The Blood Covenant

by Emily Bex

  Being here had only increased her level of insecurity. Even as they backed away, she realized he was able to teleport here anytime. He could be here in seconds, on any given night, when he said he was at the Dead House. He was everything to her, but how would she ever compete with this smorgasbord of sexual diversity that was clearly no holds barred, anything goes, with anybody at any time?

  “Shade, is this what you want? All of…this?"

  "No, Kate. This is what I seek to escape. So, rest assured, you are mine and no one is taking you from me or me from you. I do not want this, and I do not share."

  Lifting her into his arms, she wrapped her legs around his waist and her arms around his neck.

  "Bel, when I tell you I love you, I mean it. I love one female for all eternity and I have nothing left to give any others. I would never have mated you if I wasn’t ready to leave all this behind.”

  Setting her back on her feet, he grabbed her hand and led her to the dance floor, the music and crowd around them thick with sexual tension and anticipation. He could smell the blood of the mortals as they offered their gift of life to the immortals here.

  Kate could feel the crush of bodies as they gyrated around them. She could see the throngs of people, some dancing, and some in the throes of sexual bliss as they fed; men with women, women with women, and men with men. Their selections seemed indiscriminate, the exchange of a glance and eye contact held for a few seconds was all it took to grant consent, and they were joined, one feeding from the other. She closed her eyes, knowing this was his world. She knew he’d chosen her, she didn’t doubt his love, but it was hard to watch this free and easy exchange and know this had been his life. She wasn’t sure which was harder to bear. Knowing he’d loved others before her, lived with them for long periods, feeding only from them, or this...this promiscuous, anonymous exchange of intimacy. She turned in his arms, and slid her arms around his waist, laying her head against his chest.

  The music of Shinedown was blasting through the room, bouncing off the walls – “Sound of Madness.” Good choice, because it was definitely madness. She gave herself up to the music and to him, letting the music move her. She was thrashing to the beat, all hips and hair.

  He smiled and growled, grabbing her waist as she leaned back, her hair flowing behind her and he rocked his hips into her as she moved. The music changed and he watched her alter the rhythm of her body to match the music, and he liked it.

  The DJ was playing the band Nightwish – “She is My Sin.” “Ah, mi amore, you are my walking sin!”

  He circled her like a predator and she was his prey. When he was in front of her, she ground her hips into him. As he moved behind her, she moved her ass against him. She could feel his cock through those fucking leather pants. Her movements never ceased as she let her body move to the music, hands above her head, and her hair flying.

  As the song ended, she had him wound up tight as hell. All eyes began to focus on them as the next song began and he pulled her hard against his body. He lifted her above his head and let her slide slowly down his body, then kissed her passionately. Snuggling into her neck, he nipped her ear softly. The music changed again and Seasons After screamed out “Cry Little Sister.”

  She wrapped her legs around his hips and squeezed him tight. She threw her head back and exposed her neck to him, letting her hair cascade behind her, knowing full well the effect this had on him. She slowly and seductively pulled herself upright before locking her mouth onto his. Her legs and arms were wrapped around him, her hair covering his face, her mouth sucking at his, biting his lower lip.

  Shade broke the kiss and sank his fangs into her neck. His hands were tangled in those crimson locks as the spotlight hit them. He teleported her above the crowd to the beams. He slid one hand up and down her thigh as her legs were locked around his hips, and he drank like she was his ocean. The music that raged through the crowd as he held her was Evanescence – “Wake me up Inside.” The spotlight stopped swinging around the room and was now focused in a single beam on Shade and Kate, for all to see. Lowering her back down to the beam, all eyes were on them as the motion ceased on the dance floor. Pulling her close, he kissed her deep and hard, as her blood trickled slowly down the side of his mouth. His claim was loud, and his roar rattled the rafters. "Mine! Medici! Ti amo per sempre!"

  Kate had felt the rush of heat between her legs that always came when he fed from her, and she clung to him and allowed those sensations to wash over her. She looked down at the upturned faces, some smiled up at him, happy he’d found his mate. Others gave her a cold stare, not bothering to hide their disapproval of his choice. His roar vibrated through her.

