He relinquished.

  Alex was permitted to rest upon the wooden bench. I settled next to him and ran my fingers through his hair.

  He shuddered.

  Alex’s emotions of shame were twined with his calm. He reacted to my fingers caressing his sore flesh, gently stroking his skin, my firm touch decreasing the incessant sting.

  “Again,” I said. “He’s not ready. Again.”

  Chapter 37

  Jadeon

  IT WAS IRONIC THAT my once-suicidal thoughts had now turned to those of survival. With my eyes closed it was easy to pick up the rich aroma of blood permeating the air. My blood.

  The drag of frustration nagged at me. I was always in such a hurry that my ability to use sound judgment was impaired. This was something I had to bear in mind. If I failed to learn from this lesson I would be doomed to repeat it.

  As quickly as the vampires had appeared, they left, commanded by the female who lingered behind me. She pressed her wrist against my lips. Unable to resist the offer, I grasped her hand and suckled. Death’s taste soon dissolved.

  I opened my eyes and turned awkwardly.

  “Catherine!” I drew back, wiping the blood away from my lips and sat up.

  Are you real?

  “Jadeon. I won’t let them hurt you again.”

  My heart leapt. Looking around, I checked that we were alone.

  “We don’t have much time,” she said.

  Reeling with emotions, blown away, I reached out and touched her. “I never gave up.”

  Catherine had not changed at all. She offered her wrist again as tears fell.

  I grasped her hand and held it in mine. “Why did you not come to me before?”

  “Impossible.”

  “I’m so happy to see you.” I sighed. “Are you all right? Has he harmed you in any way?”

  Catherine shook her head.

  “I let him take you. I should have known . . .”

  “Jadeon.” Catherine sobbed. Her hands roamed my face, moving over my lips. “Orpheus is too quick for all of us. I should not have gone with him in the first place when he came for me at the convent, but he told me you were in danger. I was so naive.”

  “Where did he take you?”

  “France, a château in Marseille. I knew that you followed us. He threatened me that he would kill both you and Alex if I ever left him. I kept you safe by staying with him.”

  “Why did you not contact me. I . . .”

  “He watches my every move.”

  “But no message?”

  “Impossible. He has me constantly guarded.”

  “I have you now,” I said.

  Catherine glanced into the darkness. “You have to stop him. He vowed that he would break you, destroy your will. I became his to protect you, but not a day has gone by that I have not yearned for you. Jadeon, you are not strong enough right now. You must go to the ancient one, the Alchemist.”

  “Who?”

  A noise startled her. “He’s an immortal who will guide you to the truth and then you will return to free us and, indeed, Orpheus from himself.”

  “I am not leaving you here.”

  “You have no choice,” she said. “He has Alex.”

  “We’ll find him.”

  “I can’t leave just yet.”

  “No. I’m not letting you out of my sight.”

  “I know it seems hard.”

  “Catherine, you are my everything.”

  “Then trust me. Find the Alchemist.” Catherine kissed me. All thoughts melted away.

  “How do I find him?”

  She fumbled with the engraved ring on her middle finger.

  “Well isn’t this cozy?” Orpheus stepped out of the shadows.

  I rose to my feet, still weak, determined to stay focused.

  “Catherine,” he said, “we talked about this, remember?”

  “Orpheus, they would have killed him,” she said.

  Orpheus folded his arms. “What’s your point exactly?”

  Catherine caught a sob.

  “You know I hate seeing you this way,” he said. “Jadeon, you’ve upset her enough. Oh, and by the way, if Catherine’s your ‘everything,’ what exactly were you doing with Ingrid Jansen?”

  I cringed.

  Catherine reassured me with a gesture.

  “She’s so forgiving,” Orpheus said. “Jadeon, how about we see how your brother is?”

  Catherine followed him and I limped after them. Orpheus led us down the darkest of the three corridors. It would only be a matter of time before he got bored and would finally attempt to kill me.

