The Ripple Effect

by J. A. Saare

  “Take your things to our room and do as he says,” Disco instructed without glancing in my direction. “I’ll join you as soon as I can.”

  I tossed the clothing into the box, retrieved the shoes at my feet and moved to do as Disco instructed. Marius watched me the entire time, making me twitchy. My emotions were already a mess without his presence. What just happened could possibly change everything. If Paine left, where would he go? Would he stay in New York? Would he leave all together? What would happen to his club?

  Without the support of vampiric family, who would protect him?

  Marius stopped me at the door, wrapping his hand around my arm. I waited, my own patience paper-thin.

  “Servants don’t normally participate in our games, but tonight you’re a rare exception. There are two forms of entertainment we enjoy—sex and violence. Gabriel indicated you prefer the latter. Is that correct?”

  “Are you asking if I’d rather stab you or fuck you?” Damn. Just like Ray and the Stay Puft Marshmallow Man, the thought just popped in there. Thanks to the lack of filter between my brain and mouth, the bitchy retort slid past my lips.

  His lips quirked. “The analogy suffices.”

  I wasn’t sure if it was a trick question. Would he force me to engage in sexual acts if I said I’d prefer to fight? “Violence,” I replied, hoping he wasn’t screwing with my head, thinking I’d love nothing more than to stab him in the eyeball and listen to him squeal like a girl.

  “Very well.” He loosened his fingers, caressing my arm as his hand trailed down to my elbow. When I shuddered in disgust, he chuckled and let me go. “Between the two of us, I think you’ll regret your decision. Sex might be unappealing and degrading, but at least you’d keep your limbs intact.” I blew him off and headed for the door once more when he stopped me again. “One more thing.”

  I didn’t turn, gritting my teeth and peering at him over my shoulder.

  “Don’t speak unless you’re spoken to. Despite the limitations it would place on your necromancy, and Gabriel’s various uses for it, my Master won’t hesitate to cut out your tongue. One of the most powerful of his kindred will be watching. That means the rules have changed.” His fingers bit into my arm. “I won’t allow you to harm Gabriel because of your selfishness. I’ll kill you myself if I have to. Understood?”

  Suddenly I didn’t want to stab Marius in the eyeball and make him squeal like a girl. There were other sphere-shaped surfaces on his body that were far more deserving of physical damage. If I had my way I’d chop off his balls—one at a fucking time—and watch the wannabe badass cry like a baby.

  I nodded, keeping my thoughts to myself this time, and he dismissed me with a wave. I rushed from the room, putting as much space between us as possible. Marius didn’t have to say anything more to make his point, and I didn’t trust myself not to do something stupid.

  Tongues, eyeballs, testes.

  I knew the score.

  Chapter Fourteen

  Rhiannon’s Law #63: Fake it until you make it. You might not know what the fuck you’re doing, but that doesn’t mean everyone else is aware of your inaptitude. When in doubt, hold your head high and pretend you have a clue.

  As we approached the enormous estate on The Gold Coast, Disco had tried to soothe me through our mark. His influence had been welcome, but it didn’t last long. The moment we passed the large gates to the residence our link dissipated, leaving me on my own. He’d warned me to expect that after we returned to his bedroom to get dressed, indicating that he wouldn’t restore our connection unless he had to take control of my mind. While I didn’t relish the idea, there was a small amount of comfort in knowing he could overtake me if he had to, making sure I survived the night.

  Paine had always been the strong silent type, but I knew he didn’t reach out to me in the same way because he was fighting his own thoughts, struggling to keep his temper in check. He kept physical contact to a minimum, assisting me as I climbed from the limousine before backing away. I wished the situation wasn’t so fucked up, so we could talk.

  Sadly, there were more pressing issues at hand.

  I followed Goose’s lead when the second limo arrived with the rest of the family—Sirah, Jonny, Nala, Adrian, Landon, Corey, and Peter—and fell into place behind them as they walked toward the door. Unlike the necromancers in the group—who looked like street sluts—they were wrapped from head to toe in designer duds. I cut a sideways peek at Disco and Paine, admiring the view. They matched in black Armani suits, the tailored fit displaying their broad, muscular shoulders.

