I shivered and turned to him, my mouth slightly open.A lady sat behind us taking notes on my reactions. The lights dimmed even further, and the music changed. It was now a sultry, jazzy tune. The next model came out wearing lingerie. I glanced at Tony suspiciously. I hoped he wasn't thinking that he was going to get a private fashion show later with me as the model.The lingerie was tasteful, though. The skinny models wearing the thongs made me remember that my new and improved body gave them a run for their money. Unlike their asses, mine was filled out in all the right places.The lights came up, and I almost applauded. It had been a wonderful show. Tony watched me with a slight smile that made him look so sexy."Did you enjoy that?"I nodded. "I thought we were going to the mall or something.""The mall? Never." He stood and took my hand."What's next?""Home."I looked at the empty catwalk. "When do we pay?""We? You're my guest, in all ways. And I have already taken c
"So, why wasn't I offered his seat on the Council?""Because ... you're a Third. No Third has ever been strong enough to defeat a Council member, so we deemed it an accidental killing, which allowed for Johan's Second to take his place. I'm so sorry."I waved away his apology. "So what am I if not a Council member? I mean, what will be my role in this … Vampire nation?"Tony's eyes hooded. "The lowest ranked on the totem pole."I frowned feeling slightly ill. "Tell me what it means to be the lowest on the totem pole, and please be completely honest.""It would mean that you are the last to be considered and the first to be sacrificed. You have no voice in disputes. A Second will always be above you. You would be watched to make sure you don't mingle too closely with the humans because Thirds with no memories of our history are our biggest threat. Thirds handle all of our dirtiest jobs from killing humans who are undesirable to testing metal to see if it's silver. And being a Thir
Animals have a keen distrust of Vampires.Master vamps generally take blood every day but only need it once a week as long as they do not allow their systems to become depleted and are not undergoing some type of physical exertion. The lack of blood will not kill a vamp, but it would make for an unbearable existence.Garlic has no effect on Vampires.Vampires can be killed by mutilation of the heart, decapitation, being branded by a holy item, or caught in sunlight. Other things that would normally cause pain to humans would also cause pain to Vampires—maybe even more so because where humans might die, Vampires continue to experience pain until they heal.Vampires have a limited control over humans by allowing a bit of what animates their body to slip into humans. It was the way we mesmerize or hypnotize humans. And because of this a human who continually feeds a Vampire can often gain some of the Vampire's ability while still remaining human.Vampires are required to take a numbe
I could see every window on three sides. They were floor-to-ceiling and gave the impression that we were a part of the outside.I turned slowly. Everything was done in black. Black bed, black slate floor, black wool rugs, black wood and glass tables, black flat screen television suspended from the ceiling, black fireplace, black component system. He turned on a light switch, and though we had been in total darkness, I had no problem seeing anything. When the lights came on it looked as if stars were imbedded in the ceiling. The distant cityscape and natural starlight from outside seemed to meld as one with his room."Tony, I can't believe this room." He picked up a remote control, and the sounds of Billy Holiday came from the speakers. "Do you like Billy Holiday?" "I love Billy Holiday." He smiled. "Kaniji hated jazz. She could only listen to Japanese music. And she hated this room because of the windows. She was thought that at some point the sun would weaken the protective ba
Tony moved his hand to my ass and mimicked my movement while his other hand continued tweaking and tugging my nipple in a way that made my body quake. I needed him inside me! I couldn't take it anymore. The taste of him, the feel of him was more than I could bear. His knees bent, and he thrust upward. My mouth opened and blood spilled down my chin. My tender clit swelled at the contact of his bruising thrust. "Do it again!" I begged. Tony planted his hands on my ass and lifted me. My legs went around him, and I held on. My eyes focused on the blood running from the holes in his neck, and I couldn't stop myself from planting my lips on his neck again. I lapped at it, the thick liquid coating my tongue until it pooled in my mouth and ran down my throat. "So good …" I muttered. I pushed my hips forward trying to force his thrusts against my clit again and again. I'd never done anything like this. It was as if I was a wild woman—and I didn't care. I'd never been so completely consu
When I opened my mind, things got weird. I could hear people talking even though I knew that no one else was in the house other than Tony and Mei Wah. I could hear cars and telephones ringing. I was hearing the nearby neighborhood. I could smell things, too. Mei Wah had eaten some type of pork for his evening meal. Tony... I could smell him! I remembered his smell from last night. It was akin to fresh-baked bread. I knew it wasn't his true smell, but I knew his smell because he was my kin, my liege.I reached out with my mind to locate that connection between us. It felt like a line.Funny, but there were two of them. I didn't have time to explore further because Tony was standing in front of me. "Did you do that on purpose?" he asked."What?" I asked. My eyes scanned his form in appreciation. Damn, he was one sexy man. He was wearing black jeans and a dark shirt with the cuffs rolled up. The shirt was loosely untucked, but I could still see the broadness in his chest and arms. Whil
I heard knocking at my door. I had removed the silver jewelry and left it in a wooden bowl I had found on the bedside table for Mei Wah to dispose of, but I wrapped the crucifix in cotton and placed it on the bureau next to my bed. I decided to keep my discovery to myself just in case Tony didn't know everything Thirds could do. "Come in." Mei Wah entered. "Tony would like you to join him in the living room, if you please." He smiled. "You look beautiful this evening, Miss Kim.""Thank you." I followed him up the stairs. "Mei Wah, how long have you been with Tony?""Since the beginning, ma'am." "The beginning? 1929?""Yes, Miss. My mother died during the Depression. My brothers, sisters, and I didn't know who our father was, and to be Chinese in New York during the Depression was ... not easy.""How old were you, Mei Wah?""Seven, Miss. Mr. Tony took my family to a safe house that he owned. He made them go to school and learn a trade. But me, I wouldn't do what he asked." Me
Mei Wah opened the door for us and we drove--to all places—Club Midnight!Instead of letting us off in front, Mei Wah let us out in the back of the club. There was a security guard waiting to greet us. I felt like a rock star! Tony led us up to VIP, and we were surrounded by local celebrities such as ballplayers and even a city councilman. I saw my favorite newscaster. I know Tony wasn't going to let me choose him as a willing donor. He was too close to the public eye!Many who saw me seemed to take a double-take. I had to ask Tony what was up. I mean, I think I'm cute, but I'm not worthy of all the attention.Tony leaned in to me to whisper, "You've fed last night and the effects are still present. You haven't learned how to mask it yet. Your eyes are golden rimmed." He reached into his coat pocket and handed me a pair of black sunglasses.Once I donned them, I felt a little more comfortable schmoozing.Tony had said that my willing donor would also be my benefactor—sugar daddy,