustered me as I sat in the chair he offered. My naked legs brushing against his expensive slacks feeling the cashmere as it sends a shiver up my leg and straight to my lower parts. I quickly shook my head to get me out of my thoughts and into the present.* I’m well. How are you? *I asked in return as he took the tumbler of whiskey I provided. I took deep breaths as I waited for his response. Breathing in his masculine scent … heavenly, positively sinful. Then those naughty thoughts came right back as he brought his focus on me as I observed, memorized, as his lips sipped the amber liquid.* Assail: “I am well, thank you for asking.” I sipped my drink and lifted a finger at the nearest waitress so she’d bring Evayhne one as well. In no time another glass was set on the table. With two fingers I slid it over in front of my host, nodding for her to drink. “How’s business been this week? Has the owner been in much? Or is not visible to employees when he’s in his office?” I kept my eyes scanning the club, making sure that while the wait staff bustled around, no security was close by. I didn’t need anyone overhearing us. Which was another reason for sitting Evayhne damn near in my lap. Hushed voices and lips hidden behind our glasses, or perhaps in each other’s ears, would keep prying eyes off us. Next time I’d sit at a different table too, varying things up so they couldn’t bug our “regular spot”. Then again, this whole place could be wired for all I knew. I suppose after tonight I’d know. If I showed up next time and was denied entry, that would answer my question. If that happened, I’d have to find my informant, make sure she was safe. I didn’t want a death on my hands. Evayhne: *I smiled as he got one of the girls to bring me a drink and looked around the club. Perhaps he was looking for someone to bed tonight no doubt. I inwardly sighed and focused on the task at hand.* The waitress returned with a Absolut Pear and Sprite for me, something I was drinking earlier upon a suggestion from one of my female patrons. It was very light and delicious and kept me hydrated as the night grew longer.* Business has been good. Though the clients could tip better. *I smirked.* As for #Rehv, He’s in most days and mostly goes straight to his office. I’ve actually never stepped inside, I just wave hello from the doorway as I walk past into the locker rooms. *I always wondered what went on in his office. It was none of my business. #Rehv kept the girls safe and his employees happy … we didn’t question anything. I wonder if what Assail was seeking would harm him and the others. I stayed silent and waited for his response.* Assail: I smiled at Evayhne as she spoke about her job. It didn’t surprise me that business was good here, there was an endless supply of vampires and needy humans rushing the doors every night. I wondered if it was the drinks they were after, the supernatural encounters, or something a bit more … illegal. I watched Evayhne as she described Rehv’s patterns, nodding once when she finished. “So he doesn’t spend time on the floor, he leaves that to his managers? Ah, let me think … Trez is the one, yes? I’ve seen a female too at times.” I lifted my drink and held it in front of my lips, wording my next question carefully. It was important no one see or hear me ask it, save for my informant. I leaned in closer and kept my voice as low as possible, so only she could hear me. “I wonder what it would take to gain his audience. Tell me, what sort of incident would it take for a valued staff member like yourself to earn a moment of his time? That is something I would be interested in seeing happen in the very near future.” Evayhne: *As I spoke about the nightly routines, he listened intently and nodded. It made me wonder what he was really after. Everything I was revealing could be observed by anyone who came into the club nightly and had the desire to pay any attention to the employees.* No, not really he mainly leaves it to #Trez and #Xhex. *They both were a send from the Scribe Virgin to watch over us. I may not love what I do exactly but I loved working for them. They treated all the employees like family. If anyone has any issues with /anyone/ … either or both would take care of it. No questions, no payment, nothing in return.* I suppose that I could ask for an audience for anything. He’s door is always “open” as the human’s say. You just have the courage to knock. *I chuckled quietly. All though we were treated like family … /no one/ wanted to be on #Rehv’s bad side /ever/.* Assail: My gaze locked on Evayhne as she told me anyone could request an audience with Reverend. Interesting … I didn’t want to send her in there on a social call. So, how should we handle this? Do I raise issue, create a scene, enough to get the club’s owner to invite her in during cleanup? Or do I create a guise, a ruse to send her in under … yes, that was the way to go. I knew I was already being watched every moment I was in this place, but bringing even more attention to myself by causing trouble wasn’t the way to further my agenda. Yes, I was dying to get a pair of eyes in that office, whether Evayhne’s or mine own. But I couldn’t risk exposing myself by getting on everyone’s naughty list. No, I had to be as pure as a Chosen in the Scribe Virgin’s Sanctuary, a good little male every moment I visited Iron Mask. Or all this would have been for naught. I reached for her hand, a roll of cash in my palm as I joined our palms and lifted her fingers, pressing a chaste kiss to her knuckles. “Would you do something for me, Evayhne? Would you request a few moments of your boss’s time? Bring one of the other girls with you, too. Tell the Reverend that a few of your clients have been OD’ing lately, that they have to be carried out the door and you lose out on tips and … any