But the lab tech is already out the door, the cooler tucked securely under his arm. Mr. Philbens is left standing there, staring after him as though he doesn’t know what to do.
I’m not sure what to do either.
“Mr. Philbens, are you saying that I can’t work until you get the results of that test?” I demand, turning to him. “Because that was the shadiest lab tech I’ve ever seen. What company does he even work for?”
“Er…he didn’t say.” Mr. Philbens clears his throat. “I suppose you may return to work for the present, but don’t get too comfortable. If we get confirmation that you’re using illegal substances?—”
“I’m not,” I say flatly, cutting him off. “And I’d still like to know who made this ridiculous accusation in the first place? Was it Donald? Is he trying to get back at me for reporting him to HR when he grabbed my ass at the Christmas party?”
Mr. Philbens stiffens.
“I told you, I’m not at liberty to say. Now go back to your desk.”
I know when I’m being dismissed. I give him a final look—a look that tells him exactly what I think of him, even though I can’t say it out loud—and push my way out of his office.
What a dick. He probably scheduled the drug test himself just to hassle me.
I have no idea how wrong I am…but I’m going to find out soon.
2
Lucian
I pace impatiently, waiting for the Realm-Hopper to return from the Human world. Behind me is a vast glass window, looking out onto The Bleeding Court—my syndicate’s territory. It’s a sprawling city made of velvet and steel. Elaborate Victorian architecture blends with soaring skyscrapers to make a cityscape unlike any other.
It’s midday now, which means the red sun which rises over the Shadow Realms is casting a weak, bloody light over the spires of the city. Our sun is weak compared to the sun in the Human Realm—I know, I was there once. It nearly blinded me.
I know that Julia lives in a part of the Human world where the yellow sun shines bright and hot most of the year. I wonder if she’ll mind the bloody twilight that reigns over my realm.
If so, too fucking bad. I need her and I’m going to have her.
But I can’t get ahead of myself. I have to taste her blood first—I have to be sure she’s truly got the Sanguis Vita before I go to the trouble, expense, and risk of bringing her to me. If the Magistrate who rules all six realms found out I was smuggling a Curvy Queen into my little kingdom, “the shit would really hit the fan,” as I’ve heard Julia say once or twice, while I was watching her in the Crimson Eye.
Of course, the Eye shows her with the tell-tale glow—the blood-red aura around her full, curvy body. But I need to be absolutely sure. If so, my Curvy Queen will be incredibly rare and valuable. The Sanguis Vita is almost impossible to find, even with a high-powered magical artifact like the Crimson Eye. It only shows on those who have it in abundance, as I’m hoping Julia does.
Speaking of the Eye, I feel the itch to use it again—the urge to check in on her and see her radiant beauty. The obsidian depths of the cursed mirror call to me, whispering about watching her, seeing how she moves…what she’s doing…
“No!” I mutter, clenching my fists. Every time I use the Eye, my Blood Lust increases and it can’t be quenched any more by my usual donors. They’re all too weak—too skinny. Their thin, pale blood can’t sustain me—I need a woman with the Sanguis Vita in her blood.
I’ve paid a heavy toll to find this little human—but once I get her here in the Shadow Realm, it will all be worth it. I’ll bring her pleasure over and over—it will increase the Sanguis Vita in her blood, making it stronger every time she comes.
I can just picture it now, caressing her full curves as I sink my fangs into her neck. Hearing her moan my name as her sweet life-giving blood flows into my mouth?—
A sharp rapping at my office door makes me turn.
“Who is it?”
“My Lord, it’s the coyote—the Realm-Hopper. He’s returned from his errand.” The voice belongs to Bartholomew, my second in command and the Underboss of our syndicate.
My heart tightens in my chest. In just a moment I’ll know for sure.
“Let him come in.” I go to sit behind my desk, clenching my hands together to keep them from roaming restlessly. I hope like Hell that her blood is pure—that I can taste the traces of the Sanguis Vita in it. If not…
I don’t finish the thought because the door to my office opens and Whistler walks in. Bounces in might be a better way to put it—the male can’t stand still for an instant.
“Your Fanginess.” He makes an elaborate bow to me but I have no time for his foolishness. I wouldn’t put up with it if he wasn’t the best Hopper in the Shadow Realm.
“Her blood—did you get it?” I demand.
