Page 32 of Thicker than Blood

“You know I have your back. For eternity, my friend.”

“A fact I truly value. Come. Let me introduce you to the immortal madman, Tristan.”

“Is he to be trusted?”

“With your dick? Absolutely. Beyond that? I couldn’t say.”

“Fair enough.”

We navigate the crowd drunk on lust, alcohol, and hedonism, until I spot the brooding vampire leaning back on a velvet chaise, glaring at the crowd before him. As soon as he’s aware of my presence, he sits up and desire radiates from him.

“Elias.”

“Hello, Tristan.” I sit next to him while Lucius takes the seat on the other side of him. Tristan’s eyes linger on my friend for a moment, clearly appreciating his attractive features, before turning back to me.

“Have you sent your mortal away?” Tristan asks, his tone filled with spikes of envy.

“He isn’tmymortal, love.”

“No? I smelled your scent on him. We all did.”

I brush his hair from his shoulder. “Now, now. I did that to protect him. Is this why you’re in such a mood?”

“Perhaps.”

I gaze into the vampire’s pretty lilac irises as I stroke his long blond hair. Tristan looks like a porcelain doll tinged with evil. Delicate at first, but then his eyes glow, his fangs descend, and he’s the furthest thing from delicate.

“I have an idea. Lucius has traveled a very long way to see me. It would mean so much to me if he thoroughly enjoyed himself tonight. Who better to entertain him but the prettiest vampire here?”

A palpable spike of heat shoots through Tristan as he glances at Lucius again. I don’t know anyone, mortal or otherwise, strong enough to turn down an evening with Lucius. He’s incredibly attractive, with thick, dark hair, olive skin, and beautiful green eyes. I certainly enjoyed his time in my bed decades ago.

“Well, I am available,” Tristan says, acting slightly coy. “I could entertain you, Lucius.”

“I would be most grateful for your attention,” Lucius purrs. “You’re beautiful, Tristan.”

Tristan’s surly mood instantly melts under Lucius’s gaze. As the two lose themselves in each other, I rise and return to my previous location. At least Tristan is distracted.

As I sit and enjoy the atmosphere, I ponder who else I should pull into the fold. Perhaps Soren would be a good call. The vampire is unhinged in a way that makes me look like a little lamb, but that energy could be an attribute if channeled appropriately. Plus, he’s on the West Coast, so he may have some insight I’m unaware of.

Lucius knows Europe, Soren has the western US covered. I wonder if Jagger is still in Australia. He’s always been reliable, if a bit reclusive. Oh, and I should try to locate Hendrix, the world traveler. Last I heard, he was down in South America, but he’s always been easy to find when I want to.

I think that’s a good start. Tomorrow, I’ll reach out to them and see if anyone knows something. For now, I could use a snack to clear my head of the pretty mortal I’ll definitely be seeing more of soon.

I lift my hand and Benicio is there in seconds. “Sir?”

“Bring me a mortal, please. The prettiest you can find. I’m feeling peckish.”

“Right away.”

Leaning back, I try to focus on the club and all its happenings, but my thoughts immediately return to Geordi. I do love a challenge, and he’s possibly the biggest I’ve encountered in a long time. Certainly, the forbidden nature of him is what stirs my fascination.

Benicio appears again, presenting a charming looking man with strawberry blond curls, glasses, and a heart shaped mouth. He’s practically vibrating with excitement.

“Sir, this is Charlie. Charlie, the vampire Elias.”

“Pleasure to meet you,” Charlie says breathlessly.

“Come, Charlie. Sit on my lap.”

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