Chapter 32
Chapter Thirty-Two
ORPHEUS
With my matchmaking skills a success, I awaited Jadeon’s visit.
He had enjoyed the few hours he had spent with Ingrid and was sorry to leave her company, but he knew as well as I that to pursue any kind of relationship with a mortal was futile.
He was also eager to head toward Belgravia and check out my club, exhilarated to be so close.
My plan to entice him was flawless. He looked dashing in Savile Row, all tailored and striking, the consummate gentleman.
Two hundred years, and at last he stood outside my domain—Belshazzar’s. The darkened windows made it impossible to view the interior, and he was unable to judge what kind of place this was. A bouncer stood on guard at the doorway. Jadeon approached him.
“What is the code word, sir?” the guard asked.
Jadeon studied the muscular tattooed bouncer, a worthy opponent to any unwanted visitor. The guard unknowingly informed Jadeon of the password.
“Of Vampires and Angels,” Jadeon answered.
Jadeon was welcomed in. Pausing for a moment, he checked behind him, aware that this was his last opportunity to turn back. He stepped in and walked through the dark hallway.
Taking in his surroundings he made his way along the eerie passages, glancing up at the many chandeliers guiding his way. Continuing down the dark sinister corridor he approached the large double doorway, which opened for him, and entered the wine bar.
Tables were everywhere, the room full of both humans and vampires, though he detected the mortals had no idea whom they were socializing with.
The gothic and renaissance décor provided an eclectic accent.
The aroma of burning candles and incense bestowed a heady scent, and the music enhanced the atmosphere.
Jadeon easily counted at least one hundred guests.
Everyone was dressed well. The theme appeared to be that of black attire, both men and women obviously of wealth. This was an exclusive club.
But what kind of club? he wondered. And for what purpose? Walking toward the bar, he was immediately greeted by the bartender.
“Bloody Mary it is, then.” The man poured a thick red concoction into an iced glass.
Jadeon sniffed the familiar aroma.
Looking around the room again, he observed others drinking the same as he, and he wondered how they got away with consuming such a concoction. Self-consciously Jadeon sipped from the glass, appreciating that it was indeed blood and he was thirsty.
There came the ethical consideration of whose blood, but time had worn away at his sensitive nature and left a dark aura that clung to him.
He glanced back at the man behind the bar, uneasy to see him staring back.
“Another?” the bartender asked. “It’s on the house. You’re a first-time guest, so anything you want is yours.”
“Who owns this place?” Jadeon asked.
“I think you know,” he said.
A tall woman approached Jadeon. “I haven’t seen you in here before.”
“This is my first visit.” Jadeon took another sip from his drink.
“Well aren’t you the lucky one? First-time visitors get special treatment, don’t they, Lance?”
Lance slid an iced cocktail in her direction.
She ran the tip of her forefinger around the rim of the glass. “Can I interest you in anything?” She leaned forward on the bar, allowing Jadeon to see easily down her silk top.
He shook his head and attempted to keep his eyes focused on hers, aware that her satin blouse was completely transparent. She laughed in response to his discretion, drawing unwanted attention in his direction. She leaned toward Jadeon, close enough to kiss him.
Jadeon stepped back, taking her hand and gently pushing it away, conscious that others may be watching.
She laughed again as a hand appeared on her shoulder and she was guided out of the way.
A female nightwalker now stood before him.
Jadeon was struck by the appearance of her red hair and blue eyes.
“Please excuse our guests. They get a little carried away. They just can’t wait to get started if you know what I mean.”
Jadeon stared at her.
Opening up her mind, she invited Jadeon to read it. In doing so, he realized that this club was not just a place for social drinking and light entertainment. The female presented the clearest of visions of what occurred within this very building several floors below.
Powerful and clear images of the activity within the rooms were revealed, and the visions were of a sexual nature.
This was a club in which an individual’s fantasy could be realized.
While he surveyed the many naked and partly dressed bodies intertwined it became clear to him the focus here was on obtaining both sadistic and masochistic pleasure.
Glancing around at the people within the room, Jadeon knew many of them would soon be joining those below.
He wanted to flee, considering that he could perhaps return when he’d had some time to contemplate his next move.
In reality, he knew it was too late. He might never get a chance to be this close to me again.
He steadied himself, attempting to look a little less conspicuous.
He knew that if I were here I would detect him. And he was right.
Jadeon felt a bump and turned to see a young male in black leather behind him.
“Just say when you want to come and play,” he whispered close into his ear. “I’ll heat the wax.”
Jadeon stepped away. Gradually, a sensation of dizziness disoriented him.
He realized his drink had been spiked. He placed it down on the bar and scrutinized the bartender, attempting to gauge the poison.
Jadeon took a seat at an empty table positioned in the corner.
He sat with his back against the wall, hoping the dizziness would pass.
The feeling of warmth rapidly came over him and he relaxed a little.
The music played with his mind and he enjoyed the rhythm.
A corseted female sat next to him. He studied her, finding her dark features, curvaceous body, and tight leather outfit alluring.
She sat for a moment looking at the chattering crowd.