other monies owed for the services some of your coworkers provide. If he asks what they’re on, tell him blow. Can you do that for me?” I kept my eyes on Evayhne, despite the urge to look around us to ensure no one was eavesdropping. It was hard fighting my instincts, but Fates be, I needed my own ruse to play out. Evayhne: *I felt the roll of money in my hand as he leaned down to kiss my hand. A warm breath of his lips. Soft. Sweet. It sent electricity through my arm and settled low in my body. His effect of me was palpable. I listened as Assail made his request and thinking I didn't want to lie to #Rehv. He has been a great boss to work for and yet for some reason I wanted to help Assail, but I knew it could backfire and in a bad way. I still didn't understand what this male wanted exactly but I had determined that whatever it was I needed to stay in the loop … for better or worse. He intrigued me. The thing was #Xhex and her crew dealt with the ODs and #Trez and #iAm made sure none of the working girls were ever shafted, and if money wasn't available there was payment taken … from their hides. One way or another. Lately though, I had overheard some humans try to sell someone else’s stuff to the employees, the girls had mentioned it to me just the other night and with the rash of ODs lately … I put one and one together. I was planning on telling #Xhex but I could just tell #Rehv. I explained my plan to Assail and watched as he listened … not knowing his thoughts. He kept a good poker face. Neither slight twitch here or there …nothing. Only an eyebrow arch, barely noticeable, as I told him that I would ask for an audience with actual intel that I already had rather than the lie he concocted.* So you see, I actually do have a reason. So instead of #Xhex, I could request to see #Rhev instead. *I shrugged nonchalantly. Still loyal to #Rhev while entertaining his request. I wasn't sure what I was hoping for. I wanted him to keep coming back. Useless really. My conscious was rolling her eyes at me.* Assail: Impressive. Evayhne wasn’t just a good actress when it came to her clients, smiling at all the right things, laughing at their jokes, keeping her attention on her clients when her mind must surely be wandering … She was clever, and smart enough to allow me some intel in order to solidify our plan. She knew what went on in this club better than I did. So when she suggested a slight change to the reason for her attendance in Reverend’s office, my own brain began churning as well. Humans selling to the employees. That was bad for business. Did they even realized they were in the house of THE Reverend? A male who kept his dealings very private, yet somehow was known to everyone as the drug boss of Caldwell. Well … my ambitions may tip the scales in a different direction one day, but in the meantime, Rehv held that title. The stunning female before me had offered her aid, words that would ring true to her boss rather than the lie I fed her. Her loyalty was growing. My lips finally slid up into an amused smile, letting Evayhne know that I liked her idea. “You delight me with your words, Evayhne. If I come back in two weeks, time, would that be enough for you? If you were to go to him immediately, it may tip them off about you and I. But if you wait a few days, a week, even … I will be forgotten. Well, hopefully not entirely.” I smirked and carefully let her hand go, leaving the cash inside her grip as I released her. This was good. I had things to attend to in the meantime, then I could visit the lovely female again. If the fates blessed me, she would have some answers. Evayhne: *I warmed at his compliment to my alteration of his request. Why did I want to please him at all? Again, my subconscious was shaking her head at my idiotic fantasies that perhaps he would find interest outside #Rehv … and his business. However unlikely. He smiled delicious as always and his innocent kiss sent my insides into over drive. I was disappointed he broke our connection as he pulled back his hand. Damn. I needed to get a grip on myself. Perhaps I needed to get laid. Scribe knows it's been a while. I looked out into the gen pop and thought of hooking up with a human. Easy to erase their mind later. I also needed to feed … I internally rolled my eyes at the hassle of dealing with feeding. I needed to get my head back into the conversation.* Yes, that's fine. I should be able to get in with #Rehv later this week. *No BFD. I watched as he finished his drink, his adam’s apple moving against his throat, pulse beating. Fuck. I needed to get my libido under control and off this male and a quick feed as well. He was not for me. I'm sure he had mother females at his beck and call. He wanted information that's it. I needed to remember that.* Assail: I sat back, more than pleased with how this evening had worked itself out. Evayhne was turning out to be a quite suitable employee. If she kept this up I might have more work for her when this was all over. With a narrow smile, I patted my pockets down, doing a coke vial, phone, and wallet check. All where I expected them to be. I needed to speak to Benloise this eve. Might as well get to that appointment next. It would give me time to muse on how I wanted to handle the next part of my plan. Things always needed to be handled delicately. “I think we have an accord then, Evayhne. Until next time?” Evayhne: *Nods.* I won’t keep you, I'm sure you have appointments to keep. Drink is on me ... I'll see you later than. *I stated as calmly as possible, smiled, stood up, pocketed the cash into my black leather sheath dress, inside my bra, and started to make my way to gen pop. I need a break to try and dance off some of this pent up … energy. Yea, energy. That's it. Clearly lying to myself.* #Subterfuge #TheInformant #PartTwo #BDB

