Blood and Vengeance (The Rose Vampire Coven #11)

CHAPTER ONE

“You’re doing another charity gala?” Chris responded to his friend Jason, one of the premier event planners in the Chicago area. “I thought weddings were where the money was at.” He laughed.

“Weddings bring in the money, but charity galas bring in the contacts.” He clarified.

"Most of the work has been completed, but the planners that were originally hired have gone into bankruptcy, something to do with divorce and unclear business agreements.

Not completely sure, but Pruitt Events has been hired to pick up the pieces and make this thing happen. "

"When is it scheduled?"

“Three weeks.”

“Fuck, that’s going to take sorcery to pull off.”

“That’s why I’m hiring you to assist me. You’re the best sorcerer in town.” He smiled and winked at his friend.

Jason often hired Chris, knowing he could use the work and that he was good at coordinating and getting the things Jason wanted.

Chris was great at negotiating prices and products.

Jason had originally asked Chris to partner with him in the business when he first launched Pruitt Events, but Chris told him there was no surer way of ending a friendship than for two friends to go into business together.

“This event is taking place at the Ritz-Carlton, and it’s important for my portfolio. If I can pull this off, I'll be known as the fixer in this town, and that will get me innumerable high-level contracts.” Jason shot back with affectation.

“The Ritz-Carlton, pretty flashy." He echoed with sarcasm.

"Flashy indeed, and that's why I need you." He smiled.

“I appreciate the work, but I thought I’d lay low for a few weeks and let the sting of Elliot’s betrayal wear off. What if I happen to see him or that whore, he left me for?” Chris told him honestly and then dropped back on the small sofa in Jason's downtown office, looking crushed and defeated.

“I doubt either one of them will show up at the Ritz-Carlton for a fundraiser; it's not their scene," Jason responded, but Chris wasn’t sure if it was sincere or if he just wanted Chris to work the Gala.

After a few minutes of thought, he relented. “Okay, it’s time I let it go and got back to living.” He needed to get out and socialize and put that hurt and humiliation behind him. Jason patted him on the back and ruffled his hair.

“He is not worth your time and effort, Chris.

Men like him get what they deserve in the end, trust me, I've seen it a thousand times.

That model boyfriend will be there as long as it is financially and socially beneficial, but the minute that he discovers he can do better, he will be gone. " Jason always made him feel better.

"You're a good friend, Jason."

"You're a good man, Chris, and I know for certain that there is someone out there who will recognize and treasure that quality.” Jason’s words were lovely, but Chris had a hard time believing that anyone out there was looking for him.

He'd thought Elliot was his person, his forever, and he turned out to be a lying, betraying asshole.

There was no way Chris would ever be able to open himself to another man.

There was no way he would ever find true love; it was all just a myth, and he needed to get used to that reality.

True love did not exist because no one could be true.

"Elliot was always a shit; you were just too kind and forgiving to accept that he was not the man you wanted or needed.” Jason came forth with some home truths that Chris needed to hear, but they hit too hard nonetheless.

He hung his head, wanting to feel good about walking away, but there was a part of him that still yearned and wished that things had been different.

“Yeah, it’s going to take some time, but I’ll recover. Everyone recovers eventually." He tried to smile, but it came out a bit brittle.

“Yes, you will, and you'll look back at your time with that loser and cringe that you ever let him into your life to begin with," Jason said and patted him on the back.

"Now let's get this party rolling." Chris agreed that focusing on the Gala was just what he needed to keep his mind off Elliot and his supermodel boyfriend.

***

“The Trento Coven is sending their representative," Victor stated. He and Master Rose were currently overseeing a major property transfer on the docks, a transfer that required men and guns and the Master’s attention.

Business had been good these last few months, but Master Rose never took anything or anyone for granted.

The new business that had come to them involved the Trento Coven of Southern Illinois, also recognized as the Trento Syndicate.

The proposed agreement involved imports and exports of precious metals and other supplies, with an emphasis on the word other.

The Trento Coven would prove to be a valuable associate if the terms were acceptable.

The Rose Coven worked with several other paranormal groups, which aided their expansion and influence, and access to Trento's territories would be a valuable addition.

"Who is the representative? Did they tell you?"

“Commander Arman Kane, a high-level member, from what I understand," Victor explained.

“Commander Arman Kane is number three at the syndicate. He carries a lot of authority and leads their enforcers and soldiers. He's smart, thorough, and deadly." Master Rose expounded, obviously pleased that they sent a man of influence.

"He's arriving tomorrow," Victor added. "I gather that he's an art admirer, and I was thinking perhaps he would enjoy the Charity Art Gala at the Ritz Carlton that’s taking place this Friday. It’s sophisticated and polished and would add a level of relaxation to the negotiations.”

“Good idea, go ahead and secure tickets for him and a couple of his guards.”

“Will do.”

***

Arman Kane landed in Chicago in the early morning hours and was quickly taken to the Coven of Conall Rose.

He'd studied Master Rose and understood the depth of his power and influence, and was confident in their ability to design a workable agreement.

He was tasked by his Master with securing a relationship that benefited both parties and which would open a channel for the Trento Coven to operate in the Chicago area.

He brought only two men with him, both of whom were trained and highly skilled soldiers.

They were also gifted in the magics thanks to their coven doctor having bonded with a mage who trained several of the Coven soldiers.

The added magic was useful on so many fronts.

Regal and Trey flanked him as they entered the Coven and remained with him throughout the initial contact.

Negotiations went well, and contracts were completed and signed.

He was a very dark and severe man, obviously used to the unsympathetic and unyielding side of life.

Master Rose found him genuine and professional, and although there was a definite ruthless and brutal quality to his personality, he was considered honest and forthright, which was all that really mattered.

An agreement was struck, and the contracts were signed.

All parties had come to the table with limits, expectations, and a plan, and everyone left satisfied.

The Gala was discussed and offered as a point of relaxation, and although he’d planned on leaving Saturday, Arman agreed to stay and attend.

It would give him a taste of the Chicago elites and a taste of their culture.

Arman looked to be a man who was difficult to impress, but little could surpass the elegance and sophistication of a Charity Gala, especially one held at the Ritz-Carlton.