The ebullient mix of party guests conversed noisily, engrossed in their conversations, consuming their beverages.
Initially unsure whether it was the atmosphere or the blood that had given him such a heady sensation, Jadeon’s symptoms now confirmed his suspicions.
Whatever had been placed in his drink was seriously taking effect.
He rubbed his eyes to clear his vision. Disconcerted, he realized the female stared at him.
She pouted seductively, her mouth sensuously full, her lipstick blood red.
He scanned her thoughts, amazed to see visions of angels which appeared to fly through the air or float dreamily in front of him.
Such visions reminded him of paintings by Raphael. He became lost in their beauty, his thoughts drifting off.
As the illusions continued, he felt her discreetly place her hand on his thigh, but such a movement was obscured, shielded by the table from the view of others. Jadeon closed his eyes, lost in the images.
He was aroused as the thick aroma of incense filled his lungs and the loud, thumping bass affected him. His cock responded to her touch, hardening.
Opening his eyes, Jadeon struggled to gain control, pushing her hand away.
With a wry smile and the huskiest voice, she said, “Well, if you change your mind.”
Standing up with a feline elegance, she turned from him, walking toward the rear of the room.
Jadeon watched her stand before a doorway.
It slid open automatically and she stepped into an elevator.
Holding out her hand to him with a coy expression, she gestured for him to join her.
He found it difficult to concentrate. Her musky perfume lingered. The elevator door closed.
And then he saw me.
Jadeon’s heart skipped a beat. I stood with my back to the bar, my elbows leaning on it casually, surrounded by several others. Jadeon recognized Marcus and was curious about the girl with us with the shocking purple streaks highlighting her hair. Dark circles under her eyes hardened her features.
We had walked in when Jadeon had been distracted.
He now stared intently, though I ignored him.
I was dressed in the fashions of the day, wearing black trousers of the finest leather and a white shirt.
Jadeon attempted to read my mind but, unable to do so, continued to view those who surrounded me.
We laughed loudly, joking with each other as all activity centered around me.
My eyes now fell directly on Jadeon’s.
My smile faded.
My gaze returned to my friends, and I continued to converse, having informed Jadeon with a glance that I knew he was here.
The young girl standing with us looked strangely out of place to Jadeon.
Her clothes, denim pants and an inexpensive shirt, were dissimilar to what the other club members wore, making her stand out.
Upon reading her mind, the only one of the group Jadeon could penetrate, he sensed she wanted something from me, and she was willing to do just about anything to get it. Fascinated, he scrutinized her.
I broke off his concentration.
I headed for Jadeon.
And loomed close. “Looks like you’ve been stood up,” I said.
“I’m here alone.”
“No, you?” I signaled to the barman to bring drinks. “We fulfill most fantasies,” I said. “However, I dare say, yours are a little unusual. Be reassured, I’m open-minded.”
I sat down opposite Jadeon.
“Where’s Catherine?” he asked.
“Who?”
“You know why I’m here.”
“What’s Alex up to these days?” I asked.
“Over you,” he said.
Two beverages were placed on our table.
“You used to be so eloquent when it came to social graces. What happened to Mr. Nice Guy?”
“You happened.”
“A little gratitude would be nice.”
“For what exactly?” Jadeon said.
“What year is it?”
“What?”
“What year is it?” I repeated coldly.
“What has that—”
“You were born in the late 1700s, which makes you . . . old.”
“Orpheus?”
“And yet you sit before me in the twenty-first century.”
“You made me into . . . this?”
“I gave you eternal life.”
“You massacred my family, Orpheus.”
“Just your dad. And a few of his wily friends. I left your brother alive.”
“This is not living.”
“Then what is it?”
“Eternal damnation.”
“Okay. Bored now.”
“What was put in my drink?” he asked.
“Our blood donors are rather partial to chasing the dragon and such like. It gives it a kick.”
“Still cunning.”
“I thought it might loosen you up a bit. God knows you need it,” I laughed.
“I need to speak with Catherine, hear that she is . . .”
“You always were an old romantic.”
“Where is she?”
“She’s here. Downstairs probably, drinking some innocent’s life. No, wait. I think I see her giving some poor masochistic a run for his money!”
“You disgust me,” Jadeon said.
“You flatter me.”
“Let me see her. You and I are both tired of this charade.”
“I can’t deny that you are rather tiresome. It has been like trying to swat a bloody insect that refuses to die—buzz, buzz, and bloody buzz. Enough is enough. You’re right. Let’s ask Catherine to tell you herself.” I rose. “Shall we?” I gestured to the elevator.
“I don’t think so,” Jadeon said.
“My club, my rules.” I signaled to Marcus, who had remained standing at the bar, the girl now gone. He headed toward us.
I led Jadeon to the back of the room.
“Shall we?” I gestured to the open elevator.
He hesitated.
“Come now, so close. Below, she waits for you,” I said.
Jadeon stepped into the small space. Before the doors closed several of my clique joined us. I checked the time on my Rolex. The night was young and the evening full of promise.
We descended into Belshazzar’s lower rooms.