“Does upscale mean it’s going to be safer?” Waverly asked.
“No,” Viktor, Rafe and Greyson all responded at once.
“I’m not really dressed for this." Waverly looked to her jeans.
“Don’t worry about how you’re dressed. No one will say a word.”
“Are you sure Adam won’t be here?” she asked.
“He won’t be here. Even if he’s working with a vampire, he’d have to fly to get down here. There’re only a handful of us that have the ability to dematerialize.”
“But this sitch may be a little, you know, unstable. You never really know. So, stay on your toes. And you,” Greyson said, staring at Rafe. “Don’t mess around.”
“Dude. I’m cool.” He shot him a look.
“Everyone ready?” Viktor asked. The wolf and his brother gave a silent nod. “All right then. It’s showtime.”
As they followed the path toward the mansion, Viktor took Waverly’s hand in his. He sensed her pulse race as they passed though the pillars on the porch and entered the epic Acadian styled ranch. The large oak front door appeared to open by itself, welcoming them into the club.
It’s going to be all right, Viktor told her telepathically. He closed the distance and put his arm around her waist, and she nodded in understanding.
A diminutive woman in a fitted pink tuxedo and matching fairy wings fluttered into the foyer and greeted them. “Viktor, darling. How delightful to have you at our establishment.”
“Thank you for having us, tonight.” Viktor smiled at her, all the while scanning the room. “Love the wings.”
“Kade Issacson speaks highly of you. I’m honored to have you to the ranch,” she told him. “Please come inside. Your brother and Kade are already in the garden enjoying the show. This way.”
They followed their host through the home to a great room. Strings of white lights hung across the cathedral ceiling. Five-foot pillar candles illuminated the stark space. Brightly colored modern art contrasted with its otherwise clean, white, modern architectural design.
A man dressed in a black satin suit played Bach on a white grand piano, while a nude woman lay splayed naked on its lid. She moaned loudly as several vampires fed from her while a woman with blue hair feasted between her legs.
Viktor looked down to Waverly as her fingers gripped him. It’s okay. We’re going outside.
Did you see that? Her eyes widened as the donor screamed. Oh my God, are they killing her?
Unlikely. Though it sounds like they’re sending her to heaven. Almost there, pet.
As they exited through a set of opulent French doors, a rush of damp air hit them. The scent of fresh grass and manure hung heavy in the air.
Their host, vampire Tori, turned and gestured to an ostentatious pool area. Guests watched neon turquoise mermaids frolic in the water through a glass wall in its side. The topless performers slapped their iridescent tails on the surface before diving to the clear glass theater below, waving and blowing kisses.
“Lovely, aren’t they? The teams switch out each hour and are available as donors,” Tori explained.
“Sushi.” Viktor laughed. Joking.
“Darling! You’re a cad,” Tori gushed, placing her hand on his arm. “I’ve heard rumors about you. Those fangs have seen a lot of holes.”
Viktor joined her in laughter with a smile that didn’t reach his eyes. The hostess expected attention, adoration of her sex-driven blood party.
“You’re a sick pup, Vik,” Rafe commented.
“Of course, it’s an honor to have the notorious Greyson as well.” Tori flashed him a flirtatious smile. “I’ve heard your bite is delicious. And that beard...hmm…I could ride that all night.”
“I’d be honored to show you my fangs.” He reached for her hand and pressed his lips to the back of it.
She laughed wildly, snatching her hand back. “Oh darlin’, you’re a rough one. Your biceps,” she gave a squeeze to his arms, “are straining to be released from that shirt. Perhaps you should do us all a favor and take it off. You can go play with the mermaids.”
“Sweetheart, I always appreciate fine tail, but we’ve got business tonight. Don’t wanna get my new kicks wet.” Greyson played with a toothpick he’d been chewing at for nearly thirty minutes. He nodded to his brother.
“Well then, do as you wish. I’m planning on having the banker or the lawyer for dinner tonight. Maybe both. There’s a smorgasbord to choose from. Please feel free to have whatever you’d like. I’ll have a server bring you a menu.”
“Impeccable taste, I’m sure.” Viktor stroked her ego, attempting to wrap up the conversation. He caught sight of Kade who gave a wave. “Ah there, our party awaits. I’m afraid I must go. Tick tock.”
“Another time, perhaps?” She dropped her fangs and fluttered her wings, batting her eyelashes at him.
“Of course,” he answered, aware he’d never be with another woman again. The only one in his heart was the determined human at his side. He glanced to her and smiled.
“Have fun, darlings!” Tori called as they headed down the path.
“Mermaids?” Waverly whispered.
“I don’t think these ones are real,” he guessed.
“Are you saying that mermaids exist?”
“Many creatures exist. Some well beyond our imagination,” he mused.
“The Goddess is a sneaky bitch,” Greyson told Waverly. “Just when you think you’ve got it all figured out, she’ll throw you a curveball. Heard Léopold Devereoux is paired up with a naiad.”
“Here we are,” Viktor said as they approached a well-landscaped courtyard.
Pink wrought iron chairs arranged in a half-circle faced the pool, so guests could view the swimmers through a thick glass wall. A large three-tiered fountain bubbled behind them. Throughout the garden, life-sized metallic gargoyles loomed over the guests.
“Brother, good to see you again,” Viktor greeted Quintus. “That woman of yours looks good on you.” He turned to Kade. “Thank you for graciously arranging this meeting in neutral territory.”
Viktor glared at Thorn and Ilsbeth, declining to greet them, and simply nodded in response to their presence. He gestured to a seat, waiting for Waverly to sit first.
“Viktor. How long are you going to act like this?” Wearing a skintight crimson satin ballgown, Ilsbeth sat like a queen, her hands folded in her lap. The shiny fabric clung to her like a second skin. Her long, platinum hair tumbled over her shoulders, a choker of blood-red rubies sparkled around her creamy, pale neck.
“One thing I love about you, Ilsbeth. You’ve got style,” Greyson told her with an ingenious smile. “I mean look at that dress. Red is the new black.”
“He’s not wrong,” Rafe commented with a shrug.
“Your mom gives zero fucks what other people are doing,” Greyson commented.
“Your father is still angry with me,” Ilsbeth stated, her mouth drawn tight.
“Everyone is mad at you. Give it a rest,” Rafe shot back at her.
“Do you have the handle?” Ilsbeth asked.
“Yes. Although nothing appears unusual about it,” Viktor told her.