  The monstrosity of a home before of us was totally out of place. Whoever designed it obviously had a hard-on for all things Southern. I’d seen my share of antebellum mansions, and this one was a beauty with columns, wide windows, and an intricate terrace on the third floor. Goosebumps spread down my neck, warning me vampires were inside—vampires and necromancers. I couldn’t do a headcount. There were too many, their combined power too potent. Someone was waiting to open the front door as we started up the stairs. I couldn’t see inside, but I could hear music spilling from a piano, the key strokes haunting and eerie.

  I took a deep breath, cursing the horrible stilettos Marius had given me. I wasn’t good in heels and it showed. Each step was slow and calculated, ensuring I didn’t bust my ass and make a fool of myself. They filtered in—Disco and his entire family—before Goose and I stepped past the threshold.

  Holy shit.

  The décor was a blast from the past. Tapestries adorned the walls, hardwood floors creaked beneath our feet, and the ceilings were adorned with crown molding and intricate designs. Large mirrors on each wall reflected our progression, making the large foyer appear endless.

  I tried to shake off the hum that entered my body: a natural reaction from one necromancer to another. Dear God, how many were inside this place? A dozen? Possibly more? I knew several purveyors of the dead would accompany their masters, but I hadn’t anticipated just how many vampires had been invited to the soirée.

  How many necromancers could you fit into a mansion? Apparently, a shitload.

  My thoughts were redirected to something else, something that caused my eyes to bulge. It was a good thing I worked in a strip club, otherwise I might have been shocked. Nude men and women stood on either side of us, collared necks bent, eyes lowered. Some of them had devices over their private parts. Others were as bare as they day they were born. They didn’t move a muscle as we strode past, as though they were living, breathing statues.

  Slaves, I realized. Each and every one. Jesus.

  The temptation to reach out to Disco and ask what the fuck was going on was strong, but I squelched the impulse. This was nothing. Not even a blip on the fucking radar. My test was yet to come. If I failed here, screw advancing to the final exam.

  Voices overcame the tones of the piano, coming closer as we walked beneath a double winding staircase. I called on all the courage I had left, reminding myself that I’d survived hell in the past and the future. Wimping out was not an option.

  The family parted when we came to an entranceway. I hesitated until Disco motioned me forward. Together we went—me, Disco, Marius, and Paine. The room we entered was a formal dining room with a huge table in the shape of a horseshoe. Marius guided us to the center until we stood in the middle of the vampires seated at our sides. I glanced around, noting the necromancers standing at the walls—each of them at the back of who I assumed were their vampire masters—including Sonja. Vampires were clothed in the same fashion as Disco and the rest of his family, in modern and expensive designer duds. Doing a quick headcount, I discovered there were twenty vampires in attendance, minus the half-demons seated at the head of the table in front of us.

  “The guest of honor has arrived.”

  I peered past Marius and met the brilliant, emerald green eyes of the blond vampire who had spoken. The power coming from him nearly set me on my ass. Tangible even across the distance, I saw darkness and hell at a g
lance.

  Oh, God. Revenald.

  There was a connection between us, something that simmered in my blood—blood that had been passed down to Marius and his fledglings.

  The blood I’d taken from Disco and Paine.

  His gaze was consuming, filtering past my composure, searching for my deepest, darkest secrets. He was a version of Ray Bradshaw in half-demon form, something that never should have been brought into existence.

  I thought I was prepared for this.

  I was wrong.

  “Yes, Sire,” Marius replied and moved aside. “Allow me to present the newest servant in your home, Rhiannon Murphy.”

  “Servant?” Revenald laughed. “She’s not a servant. She quakes at the moment because she doesn’t know how to react, but if cornered she’d attack without question. A she-cat with claws sheathed until she has no choice but to defend herself.” He closed his eyes and inhaled deeply, nostrils narrowing. After a moment, he released the breath, opened his brilliant green eyes—eyes that were clouded with ecstasy—and said, “Beneath her fear is anger and defiance. The most profound I’ve ever experienced in a familiar.”

