Page 70 of Blood and Bonbons

“What does that mean? Is it not a simple transaction?” Cross asked.

“If it were simple, he would have asked us to come in during shop hours.” Vena sloppily poured a cup and drank it black.

“More than likely, the buyer knows the coin’s value and will try to take advantage of our ignorance and pay less than what it’s worth,” I said.

Cross didn’t seem concerned. “I’d still like to go. But I’ll need to feed first.”

“There are woodland creatures everywhere,” Vena said. “Go grab a squirrel from a tree.”

Cross’ eyes did that scary black vein thing, and Vena set down her cup.

It felt like a standoff as we all stared at each other. Yet, despite the obvious threat behind Cross’ hunger, he didn’t make any menacing move toward us.

Vena seemed to think the same thing because she sighed.

“Fine. Let me get dressed,” she said. “Ev, contact the pawn shop. Tell them we’ll be there.”

Keeping my eyes trained on the phone screen and not the intimidating vampire who’d begun pacing, I texted the pawn shop owner. He immediately responded that he’d be there waiting for us.

“Were you able to eat yesterday?” I asked Cross while we waited for Vena.

“Yes. Vena was correct that women of loose morals would sell their blood without hesitation.”

“You found a prostitute?” I asked, surprised.

His gaze slid over my clothes, and I could see a hint of doubt in his expression.

“I’m not entirely sure that was her profession. However, she did emerge from a drinking establishment reeking of spirits and proclaiming to her female companions that she wanted to ‘get laid,’ which I assumed meant she was either ready to take a paid companion or that she wanted to sleep.”

I struggled between wanting to laugh and covering my mouth in shock.

“I asked if she was interested in a respite,” he continued, “but she kissed me. And in poor taste, I might add.” He shook his head.

“After inquiring about the price of her services and her assurance I could have her in any way I wanted her, for free, I fed. Unfortunately, there were more spirits than blood in her veins, which did little to appease my hunger.”

I opened my mouth to help him understand what he’d done, but Vena stopped me.

“Hold up!” she called from her bedroom. “There is so much wrong with that explanation that I want to see his face when you explain it, Ev.”

I snapped my mouth closed, hating that she knew me so well.

Cross’ confused gaze flicked from me to Vena, who joined us in the kitchen while still pulling back her hair.

“M’kay. I’m ready. Let him have it,” she said.

I rolled my eyes at her, then looked at Cross.

“The girl was drunk, not a prostitute, Cross. You can’t feed on drunk people.”

“Obviously. I just told you that it did little for me.”

“But did it make you smarter?” Vena asked. “Did you get any useful knowledge from feeding on the girl?”

He shook his head slightly. “Most of what I gleaned from her was a life filled with celebration after celebration. Music and spirits.” He focused on me. “This is why I need your assistance. I cannot afford to choose poorly again.”

“Okay, so what are you looking for in terms of a meal?” I asked. “Sober, of course.”

“Yes. Sober and knowledgeable about the city, its customs, and its people.”

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