  Orpheus turned and stared. He had picked up on my scrambled thoughts. We ascended a stairway leading to the first floor. At the top of the stairs his men waited.

  “Take him,” Orpheus said and faced me. “I’m bored with playing you.”

  As Orpheus’s men dragged me away, Catherine’s sobs echoed behind me.

  Chapter 38

  Orpheus

  ALEX HUNG FROM the shackles. He stared off into space, unaware that both Catherine and I had entered.

  Catherine ran to him, freeing his wrists from the harsh binds. Taking his full weight easily she led him to the corner of the room, assisting him to lie down on the long wooden bench. She wiped away his tears. Taking the leopard skin blanket heaped on the floor, she pulled it over him.

  “Was this really necessary?” She glared at me.

  She sat beside Alex.

  “Careful,” I warned her. “Don’t go and undo all my hard work.”

  Alex was dazed, unaware of her presence.

  I smiled at her. “My dear, it’s all part of the master plan. Be part of it or be a victim of it.”

  “Your cruelty never fails to amaze me,” she said.

  I shoved her off the bench and pulled Alex toward me, placing my arm around him. “Now, Alex, how are you feeling?”

  Alex buried his face in my chest. He opened his eyes and saw her. “Catherine!”

  “Yes,” she reassured him.

  Alex averted his gaze. “Please.”

  “Alex,” I said, “You’ve learnt your first lesson in obedience.” I gleamed at Catherine, aware of her scorn and enjoying it. “Thirsty?”

  “Yes,” Alex said.

  “Let’s get something appropriate to celebrate our new and improved Alex.” I helped him to his feet. “No, Catherine,” I said. “Stay here. I’ll call you when you are needed.”

  She protested, but this was futile. She drew close toward Alex, taking his hand affectionately, embracing him. His flesh was hot, sticky from perspiration, and she could smell his familiar aroma, his sweetness. She had missed him. What passed between them was not for my eyes. Catherine kissed his cheek. Passively, she retreated.

  Within my private chambers Alex showered and was provided with fresh clothes—clothes specifically purchased for him, a white shirt and blue denim jeans, his usual attire. I hoped he would feel like himself once again.

  “It’s time to test your readiness,” I said.

  We headed toward the center of Belshazzar’s, always thriving and pulsating. Alex followed faithfully, staying close. His limbs ached and though confused, he knew one thing—never to anger me again. He staggered and I caught his fall.

  Alex recoiled as a ring fell from his trouser pocket, rolling out on the floor in front of us. It circled several times before coming to stop at my feet. I peered at it then back at Alex before picking it up and carefully examining the small round object, recognizing the foreign inscription engraved upon its round surface.

  “Where did you get this?” I asked him.

  “I found it,” he said.

  “These markings? What do they mean?” I asked, studying the strange shapes that encircled the ring.

  “I . . .”

  “You may keep it.” With a wry smile, I handed it back to him. “Fascinating.”

  Alex tucked it carefully into his trouser pocket and judged my response.

  “Better the devil you know,” I said.

  “What does that mean?” Alex said.

  “The path that ring leads to is an empty one.”

  The elevator ascended.

  “I know you’re hungry. I have something special for you.”

  We were in the club now and a party was in full swing. Alex detected mostly vampires with only a few humans within the room. He realized the mortals were unaware of whose presence they were in. Although there for the party they were blissfully ignorant of the part they played. With me in the lead both Alex and I pushed through the heaving crowd. Bodies rubbed against bodies, moving and dancing to the mesmerizing music, stirring the appetites of the immortals.

  Together we made our way to the bar where the bartender prepared our drinks. Alex sipped the thick red liquid and gazed off. He stared in the direction of the doorway, thirstily gulping his beverage. He was going to bolt. I leaned toward him, squeezing his arm in an ironclad grip. Clicking my fingers, two men responded to my signal and locked the door. Such a gesture was a warning to Alex. He stared into my hazel eyes, realizing he was not going anywhere. The drug-laced beverage took effect and soothed his nerves. When he finished it he was handed another.

