Page 52 of Cloak of the Vampire
My classmates and I all tensed when we heard that last dreaded word. Abe noticed, because he told us quietly, “It’s an Auction-prep class. You’ll have one when we return too.”
We watched as the first newbie vampire grabbed the violin and started playing some classical piece I didn’t recognize. Another one played a classical guitar-solo piece by Isaac Albéniz—I recognized this one—while the next one went to the drums and executed some difficult beat I couldn’t even follow with my eyes.
I was mesmerized by the talents of the Daugherty newbies, who must be Common like us since they would also be put in the Auction. I wasn’t the only one entranced by the little concert we were watching; my classmates drank up the Auction-prep lesson, seemingly taking mental notes.
Daugherty’s League was all about music, so much so that every room in the compound had something to do with music or musical instruments. There was a workshop for building instruments, a little auditorium for internal shows, a karaoke studio intended for both practice and fun alike, and even a hall of fame.
The Daugherty cafeteria looked like a jazz bar, with a small stage, a bunch of round tables throughout the room, and a bar near the end that served alcoholic blood beverages twenty-four seven. As we sat to eat dinner, a band took the stage and played light blues.
I was sitting close to where Ragnor and Daugherty sat chatting quietly between themselves. Since everyone else was silent, listening to the band, I could hear bits and pieces of their conversation while pretending to watch the show as well.
When their conversation took on a heated tone, I heard clearly when Ragnor said, “I’m not lending you any more of my Gifteds, Daugherty.”
Glancing at them, I saw Daugherty staring at Ragnor with a hurt face. “But this is different!” he pleaded, voice rising. “This is anightingalewe’re talking about!”
I couldn’t see Ragnor’s face—it was hidden by Abe’s—but I could tell by his voice that this conversation was going even further south. “Moses is still picking up the pieces after what your members did to him,” he growled. “I’m not going to put any of my vampires—GiftedorCommon—at risk by allowing them to be here.”
Daugherty’s face flushed angrily. “I told you I don’t give this shit to my members anymore!” he yelled loudly enough now to disrupt the music. “And my vampires are just as good as anyone’s, including yours!”
“Oh, really?” Ragnor said, and I’d never heard him sound like this. There was hatred in his voice that made the tiny hairs on my skin stand on end. “Then explain to me why the drug-trafficking rates around this city have been rising ever since you moved your League here five years ago?”
Eyes glowing, Daugherty jumped to his feet, fangs unsheathed. “Are you looking for a fucking fight, Rayne?” he growled. Gone was the rock-’n’-roll-y’all man from two hours ago. “Because you’ll fucking regret it, you piece of shit—”
It was so fast that I would’ve missed it had I not watched them so closely. One moment, Daugherty was taunting Ragnor, and the next, hewas flattened on the floor with Ragnor standing over him, imposingly taller, more muscular, and far more threatening.
The jazz band paused their performance. The emo Lieutenants were standing close by, staring at their Lord and Ragnor with shock slammed onto their faces. Logan and Abe were behind Ragnor, ready to jump into action. Everyone else was watching, trying to grasp what the hell was going on.
I was trying to understand, too, because I got very little. What was a nightingale? Who was Moses? And what the hell did the Daugherty League do to him?
“You can run your little drug cartel for all I care,” Ragnor now said, voice low, dark, and fearsome enough to make everyone stay still, “but do not expect me to provide you with my vampires to keep your business going.”
He turned around, and I saw his eyes were glowing blue. They landed on me for a split second before he turned to Abe and Logan. “Let’s go. We’re done here.”
We left the musical Daugherty League in haste after that, deafening silence in our wake.
CHAPTER 20
The bus was silent when we resumed our road trip, heading to Albuquerque, New Mexico. My classmates were sleeping, along with Abe—Logan was driving now—and Ragnor was in the back seat of the bus, emitting such a dark air that everyone gave him a wide berth.
For the past hour since we got back on the road, I debated whether I should approach him. On one hand, it seemed like I was asking for trouble; he was obviously in a foul mood, and everything about him screamed “Back off.” On the other hand, some part of me wanted to take the seat next to him and give him comfort like he’d given me back when I’d attacked Bryce.
I knew it was absurd. I didn’t need to be a genius to see it would be a death sentence, trying to comfort someone like Ragnor Rayne. And yet I recalled his odd behavior back in the greenhouse, where he’d shown me that he wasn’t entirely emotionally invincible, whether he intended to or not.
Why do you even care whether he needs comfort?The voice of reason intruded in my mind.It’s not like you’re lovers—hell, you’re not even friends.
And yet logic had nothing to do with how I felt.
So I found myself sliding out of my seat and walking down the aisle to where he was sitting near the window of the back seat. Then hesitantly, and trying not to think about it too much, I sat down right next to him.
His body tensing was the only indication I got that he knew I was there. His gaze remained on the window, his arms still folded.
I refused to be cowed, though. Looking down at my hands, I softly said, “I’ve been trying to figure out the Leagues we visited, seeing if they’re better or worse than yours. Just to explore my options, you know. I even made a list of parameters that I think are important in any League.”
When he remained silent, I started to feel embarrassed about what I was doing.Why do I even bother?
But then to my surprise, Ragnor spoke. “What’s the list?” he asked, voice flat.
Fidgeting with the hem of my shirt, my heart drumming in my ears, I cleared my throat and said, “Power, wealth, and freedom.” I paused, but when he didn’t say anything else, I continued. “In terms of power, it’s been a no-brainer for me to figure out who has the most out of all the Lords we’ve met so far.”