  Leaving the beams and setting her back down on the floor, the whole place roared and applauded, and he kissed her softly, holding her in his arms. Winking, he wrapped his arm around her waist and headed back toward their booth.

  "Had enough?"

  “Shade, this isn’t me. I make no judgments about how these people live their lives. And I understand this was a part of your past, but I’m ready to leave.”

  "Then we are done. I promise you, this is the end of all that you see around us. I wanted you to understand none of this has any meaning to me any longer.”

  Shade felt a hand softly grip his arm and he snapped his head to the right to see one of the young male vampires he’d fed from several times. There had never been any sexual encounters between them, and Shade was damned if he could remember his name. He was a lost boy, on the lowest rung of the ladder among immortals. He had no master and no coven and Shade knew that he’d go to many who’d abuse him profusely in exchange for money. He was extremely young, with long dark hair, and features almost feminine. He’d appeal to many vampires here, happy to exploit him for an evening of deviant play. Shade never took those pleasures, fed from him only, and always gave him a hefty fee, hoping to spare him the agony of letting others abuse him, even if only for one night.

  “Master Shade, you’re now mated. Congratulations.”

  Shade watched him nod to Kate and smile softly at her. "Si, I am now mated, and I will no longer be returning here. How is life for you?"

  Shade saw his sad smile and then read the other emotions in his face: shame, embarrassment, and sadness.

  “Life is fine, but I’ll miss you, you were always kind to me. I apologize for interrupting, but I just wanted you to know I’m happy for your mating.”

  As he turned to walk away, Shade grabbed his arm and pulled him back. The young boy’s eyes widened and a smile spread across his face, thinking perhaps he’d be asked to join them in feeding. He was wrong. Shade reached into his leathers and pulled out several hundred-dollar bills, shoving them into his hand, hoping it would alleviate some of his pain for the night. The boy hugged him and Shade was startled at first but pounded his back.

  "Take care of yourself. Have pride in who you are and do not let them treat you so badly. You do not deserve their wrath."

  Reaching back in his pocket, he pulled out one of his calling cards, handing it to him. "Come see me at this location tomorrow evening before I leave. Perhaps I can help guide you out of this lifestyle and into something more appropriate, at least we can discuss it. Now go."

  As he turned to leave, the boy understood Shade wouldn’t be like some of the other patrons of the club, he didn’t share his mate, nor would he ever feed from others again.

  Shade watched him as he walked away, sliding the card in his pocket. He hoped he came to see him. Shade thought he could mold him into something. Not a warrior, his frame was far too delicate for that, but perhaps something useful to the Medici coven.

  Kate had watched this exchange between the young boy and Shade before he led them through the crowd and back outside. The valet rushed to bring the Lamborghini around, and they climbed back into the car. It was about 4:00 a.m., and if they hurried, they could get out of San Francisco before the commuter traffic picked up. Shade headed back across the Golden Gate, hitting the highway and flo
oring the gas pedal as he drove back to Napa.

  “Shade, I can’t get him out of my head. That young boy, he seemed too young to even be in that club. May I ask who he is to you?”

  “Si, mi amore. He is a lost boy. I don’t know his full story, but I know he has no master, no coven. He lives on the streets, he must fend for himself. He hangs out at the club, selling himself. Sexual favors in exchange for money.”

  Kate was watching his profile as he spoke and was taken aback by what he said. “You…had sex with him?”

  “No, not sex, but I fed from him. He is young, and I thought his blood would be strong. His blood…it did not have the energy I expected from a young vamp, but there was something…different that made me return. Not sure. But I never had sex with him. I would always pay him handsomely, much more than the fee he asked for. Hoping he could get himself off the streets.”

  Kate looked out the window at the landscape flying past them as Shade had the Lamborghini flying full out. “Can you help him?”

