Chapter 12
Chapter Twelve
The beast hovered between wakefulness and sleep. The healing had begun, but the beast was hungry. It felt his master stir, but it wasn’t his time.
It needed more rest. More healing. More blood.
It roared with hunger for the sweet nectar.
Unable to rise, the beast growled with impatience. Too weak to take control, it slumbered in the darkness and waited for blood.
Lucas pushed past the line of men and women lined up at the side entrance to the restaurant. “Make way. If you wish to meet with Romero, you need an appointment. Otherwise, stand back.”
“Some of us are here for you, honey. What time do you get off?” one woman shouted through the crowd.
He blushed and glanced back at Romero, who grinned at him. Great.
“What’s your name, hot stuff?” another yelled.
Once they were inside and several feet from the door, silence overtook the group of four as they made their way to their usual table at the back of the restaurant. Romero held court four nights a week at the establishment, and he paid the owner handsomely for the service.
Romero slapped him on the back. “Seems my new bodyguard might require one of his own.”
Lucas didn’t say anything as he performed a sweep of the room in coordination with the other two bodyguards. When he finally nodded to Romero, assuring him the room was clean, his new House leader laughed.
“You need to relax a little. There’s nothing wrong with smiling at the women, who obviously find you quite charming. I must say, I’m a bit jealous.”
“Sorry, Father.”
Romero rolled his eyes. “Again, with the Father stuff. If you have to be so formal, at least say sir. Although I prefer Romero.”
“Yes, Romero.” Lucas held out the chair for him. After Romero took a seat, he added, “And I find females are just as likely to carry a dagger and can be just as skilled at using it.”
Romero’s laughter filled the room. “Someday you’ll have to tell me the story of how you discovered that. Until then, tell the chef I’m ready for the first course. And tonight, I’m in the mood for a Bordeaux. I’ll take my first meeting once the meal is served.”
“As you wish.” Lucas was uncomfortable using Romero’s first name, so for now, he would avoid salutations until required. He strode to the kitchen, constantly scanning for a threat. After seventy-five years of service to House Lafitte, he found himself at a new House, though he was no stranger to Romero, who was a good friend to Lafitte. Three strong Houses, including House Renaud, might seem too much for New Orleans, but the Houses had strong ties to each other going back centuries.
Two months ago, Lafitte had asked him to a private dinner. The two had grown close over the years, and Lucas had become a trusted sounding board for Lafitte, though he wasn’t cadre. Lafitte waited until they nursed brandy on the patio to ask if Lucas would be interested in moving to another House as an exchange. It was common for Houses to trade one or more vampires for another, depending on the needs of the House and the experience and knowledge of the vampires.
Romero had recently taken over as leader of his House, and due to his business interests, sketchy as some of them were, and his work with the local vampire community in granting favors and services, he required a strong collection of bodyguards.
Lafitte understood Lucas’s desire to one day be part of a cadre, and it could be decades away, if not a century or more, if he remained part of Lafitte’s House. Lucas had been happy in his service to the House, but not many leaders would care enough to find opportunities for those under them.
So, the deal was struck. Romero was a modern vampire in every way and treated his Family well. And while not part of his cadre, being a personal bodyguard was considered an esteemed position. It was a valuable skill for his resume.
After delivering the message to the kitchen, he returned to his post, standing behind Romero, while the other two bodyguards took positions to the left and right. After four hours of an extended meal and several meetings, Romero shook hands with a young female vampire, promising to look into her issue at his earliest convenience.
They left through a back exit where the limo waited outside. Romero was a well-known player, even among the humans, which was evident by the handful of groupies waiting outside, but there was little time for them to call out before the limo pulled away.
“Landon, I’d like to go to the club.” Romero settled back and poured a glass of scotch. “Lucas, I have an assignment for you. I understand you spend quite a bit of time at the Renaud Library.”
“Yes, sir.”
“How familiar are you with vampiric law?”
“I’ve reviewed all the volumes and understand the basic tenets. I would say my knowledge runs wide if not deep.”
“Father was the legal expert in the House. With him gone, I’ll need someone to fill that gap. Genevieve, the last female I met with this evening, requires assistance with the laws involving property. She’s having a contentious battle with a small House over it. Can you refresh my knowledge in that area by Friday?”
The request shocked but also pleased him. Vampiric law was an area he’d become interested in after reading hundreds of history texts during his service with Lafitte. “That shouldn’t be a problem.”
