He smiles and shrugs. “The arrangement holds.” His smile fades. “When traitors in my midst threatened that arrangement, I took care of them and made an example out of them to prove to the shifters that I can be trusted. And again, when a rogue nest tried to usurp me, we were allies against them.Thatis all that matters.”
“It certainly seems like a unique arrangement compared to elsewhere.” Usually, shifters and vampires avoid each other. If forced together in close quarters for too long, there is inevitably bloodshed. In a fair fight, vampires can usually beat shifters.
But shifters have a highly refined sense of smell and the ability to hunt in the daytime, meaning vampires are vulnerable.
“The shifters and I agree in more ways than we disagree,” he says. “It was simply a matter of allowing them to see I am a man of my word. I helped eradicate a blood slavery ring in the area, for starters. Shifters being sold as sweetbloods. I help protect us all against the government. The local werewolf pack Alpha has seen I don’t hesitate to eliminate those who would move against me or against the shifters we have allied ourselves with. Any vampires who don’t wish to abide by my rules can happily fuck off and move elsewhere, outside my territory, or die. I allow the shifters to take care of their own, as long as they don’t interfere with my…business, and they do the same.”
I risk a smile. “And do you have the shifters over for tea and biscuits?”
His jaw tightens, but he doesn’t rise to the bait. “Not exactly.”
Selene giggles. I amuse her, which is one reason I’m now sitting in Lucius’ living room. Other than sunlight and stakes to the heart, Lucius has only one weakness—Selene.
I envy him that comfort.
Even if she is easily the scariest creature on the face of the planet.
“How do you get around their squeamishness about us hunting?” I ask.
“It’s amazing how many humans will volunteer to be cows when you throw in orgasms.” He smiles again. “And money. There are also the…less desirable populations. Criminals. Did you know you can find registered sex offenders’ information right online? It’s publicly available for anyone to see. No one complains if one of them dies. We’re careful to do it in stages, and to wipe their minds after every blooding.”
“It’s a twofer,” Selene says, flashing canines as she smiles. “In a couple of years, Tucson will be one of the safest cities in the country.”
“And more people will want to move here,” I note. Ingenious.
“Exactly,” Lucius says. “And it stays safe. There are also plenty of criminals out on parole who have trouble finding honest work. We are willing to pay them cash, and all they have to do is stay drug-free and not reoffend. Again, it helps keep the area safer. Also, I’ve forbade my sired from siring any new vampires of their own without my permission. It’s a death sentence, if they do. They also know if they leave a trail of corpses, I will allow the shifters to take care of them for being rogues, if I don’t stake them first myself.”
I’m actually the only resident vampire in Atlantic City, that I’m aware of. I made it clear it was my territory, and that I would welcome visitors who cleared their visits with me and agreed to abide by my rules—no bodies, no sired, and no setting up a permanent residence. That I would provide them an ample list of volunteers happy to “play” with them and let them feed, or they could buy ethically acquired blood through me.
It’s worked for me for over fifty years.
Which is another reason why I’m here tonight discussing this with Lucius.
“To be clear,” I say, “I’m looking to set up a human-centric resort, not a vampire one. I run the company, but no one other than six trusted employees who’ve been with me for decades know I’m a vampire. I’m not looking to challenge you for control of the area, which is why I’m here discussing this with you in the first place.” He knows exactly what I’mnotsaying—I’m not going to pay him tribute.
“What do I get in return?”
“Cover, increased transient populations of tourists to feed from, and, as long as your people don’t kill, I’ll allow them greater access through paid staff positions, as well as send guests to your club through recommendations. Meaning more jobs for vampires who wish to settle in this region, with your permission, of course. I will also contribute very generously to local politicians’ campaigns and pet projects, in conjunction with you. I’ll back whatever political issues you wish to forward for your own interests, as long as innocents aren’t harmed, and I’ll stand behind you in full support if anyone tries to move against you.”
He slowly nods. “Thatistempting.”
“No killing or siring on my property,” I add. “Not looking to increase the population. And any feeding done on my property must be with consent. For any vampires from out of town who wish to stay with me, I will source purchased blood exclusively from you.” That will mollify him.
“I thought you said it’ll be a human-centric resort?”
“It will, but I would be remiss not to include a section dedicated to catering to a specialty clientele. North-facing rooms with completely sealable shutters, and extra security features for the rooms. Specially trained staff, some of whom will be happy to consensually…satiate guests’ hungers, if desired.” I’ve already perfected the formula at my current hotel.
“I have heard favorable reports about your operations in Atlantic City.” Well, of course people have reported back to him. I would have been shocked if he hadn’t sent spies, vampire or human.
“There’s a reason I’m as old as I am without a nest of my own,” I remind him. “I do not piss people off, and I can back up my words with actions.”
“And shifters? Will you be talking with them as well?”
“I feel I must. I know they run a fight club in town. I’m sure they would love access to whales willing to get the full experience of betting on live fights. I can buy a lot of law enforcement and local officials with the kind of money I’ll be bringing with me. Convince them to look the other way. I’m certain I can talk the shifters into agreeing to a mutually beneficial deal. Another reason I wanted to talk with you first, since you and the Alpha are on reasonable terms with each other and have a stable treaty in place. I am showing you respect by coming to you first for your permission and blessing.”
I see him struggling to not openly preen. Yes, I know how to appeal to him. “Does this mean you will come to my club tomorrow and postpone your ridiculous idea about meeting the sun?”
Tipping my glass so I can drain the last of the liquor, I nod. “I suppose I should hang around a little longer. See if my mood permanently changes.”