  “That is up to him, bel rosso. I gave him my card. If he wants help, if he is looking for a way out, and he contacts me, then si, I will help him.”

  She laid her hand on top of his as it rested on the gear shift. “I hope he calls you.”

  He looked over at her as he felt the pain in her heart, her worry over the young boy. He took hold of her hand and lifted it to his lips. His gentle bel rosso, she was so innocent in his world of darkness.

  31

  As they walked through the California house, Kate carried a notebook and pen, along with a tape measure and her cell phone so she could take photos of each room as the two of them took a final tour. They wandered from room to room, Kate making notes as they discussed flooring options, wall textures, furniture, window treatments and the like. He was enjoying this time with her, she was happy, and he loved her enthusiasm and the ideas she had for furnishing this home.

  Luciano knocked before entering the room. "Excuse me, Master Shade, but there is a young man by the name of Cory to see you." Shade noted Luciano’s tone of disdain when speaking the name.

  "Cory? Did he say his purpose here?"

  “No, master, but he gave me this.”

  Watching as Luciano waved Shade’s calling card about, Shade remembered the young vampire from the club last night. "Send him in, Luciano." He looked at Kate. "Bel, apparently Cory is the young man from the club. Good thing there are a few odd pieces of furniture to at least sit on. Would you mind joining me?"

  Kate’s face lit up with recognition, “I'm so glad he contacted you. I hope you can help him.”

  "Perhaps you can help me interview him and get some information. He is no warrior, so let’s see what his story is and if we can find a place for him within the coven. He may not be of a mind to join us, but I hope he is willing and ready to change his lifestyle."

  Luciano walked in and presented the young man to Shade. Shade signaled for Luciano to bring them all some refreshments. As he appraised the young boy, he looked to be maybe eighteen or nineteen in mortal years. He took in his small frame, and realized in this well-lit room, the boy looked even thinner and more delicate than he did in the darkened club. As they shook hands, his face reminded Shade of someone, but he’d be damned if he could think of whom it might be.

  "Cory, good to see you, I am glad you made the decision to come see me. You remember Katherine, my mate. Please take a seat. You will have to excuse the condition of the house. We are in the middle of decorating."

  Kate watched the young boy enter. He looked almost frail, like a mortal would look if they hadn’t been eating. Was that his problem? He didn’t feed enough? Or he let others feed from him too often? He was probably only ten years younger than she was, but he drew out all her maternal instincts.

  "Cory. I'm so glad you took Shade up on his offer. Can I get you anything?”

  Cory shifted his weight from foot to foot. "Thank you, Miss. I am hungry. A sandwich is good. But I don’t want you to go to any trouble. I can pay with my blood."

  Shade shook his head, “There is no need to pay, Cory. Our hospitality has no strings attached.” Shade was confused by his request for a sandwich. Was he not a vamp?

  Cory took a seat, flipping his long dark hair back, and looked around the huge room.

  Kate looked at Shade as she addressed Cory, "A sandwich? No trouble at all. But you can eat a sandwich?"

  Cory kept his eyes on Shade’s face as she asked if he could eat a sandwich. He supposed now was the best time to bust out the truth of what he was. Shade would either pitch him headfirst through the front door, or let him explain, but it wouldn’t be the first time he’d been rejected by the vampire community.

  "I eat human grub, but I also drink blood. I’m a half-breed—half human and half vampire." Standing up, ready to be tossed, he watched them both stare at each other. "Did you hear me?"

  Shade was processing the information. He knew half-breeds existed, but he’d never met one before. Half-breed? What the fuck? He eats mortal food and he lets immortals feed from him? What in the fuck did I just drop my ass into?

  As Cory stood to leave, Shade stood up as well and held up his hand, wanting him to know there was no judgment. "Cory, sit down. I can feel your edginess, which tells me you have done this before, revealed yourself and it did not go over well. I think I am a bit taken aback. It is not something I have ever encountered, but I am curious."

  Luciano returned, bringing in a bottle of Midnight and some glasses and set them down, awaiting Shade’s instructions.

