Page 8 of Benicio

In other words, David was dismissed.

He had a feeling that fifteen thousand dollars wasn’t nearly enough to put up with Benicio.

Chapter Three

Benicio was back in the vivarium. The place drew him in, called to him, and as soon as the sun had set, he found himself walking the path, staring up at the clear sky that had a million stars on a black canvas. A few lazy clouds rolled by, partially covering the moon. Inside, the sound of the waterfall calmed him. There was a slight fragrance in the air from the different flowers. Benicio inhaled the scent.

He took a seat on one of the benches because he still wasn’t steady on his feet. His legs hurt. His entire body hurt. His joints were on fire. There was pain radiating from his left arm that constantly pulsed across his chest. The agony made him even more surly than he normally was.

Matteo had had the cash secured earlier, during the day, through a pawn. A human who did the bidding for vampires. Most coven leaders had a human servant. Benicio did not. He’d had so many quit on him that he no longer bothered with them.

Hadn’t for over two thousand years. If he needed something done, he did it himself. Or he had Matteo do it. His assistant was as loyal as they came, even if Benicio couldn’t show his affection toward him.

The huge, glass-encased room was hot as Benicio sat there. It had to be, considering it was cold outside. Winter was coming. The leaves on the trees had already changed colors. Benicio couldn’t even appreciate their beauty, but in this room, he found peace, so he made a note to himself to have one constructed at his own home when he returned.

He knew David was coming even before the small vampire entered. Benicio could feel everyone’s presence in the house, and where they were at any given moment. He knew that David had tried to leave earlier, had heard Matteo offering to double his money. Knew that David demand he triple it.

At least his negotiations skills were improving.

“Matteo paid me,” David said when he reached Benicio. “I just want you to know I’m not comfortable with this. I’ve never had an issue with Eleazar, so I feel like I’m betraying him.”

“And I’m here to do a job,” Benicio said, wincing against the pain in his arm. “I want to be well informed before I pay him a visit.”

“With as much pain as you’re in, I’d hold off on that visit.” David sat next to Benicio.

Benicio felt the heat from the vampire’s body, was all too aware of his closeness. All too aware how ruggedly handsome he was.

“Now you’re my advisor?” Benicio arched a brow.

“God forbid I tell you what to do,” David said.

Benicio let out a humorless chuckle. “Don’t worry, David. You won’t be telling me what to do anytime soon.”

David looked away, clearly uncomfortable with the tension in the air. Benicio didn’t blame him. He was in constant pain and frustration, which made him lash out at those around him.

Benicio smirked. The small vampire had fire in him, and Benicio found it amusing. He turned his gaze to David and took in the sharp features of his face, the dark circles under his eyes, and the way his hair fell messily over his forehead. Benicio could sense the fear in David, but he could also sense something else. Something that sparked a bit of curiosity in him.

“You’re afraid of me,” Benicio said, his voice low and dangerous.

David stiffened beside him. “I’m not afraid of you, but I do have a healthy respect for your power.”

Benicio chuckled. “You should be afraid. I’m not a kind vampire. I rule with an iron fist, and I don’t tolerate insubordination.”

David’s eyes widened in fear, but he quickly composed himself. “I understand that, but I’m still not afraid of you.”

Benicio leaned back against the bench and closed his eyes, letting the sound of the waterfall soothe him. He couldn’t remember the last time he had felt so weak. The disease was taking its toll on him, but he couldn’t show weakness. He had to remain strong, especially in front of David.

“You know, David,” Benicio said, his eyes still closed, “I can sense something in you. Something that intrigues me.”

“I’m just here to inform on someone,” David replied. “I’m not going to be your curiosity. So what do you want to know about Eleazar?”

“I want to know what’s going on in this city,” Benicio replied, opening his eyes. He needed to see David’s whiskey-brown eyes, to map the features of his face. “What has happened since Fayez’s death?”

David’s brows shot up. “You know about that?”

“I know a lot of things,” Benicio said.

“Then why do you need me?” David turned sideways, pulling one leg onto the bench before he bent it at the knee. “If you know so much, then why am I here?”

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