Mihai pulled to a stop in front of a high-rise building. The night lights of the city reflected off the glass along with the occasional flash of light from a fairy that had flown too close.
Opening the door, Alek stepped out and he was greeted with a line made up of ten vampires on each side. Their bodies bent at the waist in greeting as all said simultaneously.
“Welcome, Monarch.”
Entering the building he was greeted by a slim Black woman in a dark blue dress. In her arms she held a tablet, she offered him a welcoming smile, her white teeth flashing at him.
“Hello, Mr. Delgado, your sons are above waiting on you.” She glanced behind him spotting Mihai, who kept his gaze averted from her friendly one. “Mr. Mihai, once you’re done with the meeting above, the Director of Rimini wishes to speak with you.”
Mihai grunted in answer, as Alek offered the young thing a smile.
“It pleases me that my son has hired a few more bright females to work here,” Alek said.
The young woman offered him a wink. “Well I’m grateful to have been hired.”
“Orion.” Mihai said her name harshly. “Return to your desk.”
She flinched, as her smile dimmed and she responded with a short nod quickly turning on her heels as she rushed back to her desk.
Walking around Alek, Mihai continued toward the elevator.
Alek followed him, a curious look on his face. “You are still impatient with women.”
“They are still flighty, useless creatures,” Mihai argued just as they entered the elevator. “Women are good for two things.” He lifted his flask. “Blood and sex.”
Alek thought of fierce eyes and an arrogant smile immediately. His anger exploded inside as if his son had insultedher. He ignored his son, flinching as he tried to regain control. “Your words, watch them. I will not be so forgiving the next time you speak so callously of women.”
Mihai straightened, his expression dark and contrite. “Yes, Father.”
Alek released a short breath.
The elevator door opened with a sharp ding.
Entering the office, a loud, painful scream filled the air. Alek leisurely made his way to the bar at the other end of the large office. While Mihai moved to the sofa that was across from the desk, keeping his back to the walls.
The smell of blood filled the office from the dead body left next to another man kneeling on plastic that was arranged in the center of the floor. The view of Veil City surrounded them since the walls were two-way glass. Exposing three dead bodies already neatly arranged next to the steps that lead up to private apartments.
Alek turned around and finished pouring himself a glass of his son’s fine whiskey. He watched as his eldest son Sorin lifted the short axe in his hand and brought it down on the dead body’s arm. Blood covered his white shirt and dress pants. He stood, turning to face his father. “Sorry, I thought I would have taken care of Clarence and his buddy here before you got back.”
Alek waved him to continue his work, “It’s not like what I have to say can’t wait.”
Sorin frowned as he held the wrist, tearing the arm away from the body. He lifted it to his nose and sniffed, only to frown and smell the air once more. With a sound of annoyance he turned his glare on the shivering bound Clarence lying on the plastic from the smell having soiled himself.
“I hate fucking liars,” Sorin spoke as he tossed the arm aside. “I asked you to bring me clean food. Obviously, this is poisoninstead. Why is everyone trying to test me today?” He directed his question to no one in particular.
A small part of Alek wondered if his children were ever tired of waking up to a bloodbath. They’d spilled blood this morning, and now they were yet again spilling blood, and right before lunch.
“Andrei!” Sorin shouted, tossing his axes aside.
“What the fuck do you need, Sorin?” Andrei yelled from the top of the steps. He was speaking to someone on the phone. “Charlie, I already told you to take the kidneys and sell them to Roanoke. And if they don’t want to pay what we asked, then dump that shit on that fucker’s doorstep.” Andrei, still speaking, could be heard before he stepped into view from the upstairs apartment. His eyes narrowed as he searched around below only to stop on Alek, who lifted his glass in greeting. “Shit.” Quickly, he dropped the call and placed his phone in his back pocket. “Why the fuck didn’t you tell me Dad was here?” he demanded angrily as he came the rest of the way down and walked around the three bodies near the stairs.
Sorin glanced at Alek before looking back at his brother. “He’s here.”
The distressed look shared between his sons caused Alek difficulty. He could barely refrain from laughing out loud instead he sat his glass down. “I am here.”
Andrei stiffened, his expression becoming tight as he lowered his eyes. “Hello, Father.”
Alek smiled. “Why so stiff? This morning you urged your brother and I not to fight each other.”