  Not wanting to reveal anything to Luciano in front of Cory, Shade asked him to open the wine, and to please close the door when he left.

  "So, Cory, do you wish for some Midnight? Midnight is a specific mixture of blood and alcohol made strictly for vampires."

  “Whiskey, if you have it. Never had Midnight and not sure I want it."

  Shade responded in a calm but firm voice. "You will have a glass of wine, no whiskey. And bel, would you mind seeing what you can scrounge up in the kitchen something for Cory to eat?"

  "Of course, let me see what we have. I'll be right back."

  Kate hurried to the kitchen and made him two sandwiches, one turkey and one ham, loading generous amounts of meat on both sandwiches, lots of mayonnaise, lettuce, and tomato. She found some potato salad in the fridge and put a large scoop on the plate, grabbed a fork and a napkin, and hurried back to the living room. There was a whole bag of chocolate chip cookies on the counter and she grabbed them and tucked them under her arm. No telling when he last ate.

  ***

  While Kate was busy doing this, Shade took the time to try and get to know the boy a bit better.

  "So, let’s begin at the beginning, Cory. While Kate is out of the room, tell me your history. How is it you became a half-breed? And what in the hell are you doing selling yourself at a club? Be honest and I will see where I can help you, lie to me and we are done. I live by a code and I do not tolerate lying or cheating of any sort. Are we clear?"

  Cory nodded his head just as Kate came back in and laid a buffet of food in front of him. Picking up a sandwich, he inhaled it. Kate and Shade both stood silent as he quickly consumed the first sandwich, and then picked up the second one. The boy paused long enough to answer his question.

  "My mom was human, a vampire fed from her, knocked her up. She met him at a club, kind of like ‘Under the Coffin’, where humans go to hook up with the vamps. She said they hung together a few weeks before he took off. She never ran into him again after that. Didn’t know she was knocked up until after he was long gone. When I was born, I was small, weak. She wasn’t sure I’d even make it. She realized after a time that I was vampire too, or something like it. She had me in school, but I never fit in, got bullied. I kept running away, and eventually, I just lived on the streets. Been there ever since. No big deal, I can survive."

  Woofing down the sandwich, taking huge bites, he reached for the cookies and ripped open the bag, popping a
whole cookie into his mouth, followed by another, and another.

  Kate poured a glass of Midnight for Shade and Cory. She took Shade his glass, and then set the glass in front of Cory.

  "Cory, I can fix you more if you're still hungry. Just let me know. And, excuse me for asking a personal question, but I’m mortal myself, so I don't understand. Do you also...uh...feed?"

  "Yeah, I got fangs, I feed. What is that yellow stuff?" Taking the glass of wine, he downed it in one gulp. "Can I have some more of that Midnight?"

  Kate stifled a laugh. “Uh...the yellow stuff is potato salad. Try it. If you don't like it just leave it. And I'll get you more Midnight.” Kate took his glass and refilled it. She gave Shade a look that said, What have we gotten ourselves into?

  Shade had watched him eat like he was starved and wondered where he went to feed and if he must hunt, because he probably didn’t have the money or the access to feeders. "Easy, Cory, that shit will kick your ass. So, you have survived being half-breed, selling yourself and hunting. But your lifespan is limited if you keep that shit up. Tell me your skills. What can you do? What can you offer me and my coven?"

  Cory picked at the potato salad, pushing it aside on his plate as he picked up the bag of cookies again and downed the wine in his glass.

  "I can feed your coven. I won’t rob you. I’d just ask for a steady salary. I can keep guard of your house here. I might be little, but I can handle myself good, I’ve been hanging in the streets my whole life. You got something in mind?"

  Shade shook his head. “No Cory, you will not be used as a feeder. I think you have been subjected to that enough.”

  Kate stepped closer to him, looking at his jacket. For a kid who lived on the street, he was wearing an impressive leather jacket. “Can I ask where you bought your leathers? That jacket...wow, I'd wear something like that myself. It looks like designer quality stuff. Did someone give it to you?”