Page 83 of Petals and Fangs

“That is our only alternative for now.”

“I know, but I still can’t contain my thirst with humans. Human blood is just irreplaceable, Ethan, and you know that.”

“What is it that you want, Demetrius?”

He doesn’t reply right away. He smiles, eyes sparkling at the question like he’s been waiting for it.

“I want to be a client you provide for regularly, even when I am miles away.”

“You simply can’t be my client and feast on humans.”

“I don’t kill. Never have. Well, I-” he pauses and looks up, inhaling as much smoke as he wants, and exhales it into the air.

“Keep going.”

“I only kill when I am in danger, or when those around me are in danger.”

“And how do you keep such a demon’s strength?”

“Well, I tend to be lovable among women. They let me drink from their wrists, sometimes even necks. I prefer necks. They’re so tender and you can easily swap the girl. Have you ever tried that, Ethan?”

I automatically think of Lily. She has the softest, most delicate skin, but I don’t drink human blood. At least not anymore, but that doesn’t mean that the thought isn’t invading my mind already.

“So, do you agree?”

“My conditions are clear, Demetrius. You stay away from humans, protect our kind, and you’ll have all the protection you want.”

“Don’t you crave her, Ethan? Lily. Haven’t you ever thought of trying to drink from her wrist and seeing what she tastes like?”

“Stop it. Keep your mouth shut. You have no right in any of this.”

“Right. I wouldn’t be able to contain myself if I were you, though,” he says, smirking, and drops the cigarette on the floor and then steps on it.

“You still have a price to name to get the hell out of here for good.”

“I am afraid that is not what I am here for, Ethan. I've named my price. Ship to my family in Romania.”

“We've never made deliveries outside the country.”

“You can start with me. What's a few thousand vampires compared to your entire vampire race in New York?”

“Why would you want to do that?”

“For survival. If it makes you feel better, you'll still get money from us.”

“Money is not the reason why I do this.”

“Oh, come on, Ethan. You are a Rothschild. Of course, you are after money. Money might not be the only thing you are after, but you are after it all the same, and I respect that.”

“No. Not at all. Money is not a problem. I have plenty of it. But we don't ship outside the country. No matter what the reason is.”

“Then there is no deal.”

“So, what? You think you can threaten me?” I take a few steps towards him.

“Perhaps indirectly.”

“You are not going to do anything. I'll get security.”

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