Page 24 of Of Blood and Smoke

Four weeks of paid vacation was included the moment one signed on and more hours were earned every year, capping at eight weeks accrued. That didn’t even include sick pay or personal days.

And the salaries we paid our people were astronomical compared to similar businesses.

All we asked was that our rules be obeyed and obeyed without question. Those edicts included unfailing loyalty and with what we provided in return, it was truly not too much to ask. Faithfulness and obedience were rewarded with promotions and bonuses, extra privileges.

On the other hand, with our habit of hiring people with questionable pasts, it was bound to happen that some would go astray.

It happened in the Second Realm’s High Court as well, that people became overconfident and strayed, seeking personal gain. I knew this all too well, since it had been my job to keep order and dole out punishments.

Oftentimes, the ones with the darkest pasts had the most to lose. That kept them indebted to us, with the threat of hidden pieces of history being brought to light. At the moment, I couldn’t remember what Richard’s past indiscretions were and why we hired him.

My friend crossed the room and popped open another drawer containing various sharp objects. Some had been purchased here, and others brought from home. The knives withthe greatest craftsmanship showed off the skill of the artisans in the Second Realm.

The blade he’d selected sparkled in the light as he walked over to the captive, flipping the piece of metal in the air and catching it by the tip of the blade. Purposely, he let it nick his finger. Predictably, Richard began crying.

“Have you visited your precious human ward lately?” I asked conversationally.

Micha glanced at me quickly while patting the man. “I have. I had a very enjoyable visit last night. She’s exquisite.”

“Have you tasted her yet?”

He shook his head sadly. “I have not.” Tilting the man’s chin up, he looked him in the eye. “Your eyes,” Richard cried out, babbling.

The man must’ve just witnessed Micha’s irises changing.

It was an undeniable indicator to humans that we wereother,and the novelty made for a powerful tool in our arsenal. Intense emotions had the effect of liquefying our eyes around the pupils and my companion’s had the appearance of flowing mercury when he was excited enough. It really was quite beautiful, his silvery gaze.

“Mm,” I replied. “Are you spending too much time with her?”

He dragged the knife down the side of the man’s face and followed up by sliding his tongue along the broken skin before he spoke. “You know my answer.”

Micha was playing a dangerous game, getting attached to a human. “Step lightly, my friend," I warned him.

His back stiffened in response to my words before he bit deep into Richard’s neck and plunged the blade into the man's abdomen. Micha’s eyes rolled back in his head as his throat bobbed.

Watching him drink, I remembered he’d considered bringing on the woman he was visiting as his assistant. I’d given the goahead to bring on Della DuBois as Christine’s. Micha was fully aware Miss DuBois was the one who witnessed a recent incident, and I had to wonder about the possible connection.

Schooling my features, I asked, “This interest of yours wouldn’t happen to be Miss Dubois, would it?”

He didn’t answer me, too lost in the throes of bloodlust.

THIRTEEN

Della

Christine managed to calm me down while she led me to a small interior room. “He would’ve fired you on the spot if he was gonna. Maybe you have some grace because you’ve only been here for five minutes.”

She swept her hand toward a chair, and I sat. “I hope so, I need this job. I want to be here.”

The woman gave me an odd look that I couldn’t quite translate but she almost appeared angry. “He’d let you know, he’s not shy.”

She lowered herself into the seat opposite me and slid a short stack of papers across the table. “Sign these, let me know if everything looks good and then we’ll go over a few other things.”

I took the pen she handed me and started rifling through the pages. I signed the insurance form, the retirement papers, all the tax forms and then came to the compensation agreement. A wave of dizziness hit me when I saw the offer.

“I think there may have been a mistake with the printer?”

Christina took the sheet and skimmed it. “I don’t see what you mean. Relax,” she admonished me when I gulped in some air.

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