I wait for the vampire to turn her attention to me. She never does.
Glittering black eyes remain on Logan. Flirtation twists the corners of her mouth. “What is a handsome young Guardian like you doing at a party full of lesser demons?”
It’s no surprise Isabella marked him as a Guardian. Demons can smell the difference between ordinary humans and members of the Shadowguard. It makes hunting them that much more difficult. They tend to run away when they sense us.
“We’re friends of Victor’s.” Logan releases her hand and straightens his back.
“Really?” Her eyes widen slightly. “I didn’t know Victor is friends with members of the Shadowguard, especially not one so handsome.” She doesn’t even try to hide the fact she’s checking him out.
Give me a break.
“What can I say? Victor likes to surround himself with good looking people.” Logan’s stare lands pointedly on me.
I take a breath and don my enchanting personal before Isabella finally turns and deigns to look my direction.
Almost immediately, her forehead furrows. Confusion twists her lips as she takes me in.
“Is something wrong?” I ask, forcing myself not to show my discomfort, but her stares make me want to fidget.
She purses her lips. “What are you?”
“Pardon?”
Isabella waves a hand over the length of my body. “I cannot sense your species.”
Really?
Does that mean she thinks I’m human? Or something else?
“Really?” Logan voices my question, unable to hide his surprise.
Isabella’s onyx eyes don’t leave me when she confirms, “Really. I detect nothing.”
I’d be a fool not to wonder if my lack of scent is somehow connected to my lack of magic. Logic dictates the odds are very high.
“Isabella, I hope you’re not being rude to my new friends,” an accented voice that’s smooth as silk and warm as freshly brewed coffee travels through the air, caressing my ears.
“Of course not,” Isabella replies with a deferential dip of her head.
Somewhat lulled into a daze, I turn slowly and meet the deep and enigmatic eyes of the newcomer.
Sharp, angular cheekbones and a strong jawline give him an otherworldly appearance. That, and the unnatural paleness of his skin. Without anyone saying a thing, I know I’m looking at Victor Bloodbane—the top vampire in the five states surrounding New York. Arguably, he’s also the most powerful vampire in all of the United States and Canada.
My least favorite instructor, Kevin Jones, spent an entire class period discussing hierarchy in the vampiric community. Since we’re nearest to the New York coven, he’d discussed Victor at length. Apparently, the leader’s birth happened between the years 1782-1786, but no one has an exact date. And judging from his relatively youthful appearance, his transformation probably occurred in his late twenties to early thirties.
Age and the nature of a vampire’s transformation greatly impact how powerful any given vampire can be. Victor was transformed by one of the most powerful vampires to ever exist in human history, Lady Celeste Moreau.
No one ever found a record of her birth, but its suspected Bloody Celeste began dominating vampiric and lycan communities in the 1200s. There isn’t a vampire alive who doesn’t have some association with one of Celeste’s many descendants. The most notable, of course, being Victor.
Despite the array of information swirling in my mind, I take care to ensure my face reveals none of it. My expression is impassive, if not a little intrigued by the striking lesser demon before me.
Victor Bloodbane, a creature who should strike nothing but fear and loathing within me, holds my attention. I tell myself I imagine the flash of surprise flickering across his expression. I blink, and his features are casual and carefree. His lips turn up into a breathtaking smile. I barely notice his fangs.
“Guardian Hendricks, I did not know you planned on bringing a date. Not to mention, one so lovely.” Victor’s attention shifts off me as he looks over my shoulder, and I feel several intrigued and curious stares shift our way.
No doubt, all the lesser demons who heard Logan’s name know who his father is. The information has the potential to mark us either as threats, or trustworthy and honorable guests. I really can’t guess at the crowd’s perception. A quick glance reveals it’s filled with expressions varying from shocked to indifferent to intrigued.
A warm hand presses against the small of my back, shooting sparks across the bare skin. I hadn’t noticed Logan close the distance between us. Now that I know, I’m acutely aware of his body’s warmth.