The Informant (With @Evayhne_BDB)

Assail: The Rehverend had fine taste in whiskey and in females. The tall dark beauty that had delivered my next round looked, smiled, and held herself like she had walked right out of the finest glymera home and though the club doors. Even her scent was of a rich wine. No doubt her blood was as enticing as her figure. A small smirk lifted my cheeks as I accepted the glass from her hand, my other settling on her lower back to let her know she was welcome to stay seated just as she was. “Your boss has a way of winning me over with such hospitality. Tell me--what did you say your name was--Tell me, is the Rehverend as courteous to you and the others?” I sipped my whiskey and waited for her response, ignoring the animalistic grunts coming from the twins as they had their fill in the booth behind us. Let them feed and fuck. I would handle the business, just as always. Mine cousins were excellent muscle, but their social skills were, at times, lacking. They sometimes reminded me of the Bastards that had stalked Wrath over from the Old Country. Housebroken, but not quite civilized. They were still beasts by instinct. Animalistic as they were, they were also occupied, and would be for a while. So this gave me the chance to make my next move. Evayhne: *The night was growing longer as I delivered the various drinks to the tables. Then #Rehv pulled me aside and had asked me to personally deliver this Johnnie Walker Odyssey, on the house, to the patron and informed me to consider him VIP. I nodded my understanding of what he was asking and made my way through the crowd. The bass was low from Jay-Z’s “Run This Town”, the humans were packed tight on the dance floor grinding on each other almost too raunchy to be legal. This particular drink was extremely expensive and as I drew closer to the table I realized that the male oozed luxury, from the brand name suit to the shoes and watch. I smiled genuinely and sashayed gracefully settled into his lap as I presented his drink. I felt his hand on my lower back and tugged me closer so I gently perched myself scooting my legs around as I crossed them one over the other more comfortable. I placed one hand in my lap and the other elbow on the table to keep myself balanced as he started to ask questions of me.* My name is Evayhne. He treats me well … actually he treats all his employees very well. Even the working girls ... *I wondered if he assumed I was one. I really was just a waitress … I don’t turn tricks but ... as I sat in his lap I could smell the male musk and expensive panty dropper cologne it almost made me want to reconsider knowing how much money the girls could make. But I could not bring myself to do so … not with my past. #Rehv understood that, he knew when he told me the male’s VIP status that I would only be … accommodating so far ...* Assail: Evayhne. I committed that name to memory, smiling as she spoke of how well the Rehverend treated her and the other employees. My eyes wandered to the females who stood along the edge of the VIP area, eyes scanning the crowd for potential Johns. They all looked well fed, well groomed, and well taken care of. Interesting. I had hoped to take advantage of an unhappy employee, but perhaps that was the wrong angle to take. “By your candor, I assume you are not one of them? What is your role here then, Evayhne? Do you play host to clients handpicked by the boss himself?” I sipped my whiskey again, wondering how the Rehverend knew I wasn’t interested in more personal company this eve. Something about that male put me on edge, the way he looked at you like your entire life was an open book. Perhaps he kept tabs on me as a rival in the drug business? Yes, that must be it. Which meant I needed to be more careful about where and when I was seen. Perhaps a closer eye must be kept on Benloise and his lackies. I would not tolerate a snitch. My home on the Hudson was a fortress, and I demanded privacy at any cost. Bullet proof glass, windows that displayed the image of the inside of my house once the shutters came down, every material used to construct the home infused with steel so no one can demat in or out… I was nothing if not thorough. Mine twins and myself each had an emergency exit option if needed. But no one had yet to test the limits of my protection. My eyes swung back up to my companion, eager to hear more about what she did here. I had to find the right approach. Evayhne: *I notice his glance to the working girls who were trolling for Benjamins and thought about his question. I’m knew I had to honor #Rehv’s VIP declaration but I also needed to honor myself as well. The male was very good looking, huge stature since I felt quite petite at my own 5’6 height sitting in his lap. He was definitely comparable to the rumored Brothers that frequented the VIP section of #Rehv’s club. No one knew for sure … but we all speculated. I know the girls were always hoping to solicit some action from the males, a few very lucky. I thought carefully about how I should answer his question.* No, I am not. I just help out around here waitressing, sometimes bartending and yes, sometimes playing hostess when specifically requested. You must be very special … what shall I call you, Sire? *I watched as he gave me a sly smirk and wondered what he was thinking about. I could hear some of the girls “working” in the booth behind us, and judging from the low male groans … their efforts were appreciated. #Rehv’s booths had curtains to entertain such … activities. The smell of sex permeated the air and it was difficult not to be affected by it. It had been a while since I fed and the smell of the blood combined with the occupant’s arousal was heady combination. I nonchalantly shifted slightly and swallowed as my fangs descended and thought about drink recipes to divert my thoughts.