Henry.

The young man was in my head. I had heard stories of the business elite living a little longer than usual. Signs of aging being reversed. We had all assumed it was because of advancements in technology, but seeing this….creature savouring the blood of this unknowing human he’d pulled off the street, I was forced to reevaluate what I knew. I went through every possible variation of events, and in defiance of the science I thought I knew, what I was seeing matched up to the old stories.

vampires.

they were real, and one was right in front of me, eating another human, without a care in the world.

she was literally withering in front of me. I watched her age decades in minutes as she was sucked dry, yet the face she made, wasn’t one of pain, but rather one of pleasure. She moaned, sighed and smiled. It was as though she had found the best drug in the world.

As I watched this scene of horror, I felt the weight of the monster’s mind leave mine, but chose to keep still and quiet. Jon looked at me, terrified, but I gave him a hard look.

You shut up, or we both die.

With visibly vibrating hands, I made a change to the GPS module built into the back of the seat in front of me. We were going to my cabin.

The sucking sounds duplicated.

I turned to see the monster give his blood to the woman, and rather than suck, it looked as though she was inhaling his essence.

Every pull of the deep wine looking liquid seemed to transform her. I watched her messy red hair transition to clearly defined curls of nigh-glowing crimson. Her deep brown eyes gained a hue of gold, mixing with the brown to bring out a bronze colour. Her voice, became deeper…more mature—Sultry even.

The way she shifted in the monster’s lap took on the same quality of a cat. Unsure as to whether I was imagining it, I believe I heard her purr away, eyes closed, with a smile of satisfaction in her demeanour.

The monster was satiated. I dared not move or speak, certain that this was a test. Should I maintain discretion, I may have a chance at immortality.

my greed took over, and looking at Jon, I pulled out my phone, and sent him a message.

-find out who the girl is, and make sure no one is looking for her.

-yes boss.

He replied.

-and Jon. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how important discretion is in a situation like this?

-of course boss.

He replied, ever the reliable concierge.

He was apart of the internal team. Long before this moment, Jonathan had earned my trust. He knew with these new developments, he was about to become my right hand man, and I was certain he could taste the Power we were preparing to receive.

Upon our Arrival, we sat in the car. There was not a single human ready to move.

For two hours, we sat, still, waiting. The air was cold, crisp and there was a Monster, assessing whether I was worth the effort, before I saw it move. It’s eyes opened slowly, golden spheres glowing in thick shadow. I felt his presence in my mind again. as though looking through my memories.

this is a being I cannot hide from. I quickly realized.

“It’s good to know you aren’t incompetent.” the monster said, tone nearly filled with human joy. “So. what do you have to offer me?” I heard a voice of deep unadulterated power. It was a question, but I decided at that moment that this being could order me around if it so chose.

“everything I own, is yours.” I spoke. It could take it all if it wanted. An order from it felt absolute, and it’s presence in my mind was all the proof I needed

I heard a soft chuckle.

“Sure. we’ll see.” a small pause. it was pensive. “I do have a little problem, that you could solve for me.” The monster said. “The Richardson is expecting payment from my ‘butler’ for one of its executive rooms.”

I heard an implication of my possible role in whatever plans the entity might have.

“I’ll find you after you show me what your value is.” It said, before its door opened, and it vanished, leaving the girl sleeping in the back seat.

after a few moments, Jonathan spoke. “This is a terrifying path Ry.”

“You think I don’t know that? look at the girl. she’s literal proof of how little value our lives hold.”

I threw back.

“You’d be trying to find a way to survive if that was the case. I saw your eyes Ry, that’s not fear. That’s greed.” I heard Jon’s icy tone. “I have a family. Priorities. This— one step and I’m gone. No one to provide for them back home. That thing could wipe me out without blinking.” he continued, eyes watering and hands quivering.

“you have any better ideas?” I said, eyes leveling with his. “Its no different than a business deal. its just that our lives are a part of the contract. We do well, and—” I gestured to the girl. “We get younger— you get to be there for every one of your baby girls moments. All those nights we thought we wouldn’t walk away, suddenly, one drop of that thing’s blood, and we get to go home to our loved ones.” I said, watching the ice wall break down once again. *there we go. “Trust me. If we get on its good side, we get to walk away with more power than any of our competitors. we’d have a monopoly on life Jonathan. LIFE.”

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“Fine.” he said, after letting me stew a little. “But the moment I feel like I cant, Im gone…and if you come looking, Im shooting first, and asking questions later.”

“Deal.” I said. “Now you need to get this girl into the house, cause I’ve got a call to make.”

Mukuka

I watched them sit in the car, and bicker. Ultimately, they knew they had to follow, at least for now.

It was good. I had a base to start from. I discovered a beautiful convenience. The fact that this cabin was a few kilometres away from my stone lair. A few land purchases, and we’d have the lair owned by someone I owned. I took a moment to recover from the intensity of the day and stilled when I remembered that I just made another familiar. Both creations so far were instinctual.

here we go again. I said to myself, feeling the toll.

I reached out for her mind tentatively, and found it. She was comfortable, but stirring.

Hello— a quick pause to grab her basic information—Camilla. I know that this is very confusing for you, and you’re probably a little freaked out. I understand that. Now before anything wild happens, I need you to know that you’re safe. I’ll explain everything soon—

Master? I heard Jakoby, he was alerted and stressed. We have a problem. And welcome Camilla.

Uhm. Are you the guy I had sex with in that Audi? the Innocent valet spoke. I savored the moment of vulnerability. I knew it wouldnt last. from what I tasted in her, she’s more than ready for this life.

