Vincent raised the card to the small lamp, its specialised light illuminating the menu, critically studying the list of available Tabus.
“This appears to be a good selection. Any difficulties?”
“The new recruit was a little loud, but a good jolt from the collar soon brought her into line. I doubt she’ll repeat that mistake again. It worked a treat, just as you predicted.” Devon smiled. The most frustrating thing about breaking a new Tabu was the noise they made, the screams and cries for help. This new collar would ensure a peaceful transition, maybe even a speedier one. Although they had been warned not to use it during any Tabu’s opiate-induced delirium.
“That would be the near pure one? I think tonight, myself and my esteemed guests will partake of your latest acquisition. If these predictions are correct, we’ll discuss a plan to extend”—his eyes cast to the almost faded ink on the card to confirm the sex—“her longevity.”
Devon never normally partook in the merchandise, but it was Vincent’s insistence that tonight they all sampled the treat before them. The syphons were served upon a golden platter, their outer membranes allowed a few moment to become crisp. With a nod, they each took one, waiting for their sire’s permission before placing the creature into their mouth.
Devon felt his eyes widen as a uniform silence followed the initial popping sound created by the breaking of the syphon’s shell. The rich fluids pooled in his mouth, creating a cacophony of sensations. Teasing the fluid with his tongue, he closed his eyes, lost to the rapture of its unique bouquet. He could taste the power, the raw and primal energy, and it was more than he had ever imagined could be possible. As the first moan of delight escaped him, he couldn’t even bring himself to feel self-conscious, unaware that others around him mirrored his euphoric elation. For one long minute the world around him ceased to exist, and his existence was but himself and the overwhelming sensations that engulfed him in their rapture.
“Pray tell, where did you find an unprotected Elder?” Vincent questioned, sucking the remnants from between his teeth as Devon’s eyes opened. Looking around, he saw the sated expressions of his fellow clan members before his gaze turned to his sire, surprise marring his features as he beheld something unfamiliar in his gaze.
“She’s a local, would you believe?”
“How is it conceivable that not one of our clan scented her? With blood this potent, she should have been brought into our fold long before now.” There it was again, that look, hunger, desire, and still there was something else, an unanswered question.
“That’s just it, she’s veiled somehow. Her chip, before we deactivated it, showed she tested human.”
“Refuse any cina-cu offers and ensure a fifty syphon limit. When business closes, I intend to examine this female myself.”
Devon nodded, wondering what had got his clan leader so intrigued. He couldn’t remember the last time Vincent had shown any interest in their Tabus, but there was something in his eyes that was positively aglow, and the fact he was dismissing any cina-cu offers spoke of his intention to feed from her directly himself.
“As you wish.” Devon excused himself to notify their guests accordingly. Cina-cu was available for each one of their Tabus. For the right price, the selected party would be relocated to an isolated feeding room just outside the basement area, where they were permitted time with the Tabu alone and allowed to partake directly from the source in almost any scenario they desired. While the syphons were delicious, when it came to good quality blood there was nothing quite like it being drawn fresh and warm from the body, and the qualities which made this female so desirable to the Elites would only be enhanced in her presence. Many liked to hear their victims beg, or feel their warmth as they fed and, for those special few, for the right price anything was possible.
Conrad’s foot was tapping uncomfortably as he sat in the back seat next to William, his fists clenching and releasing. It was taking every ounce of control he had not to reach across and crush the breath from his body. As soon as William had mentioned about the boost, everything had fallen into place. Until then, he had never known what it meant to see red. He wasn’t sure exactly what had happened. He remembered fighting off a crushing rage and then Tess and Jack had been pulling him back, away from William’s bloody figure. He wished he remembered the satisfying feeling of striking him.
He didn’t feel remorse. He wanted more, to do it again, and the fact he’d had the nerve to heal his injuries made him want to keep hurting him until even his body wouldn’t know how to repair the damage he’d done. Even in his mind, he showed restraint with this fantasy, because the only thing he truly wanted was to destroy him, body and soul. He wanted to drive his fist through his face and not stop until there was nothing left but an unidentifiable pulp and shattered bones. He was alive now for one reason, and one reason alone. He was needed.
In front of him, he saw Tess jump as her device erupted into a siren-like wail. Answering it quickly, she turned to face the passenger window as if it would afford her some privacy. But the small confines of the car were unforgiving, and while he couldn’t hear who she was speaking to, her own whispers were perfectly clear.
“Lex,” she whispered, cupping her hand over the microphone. “I’m so glad you called…Yes, how did you?” She was silent for a few moments, nodding her head as if he could see. “Yes,