* Assail: “My apologies for not introducing myself. I am Assail, Son of Assail.” I wondered what all being a host for the Rehverend’s most elite clientele included. She seemed to have a wide variety of skills that the drug dealer used to his fullest advantage. I had figured the male was a typical pimp with his employees. Apparently I was wrong. Or … things were hidden very well here. After all, what was I if not a master illusionist. My home, my associates, my work … masks. I wore many masks. Some were for humans, others for vampires. Some even for Lessers. Rehverend’s masks were quite complex as well, I suspected. The female shifted on my lap, my hand steadying her on the hip. “Miss Evayhne … may I buy you a drink as well? Or is that frowned upon by your boss ... You see, mine cousins will be otherwise occupied for the time being. I could use the companionship and skilled conversation. And I sense that you would be quite the conversationalist, should the situation call for it. What do you say?” Evayhne: *One and half ounce vodka, half an ounce peach schnapps and two ounces of both cranberry and orange juice makes a … my mind went blank for a moment as his warm hand tugged me closer on the hip. It had me paying more attention to the conversation and surmised that he wanted me to sit with him for a bit.* Yes, you may … #Rehv will not mind. I would be more than willing to sit here with you while your cousins are … um … otherwise occupied. *He nodded over to another waitress and I ordered a Stoli Elite and cranberry from one of the other girls and looked out onto the dance floor as Rihanna’s “What’s My Name” beated through the speakers as the humans danced into the night. While I waited for my drink, I watched him sip his whiskey wondering where this night would lead.* So … Assail tell me about yourself? *I wanted him to talk about his life, perhaps he was one of those males that thought well of himself so the conversation will be mostly about him and his accolades. I hoped to avoid telling him about my life, it was nothing I wanted to dredge up and bore him with … I’ve always been a good listener.* Assail: Just as expected, Evayhne played the perfect host, asking me about my life. A normal male would be pleased at her attentions. A normal male would boast about himself. A normal male would fill the conversation with stories of exploits and wealth and successes. I was not a normal male. With a low laugh, I finished my Whiskey, assuming the waitress would know to bring me another. She did, along with my lovely guest’s order. As the glasses were set onto the table I watched the crowd sway to the beat, bodies moving en masse to the deep bass pounding through the speakers. I lifted my drink and offered a smirk of a smile to Evayhne. “There isn’t much to say. I’m a businessman. An investor of sorts.” I nodded towards her glass. “Stoli Elit and cranberry. You enjoy your vodka. I hear Grey Goose is a popular choice round this place. Particularly for a certain starry-eyed member of the Black Dagger Brotherhood. Do you find yourself hosting them often?” Evayhne: *I listened as I learned that he was not one of those males after all, as he gave just a brief summary of his background in two sentences. I hid my smile as I realized he slyly moved the conversation to our customers instead.* The Black Dagger Brotherhood? Hmmm … honestly I’m not sure who they are. They don’t tend to conversate much other than in liquor and money. Though I know the girls have tried. *Chuckles* But yea, Goose, Lagavulin, Herradura and Jack never run dry. We keep extra bottles on hand for them. We respect privacy here … as you know … we cater to a wide range of clients so it is good business to keep their secrets. *I hoped I conveyed that we would keep his secrets and that he should feel comfortable here. Since I had no idea who he was to #Rehv … it was best to assume friend vs. foe.* Assail: Evayhne gave me the standard response, that the club would honor its clients’ privacy. She was perfectly trained, by Rehv and his Shadow managers, no doubt. Maybe a different, more direct tactic was necessary. She was clearly too smart for me to sneak in questions here and there and gain information about the Rehverend. She was a good employee. I almost felt bad about putting her loyalty into question. However, there was one method that worked on nearly everyone. And that was money. I lowered my voice and spoke into her ear. “Evayhne. I am in the market for a new employee. I was hoping I might be able to hire you as … an assistant of sorts. You wouldn’t have to leave your job here. In fact, your job here is precisely what I’m interested in. What would you say to that?” Evayhne: *He spoke quietly into my ear in a low sexy voice that made me shiver slightly but then the words began to register. ‘Market? New employee?’ Why would he want to hire me? For what? Fuck, maybe he really thought I was a working girl after all. I shouldn’t jump to those typical assumptions. Perhaps I should just clarify the offer.* Um … what exactly do you want from me? *I know #Rehv wanted me to keep the client happy but he also knew I didn’t sleep with random Johns, especially not for money. Not with my past. I shifted nervously, about ready to stand and go back to the bar and serve drinks for the rest of the night.* I … um … not sure that … I’m … what you are looking for, Assail. *My breathing became slightly shallow as I swallowed hard to calm my apprehension. I needed to remember that #Rehv, #Trez and #iAm are close by.