Page 25 of Because the Night

I turn my back on him and walk toward the house. “Henry, I want to go out.”

The nightclub is all polished concrete and metal. People pack the downstairs dance floor and bar area. It goes without saying that I’ve never been in a VIP section before. But Henry leads us straight past security and up the stairs to the mezzanine level, full of white leather lounges, low lighting, and glass tables. A supermodel, some A-list actors, and half a rock band are spotted in the first five minutes. Apparently, this is the place to be. At least there’s small chance anyone I know would frequent here. As much as I dislike leaving my own life and plans behind, it’s best if no one knows I didn’t die in that fire. Though, part of me wonders if anyone would even recognize me now.

I changed my coat for a black V-neck tee and Lucas swapped out his suit for another, exactly the same. Lord knows how much they cost. The cut and style are immaculate. He could be the poster boy for fashionable undead capitalists everywhere. His dark hair is slicked back, and his gaze is constantly on the move, taking in everything. The Rolls-Royce Ghost that we found waiting in the garage, alongside a Bugatti Chiron, also pleased him immensely. This century seems to be a win for him.

Of course, the great thing about being a vampire in a nightclub is neither having to yell to be heard over the music, nor needing to line up to use the bathroom. Guess we just absorb the blood we drink. Very useful.

Nicole and I used to frequent a bespoke cocktail bar a few blocks away. A more simple and subdued setting. Less pulsating lights and blaring music. We would drink gimlets and talk about life and books and everything. I miss my best friend, and it’s barely been a day. Staying away from the people I love is going to be hard. It is strange feeling lonely when you’re surrounded by people. And I’m not the only one who has lost a friend recently. Not that I pity him exactly.

“You’re staring at him again, sweetie,” says Henry.

“I am very angry at him for multiple reasons. It’s going to take me a while to process them all.”

Henry shrugs. “You have to understand, he comes from a time when the head of the family had the last say in everything, and women, in particular, had fuck-all rights.”

“That is no excuse.”

“No,” he allows. “But it does explain a few things.”

“It explains nothing. He’s perfectly intelligent enough to adapt and not behave like an asshat.”

“Well, yes, but what would be the fun in that?”

I narrow my eyes on my new brother.

He just laughs. “Father’s always been a broody bastard. Even when we were in Paris in the 1800s, drinking blood full of absinthe and opium, he was somber, at best. It’s entertaining to watch him navigate you and the modern world. Turning you has honestly done him a world of good. Reinvigorated him to no end.”

“That’s just so wonderful to hear,” I say drily.

“You don’t really miss your mortal life, do you?”

“Yes. My life was boring, not bad. I have no idea whatthisis, apart from violent and complicated, and having way too much to do with him.”

He nods. “Give it time. You’re in mourning.”

“What? For myself?” I ask with a smile.

And he nods again.

Lucas stands at the railing nearby, watching the mass of dancers writhe below. All of that seething humanity seems to fascinate him. He doesn’t even blink as he takes it all in.

But enough about him. I will not let him ruin the second night of my bizarre new life. Being in a place like this with my enhanced senses is interesting. The play of lights dazzles my eyes, and I can feel the thump of the bass loud and clear through my breastbone. With my newfound stamina, I could dance all night. And who knows, I just might.

A bottle of Cristal champagne sits in a bucket of ice alongside some CÎROCvodka. It is all to lure in the humans and help us blend. However, it hardly seems required. They watch us with open fascination. Care of a preternatural je ne sais quoi or the undead glow up, I have no idea. But they hardly make hunting for sex or blood a chore. It is unprecedented. People are giving me come-hither glances. I ignore all of them because awkward. As someone who moved through life largely unnoticed, the change is extreme.

“I should be upset that you’re Father’s new favorite. Do you have any idea how boring it was while he was asleep?” Henry pouts. “Now he’s awake again and it’s all about you. You’re very lucky I am so understanding.”

“Sorry.”

Henry crooks a finger at Monica, who is currently dancing and flirting over at the bar. “Time to teach you something. After all, knowledge is power, sweetie.”

Monica sits between us with a grin and a glass of champagne and orange juice. Any earlier lack of energy or color has been remedied. With a finger to her chin, Henry smiles, stares deep into her eyes, and says, “Be a dear and cluck like a chicken, would you?”

“Henry,” I scold. “Don’t be a dick.”

But the woman is already making clucking noises. She’s even throwing in pecking motions for good measure.

“It’s not hurting her. This sort of thing takes a lot of practice, but you can do it to any human unless they have a particularly strong will. Your turn,” he says, nodding to me. “Now, you have to focus. Push your intent at them.”

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