  “And you think you can control her?” the man seated next to Revenald asked. I glanced at the conversation intruder. He was dark where Revenald was light. His hair inky black, his eyes the same shade of green as Revenald’s. “Likely she’d cut your throat while you slept.”

  “My house is the most powerful in New York for a reason, Anton,” Revenald replied in a manner that indicated Anton’s insult didn’t bother him in the slightest. “Before the night is over, Rhiannon Murphy will prove her loyalty to me and mine or perish for her insolence. This is the way I govern, the way I maintain control. You are a guest this evening, but if you continue in this manner, you threaten your welcome.”

  “A threat?” Anton mocked.

  “A warning.” Revenald was unruffled, cool as a cucumber. “Observe my ways and listen. You might learn something.”

  “By all means, instruct me.”

  “Don’t you want to dine beforehand?” Revenald motioned at the place settings before him. I took a quick look around. The vampires had glasses of blood to consume. The half-demons, it seemed, had different appetites.

  “Did you find the delicacy I requested?”

  “Of course.”

  Anton’s blue eyes gleamed. “Pure and fresh?”

  “Absolutely. I tasted her beforehand. She’s untouched.”

  They weren’t talking about cattle. They were talking about a person.

  A human.

  Shit.

  Revenald waved his hand and slaves filtered in, nude and pushing carts. Two golden bowls adorned the carts, each one full of sliced meat of some kind. I detected an odor I’d rather not have smelled—metallic and bitter. Blood.

  “Brace yourself. No matter what you see do not interrupt, do not speak, and do not move.” Disco’s mental order was reinforced by an odd push, as though he cemented the command in my mind.

  “Sauce?” Revenald asked when a bowl was placed in front of Anton.

  Anton pulled a thick, cloth napkin from its holder and flicked it open. “It wouldn’t be a proper meal without it.”

  Revenald waved his hand again. “As you wish.”

  I wanted to turn when I heard muffled screams. The only thing that prevented me from doing so was the knowledge that if I did, I was as good as dead. I’d been in horrible situations before, but nothing like this. Tonight wasn’t about my morality—right or wrong—but about staying alive.

  I lowered my gaze when another cart came into my line of vision, a young girl strapped to the surface. I didn’t want to know how old she was—although, I guessed she was in her early teens—and I didn’t want to think about her suffering before she crossed to the other side. Yet I did see a flash of white—the bone of her left leg revealed all the way to the femur due to the missing flesh and meat.

  Tears burned my eyes when they loosed the tourniquet at the top of her thigh, releasing a stream of blood that collected in a gold gravy boat. She screamed against the gag in her mouth, her misery too fucking much to take. Damn me to hell, I couldn’t do a fucking thing. She was strapped to a table, doomed to die, and I was allowing it to happen.

  “Stop,” Disco instructed, pulling me from my train of thought. “You said you could do this, so do it. I warned you. I told you how tonight would be. Even if you tried to save the girl it’s too late. She’ll never survive the blood loss.”

  Yes, he had told me how horrible tonight would be, but he hadn’t told me it would be like this.

  Dear Lord, please help me.

  I stemmed a wave of tears, grieving for the child destined to die, angry at myself. I wouldn’t run when Disco asked. I’d refused to listen when he’d told me Revenald would break me. This was my penance, my penalty for my decision. If I didn’t do as I promised, everyone I loved would suffer. And what kind of person did that make me? Someone who would sacrifice others for those they loved? I pushed the questions aside, doing what Disco told me, knowing it was too late to turn back.

  The nude slaves who had collected the girl’s blood tightened the tourniquet and to my relief no squeal followed. I peered at her through my lashes, grateful to see she had passed out. The slave closest to Revenald and Anton placed a dish in front of each of the men and poured the blood on top of what I realized was human flesh, the red liquid as thick as treacle.