* Assail: She was clearly unnerved by my forwardness, but the cat was already out of the bag, so there was no way I was stopping now. My hand clamped down on her hip so she couldn’t slip away. I hoped the twins were nearly finished with their escapades, because if this conversation went south, we might have to get out of here fast. I doubted Rehv would like that I was trying to slip under his authority and hire his females for mine own motives. At least mine cousins would be freshly fueled should we need to defend ourselves or make a run for it. But I might have to pay this one off just to keep quiet about it if she refused my offer. I set my glass down and rested my palm flat on the table, to make it look like she could easily get up if she wanted to for anyone keeping an eye on us. But I knew otherwise. “The task is simple. I will visit the club once a week. You will be my host, no one else. When we meet I will ask you questions about the club. About the males who run this place. Anything you cannot answer will be an assignment for the next visit. Is that clear?” Evayhne: *As his hand secured me his lap but then his words perforated my panic. Oh, I’m such an idiot. The thundering of my heart was slowing down as embarrassment consumed me. I always hoped my past experience at the #Bloodletter’s camp would stop interfering with my daily life so I wasn’t so socially inept. But those memories still had power of me. I shook my head of those thoughts. My cheeks burning warm and surely pink. I should agree after misconstrued his intentions … I could use the money and it would just some words.* I’m sorry ... I completely misunderstood. Um … yea … yes I can help you. *A male like Assail wouldn’t be interested, I’m sure there were females clamoring for his attention. I needed to get grip on reality. I slowly relaxed my posture as to not to further offend him. I picked up my drink with a shaky hand and took a deep drink to calm my nerves. The years at club has taught me a great deal in overcoming my phobias and improving my social interactions and I’ve honed my skills over the years … but sometimes … a strong huge male such as this one … could elicit unwanted memories.* Assail: Clearly my presence made the female nervous, but intimidation also secured my position as the one in control. If she feared me, she would not double cross me. A full brow arched as I wondered what she had mistaken in my offer. Perhaps she thought I meant to hire her for more personal needs? Evayhne was stunning from head to toe. And brunettes were definitely my weakness … after the vial burning in my breast pocket. Perhaps the two together would make for a pleasurable night. Add in a feeding and … voila. Even the Scribe herself couldn't script a threesome better than that. I snagged my glass and finished the entire drink in one gulp. Apparently mine twins and the sounds and aromas of their activities was beginning to affect me. Which meant it was time to go. I shifted forward to help Evayhne to her feet, and joined her, taking her hand in mine and kissing her knuckles softly as I slid a roll of cash into her palm. “I look forward to working with you, Evayhne. I will see you in a week's time?” Evayhne: *I watched quietly as he finished his drink, the whiskey making its way down this throat … seeing his heart beating. I realized that I needed to feed. I swallow hard. Luckily, I was shaken from my thoughts as he gently moved me off his lap so he could stand. Then I felt his lips on my hand and felt some paper in my palm. Hmmm?* Yea, ok. Sure. *I absently said as I realized he just gave me some money. For what? I was about to ask him when we were joined by two tall and handsome identical twins, really tall … I had to step back slightly to be able to view up to their faces. From the scents and musk coming from them … they must be Assail’s cousins fresh from a sexual encounter. It was difficult not be affected, especially in my present state … but I shook my head to get my thoughts out of the gutter. I tried to nonchalantly moved a few strands of hair behind my ear to hide my flush.* Assail: I watched Evayhne’s reaction to mine cousins, and was quite pleased to see the way her eyes widened was nearly identical to the way they did when she first saw me. Fates be damned, maybe I'd let her enjoy the twins as a reward for a job well done. If she preferred that to cash. Her choice. Ehric and Evale were fully sated on blood and sex, but even their gazes drifted over her soft curves, lingering in the same places I had. Indeed, she would make for a very fine acquaintance. Perhaps she could prove useful in ways I had not yet determined. For now, information on The Rehverend would be plenty. I smiled wide at the soft warmth in her cheeks, releasing her hand and stepping back with mine cousins in tow. “Perhaps next week we can all enjoy a drink together. Until then, Evayhne. Fare thee well.” Evayhne: *Belatedly, I realize that he was leaving now with his cousins ... I felt a tiny pang of disappointment. Not really rational considering I only just met Assail. Nonetheless, it was pleasant to meet someone from the glymera. No way to mistake that … he was well dressed and well spoken. They don’t tend to frequent these kind of establishments so normally I deal with humans and a few civilians. The three piece suit was definitely one of my hot buttons along with his expensive panty dropping cologne with his good looks. The only difference was that he was built like a Brother so … I shamelessly stood there and watch him walk away just so I could get a view of his ass. /Very/ nice. Not that it matter really since he was only interested in information he would never be with a person like me. He didn’t know of my background … I kept that to myself for self preservation but I knew he probably had a slew of sophisticated females that fall over themselves for his attention. Not someone like me. I shrugged and turned to got back to the bar and pick up more orders. For all I knew he probably just fed me a line and may never come back. I waited for the bartenders as I tapped my foot to Jay-Z’s “Bonnie & Clyde” remix playing through the speakers as I wonder if I really would see him again.* #TheInformant #PartOne #BDB

