Blood Lust

THIRTY-ONE

Sitting in a helicopter, surrounded by a dozen big men decked head to foot in black tactical weapons and gear, Isaac felt more helpless and vulnerable than he had in his entire life. The sense of betrayal and isolation intensified as the pilot set them down on the rooftop pad of a tall, sleek building. Even in the dark, Isaac recognized palm trees and a particular smell he associated with Florida.

As a kid, he’d come here to visit Disney a few times.

Seth had not flown with them.

Isaac hated the fact his ‘lover’ had orchestrated an abduction.

He hated it more that his ‘lover’ had not even bothered to ride along with the snatch team.

Like a good captive, Isaac did as told. The warm, tropical night air carried the scent of night-blooming jasmine. His towering escorts flanked him in twin columns as they walked along to the rooftop elevator entrance. It failed to impress Isaac. He’d seen many high-end, high-rise residences. Half the contingent loaded and rode as the other half waited for the next trip.

The interior of the elevator smelled of furniture polish. Glancing around covertly, he saw mirrored walls, pricey wood and brass fixtures. His stomach knotted.

Sold out? Sold to some other vampire?

Sick and furious, he waited as the doors parted.

A world of blowing breezes, tropical scents and glowing lamps greeted him. Isaac’s legs threatened to fail him as he heard Seth’s voice.

“My thanks, gentlemen. Please assume security stations.”

A Mediterranean-inspired, luxurious living space greeted his eyes. Shiny, warm-hued wood floor hosted modern furniture, vintage-looking carpets and tables. Renaissance-inspired art graced tables and the interior walls. Large sliding glass doors created the outer perimeters, with balconies beyond. Several stood open to the pre-dawn winds.

Seth stepped into view wearing a white shirt, black tie, law-riding button fly jeans and visibly expensive Italian shoes. With his hair drawn back and the quiet quality of his garments, he looked like a superbly successful businessman. Loosening his tie, he gazed at Isaac. “I had to hire human specialists so you couldn’t influence them.”

“Did it max out your Vampire Express?” He noted the fact the apartment occupied the penthouse floor, and the agents did not go far. A few guys, yes, he might try. These operators in this number, tonight and expecting rebellion? No thanks, he concluded.

Seth finished removing his tie, draped it over a brown leather sofa, and unbuttoned his shirt. “Not even close.” He slowly exposed his dark, wide chest. “They will stay here to insure your safety.”

“How does it work?” Isaac averted his face, watching the transparent window treatments lift and lower in the wind. “You vamps started breeding us to serve you. As we became more attuned and able to service you like good whores, we also developed the ability to control you?”

“Yes.” The flat tone of Seth’s voice seemed to fill the gracious area, negating its sensory welcome.

Isaac’s regard snapped back to him. “You bastard.”

Seth shrugged from his upper garment and placed it with his tie. “The world consists of far more than you know. I attempted to shield you.”

Glancing around to note details, Isaac’s emotions shifted to more of a disbelieving bent. “Di Vinci? Monet? All work I’d consider unseen.”

“Yes.” With his beautiful torso bare, Seth bent to remove his shoes. The ripple and bunch of ready brawn provided a lust-worthy show. “I have more, if you’d like to view them.”

“Thanks, no.” Isaac bridled. “Waiting for law enforcement’s suitable entertainment for me.”

Seth straightened. Wearing just the jeans dipping under his hipbones, he replied, “No one will come for you, boy.”

“My editor will lose her mind in a day.” He watched the sub-tropical breezes whip the drapes.

“She will not. Agents will assure this.”

Isaac decided his best course of action resided in the submissive mode. “Well, groovy. This’s a big place. I’m gonna crash in a guest room and sort this out while your daylight-challenged ass is unable to do shit about it.”

Seth’s burgundy eyes showed those seductive flames. “The human guards will hold you.”

Turning and walking toward a wide hall, Isaac shot back, “Having yourself under-estimated is a blessing.”


Isaac dozed for about an hour. Then, he rolled from the still-made bed and put his booted feet on the floor.

Silence.

Isaac approached the door leading from the guest room to the hall.

A deep, southern-infused masculine voice broke the quiet. “Does sir require something?”

Stepping out into the hall, Isaac saw a truly huge man he recognized as human. “Is a ‘get-out-of-jail-free’ card available?”

“Call me, ‘Wyland’, sir, and, no sir.”

Morning light just began to extend warm gold fingers into the penthouse, highlighting the grain in the floors and illuminating the paintings preserved behind special shallow glass cases. “Fuck. Long as I’m blood bitch-napped, I want fed properly.”

Wyland extended his arm to indicate Isaac should walk ahead of him. “If sir will proceed, I have ordered breakfast to be delivered.”

“I hope it’s damn expensive.”

After breakfast, Wyland introduced him to the rooftop pool, the lower floor of amusement areas including billiards, a home movie theater, and gym.

Isaac took in the modern machines and aura. “Why does he have this when he’s preternatural? Not like he has to work out.”

Wyland responded quietly, “Now, it will be for you.”

Isaac turned and strode from the gym. “Won’t he have a surprise when he wakes.” He intended to do his best impression of a bad-ass and get the fuck out of this gilded cage.

“Sir, I must alert the guards.”

“Good.” Something dark in him anticipated the brawl. “Tell them to expect pure hell.”