Page 30 of Lucas
It needed more rest. More healing. More blood.
It roared with hunger for the sweet nectar.
Unable to rise, the beast growled with impatience. Too weak to take control, it slumbered in the darkness and waited for blood.
Lucas pushedpast the line of men and women lined up at the side entrance to the restaurant. “Make way. If you wish to meet with Romero, you need an appointment. Otherwise, stand back.”
“Some of us are here for you, honey. What time do you get off?” one woman shouted through the crowd.
He blushed and glanced back at Romero, who grinned at him. Great.
“What’s your name, hot stuff?” another yelled.
Once they were inside and several feet from the door, silence overtook the group of four as they made their way to theirusual table at the back of the restaurant. Romero held court four nights a week at the establishment, and he paid the owner handsomely for the service.
Romero slapped him on the back. “Seems my new bodyguard might require one of his own.”
Lucas didn’t say anything as he performed a sweep of the room in coordination with the other two bodyguards. When he finally nodded to Romero, assuring him the room was clean, his new House leader laughed.
“You need to relax a little. There’s nothing wrong with smiling at the women, who obviously find you quite charming. I must say, I’m a bit jealous.”
“Sorry, Father.”
Romero rolled his eyes. “Again, with the Father stuff. If you have to be so formal, at least say sir. Although I prefer Romero.”
“Yes, Romero.” Lucas held out the chair for him. After Romero took a seat, he added, “And I find females are just as likely to carry a dagger and can be just as skilled at using it.”
Romero’s laughter filled the room. “Someday you’ll have to tell me the story of how you discovered that. Until then, tell the chef I’m ready for the first course. And tonight, I’m in the mood for a Bordeaux. I’ll take my first meeting once the meal is served.”
“As you wish.” Lucas was uncomfortable using Romero’s first name, so for now, he would avoid salutations until required. He strode to the kitchen, constantly scanning for a threat. After seventy-five years of service to House Lafitte, he found himself at a new House, though he was no stranger to Romero, who was a good friend to Lafitte. Three strong Houses, including House Renaud, might seem too much for New Orleans, but the Houses had strong ties to each other going back centuries.
Two months ago, Lafitte had asked him to a private dinner. The two had grown close over the years, and Lucas had becomea trusted sounding board for Lafitte, though he wasn’t cadre. Lafitte waited until they nursed brandy on the patio to ask if Lucas would be interested in moving to another House as an exchange. It was common for Houses to trade one or more vampires for another, depending on the needs of the House and the experience and knowledge of the vampires.
Romero had recently taken over as leader of his House, and due to his business interests, sketchy as some of them were, and his work with the local vampire community in granting favors and services, he required a strong collection of bodyguards.
Lafitte understood Lucas’s desire to one day be part of a cadre, and it could be decades away, if not a century or more, if he remained part of Lafitte’s House. Lucas had been happy in his service to the House, but not many leaders would care enough to find opportunities for those under them.
So, the deal was struck. Romero was a modern vampire in every way and treated his Family well. And while not part of his cadre, being a personal bodyguard was considered an esteemed position. It was a valuable skill for his resume.
After delivering the message to the kitchen, he returned to his post, standing behind Romero, while the other two bodyguards took positions to the left and right. After four hours of an extended meal and several meetings, Romero shook hands with a young female vampire, promising to look into her issue at his earliest convenience.
They left through a back exit where the limo waited outside. Romero was a well-known player, even among the humans, which was evident by the handful of groupies waiting outside, but there was little time for them to call out before the limo pulled away.
“Landon, I’d like to go to the club.” Romero settled back and poured a glass of scotch. “Lucas, I have an assignment for you. I understand you spend quite a bit of time at the Renaud Library.”
“Yes, sir.”
“How familiar are you with vampiric law?”
“I’ve reviewed all the volumes and understand the basic tenets. I would say my knowledge runs wide if not deep.”
“Father was the legal expert in the House. With him gone, I’ll need someone to fill that gap. Genevieve, the last female I met with this evening, requires assistance with the laws involving property. She’s having a contentious battle with a small House over it. Can you refresh my knowledge in that area by Friday?”
The request shocked but also pleased him. Vampiric law was an area he’d become interested in after reading hundreds of history texts during his service with Lafitte. “That shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Excellent. Now, let’s all relax before heading home.”
The club was one of Romero’s favorites. The owner didn’t discriminate and allowed humans, shifters, and vampires to congregate. It was high-end and fiercely patrolled by in-house security to prevent fighting or other unpleasantries—like taking advantage of the humans. Romero had a private lounge on the second floor that overlooked the club.