  “Ah, calmer already. It will make it easier for you to choose which one.” I looked out into the crowd, indicating for Alex to do the same. “Choose.”

  Alex peered into the throng, admiring the dancers. He was enticed into the hypnotic mood. The liquid enhanced the ambiance. He wanted to join them. Neon lights jumped and pulsed to the thumping bass.

  Alex was seduced by the music. The poison raced within him, inflaming his every desire. A handsome mortal stepped before him, staring at him. Reading his mind, Alex detected the man’s intensions. Alex held his breath, glancing at me for permission, and on receiving a nod he stared back at the mortal.

  Alex studied the man’s form, his height and dress. The mortal enchanted him. Alex felt empowered and reveled to be found exquisite, beholder of an ethereal beauty. He glanced again at me. The blood thirst overwhelmed him and he allowed the mortal to take his hand and guide him into the center of the gyrating crowd.

  The mortal moved seductively, perfectly in time with the base. Alex judged him to be no older than twenty-four. Any previous doubt he had disappeared. Alex could no longer resist. Led on by obsession, he leaned in and placed his bared teeth against the balmy neck. The gullible man snuggled in close, embracing him.

  I placed a distracting hand upon Alex’s shoulder and drew him back.

  Alex caught my gesture of disapproval.

  “Not here. We’ll go into the private part of the club,” I shouted over the noise.

  On entering the lavish room I nudged them to the furthest corner. The music thumped through the walls.

  “This is more like it.” I sighed. “Now remember, slowly. Enjoy it, and not too rough.”

  “What the fuck are you talking about?” the mortal snapped. “You can piss off.” He headed back into the club.

  “I am Orpheus,” I said.

  He hesitated and turned. “It’s your club?”

  “It is,” I replied.

  “I . . . well, I’m just not into this kind of scene,” he said.

  “Funny, that’s not what I heard, Edward,” I said.

  “Have we met before?” Edward asked.

  “No.”

  Edward was confused. “Then how do you . . . ?

  “Let him go, Daumia,” Alex said.

  “Excuse me?” I glared at Alex.

  “What I meant was . . .”

  “I’m waiting,” I said.

  “Waiting for what?” Edward said.

  I checked my watch. “Perhaps, Alex, you would rather return to the basement and have a third round?”

  Alex reeled. “Daumia.”

  “This is a form of torture, Alex. Put him out of his misery.”

  Alex wavered.

  “Right then,” I said, “back to the basement, now.”

  “What the . . . ?” Edward staggered back, horrified.

  Alex clung to him. He punctured Edward’s neck and sucked.

  I placed my hand on the back of Alex’s head, holding him against the man, sharing in the thrill of the assault. Edward’s jaw dropped. Alex submerged himself in the feed. He rocked, his hunger subsiding. Alex was enraptured.

  “Alex, he’s begging to be let go. Don’t kill him!” I said.

  Alex pulled back. He wiped blood from his mouth. Dazed, he stared at the young man whom I supported. I turned Edward toward me and bit into his neck, drinking what was left. Edward’s mortal coil quivered, then snapped. I dropped him to the ground, dead.

  “Now bring me another. You have exactly two minutes,” I said.

  Alex stared at me.

  “Well?” I said.

  Alex withdrew, heading back through the doors to the dance area of the club. Pushing through the crowd he searched the room, scanning for the one who would please me. Vampires glanced in his direction, fascinated. Alex ignored them and looked around for our next victim. He wondered for a moment if this was his perfect opportunity to attempt an escape. He admitted he was actually beginning to enjoy himself. Perhaps, he considered, for the first time that he could remember. This game was exhilarating. He looked for the most attractive victim to present.

  Alex’s eyes fell upon him. He approached the tall dark-haired man, his raw arrogance discernable. The stranger offered him one of his cigarettes. Alex declined, taking his hand and leading him away from the dance area. Alex was relieved to see I had hidden Edward’s body.

