“I may be able to help you if you tell me which ward it is and what you want to know about the individual,” Vivien suggests. “Is it one of the coven members? We haven’t heard of any concerns.”
I shake my head. “I’m unsure if the problem is with a coven member or not, at this point. It’s something that I must speak to Loren about. I’m sure you can appreciate the discretion. I’m hoping this matter will be easily cleared up after I gain some more knowledge.”
She nods slightly, obviously wondering if her leader is in trouble and what sort it could possibly be. Or which ward could be the one responsible for it. “He has a rather full day, as I’m sure you understand. I will tell him of your presence, but I’m not certain he’ll be able to meet with you right now, or anytime soon.”
“That’s fine. We’re willing to wait,” I tell her.
“I’m certain he wouldn’t normally keep one such as yourself waiting, but your visit is a surprise,” she says, a light scolding.
“I do not expect more than the consideration of his time.”
Vivien looks serious as she lightly says, “You claim to be the daimon Peitho and this is Prince Hunter of the Green Dragons. Can you confirm this or show us, in some way, your trustworthiness? Do you have any vampire contacts who could recommend you to us?”
“I do not currently have any vampire contacts, and neither does my consort,” I tell her evenly, wondering what she’s playing at.
A small smile curves around her mouth. “Human identifications do not hold much weight behind them here, you understand.”
“Yes—” I begin to say, but another vampire walks into the room.
This one is of medium size with lush dark brown hair in a side ponytail, light blue eyes, and dressed in a black dress with jewelry not as large or fine as Vivien’s. This means she’s of a lower rank. Not surprising, since Vivien is Loren’s second. To be above her would mean this woman would have to be related or married to Loren.
“Yum. I sensed you from the other room, and had to see who was giving off such a delectable scent,” she says with eyes closed and face dreamy.
“Fleur, they are not food, but guests for the coven leader,” Vivien snaps. “I’ll ask you to treat them as such.”
The woman, Fleur, gives a little pout. “Do the two have to be mutually exclusive?”
I can’t help but give a grin at that, and seeing it, Fleur smiles back. “I’m Peitho, daimon of persuasion and seduction, and consort to Prince Hunter of the Green Dragons. I’ve come here to talk to your coven leader.”
“I am Fleur, a member of the European Coven. It’s no wonder I smelled the scent of sex, if you’re the daimon of seduction. You smell simply divine, like nights full of lovemaking and all kinds of pleasures. I’m drunk off you without even taking a true taste,” Fleur tells me happily, sitting down close to me on the couch. “Would you enjoy spending a night with me?”
Vivien frowns and is about to scold, but I hold a hand up to her.
“I’m glad that my aura gives you such pleasure. It is my greatest joy to feel and give others happiness,” I tell her. “Unfortunately, I am currently in a monogamous relationship with Hunter, Prince of the Green Dragons. If not, I’d surely take you up on your most generous offer.”
Fleur pouts lightly but says, “Your aura speaks to us. I hope you look me up when you’re not otherwise engaged.”
“Is that enough proof as to who I am?” I ask Vivien.
She frowns a little. “Yes, I will consider it enough proof that you are who you say you are. That still doesn’t prove that you and your consort are trustworthy. Since we have not met you before, you must expect us to be uneasy in your presence.”
The lovely vampire paranoia.
“I can give you references,” I tell her. “Perhaps one of the gods or goddesses whom you’re familiar with? Will that be satisfactory?”
Vivien shakes her head. “No good. If they are not vampires then their word means less than nothing in this instance.”
I narrow my eyes slightly. “I am unsure how to prove this to you, then.”
“I must tell Celeste that you’re here, Peitho. She has traveled more than most of us and spent time in the Siren and Merman Kingdom. I believe she’s heard your name there, though it was many centuries ago that she last visited,” Fleur interrupts abruptly.
“I would be very pleased to meet your companion,” I tell her.