“Excellent. Now, let’s all relax before heading home.”
The club was one of Romero’s favorites. The owner didn’t discriminate and allowed humans, shifters, and vampires to congregate. It was high-end and fiercely patrolled by in-house security to prevent fighting or other unpleasantries—like taking advantage of the humans. Romero had a private lounge on the second floor that overlooked the club.
Once Romero was safely in his lounge, the bodyguards could take a break. Not that they ever took a real break, but with the in-house security and privacy of the lounges, Romero encouraged them to have a few drinks and bring in women if they chose.
That evening, Romero chased the other two bodyguards out, suggesting they find someone to dance with. “I love coming to the club to watch the crowd enjoy themselves without actually having to be included.”
“It’s probably the closest you can get to being among others while letting your guard down. So to speak.” Lucas sat back, accepting the glass of scotch the attendant handed him before exiting.
Romero chuckled. “Exactly. Now, why don’t you try that?”
Lucas shifted uncomfortably, which made Romero’s smile widen as he shook his head.
“I asked the others to leave because I wanted to speak with you privately.”
Lucas hadn’t been with the House long enough to know whether he should be worried, so he just nodded.
“You’ve only been in my service for a few short months, but I’m quite impressed with you.” He waved his hand before Lucas could respond. “I’m aware of the House you were born into, but I take Lafitte’s recommendations quite seriously. You’ve risen above the difficulties one faces being the youngest male in a House. I gave you the assignment to study vampiric law not just to assist in House matters, but to strengthen your assets.”
“I appreciate the opportunity.”
“We’ll also increase your training in martial arts. You’ve developed excellent fighting skills, especially in hand-to-hand, but I think they can be improved.”
“I agree. Not many of Lafitte’s guard has that skill.”
“I’ll introduce you to the Baron. He’s a master black belt in several disciplines. He’s out of town a great deal, so scheduling will be difficult, but you might find me a worthy opponent in the training room.”
Lucas lifted a brow. “Now I’m intrigued.”
“Excellent.”
A knock at the door made them both turn, and Lucas gripped the arms of his chair in anticipation of defending Romero. The in-house security man stationed at the door popped his head in. “Sorry to disturb you, sir. There’s a Devon Trelane asking to join you.”
Romero jumped up. “Yes, yes, let him in.”
Lucas stood, unaware of the vampire. Trelane strode in and quickly scanned the room before grinning widely at Romero. The two vampires hugged, slapping each other on the back. Romero grasped Trelane’s forearms while giving him a long appraisal.
“You’re looking good. What brings you to the South?”
“A small matter for a friend. I head back home in the morning, but since I was close to New Orleans, I had to stop by.”
“Of course. I would have been hurt otherwise. Have you seen Lafitte?”
“I had dinner with him.”
“Excellent. And how is it assuming leadership of the House again?”
“More difficult than I imagined.”
Romero chuckled. “As you should have expected.”
Trelane shook his head. “I did, but I’d hoped my father’s legacy and my alliances before my…shall we call it a detour…would have been enough of a foundation. But, House by House, the meetings are becoming friendlier.”
“Gossip spreads quicker through the Houses than the scent of jasmine through New Orleans.”
Trelane slapped Romero on the arm. “And this time, it’s an added benefit to my long list of atonements.”
Romero turned to Lucas. “My apologies. Let me introduce you to my newest bodyguard, Lucas Maynard. Lucas, this is Devon Trelane, leader of House Trelane.”
The name clicked. “Guildford Trelane’s son?”
Trelane smiled and held out his hand. “The same. And I believe you’re one of Magnus’s sons.”
“The youngest.”
Trelane glanced at Romero. “Interesting.”
“A recent acquisition to the Family from Lafitte’s House.”
Lucas received another studied appraisal.
“Quite interesting.” Trelane took a seat on the other side of Romero as Lucas poured him a scotch.
The conversation turned to current events within various Houses, which Lucas soaked in. Not being part of a cadre meant this depth of information was only disseminated through assignments or word of mouth among Family members. Even then, it was diluted by rumors and suppositions. To hear two House leaders discuss strategies, politics, and relationships was like a gift from above. When they included Lucas in the conversation and listened intently to his comments, he couldn’t help but sit taller.
They were laughing in response to one of Trelane’s stories when the bodyguards returned a couple of hours later, each with a woman—one a vampire and the other a shifter, if Lucas had to guess.