Detour

After our little gathering with Benloise, mine cousins and I headed through downtown Cadlwell. At this hour traffic had lessened, not that I minded the slow roll of cars down the main drags. My time was precious, yes, that much was very true. But when I was on my own time, I didn’t mind taking it. The twins were restless in the back seat, mumbling quietly to one another.

“We’ll have our cash in hand soon, worry not.”

Ehric met my eyes in the mirror. “That’s not it. Our blood needs, Assail. I’m like the starved horse the humans speak of eating.”

I shook my head with a light chortle. “They don’t eat a starving horse. They are so hungry, they themselves could eat an entire horse. They are the starved ones, not the beast.”

Ehric seemed to ponder that for a moment, then spoke once more. “Then I’d like to feed on this horse. But make the beast female, and of mine own kind. So that I may find nourishment in her gifts, and between her thighs.”

With a slight nod, I turned up the boulevard. A detour could be afforded this night. We would visit one of those clubs the Rehverend owned. Or his henchmales, whichever. Mine cousins could feed there, and perhaps I might partake in a little amusement myself. Within a few minutes I pulled around back, leaving my Tahoe at the rear of the alley, pointing out. Never underestimate the need for a quick getaway. Or the need to take cover, as the panels of my vehicle were completely bulletproof.

Ehric, Evale, and myself circled to the front of the building, speaking to the bouncer. He radio’d security, who granted us passing. My name was well known among others in the drug trade. The twins went ahead, but the bouncer stopped me with a hand on my arm. My glare told him what sort of mistake he had just made. He quickly rectified it, removing his gummy paw from my suit jacket.

“Apologies, Sir. My boss wants to know if you’re here to see him tonight?”

Ah, the Rehverend. Of course he would assume I came to talk business.

“I am not here on business, but I’d still enjoy a moment of his time, if he wishes to see me.”

The bouncer nodded and got back on his radio as I strode inside. A wave of heat hit me, scents of all sorts of vampires, humans, blood, booze, bodies, and the finer granules of various drugs and paraphernalia. I took a slow stroll around the large bar, in no hurry to find mine cousins as they were likely cock deep in feeding already. Mine needs didn’t need replenishing as often. Which reminded me… I pulled the small capsule from my inner pocket, taking a quick sniff from the cap before replacing it and continuing my observations. I could see one of the Moors watching from the upper level. I nodded his way, watched him nod back. His eyes darted across the floor, and mine followed. Ehric and Evale had secured themselves some exquisite looking dates, and were making their way back towards the VIP area. I looked back up at the Moor and patted my breast pocket. I would cover their expenses. Radio conversations commenced, and mine cousins were allowed into the rear of the club.

I followed, slipping my jacket off along the way. I had forgotten how these places turned to saunas as the night wore on. I loosened my tie and undid the first two buttons of my shirt. It would be wrinkled shortly anyhow. As I reached the male blocking off the VIP area, he waved me right inside. Such excellent customer service. I took a seat at a table nearby the booth where the twins were taking care of things. The loud music did what it could, but vampire hearing was impeccable, and caught the mewling and grunting coming from behind me.

Suddenly two glasses of whiskey landed on the table, none other than the Rehverend himself sliding into the chair across from mine. He was looking dashing as always three piece suit and fur jacket hanging over his shoulders. The heat must not wear on him as it did us guests. Then again, he must be used to it by now, being here every night.

“How are you, old friend?” I smirked across the table.

The Rehverend laughed darkly and shook his head before taking a sip of his drink. We weren’t friends. But we were old. And we both had been in this business a while now. Even though I wasn’t on his holiday card mailing list, the Rehverend and I respected one another. Because power was always respected, and we both were brimming with it. We bullshitted for a few minutes, mostly about inconsequential things that allowed us to avoid revealing anything about ourselves. Yet somehow I still felt as if everything I said he saw straight through. I wasn’t the paranoid type, but being near Rehverend for any length of time made my skin crawl. He had a strange effect on me, one I realized I’d be much more comfortable understanding. Perhaps it was time I set my sights on uncovering some of my rival’s darkest secrets.

“I take it your boys are having a good time?” Rehverend glanced over my shoulder.

“Sure sounds as if they are. I hope you don’t mind our patronage this eve.”

“Of course not,” Rehverend lifted a finger and immediately a female was upon us with a fresh drink for me. “You should take a page from their book, Assail. You might find patronage to be quite enjoyable here.”

With the flash of a grin, he was gone, and the long, dark-haired female had settled into my lap. She held the full glass to my lips, fangs elongating in her glossy-lipped smile. How opportune. One of his females, a potential informant, nary a breath from my ear.

“Thirsty, Sire?”

Indeed.