“I hope I’m not being too forward, but let me tell you that Celeste will not be disappointed at all once she meets you. I’ll go get her,” Fleur says, standing up from the couch and walking quickly from the room, stopping at the door to wink at Vivien and say, “Don’t do anything without me.”
Hunter and I turn to one another in suspicion. I’m not sure what Vivien is trying to angle for, but I’m not pleased by this turn of events at all. I know vampires are a suspicious and closely held group of individuals, but credentials like ours don’t come along every day. I guess something should be said for a species that doesn’t fall over themselves and make special allowances for royalty, but in this instance, I really wish they would.
“You’ll have to forgive Fleur, she’s young, but from one of our oldest families,” Vivien tells us.
This is a polite way for her to tell us that Fleur is a spoiled vampire heiress. I can’t say I’m overly surprised by this revelation. Even though she is wearing more understated jewelry, it is still of good quality.
I nod at her easily. “No offense was taken by her enthusiasm. After spending days at the nearby shifter convention, you can imagine it would take much to insult me at this point.”
Vivien and I share a completely superior smile, even though I’m just trying to connect with her and don’t actually believe my words. “I completely understand you, Peitho. I’ve never spent extensive time with any of the shifters, but I’ve heard enough about their savagery and lack of manners to expect someone like you can’t have enjoyed their company.”
“Indeed, I’m so happy to be around civilized individuals again.” I sniff daintily.
Hunter, next to me, stiffens slightly. When I peek at him from the corner of my eye, I see that he’s fighting a little grin. I can’t help but feel a little satisfied that he knows I’m not being truthful. Couples, even fake ones, should really show others a united front.
“How did you find the company, Dragon, since I’m sure you’re used to less sophisticated gatherings?” Vivien finally turns to Hunter, but looks at him from down her nose.
Hunter answers, “It was like being around a weaker version of dragons. They do enjoy some of the same pastimes of fighting, burping, and eating that we do, though.”
I wonder if she’ll hear the sarcasm in his voice, but when she nods disdainfully, I realize she’s taking his words truthfully. Only an idiot who hasn’t been around other supernatural species would think that he’s being serious.
“Loren has little patience for the less sophisticated supernatural species. He may request that your dragon stay outside for your meeting with him,” Vivien explains.
I frown a little. “That may not work well for us. The questions we have to ask him are from both of us. It is something that concerns my consort as well as myself.”
Vivien gives me a level stare that I’m sure she supposes I must find intimidating. It’s unfortunate for her that I’ve been given that look for all of my life. No one makes me back down. Some say it’s because I’m brave, while most believe I’m stupid. Either way, when you get the glare from Ares after sleeping with one of his soldiers and making him useless in battle, it’s much more frightening than Vivien’s rather weak copy.
“I’ll see what can be done about that. Of course, you won’t want to anger Master Loren,” Vivien says with a sniff.
“No, of course we don’t want to insult him in any way, but this is a very important matter that both of us must address. I’m sure once it’s explained to him, he’ll understand. Hunter will do his utmost to present proper mann
ers. He is a royal dragon, and therefore better than most you’ve probably seen or heard of,” I tell her, and send a silent apology to Hunter at the condescending words.
Her eyes flick to him. “Indeed, he does appear to be well groomed and well versed in our traditions. As long as he continues to behave well, I’m sure there will be few problems. It all depends on how accommodating a mood Loren is in.”
“I completely understand; you can’t control how your coven leader is feeling at any given time.”
Vivien’s eyes narrow at me slightly. “You should also know that our master makes no allowances for outsiders and doesn’t change his behavior for them. If you show that you’re uncomfortable, it will be an insult to him.”
“I’m aware of this, but thank you for telling me. I can assure you that any way we see him will be appreciated, no matter the circumstances. We all have our particular natures, after all,” I say.
“Then you are both mostly prepared to see him.”
Before I can ask how we’re unprepared, Fleur reenters the room with two new companions. There’s one who’s obviously human, as he looks around forty, and a woman who is clearly a vampire. The woman has long, wavy blonde hair and large brown eyes. They seem to light up when she sees me. She’s dressed in a green gown that’s chic and timeless. She has an elaborate necklace of emeralds, pearls, and diamonds. There are matching earrings to go with it, as well as a ring and bracelet.