Romero looked at the bodyguards and smiled. “Why don’t you take the limo and head home.” He glanced at Trelane. “You have a car?”
Trelane glanced at his watch. “Yes. It won’t be a problem to drop you home.”
The three of them spoke for another hour before Trelane stood. “I have a plane to catch at sunrise. Shall we call it a night?”
When they exited the club, the streets were quiet with dawn a couple of hours away.
“I drove myself. The car is just down the street.” Trelane led the way.
Romero sucked in a deep breath. “Even at this hour, the scent of jasmine and beignets fill the air.”
Lucas brought up the rear as the two leaders strode side-by-side. He scanned the shadows. They made it two more blocks before he heard the footsteps—hurried and coming from behind them.
The three turned as one to face four vampires who spread out as they slowed their approach. If they were surprised to see Trelane, they didn’t show it. Lucas wondered who they’d come for.
Each side took a moment to size up the situation, then time stilled as they waited for someone to make the first move. Trelane didn’t appear to be in a waiting mood, and a dagger slipped into his hand as he charged the two in the middle.
Romero raced off to his right while Lucas turned toward the vampire on the left, who carried a sword. They had come to take heads and nothing less. Lucas ran straight for him, then ducked as soon as he saw his opponent lift his arm. He barreled into the vampire, hitting hard with fists to the midsection before slamming one into a jaw. The blade fell from the vampire’s grip, and Lucas kicked it away.
The vampire shoved Lucas off, landing a blow that knocked him to his knees. When the vampire kicked out, Lucas blocked his leg, knocking his adversary off-balance. The few seconds gave him time to get on his feet and take a quick glance at Trelane and Romero, who were holding their own. One of the opposing vampires had taken a dagger to the kidney and was trying to remove the blade, which was just out of reach.
Lucas stepped back when another strike came and, pivoting, swept the other vampire’s legs out from under him. He stabbed him in the gut, aiming for the liver. Lucas ran for the sword he’d kicked away. He must have missed the liver because he heard the vampire two steps behind him.
He grabbed the sword and, still on his feet, twisted, swinging his weapon like a bat. The vampire wasn’t expecting it, and his eyes went wide seconds before his head toppled to the ground.
With a lust for blood, Lucas turned to find Romero finishing off his opponent. Trelane had taken the sword from the vampire who was struggling to get on his hands and knees, blood dripping heavily from his midsection. Trelane didn’t waste time. He swung the sword like an executioner meting out justice.
Lucas turned to the last enemy vampire, who managed to stand and pull a dagger from his boot. He wanted to take the vampire’s head, but instead, slammed the side of the blade against it. The vampire dropped to his hands and knees, clearly dazed.
Romero staggered to Lucas’s side, blood leaking from his left arm. He managed to check the injury before Romero pushed him away. It was a deep gash but not life-threatening and would heal fast enough.
Trelane picked the remaining vampire up by the back of his shirt and pushed him against a nearby building. “Who sent you?”
The vampire smiled, his teeth red with blood. “Venizi sends his regards.”
Without a second hesitation, Trelane stepped back and swung the sword, and as the sound of metal hitting stone reverberated around them, the head bounced and rolled a few feet away. Trelane turned to Romero. “Sorry, my friend, for bringing trouble to your door.”
Romero’s eyes glowed an electric green, and he grinned at his friend. “I can always count on you to show me a good time.” He spat on one of the dead vampires. “I’ll be sure to let Lafitte know where Venizi can pick up his vampires.” He glanced around and pointed to the alley. “There should be a dumpster down there.”
Lucas wasn’t surprised Romero would call Lafitte. As the largest House in New Orleans, Lafitte had to be told of Venizi’s transgression of entering the city without acknowledgment. Without any witnesses, the Council would never officially hear of the incident, but Venizi wouldn’t be welcome in the city for some time—if ever.
They worked together and piled the bodies and heads into one of the dumpsters. Venizi wouldn’t bother collecting them, so they’d either end up in the landfill or the police would eventually file them away as unexplained murders of unknown indigents.
Romero wiped his forehead. “I assume they thought you’d be alone.”
“I suppose I should have brought a bodyguard.”
Romero slapped him on the back. “You’ve always been one to live dangerously.”
Trelane turned to Lucas and held out his hand. “You have my thanks, Lucas Maynard.”
Lucas shook it. “Any time, Mr. Trelane.”
Trelane laughed. “I think you’ve earned the right to call me Devon.”