  They picked up their forks—also gold—and prodded at their meal. I bowed my head, unable to watch, even though I could hear disgusting slurps and the distinct rings of utensils banging against metal. My mind and stomach rebelled against what I knew was taking place, of what they were eating. Half-demons were repulsive creatures, things that needed to be destroyed. I almost grasped my chest—desperate to touch the amulet that was no longer there. Like a junkie needing her next fix, I yearned for the comfort the stone provided, for the peace that settled over me when I called upon its power.

  In an instant, those thoughts evaporated. Time seemed to stand still, to become something else. Calm surrounded me, overshadowing my sense of dread. Like a beloved child’s blanket, the sensation cocooned me, wrapping me in lulling beams of peace and serenity. Warm air brushed my face as the sun caressed my skin. I listened to the ocean waves crashing onto the shore, rocking back and forth in a strange state that was neither here nor there. If I looked up, the beach would greet me. The one place I could always seek when I needed to ground myself in something no one could take away.

  My special place...

  “Rhiannon,” Paine whispered in my ear and touched my elbow. “It’s time to go.”

  I shook my head, breaking free of the heavenly stupor, coming back to a room full of standing vampires and two half-demons. Revenald lifted a questioning brow as Anton grinned, watching as though they knew my secret.

  What the hell had just happened?

  Disco cleared his throat, moving closer to me. When I met Paine’s gaze, he glanced at Disco and I realized that Disco had taken over my thoughts, channeling them into something I could control, contorting evil into something beautiful. It was in that moment I finally grasped just how powerful my lover truly was. Not only had he taken me from a moment beyond what I could stand, he had made time stand still. And more importantly, he had made me enjoy it. Bask in it.

  Yearn for it.

  Holy fucking shit.

  As the vampires left the room—one by one with their servants falling into place behind them—I waited for our turn. I felt as though I’d been dumped in a time warp. How long had I stood there in front of the flesh-eating bastards? Staring at the floor like a douchetard? Had Revenald and Anton noticed my emotional withdrawal? Would Disco be in danger because I couldn’t keep my shit together?

  Like everything lately, the answers had to wait.

  We exited the room and walked down a hall encased with mirrors, floor to ceiling. The effect was dizzying, forcing me to look ahead to maintain my balance.
<
br />   Goddamn five-inch stilettos.

  Within seconds, the group stopped in the center of two entranceways—one on the left and one on the right. To our left was an enormous, empty ballroom. I glanced at it, noting the wooden floors and empty space, when gasps and moans drew my attention. Turning to the left, I stared in shock at what was nothing less than full-on porn. Another ballroom was on the other side, full of mirrors, complete with sexual equipment I couldn’t begin to identify. Nude men and woman were strapped onto several of the devices, blindfolded with all kinds of vicious things affixed to their bodies. The women’s nipples had turned blood red thanks to nasty-looking clamps; the men’s penises engorged despite horrific looking metal fixtures protruding from the tips. I gaped at the scene before me, telling myself it was some horrific nightmare.

  “That room isn’t for you.” Revenald’s chin brushed his shoulder as he turned to me. “You passed up that option. Too late to change your mind now.”

  He waved his hand to the empty room to the left. As we strolled into the enormous space, I didn’t know if leaving behind nude people with their orifices defiled in all sorts of hellish ways was a blessing or a curse. My mind was no longer functioning on a rational level. For fuck’s sake, who needed rational when they boarded a train to insanity? All that was missing were the Oompa Loompas and Willy-fucking-Wonka.

  Revenald glided to three chairs placed against the far wall with Anton on his heels. Despite the fact that Marius started forward, only Disco and Paine followed the half-demons, the rest of the family and Goose going to stand along the wall on the opposite side of the room. The remaining vampires moved to do the same, standing a few feet from the wall, their servants directly behind them.

  A firm nudge from Paine’s hand on my lower back informed me I needed to stay close. I nearly plastered myself to Paine’s side, fighting back the urge to cling to him like a terrified child. I took a peripheral peek from the corner of my eyes, getting a layout of the place. There were two doors, directly across from each other, on the far sides of the room.