“Hello, Peitho! It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance. I’m Celeste.” The woman steps forward and places her hand in mine to be kissed, which I comply with. “This is my human, Owen.”
I look to the man for closer inspection. He doesn’t look as if he’s malnourished, but I suspect that the humans here are kept in style, if overlooked. Though he looks around forty, he seems well preserved, with few laugh lines.
“Darling, I’ve heard so many wonderful things about you. Fleur told me how lovely you taste, and I’ll admit that I thought she exaggerated. She didn’t at all! I believe I could feast on you for eternity and never grow bored,” Celeste says, and I smile, taking her comment as the compliment that it was clearly intended as.
“Celeste, I already told you that she’s off limits for now. Hopefully she’ll come visit us as soon as she’s free again. Trust me, Peitho, you would be well taken care of here. We’d have the greatest of fun,” Fleur says to me with a lusty smile.
I can’t help but believe her words. I’m sure we would all have an extremely satisfactory time. “I’m sorry, but I’m currently in a monogamous relationship. Of course, when I’m not, you’ll be the first I contact. I’m sure it would be a most interesting experience.”
“Oh, believe me, it would be.” Fleur nods eagerly.
Celeste smiles. “Your flavor reminds me of the sirens, but so much stronger and more concentrated! You make them seem so pale in comparison, when among our kind they’re seen as a delicacy.”
“You flatter me.”
“It’s only the truth! Is this the lucky man you’re currently with?” Celeste asks, nodding her head to Hunter.
I answer quickly, “Yes, sorry for not introducing you sooner. This is Hunter, Prince of the Green Dragons. I have been with him most recently.”
“Ah, yes, the six-month tradition.” Celeste nods knowingly.
“Exactly.”
Fleur frowns slightly. “I know that six months shouldn’t seem long to me, for I have and will still live so long a life, but the wait seems like torture at this very moment.”
Celeste laughs indulgently at her. “You may borrow Owen if needed, as long as he is amiable.”
Fleur looks at the man in question. “My tastes run more to the feminine.”
I turn to Vivien, and she shrugs slightly to me. “Each of us has different preferences when it comes to companions. If they are purely a food source, we cannot afford to be nearly as picky.”
I can’t help but agree with that one. Since Celeste is offering her current human to Fleur, I can only assume that she doesn’t have one of her own. This means that she borrows from the vampires who don’t mind sharing, and the humans who don’t mind being shared. There are few kept around vampire households who are not particular to one vampire, but also don’t have an extended life because of it. I’m sure some vampires have close relationships to their humans, while others see certain ones only as food and a means of energy.
Owen turns to Celeste and says, “I’d prefer to stay with you.”
Celeste nods soothingly to them both. “There, it all works out for everyone. Neither of you really want the other.”
I can’t help but think that didn’t come out right.
“It seems that you’ve done well for yourself. He looks very strong and like he has good endurance,” Fleur comments after looking Hunter up and down.
I see him biting his cheeks, probably in an attempt to not laugh. I don’t feel possessive of him, or jealous that he’s amused and she’s admiring his body. In fact, those feelings that rise up in me are probably more alarming than any of those. I feel an odd amount of pride that they approve of my choice and see him as a fine male specimen. It shouldn’t matter. He won’t be around long enough for it to matter.
“Thank you, he does please me, for the most part.” I nod and accept her compliment, since it was directed toward me.
“Yes, he is lovely,” Vivien says, drawing everyone’s attention to her. “There’s still the matter of her and her consort being unproven. They don’t know any vampires who can speak on their behalf.”
Celeste and Fleur’s expressions turn eager.
“You never told me what the alternative would be,” I point out, suspicious.
“The simplest way to prove yourselves is to allow us to feed from you. We get certain benefits from feeding from someone. This includes being able to tell their intent toward us,” Vivien says with a small, anticipatory smile.
