eyes of every one of them, one by one. Fear starts to creep into their expressions. I don’t blame them.
My power signature, when fully released, is much greater than my actual age. That’s in part thanks to the seethe I was first a member of centuries ago. While my master used me to control other vampires, I fed from them all, gaining in strength. My years as an enforcer just increased my chances of blood-taking from powerful vampires. I drained those two ancients from the tribunal before compelling them to commit suicide.
The ache within me becomes all-consuming. Rather than contain it these past three hours, I’ve barely held on to it with a very tight mental leash.
“It will take me less blood from a vampire to meet my hunger than it will from a human. You can donate willingly, or I’ll take it from you. Your choice.”
Liam, much to my surprise, comes forward and bares his wrist for me. His action lowers the tension in the room, bringing a sense of calm after my harsh statement.
“I would gladly give you my blood, Vivian. It’s always good to have an old one owe me a favor.” He smiles at the last, giving me a wink.
To a vampire master such as Liam, one who can read the age of another, I’m not sure how much older I appear than I really am. Having these vampires know my age, real or presumed, is not really a big deal. Considering how power-hungry we are as a species, it’s no wonder some of us cloak our aura when among our own kind. As long as I don’t have to mind control any of them to get them to donate, then it’s a good day.
“I appreciate your generosity, Liam.” I nod my head slightly to him. “Considering the gift I gave you yesterday on the fun floor, I concede—I will owe you a small favor.”
He lets out a laugh, relaxing the others further. “Touché, dear innkeeper, touché.”
The others line up behind him. Each one stands ready to donate two or three ounces of blood to me. If I wasn’t afraid I’d bind them all, I’d offer free shots of vampire blood in the bar when this mess is done. As things are now, I’ll have to tell them we’re all out if they ask for it.
I feed from each wrist, thanking one vampire while I reach for the next arm. My ability to control my aura increases after the first two. I pull it all back in and lock the power down tight. Before I get to Antonio, I remember his shot in the bar last night. Joanna stands next to him, and while I would have liked to drink from her, I feign fullness to avoid binding Antonio to me.
“Thank you both for the offer. I believe I’ve had enough.”
Taking a moment to read my hunger levels, I realize I’m telling the truth. It’s nice to save Joanna as a back up in case I need it, but I feel like I’m back to my normal self.
“I’d like to ask all the masters a personal question. My strongest ability is one to cast physical illusions into an entire room or redirect it at an individual, even from a distance. What are your abilities?”
Revealing this small portion about what I can do is not dangerous to me. They will assume I mean on humans only, still having no idea that I can do so to vampires and that the final outcome of such glamour means I can mind control them. Most all vampires can do a little glamour; it walks hand and hand with their ability to control a human. The last true manipulator, like myself, was killed over six hundred years ago. Way before any of these youngsters were around.
Excitement charges the air as each master looks at the others near by.
Jet is the first to speak. “I can shift to animal form. My favorite is the Bengal tiger, but I think a wolf might better suit the climate here.”
I smile encouragement at him. “Thank you, Jet. That will be a great asset with Jonathan’s ability. You’ll both be invaluable trackers.”
Liam speaks next. “I can turn to mist and fly.” A note of pride creeps into his voice. And well it should. Such a power is a remarkable attribute in a fight—an opponent can never land a hit on vapor.
“Can you speak mind-to-mind with Theresa when you are in such a state?” I ask.
Liam nods