Page 64 of Blood Mosaic

“How many vampires are out there?” Had she been passing them in the streets her whole life and not knowing?

“I have no idea. I doubt anyone does.” She smiled. “I’m sure it’s very overwhelming. And you might be scared, but there is no reason to be. Mr. Sokolov is a very powerful man. Taken under his protection, you’re probably one of the safest women in the world right now.”

Safe from others maybe, but what about from him?

Tatyana finished her coffee and set it to the side. “He’sveryrich, isn’t he?”

Lorala said, “I would assume so. He’s the vampire lord in this area.”

“This area?”

“Vampire territories rarely follow human borders. Mr. Sokolov has been the immortal ruler of Odesa, Kyiv, and much of the northern Black Sea region for far longer than it has been part of any modern state.”

“How old is he?” Tatyana asked.

Lorala shook her head. “I have no idea. Most vampires hide their age because it’s an indication of power, but I know he’s quite old.”

Hundreds of years? Maybe longer?

How old do you think I am?

I am very bad with guessing ages.

I’m eleven hundred and thirty-seven.

Tatyana had thought he was joking, but she had a suspicion that she knew exactly how old Oleg was.

Why had he told her?

And how did anyone wrap their mind around being that old? “Is he Russian?”

Lorala cocked her head, considering the question. “He would probably be considered Russian now. I believe his corporate headquarters are in Saint Petersburg. But remembermodern borders—even modern languages—are new for many immortals.”

I’m a captive?

I suppose that depends on how you define captive.

Who was Tatyana in comparison to someone who was more powerful than human governments? She was a state-educated accountant.

“My life is over,” she whispered.

“Ipromiseyou, it is not.” Lorala’s face was sympathetic when she rose. “Ms. Beridze left a message that you’d be going into the SMO corporate offices today but she didn’t expect you until later. Would you like me to have one of your suits pressed while you get ready and eat breakfast?”

She looked up at Lorala, suddenly suspicious. “Are you here to make sure I follow directions?”

Lorala smiled and her eyes were soft. “I understand your suspicions, but I’m here to help. I hope you can trust me even though I know that everything must feel very strange right now. I promise though, you’re quite safe at the Admiral. This is neutral ground. All humans and vampires are safe in this hotel, and no violence is allowed on the grounds, not even between rival vampires.”

“Neutral ground?”

Lorala nodded. “I don’t work for Mr. Sokolov. I work for Marina, and Marina works for Wallace Hotels. And Wallace Hotels are neutral territory. You can trust us.”

Tatyana had no way of knowing if Lorala was lying or not, but she wanted to trust her. She had no idea if she was being a naive fool, but the woman seemed honest.

“And who is paying the bill for my room?” Tatyana asked.

“SMO International has an account at the Admiral.”

“Right.”

---