wouldn’t be for just one male but many. If you don’t take this assignment, then you can have that on your conscience.”
Giving Red Death his namesake would please me to no end at this moment. And not because he mocks me but because of his flippant attitude toward the G.C.’s plan. It takes every ounce of self-control I possess to keep my expression passive.
There is no mistaking the insult underlying his words, but I brush it aside. However, my rage on behalf of the humans is not as easy to ignore. Red can think me weak or a simpleton because of my code of honor, but in the end he is the fool. In seconds, he revealed the true nature of the transaction and value of these human females. That is never wise to do. I will not steal from him, but many would in order to sell them to another buyer for more money.
If there is such a thing as a trustworthy marauder, then I am it.
“We wouldn’t want that,” I say, inclining my head. “What is the timeline of the delivery?”
“As soon as possible, but he is aware you may need to take a convoluted route or delay arrival in order to keep from being apprehended by the local authorities.”
I wave a hand in dismissal. “The Enforcers will not be a problem. It is the G.C. as a whole I am more concerned about.”
“You can’t get something for nothing, hence the large payout.”
“Then we are agreed.”
Red gives me a curt nod. “As you’re aware, the markets’ times and locations change and the notice given is short.”
I stand and straighten the lapels of my trench coat. “Anything else?”
“They are a fragile species, and my contact doesn’t want them harmed in any way.”
“You are Red Death, not I.”
He barks out a laugh, and it draws the attention of the people around us. “That is true, but I would not want to be with you in the dark, Nightwalker. I have a feeling I would never again see the light of day.”
My tail whips back and forth behind me like a pendulum, but I’m careful not to let it brush against anyone as I walk. And it’s not just because of the pointed edges that are shaped like arrows or because of the paralyzing venom within. The true reason is I don’t like touching people accidentally.
It’s more accurate to say I loathe being touched by others.
After years of being poked and prodded against my will, the mere thought of someone initiating unwanted physical contact makes me equal parts angry and disgusted. Even my brothers know not to test me in this, and they are the only family I have. Albeit not in the traditional sense, but there is still a biological connection.
And it’s one of great significance.
As soon as I exit the tavern, I head down the street and search for the nearest alley. Yes, it’s night, but that does not hold any negative connotation to me or my brethren because we prefer the darkness and shadow the evening brings. We cannot hide our tails, glowing eyes, or blue skin, yet we take great pains to keep our ability of teleportation a secret. Practicing it out in the open would only draw more attention, which is something we do not want or need.
Though sometimes it is unavoidable.
The buildings and surrounding areas in the Pleasure District of Lixis are filled with hiding places where danger lurks, as well as locations that offer up pleasure that is unfathomable. Or so I’ve been told. I have no desire to indulge in the vices of others, but every so often I ponder what it must be like to crave the touch of a female. My brothers and I all endured the same torture and agony, and the outcome of that has presented itself in different ways. However, they do not carry an aversion to physical contact like I do, so they are more than eager to find bedmates whenever we arrive at a jobsite.
My sexual experiences amount to fucking, coming, and leaving. It is that simple, and I don’t ever foresee a change.
Darkness covers the textured walls of the anodyne shop and the nearby brothel. The moans from the occupants of the latter filter through the air as I turn down the alleyway. I keep to the shadows, which is instinctual, and scan the area for any unwelcome witnesses. When none are located, I conjure an image in my mind of the temporary lodging where