“Victor,” Logan greets smoothly. “Allow me to introduce Aspen Van der Klay, my mentee.” Logan told me we’d be using our real names during the mission. He’d assured me none of the lesser demons would report our presence to the Shadowguard. Not only do they not feel like the owe the supervising organization their loyalty, but Victor’s parties are known for their discretion. All guests are expected to adhere to the unspoken rule, and those who don’t are dealt with.
Whatever that means.
“A Van der Klay?” Victor’s ebony eyebrows rise. “Charles and Vivian’s child?”
“Adopted child,” I find my voice, proud when it doesn’t waver. Reminding myself of my purpose here, I don what I hope to be a flirtatious smile and say, “It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Bloodbane.” I hold my hand out like I’d seen Isabella do.
Light dances in his eyes as Victor kisses the back of my hand. “The pleasure is all mine, I’m sure.” He straightens but doesn’t release me. I remain as I am, not showing any sign of discomfort. His skin is smooth and surprisingly warm. “And please, call me Victor.”
“Victor,” I repeat, my smile turning coy.
Logan told me Victor’s known to like pretty, confident women, but he’s just as easily smitten with those who vacillate between confident and demure.
Shadowguard intelligence is exhaustive and includes information I never would’ve considered important. But the more you know about a potential adversary, the better you are able to handle them.
“I trust you are enjoying yourself?” Victor takes a step closer to me, undeterred by what can only be described as Logan’s territorial gesture. He’d basically laid claim to me when he touched my back. It’d been part of the plan. Victor is also known for enjoying a chase. And what makes a more thrilling chase than someone who’s claimed?
“Very much,” I confirm, aware of the fact I’m sandwiched between two handsome guys, and one still holds my hand tightly in his grasp. “Your home is gorgeous.”
“As are you.”
I can’t help but smile. With that face, accent, and compliments, I doubt there’s a woman alive who can resist Victor’s charm. Vampire or not.
Logan clears his throat. “Perhaps you can take us on a tour? I’m sure Aspen would enjoy seeing the rooftop terrace.”
The last tendrils of my daze dissipate, and sharpness returns with the mention of the rooftop. That’s where we were supposed to meet Victor after he made his entrance. Speaking with us so early hadn’t been part of the plan. At least, not the plan Logan had shared in the car.
Victor releases my hand. “That sounds like a marvelous idea. My lady?” He turns and offers me his arm.
Normal Aspen would look at Logan for approval, but this Aspen is supposed to be self-assured and flirtatious. I slip my hand into the crook of Victor’s elbow, feeling Logan’s hand fall away as I step closer to the vampire. I marvel at the fact I haven’t stumbled in my heels once. I’m really nailing this.
“Is that wise, Sir?” Isabella’s musical voice ends its recent bout of silence. “Many of your guests are waiting for the honor of a greeting.” Her dark gaze glance meaningfully at the trio of massive werewolf shifters standing on the other side of the room. I catch the golden gaze of the guy who’d led the group in.
A predatory gleam enters his eye as he notices my attention. Then, he gives me a bold
wink. Determined to maintain my enticing façade, I give him a smirk, then force my attention away.
“Everything I do is wise, Isabella.” Victor’s other hand finds its way to rest on top of mine. “As my second, I trust you to entertain my guests until my return.”
His second?
I assess Isabella with new respect and a healthy dose of caution.
“Of course.” Once again, she dips her chin. Without another word, Isabella glides across the room, her hips swaying beneath the violet dress.
“Shall we?”
I look back at Victor. He gives me another stunning smile. Over his shoulder, I see Logan has already taken a step to the door.
I return my attention to Victor and smile with false enthusiasm. “Yes. Let’s.”
Chapter Seven
The crowd parts as Victor guides me through the gallery and the foyer. Logan is a step behind. I keep my eyes trained forward, not meeting any of the curious stares, despite the fact Logan’s sigil lets me hear their whispered remarks.
“Why is a Guardian here?”
“What business does Victor have with the Head Minister’s son?”