Hunter quickly shakes his head and says, “No way.”
All three women turn to him with sudden distaste. Before he spoke out, they all considered him a nicely trained pet. Now, they’re seeing flaws in his routine. I give him a look for their benefit, and to remind him that he’s supposed to be following my lead. Granted, I don’t want to agree to it either, let alone promise something of him that he’s not willing to give.
“Is that the only way?” I ask.
Vivien nods. “We need to confirm that you’re not a threat to our master before we allow you to meet with him. So yes, at this point, it’s the fastest means of doing so. That is, if you want to meet with him today, or even in the next few days.”
“That would be preferable,” I murmur thoughtfully. “I thought you had been feeding off of me already? Off of my lust vibes?”
“Oh no.” Fleur shakes her head emphatically. “We’ve just been getting light tastes of it, leaking from your aura.”
I frown further. “If I let you drink from me, will my word count for my consort as well?”
They look to one another and silently communicate. I glance to where Owen has faded off in a corner of the room. He listens as well, but his face is rather impassive, as if he’s seen all of this before. His gaze follows Celeste, and though it was apparent she doesn’t mind sharing him, he appears rather attached to her. I wonder if all humans are seen in the same way to them; as theirs, but an afterthought, just someone they expect to be there and do what they’re told. Not the kind of life I would enjoy.
“We will accept life blood from you as a show of faith for you and your consort,” Vivien finally says, and I know it’s because it’s my blood that they want a taste of, not Hunter’s.
I nod at them, despite Hunter elbowing my side and giving me a glare. I just shake my head at him slightly, hoping he’ll take the hint to stay out of it. If this is what it costs to get a meeting with Loren and clear up this mess, maybe even save a few lives, then I’m more than willing to give up a sip of my lovely immortal blood. He might see it as degrading, but I see it as a worth
y price. What kind of person would I be if I was too selfish to pay it?
“Very well. Which of you wants to do it? I’m assuming it will be a taste, and the blood loss will not leave me weakened while my body recovers,” I say to them.
Fleur nods with interest. “I’d forgotten that you’re immortal in the fullest sense. I imagine that you would never be wanting for blood, no matter how much we fed. You would be the perfect companion for one of us, truly able to sustain a vampire.”
“Not an equal in every way. She is above many vampires in our coven,” Celeste tells her in an obvious show of superiority, clearly insinuating that Fleur’s reach is getting a bit too high.
Owen follows the exchange with some worry, probably over his position.
I say quickly, “I’m monogamous now, so I won’t be able to be a companion to anyone for some time.”
“Of course,” Celeste murmurs, though she seems no less determined.
“I offer one of you my life blood for the taking. I offer only blood, no glamour or sex,” I say firmly. “I have no opinion on who receives it, so I allow you to choose between yourselves.”
They all look to one another with meaning.
Finally, Vivien says, “As the highest-ranking coven member here, I claim the right to take your blood. It will only be a sip. You’ll feel some pain when my fangs penetrate you, since you have refused glamour, but it will be minor. I suggest you don’t struggle, as it will awaken my predatory instincts.”
“Very well,” I agree, and motion for Hunter to join Owen at the edge of the room.
Vivien stands from her chair and quickly crosses over to the couch. She sits beside me in the seat that Hunter so recently abandoned with extreme reluctance. Celeste moves to the other side of me, attention completely focused on us. Fleur crouches on the floor in front of me to watch avidly as Vivien lets her longer canines grow into fangs. I can feel Hunter’s eyes like a heavy, guilty weight on my soul, even as I carefully ignore him.
I pull my hair to the left, baring my neck. I then tilt my head dutifully to the side and wait. Vivien takes her time coming to me, building the suspense, as I’ve never been bitten by a vampire. I’m sure the experience is normally a pleasant one, with the added benefit of glamour. Right now, I don’t want to feel any false pleasure from the act, especially since its being done for such an impersonal reason.
Skin of a Goddess (Goddess Ascension Book 1) Page 20