#Detour

No Time for Mistakes

I pulled up to the art gallery forty five minutes early. Benloise wasn’t expecting me until eleven, but first off, my time was precious. Second, his wasn’t. Third, his dealers had fucked up a buy and now I was short five kilos of coke and the money had simply gone missing, much like his head would if he didn’t make things right this eve. I parked my oversized and blacked out Tahoe behind the building, saying nothing aloud but nodding once in the mirror to my cousins as they sat in back. They would wait. The windows and front were tinted so dark no one would know anyone else was in this bulletproof, fully loaded SUV, enough firepower in the back to take down the entire city block. I opened my door and got out, buttoning up my suit jacket and pressing it into place. I wouldn’t arrive looking anything less than aristocratic.

Benloise’s guards were scrambling by the time I reached the back door, talking over each other on their radios, trying to give their boss notice that /his/ boss had arrived. I pushed them aside and went inside. Again, my time was precious. And it was in my best interest to catch Benloise off guard, so if he was dishonest I would know. I strode through the gallery, famous pieces flanking my catwalk as onlookers stared. A waiter holding a tray of drinks started to offer me one, but one harsh glance and he wisely kept his mouth shut. A few finely-dressed women were making their way out of the back, speaking in hushed tones as they adjusted their sparkling backless dresses and not-so-finely pinned hair. I smiled, taking pleasure in the fact that I had interrupted Benloise with his dates for the eve.

I turned down the narrow corridor that led to one singular elevator, its golden doors catching my tall, dark and no-bullshit reflection as I approached. There was a singular guard posted there, and the stare I gave him was so deadly he nearly punched the button clean through the wall in an attempt to bring the elevator down. But before I could go up to Benloise’s office, the doors silently opened and there he was, suit perfectly in place, his face a polite smile.

“Assail, good to see you.”

/You’re early/ he forgot to add. I started to step into the elevator car, but he walked out first, and I had no choice but to follow him back out into the gallery. Sly male didn’t want us to be alone. He wanted an audience. Smart. Perhaps he was better prepared than I expected him to be. Despite his dates appearing disheveled, he was finely pressed and calm as he stepped out onto the gallery floor. Color me impre----no, that was too strong. Affected.

I spun on my heels and followed, long strides carrying me after him. He made his way over to a Robert Rauschenberg, hands clasping behind his back as he admired the modern piece. I slid silently in next to him, soft music and the quiet chatter of his gallery patrons filling the room around us. My voice was calm as I admired the art.

“Your men stole something from me.”

Benloise closed his eyes for a moment, fingers squeezing tight.

“My apologies. I just heard this evening about the… incident.”

“You will compensate me for their mistake the now.”

Benloise started to speak, but I kept going right over him.

“And I expect a delivery in three nights of the product they lost as well. I do not tolerate mistakes, Benloise. And if the men you entrust with your operations do not make this right, then I will hold you personally responsible.”

“I am not sure my men could acquire that much in three days. I mean--”

I turned and held my jaw just over Benloise’s shoulder, speaking low in his ear as my hand slid into my pocket, unlocking the doors of my Tahoe from inside the building.

“What you don’t seem to grasp is that when I say I’ll hold you personally responsible, I mean not only will I string you up and peel your skin off layer by layer, but then I’ll take over your entire operation, including this art gallery. And my first order of business will be to commission a new piece, using your organs and blood as ink and dye.”

I looked up just as Ehric and Evale strode into the gallery, Benloise’s guards slumped in the alley behind the door as it closed. They headed over in our direction, the small crowd parting with wide eyes. Mine cousins didn’t don expensive suits and ties like myself and my companion, instead they wore black on black, oversized boots, holsters strapped to their chests… better to hide the blood of our enemies. The twins held a distance, stopping just close enough for Benloise to notice. I heard his heart pick up as he did, could smell the sweat and nerves on his greasy skin.

“I’ll just… be a few moments up in my office. I’ll instruct my men to have product ready for you in three nights.”

I smiled wryly down at Benloise. “You have one minute.”

After all, my time was precious.

#NoTimeForMistakes

Rock Bottom

They say when you hit your lowest point, you know. That you see the error of your ways, see the light, see the way things /could/ be, see yourself for the pathetic pile of scrappy bones and skin you’ve become, see this, that and the other. But they’re wrong. When you hit low, it’s just a bus stop on the way to Lower-Deeper-Darker Street. There is no lowest point, because if you are still alive, you haven’t reached bottom yet. Bottom is buried and burned. Bottom is never to return. Bottom is your ashes reforming in Dhund to spend the rest of eternity with the dealers and addicts you spent your waking hours alongside. Hitting true bottom means there’s no coming back. As long as those six chambers kept pumping, there was still room to sink further into depravity.

I could hear voices, but they were muddled by a pounding rhythm I couldn’t get around. It was as if a subwoofer from that club Rehverend owns, the one where all the vampire spend their nights galavanting like the freshly-transitioned in a feed-and-fuck-all fest, had been placed inside my chest. The loud pulses were shaking my ribcage, trying to crack them in half and surge from within me. Surges of power beat through every nerve in my body until I was bucking up off whatever hardened surface I currently occupied. My muscles were flexing and twitching, lightning bolts shooting through them, a fireworks display underneath my skin. Breaths came fast and shallow. Then not at all. Then fast and shallow again.