“Who’s the girl?”
“Five bags of blood says Victor beds her before the night is over.”
The last one makes me blanch, but I’m proud of myself for not turning to see who made the disgusting bet. Disgusting in more ways than one.
From the corner of my eye, I see Logan stiffen, leading me to believe he heard the remark too. But, like me, he keeps his composure.
We reach a wide, marble staircase. An inky black carpet runs down the center, providing some much-needed friction to prevent people from slipping. With my head held high, I ascend the stairs without relying on Victor for any support. My hand rests gently on his elbow, and I feign interest as he points out several pieces of artwork that line the wall adjacent to the stairs. Logan remains a silent shadow.
We reach the third landing. Instead of continuing up more flights of stairs to reach the roof, Victor turns down a quiet hallway. No guests have journeyed beyond the second floor. Logan doesn’t object to the change of destination, so neither do I.
Heavy oak doors inlaid with elegant carvings appear at the end of the hall. Victor slips a hand into his tuxedo jacket, pulling out an iron skeleton key. With one hand, he unlocks the door and we step inside.
Victor leaves me in the center of the room, which I now suspect is his private office, and goes to shut and lock the door behind us. If it weren’t for Logan’s steady presence, I’d be panicking. This far from the party, I doubt anyone would hear a call for help should things turn south.
I fold my hands in front of my body, tilting my head as I take in the thick leather volumes on the shelf across the room. Logan steps forward and stands at my side.
When Victor turns around, his posture is tense. “Thank you for agreeing to come on such short notice.”
“It’s my job,” Logan replies.
Victor scowls. “Tell that to your Shadowguard council. I’ve been telling them about my missing brethren for months, and not one person has stepped forward to help.”
“So it’s true,” I breathe. “Vampires are going missing.” Just like Guardians.
When Logan told me the purpose of our mission, I’d struggled to believe him. What could demons possibly want with vampires? They’re lesser demons—their strength can’t compare to a mundane demon. Why would they bother with the inferior race?
Logan hadn’t given me an answer. Actually, it was more like he couldn’t give me an answer.
Logan doesn’t understand the mundane demon’s motive. That’s what we’re here to find out.
Victor’s eyes shift to mine. His expression hardens, a total contrast to the attentive and flirtatious male from the gallery. “I don’t like the fact you’ve brought your mentee to such a sensitive meeting.”
Logan shrugs, as if upsetting the most powerful vampire in New York is of no consequence to him. “Aspen needs training. Besides, she knows all about what I’m here to discuss with you.”
The vampire eyes me up and down before gliding to the cherry wood desk. He leans back, motioning for us to sit in the high-backed leather chairs in front of him. “You’ve piqued my interest.”
Logan strides forward and sits down with a confidence I can only hope to one day master.
I lift my chin and follow his path to the chairs. Inside, I’m a whirling mess of anxiety and confusion, but I remind myself of my purpose here. I’m a distraction. Logan thinks Victor will hide things from us, and it’s my job to try and loosen his tongue. This is the first breakthrough we’ve had in our mission, and I’ll be damned if I let this opportunity slip through our fingers.
With that thought in mind, I take a seat, intentionally crossing my legs so the dress rides up, exposing my toned thigh. Triumph floods my veins when Victor’s gaze noticeably flickers to the exposed skin.
Instructor Jones told us how hypersexual the vampire race is compared to other demon races. The only group to best them in the category are succubi and incubi. Not surprising, considering sexual energy is what the latter groups need to survive.
I’m thankful my Intro to Demonology teacher is so thorough in his instruction. He might be an ass, but at least he knows his stuff.
“Months ago,” Logan draws the vampire’s attention back to him, “a group of academy students and Guardians attended a concert in the city when a hoard of demons decided to attack. I’m sure you heard about it.”
Victor nods. “Indeed, a most unfortunate event. Although, rumors say there were no casualties or—”
“Abductions,” Logan finishes for him. “That’s correct.”
