take off the top and pop it in the microwave under the counter for twenty-five seconds on medium power to take the chill off.
After the ding, I open the door, raise the vial and grab the glass. All of the blood is mixed in alcohol to disguise my scent. Can’t have them guessing it’s mine.
“Straight alcohol with it or in a cocktail mixer?”
“I’ll take it straight with vodka.”
I add the requested liquor to a glass, pour the blood in, then place the drink on the bar in front of Antonio. He downs it in one smooth motion. His eyes immediately go black, the pupil expanding to cover his whole iris, typical for a feeding, enraged, and sometimes aroused vampire. A gasp escapes his astonished face while he grips the bar for support.
“Holy crap, you weren’t kidding. I don’t think I’ve ever had blood so old. Give me another.”
I know what he’s experiencing right now. It’s as close as a vamp can get to being drunk or high since they’d turned. The warmth will spread through his body and his increased awareness will wrap about his skin like a prickly feeling. He may be able to sense desires or perhaps project a bit of his thoughts with a touch. These effects can be permanent if he had a lot more of my blood on a regular basis, but with so little, it will be temporary, lasting only a few days.
I smile at him, having anticipated the request. “I know it’s tempting, but house rules. Can’t break ‘em.”
“Wow, you’ve really got something here, Viv. This stuff is incredible!”
“Yes, it is. Hey, now be careful with your increased strength. It can be hard to adjust to.”
“Yeah, I bet.” Antonio reaches for his empty drink and his black eyes flash up to mine.
By the looks of his original glass, he was drinking a blood-infused cocktail. Another house special of employee blood mixed with alcohol.
“I’ll be back to visit just for the blood. Unreal.”
I laugh. “Good to hear! I knew you wouldn’t be asking for a refund.”
He snorts. “I’d be surprised if anyone did.’’
He must be a little punch drunk. He doesn’t look like the type who snorts when they laugh.
Rafe takes the discarded vial and turns to rinse it in the sink.
“Wait!” Antonio calls out. “Can I rinse the container with some alcohol and pour it into my glass? It’s too good to waste a drop.”
He’s not the first who’s had a slight freak-out when the vial gets taken away, so Rafe turns back and takes the vodka out from under the counter.
“Is vodka again okay?” At Antonio’s nod, he pours a bit into the vial and puts the stopper back on to shake it up.
Rafe pours the blood mix into his glass on the bar and moves to put the vial in the sink. The expression of sheer delight on Antonio’s face as he looks at the drink is priceless.
“Antonio, I have to warn you…” His eyes whip up to meet mine. “You may feel other’s desires or thoughts for a few days. This vampire is a powerful empath.”
That should help him accept the visions I toss his way with even more ease.
“Good. Glad to see I’ll get my money’s worth.” His smile is slightly crooked.
God, I hope he isn’t so young he’s going to make an ass out of himself. It would ruin my plans.
Olivia picks that moment to arrive. Her timing couldn’t be better.
“Olivia, darling,” I call out, to ensure every head will swivel to her. “Don’t you look smashing tonight.”
My comment has the desired effect. The bar patrons turn to admire the beautiful blond as she glides into the room. I glance over at Drew, who meets my eye after checking her out. I give a slight nod then indicate Antonio with my eyes. Drew nods in understanding while a slow smile spreads across his handsome features.
Antonio remains quiet as he studies Olivia. This could be one of those moments when the blinders are off and he sees her for the first time as something other than food. I picked up from Olivia earlier tonight that she has been a part of their seethe for a few months now, after transferring from another in the hopes of finding a vampire to serve. She’s what some call in the vamp community a “sheep,” a regular donor not bound to any one vampire.
A lot of companions share the same dream of falling in love with a vampire and be deemed worthy enough