  “Meet Matthew,” Alex said.

  “That was three minutes,” I chastised. “But you’re forgiven, as this one is an improvement on the first.”

  Matthew sensed danger. “I’m out of cigarettes. I’m going to get—”

  “You know that stuff can kill you?” I said.

  Matthew rolled his eyes. He turned to go.

  Alex grabbed hold of Matthew’s shirt, yanking him back.

  “Careful, boy, the shirt’s Armani!” Matthew joked and headed toward the doorway.

  “Matthew, wait,” I said.

  He scowled. “I’m done.”

  “Yes, you are.” I grabbed hold of him.

  Alex watched in wonderment.

  The music thumped on . . .

  I sucked at Matthew’s sweaty neck, controlling his head by grasping his scalp, savoring his weak tussle. With each beat of his heart blood was forced into my mouth.

  Alex and I locked gazes.

  The man fell to his knees in shock, unable to move from the loss of blood, his expression one of horror. His eyes glazed over.

  I gestured to Alex to drink. “Mind the shirt. It’s Armani!”

  Alex gave me a wry smile. He knelt down beside him and nuzzled in.

  Stepping back, it was my turn to watch.

  Matthew neared death. He was fading fast.

  Alex dropped him to the floor with a thump.

  “Oh, no! I think you killed him!” I laughed. “Are we having fun yet?”

  Alex nodded.

  “Come here then.” I opened my arms to him.

  Alex ran into them.

  He followed me toward the private rooms. With a shove, he landed on the richly engraved wooden four-poster bed.

  “Welcome back,” I said.

  Chapter 39

  Jadeon

  IT WAS MY HUNDREDTH attempt to break down the door. I franticly beat it with my fists, leaving bloody smudges and scraping the skin off my knuckles, furious with myself for ending up here.

  Use sound judgment. Yeah, right.

  Just when I had almost given up hope of leaving this dreary room, a key turned in the lock. To my relief Alex entered, closely followed by Orpheus. I was so relieved to see Alex. I flew at him, wrapping my arms around him. When he failed to return my hug I pulled back and studied his expression. Alex stared at the floor, refusing to make eye contact.

  I tried to work out why he stood so quiet. “Alex?” I said.

  Orpheus raised his hand, gesturing for me to keep my distance.

  “Orpheus, what have you done to him?”

  “Where would you like me to start?” he said.

  I will kill you for what you have done.

  “Empty threats, Jadeon.”

  “Alex, come on. We’re going home.”

  Alex was quiet, occasionally glancing up.

  “Alex, talk to me.” I had a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach. “Orpheus, if you have harmed him in any way, I swear . . .”

  “On the contrary, it was I who removed Alex from that awful police cell that you left him in, if that’s what you mean.”

  “Alex, you know that I meant to return for you.”

  “You left it too late,” Orpheus said.

  I shook my head. “I placed the girl back on the stones to make them think . . .”

  “And you participated in her death?” Orpheus said.

  “Don’t you dare!” I said.

  “Dare to tell the truth for once?” he said.

  “You have never been acquainted with truth.”

  Orpheus smiled. “Insults are all you have.”

  “Enough!” Alex said.

  His outburst startled me. “Alex, his men captured me and locked me up.”

  “I saved you.” Orpheus shook his head. “Had I not sent my men you would never have made it.”

  “Alex, we’re going.” I reached for him.

  Alex stepped back. “No! I don’t want to leave here. Not yet, anyway. I refuse to return to that dark castle, the one you left me in.”

  “Alex! What has he said to you?” I asked.

  “You’ve turned Ingrid!” Alex said.

  “No. Why would you think that?”

  Tears rolled down Alex’s cheek. “I waited for you outside Belshazzar’s, and you were with her when we . . .”

  “You were late.”

  “That’s right, blame your brother again,” Orpheus said.

  “Alex, you know how manipulative he can be.”

  “Or you can blame me again,” Orpheus said.

 

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