Victor crosses his arms and frowns. “Then tell me, how does this relate to my missing vampires?”
“Because though no abductions were documented that evening, it was not due to lack of trying. Mundane demons infiltrated the bar with the hopes of abducting students and Guardians alike.”
The vampire’s brows lift with disbelief. “You believe mundane demons are organized enough to try and stage kidnappings of Guardians?” It’s clear from his tone that he finds the idea ridiculous.
I clear my throat. “They are when they answer to a higher demon.”
Victor stiffens. “Pardon?”
Logan jumps in. “Higher demons are pulling the strings. For months, Guardians have been reported missing, but the Shadowguard is keeping the information from the public. When I heard about your missing vampires, I suspected the two might be related.”
I watch for Victor’s reaction. He’s tense—definitely surprised. He can’t believe mundane demons capable of not only attempting, but actually succeeding, in abducting Guardians.
But he’s also considering the facts. His lips are pursed in thought, and he watches Logan with great care, looking for any sign of deceit or ulterior motive.
Finding none, he exhales. “To what end? Why would a higher demon order mundanes to capture vampires and Guardians?”
This is it.
I look at Logan.
This is the part where we tell Victor what we saw at the junkyard.
This is the part where we blow the lid off the secret Head Minister Hendricks demanded we never share with another soul.
This is where we put his career and my future career are on the line.
I hope the risk is worth it.
Logan and I have been investigating on our own for weeks, and we’re no closer to figuring out how to stop the demons and their evil plans. We can’t turn to other Guardians for help, not without fearing they will report us to the Head Minister.
But a vampire—the leader of a race of lesser demons? He won’t turn us in. He has no love for the organization who oversees and controls his people on pain of death.
If we play our cards right, Logan and I can gain an influential ally. Victor and his coven can help us figure out how to stop the demons. They can gain intelligence that an academy student and Guardian could
never obtain.
It’s not like Logan and I can walk into the notorious clubs and bars which cater to different demon races. Not without raising suspicion.
Not to mention, the Shadowguard monitors those locations on a regular basis. We’d be silenced by Logan’s dad before we ever learned anything of use.
But with Victor’s help, our chance of stopping the demons’ heinous crimes rises exponentially. We just need to persuade him to trust us. And to believe us.
Logan meets my eye. I don’t know what he sees, but his face hardens with resolve. “Because mundane demons are intentionally transforming Guardians into demons,” he confesses the truth, putting the fate of our mission in Victor’s hands. “Aspen and I saw one of the warehouses where they kept the abducted Guardians.”
Victor shoves off the desk in the blink of an eye. His face twists in a disbelieving scowl, and his fangs are bared. “You lie.”
Logan doesn’t so much as flinch. “I wish I were.”
Victor’s lips conceal his fangs. He watches Logan warily, not sure if he can believe him, but not totally convinced he can’t, either. “The Guardian bloodline makes your kind resistant to such transformations,” Victor states, crossing his arms. “Why would demons risk incurring the Shadowguard’s wrath on such a pointless endeavor?”
My eyes widen. I look at Logan. “Is that true?”
“Out of respect for you, I will confide a secret the Shadowguard has never wanted any demon to know,” Logan speaks to Victor, ignoring my question. “Our kind has a natural aversion to demon transformations, it is true. But there are times when we’re dosed with demon venom that transformation begins in our bodies. The Shadowguard ends those Guardians’ lives out of mercy. Before the warehouse, I’ve never seen a Guardian successfully transformed into a demon. But it’s true. It’s been done.”
Just the thought of turning into one of the horrible monsters makes my hands tremble. I clutch them together in my lap.
Victor watches Logan. Once again, he searches for any deception. “You think my missing vampires are connected to your transformed Guardians.”
It’s not a question, but Logan still answers. “Yes. I don’t know why, and I don’t know how. But my gut tells me the two are related. I wouldn’t be surprised if we later learned other races of lesser demons have also been going missing.”
Demon Marked: Shadowguard Academy Book 2 Page 6