Camilla, Breathe. We didn’t have sex, you’re at the estate of one of my subordinates, and you’re safe. Anything you want from them, will be given to you. Give me a day, and we’ll talk. Your life is about to change significantly.

I should be mad at you. Camilla retorted, in a pondering voice. But I can’t for some reason. What’s going on? And why do I wanna call you Sir?

that will all be explained soon Camilla. For now, id like you to just get used to your new environment. Henry works for you, so you can send him around if you’d like.

Jakoby interjected, and spoke carefully. Master, there are people asking for you.

I was confused, but immediately tried to feel where he was, and took a run to get to him.

Jakoby

“We aren’t people prone to wasting time, I hope your superior understands this?” I heard the butler say. His eyes were sharp and his demeanor made me incredibly uncomfortable. He was here with people that looked like bodyguards, but introduced themselves. as businessmen.

I couldn’t place it, but that old man was much more ‘uncomfortable’ than the group of ten ‘businessmen’ and the lady that was sitting at our table.

“Look people. I don’t know who you are, but a little patience would be great. He’s on his way, and you can take up the—”

Jak, what’s going on? I heard my master speak. His mental voice seemed stronger. Overwhelming even. This change confused me. There was more gravity in his tone. He seemed older. More established.

I would assume one of the people you went out to catch didnt like your methods and are here to send some kind of message?

Ah. I’m a few minutes out.

Thank you. I’m not sure I can deal with this.

You are more than strong enough to deal with them Jakoby. But if you refuse to use your power, that’s fine. I’m almost there. Tell them to have a seat and call downstairs. Have front desk deliver you drinks and a meal. Make sure they understand the importance of the room they’re serving.

I was amazed at the calm that he sent. It was firm and stable.

Turning to our unwanted guests, I smiled.

“Mr. Safah will be with you soon. In the meantime, let’s show you all some hospitality.”

I looked at the butler, and took them to the dining area of the room. thanking the heavens for my habit of cleaning, I sat them all down, and left to the kitchen. I made a quick dash to the phone and had them prepare breakfast for fourteen guests.

“So you’d like to talk to my superior for what reason exactly?” I inquired.

“That, inferior, is none of your business.” the reply came back, harsh and icy. I did however appreciate the sadistic humour the butler had.

“Would you let a stranger meet your employer without telling you who they were and what they wanted?” I asked again, my smile still sitting comfortably on my face. I gave pause, to let the lanky man digest my prose. “I would hope that you’d understand at least that much Mr…..”

“Sull.”

“Mr. Sull.” I said, quickly relaying his name to my master. “It would make me seem rather incompetent no?”

“Are you always this inquisitive?” Irritation made itself visible on his face “Or is this just some game you like to play.”

“My sincere apologies if I’ve offended you, but seeing as you’re the one currently in—”

“I didn’t expect to have such a lively atmosphere in my temporary home. So close to dawn as-well.” I heard the silky smooth base of my master.

He was here. We were going to be okay. I let go of a breath I didn’t know I was holding.

He looked beyond human. His golden eyes pulsating with power, and ebony skin so smooth, he looked as though he was made of ceramic and glass.

He basically glided towards the group, and each of the bodyguard’s hands went straight to their holsters.

“I wouldn’t if I were you.” His voice distorted slightly. As if what made him different was itching to come to the surface. “No one has ever had the mind to pull a weapon on me. I would like to keep that streak.”

Master walked over to the table and sat down.

“It’s a little informal, but that’s alright. Deliver your message Carther.”

It was hilarious to see people so uncomfortable with him knowing things he shouldn’t. The shock etched into the butler’s face was a beautiful gift.

For the trouble they caused you. I heard in the back of my mind.

“Jakoby, you want to check on the food for me? I could use some wine.” His message came with a mental one. Mix some blood and wine together. I’m getting thirsty.

I quickly headed off to make him what he asked for.

Mukuka.

It was becoming a long night. I was impressed at how quickly the Jægers moved when it came to their family. Not even a few hours passed and I was already being threatened by them. The bodyguards were really dangerous—for a human, but to me the most worrisome discovery was finding out that there was a limit to the distance in which my abilities worked, and also the possibility they weren’t permanent. Lisa must have realized how absurd her night was, and the Jægers were probing me after looking at my simple human history.

I saw the tension in their movements and body language. These people instinctively knew I was different. I liked that.

“So? What do you have to say? Does your ‘employer’ want to see me? Or is his child just throwing a fit for being played.”

“How…” I heard him whisper under his breath. His apprehension and paranoia increased obvious to me. He tried speaking up. “My—”

“I’ll be at Lucian’s Compound at seven. Any later, and I leave, so I strongly suggest you prepare acceptable hospitality.” I cut him off. I enjoyed playing with him. The shock on his face looked more and more childlike. It made me accidentally chuckle. “Forgive me. I don’t mean to mock you. It’s just funny seeing as your intention was to intimidate and probe me, and yet you seem shocked at the fact that I have ‘insider’ information.”

After extending my olive branch, I heard the footsteps of the room servivce, and called Jakoby to head over to my room, along with my drink. My head was pounding after the amount I downloaded from Carther Sull. I would need to hold off on my use of the gift I was given. It was clearly taking a toll on me, and I was getting sloppy.

“If you kind gentlemen will excuse me, I’ll go about my business. you’re more than welcome to stay for a meal…” I said, as Jakoby let room servince in. “…but keep in mind the spirit in which you came to my home. I do hope you’re prepared for the consequences of your actions.”