Page 40 of A Vow for the Vamp
I shake the thought from my head and pull Teddy away from my guards, who at least appear impressed that Teddy is being so accepting of our world.
“Is this place open?”
“No. We’re not going to CBGB.”
I approach a side door and knock in the pattern that requests entry. It opens and a green-skinned demon appears in the entrance.
“Your Majesty,” they say, a mischievous grin spreading across their face, flanking sharp fangs. They bow, but there’s no need for that.
This demon is trying to get a rise out of me.
“Thalia.”
“Holy shit,” Teddy whispers beside me. Unlike my guards, Thalia isnotmasked.
“You haven’t been here in decades. Welcome back,” they goad. “And you’ve brought a human?”
The demon sniffs the air and their black eyes glow red.
“He smells fantastic.”
Before this hellish fucker can finish their words, my fangs have dropped, and I’ve slammed my fist through their chest.
I pull out Thalia’s heart and they fall to the ground.
“Millie! What the fuck?!” Teddy shrieks.
“It’s fine. They’re not dead. Demons are quite difficult to kill. This one’s heart will regenerate within hours.”
“Yet you know better than to attack my employees, Vampire Queen. Especially in front of humans.”
“Vara,” I say, smiling at the sphinx. “Perhaps your demons should keep their mouths shut when speaking about what’s mine.”
Vara’s claws are out, fangs bared. She ruffles her feathered wings and whips her tail back and forth. Her mane of long blonde hair falls over her shoulders, enough to cover her bare, fur-covered chest.
She’s nearly naked except for a thin layer of cloth to cover her cunt.
“Impressive. A human has enchanted the vamp. I’m eager to learn how that happened. In the meantime, I’ll spread the word that he’s off limits. But you know that may not be enough.”
I cross my arms. “I know how it works but hearing it from you wouldn’t hurt. Now, tell me what you want in return.”
Vara shrugs her shoulders. “I think you know what I want.”
“And you know it’s the one thing I can’t give you.”
“We shall see.”
Vara turns away and disappears into the dark hallway.
Another demon, this one appearing human but the smell of death on them tells me they’re a reaper, replaces Thalia at the door.
“What does she want?” Teddy asks once we’re inside.
“A date with Layla.”
“Layla your friend? Who is a vampire? Do supernaturals date each other?” Teddy holds my hand tight as he follows me through the hallway, relying solely on my night vision. “What type of supernatural being is Vara?”
“Vara is a sphinx. Similar to a griffin, but with a human head. She’s one of the few of her kind left. Decades ago, I granted her sanctuary in New York City from hunters wanting her feathers, which are made of gold. She’sbecome quite the powerful supe since then. Owns most of the supernatural night clubs around the five boroughs. Well respected too.”