Fates, was I dying?

I had once thought death was silent. Something that came in the day as we slumbered like young. A soft breath that whispered a calling unto the Fade, taking our hand with the gentle care of an angel, leading us from our corporeal forms to the afterlife. I knew the now. Death was pain, it was violence and shattered nerve endings and screams trapped in the back of your throat. Death was not peace. Death was destruction.

Something was being shoved into my mouth, a soft hide pushing past my lips. It was wet and warm. My form didn’t respond in any way at first, despite the fact that whatever was entering my body was dripping down into my throat. Except I couldn’t cough. Or swallow.

The voices were back. Someone was calling me a “right bastard,” and if I could have laughed, I would have. The second voice sounded annoyed more than desperate. Angry, even. Well, apparently I was some sort of indolent fuckup as well. Twas a new description I hadn’t heard prior to now. And just as I was thinking up a creative retort to send to my opponents, my gag reflex got in gear and my throat squeezed shut, swallowing down whatever was filling my cheeks. A second time, then my lungs nearly exploded as they filled with a heaping breath of air. More swallowing, more sucking on oxygen in between.

And then my senses turned on like a lightswitch had been flipped. Above me were Ehric and Evale, mine cousins and apparently my male-nurses this day. Or eve? To mine eyes, it was bright sunlight everywhere, even the soft lighting of my office appearing like a summer’s day to my pupils. But I did not burn. And what surprised me most was what was in my mouth. A female’s wrist. My eyes spun around, trying to catch view of whomever was currently bleeding down my throat. But instead, my fangs woke up, sliding down and piercing her skin without warning. She flinched, but stayed put, even as my hands wrapped around her slender arm and held her solidly against my lips.

As Ehric and Evale continued their ranting, I walked my fingers up along the appendage I had sunk my teeth into, intending to find out just who the owner of this blood was. After all, this was my home she was in, and I was very particular about guests. I ignored their lecturing as my hand found a lithe shoulder and an exposed neck. My head began tilting back, despite the fact that my spine felt as if it had been shattered into a thousand pieces. I wished to see this vinter. Fingers slid around the back of her neck and squeezed, yanking her down into view. Bright green eyes opened wide and stared down at me as her hair fell all around. My thumb came around to the front of her neck, feeling her pulse as it raced, then taking solid hold as I moved her back out of view again. I cared naught for her looks, even less for her attentions. Where had she come from? The twins must have found her somewhere and brought her… to what? Save me?

“You overdosed, you arsehole,” Ehric was saying. “We had no choice but to bring a female in to feed you. After we pounded on your chest for a good five minutes.”

Of all the things the twins could have done, I supposed this wasn’t the worst. I disengaged mine fangs from the female and moved to sit up, wiping the excess blood from my chin. Fates, it was coming down from my nose as well. I withdrew a silken handkerchief from my breast pocket and applied it to my face with poise, not looking down at my clothes to see what sort of mess I had made. I’d handle clean up later.

“I suppose thanks are in order,” I looked mine cousins over. There was a dash of relief in their expressions, despite the other darker emotions that lay in waiting under the surface. “I appreciate your coming to my attention and aid.”

“Yeah well, Evale flushed the rest of your stash. So I don’t expect this to be happening again, cousin mine.”

I nodded without answering. They knew not of all my hiding places. I had vials stored in almost every piece of furniture and wall in this house. Never in the twins’ chambers, of course. But my office, my rooms, my private quarters… a neverending supply of hits. The dealer always had access to the most potent products. My mouth started to water at the prospect of uncovering a taste once Ehric and Evale left me.

“You may take this female the now, her generosity shall be remembered and rewarded,” I pushed up to my feet, expensive shoes squeaking against the marble floors as I headed over to my desk. A few locks and drawers later and a roll of cash was being placed in the stranger’s hand. With a curt nod to the males, she was removed from my presence.

Alone at last. I sat down at my desk and allowed myself a glance down at my clothes. My once-crisp shirt was positively ruined. Blood and possibly other forms of sickness stained the white cotton. The buttons were ripped from where mine cousins and pulled my shirt open to attend to my chaotic heart. My tie was loose and hanging awkwardly to the side. Jacket strewn across the floor where I had laid. Or fallen, rather?

I pulled out a Cuban and rolled it slowly in my fingers, watching the fibers rotate around and around. Perhaps sadly, I realized something as the rich aromas filled my nose. Even with my body laying prone on the marble floors, with my cousins administering life-saving care, even as my body overdosed on cocaine and a stranger was brought into my home without my permission to feed me… I knew one thing to be true. This was not my rock bottom.

#RockBottom

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