“Correct.”
Riiight. You can’t kill or force someone, but stealing from them is fair game. I snort. This whole thing is so weird, but I suppose it does sort of make sense. If a human is a necessary step of passing over the kingship, then it’s logical that there is some kind of prevention system, so that the human can’t simply be forced to do the vampire’s bidding. And since vampires apparently can’t steal the stone from each other, theft by humans is within the rules… or something. I’m new to this vampires existing thing, so what do I know about their strange rules?
“So you are stuck with us, then?” I pop a macaron in my mouth. It carries a hint of hazelnut.
Theusis out of my mouth so naturally, I don’t even register it until I sense Niko preening next to me. But it is true—we are a team, so wherever this shocking turn of events takes us, we’ll deal with it together.
“For the time being, yes. And I’d very much like your help in this matter.”
I really consider this for the first time since we arrived, the gravity of what he’s asking of me. He offered us money, so much of it, a new life, luxury. He’s not bluffing. But I need insurances. I don’t really know Isidoro, and after the revelation today, I don’t think Niko does either. What if he goes back on his word once he’s the king? Without his supernatural help, we won’t stand a chance against the Crew… Or what if he takes the throne, then comes after us himself for daring to bargain with him?
A quick peek at Niko’s face tells me his brain is trying to tackle this same problem. Okay, then. It seems that we are on the same page.
“I have a couple of conditions,” I say tentatively, leaning back in my chair and crossing one leg over the other.
Isidoro’s shoulders relax a notch, a half-smile flirting with his lips. “I understand.”
“For starters, I want you to assist us in dealing with the Crew. I don’t know how your becoming a king thingy works, but they must pay for what they did.” I mean, they shaved at least ten years off my life, and they forced Niko to live in hiding for just as many. Not to mention killing Zac, even if we weren’t friends friends. This calls for revenge. “This will give me some time to get to know you as well, so I can decide if you are worthy of leading your people or something.”
Isidoro’s laugh is genuine, free. “I like you, Thomas.” He turns to Niko, his entire face lighting up with that smile. “You’ve picked well, old friend.” Clapping his hands, he stands, graceful as ever. “I agree to your terms. I will help you deal with the Crew, so you can live without having to look over your shoulder every time you go out. Then, if you deem I am worthy, you will help me reclaim what’s rightfully mine.”
“And if I don’t?” I can’t help but ask.
He angles his head, mischief glinting in his eyes. “Well, then I’d just have to try harder and prove you wrong, no?”
With a snap of his fingers, the three vampires, who’d been lurking by that palm this entire time, are at his side, one of them handing him a glass of red liquid. If I had to guess, this is not wine.
“Oh, and one more thing,” Isidoro says, taking a sip. He makes a face as if he’s savoring the taste and, honest-to-god, his expression makes my dick twitch. “Niko, the whole reason you had to fake your own death is because you killed one of the Crew officers, isn’t that right? You are a smart, resourceful man. Surely, you could’ve figured out something without needing to rely on my help beyond money. So, how come?”
I blink, disbelief rushing over me. “Oh, shit. He doesn’t know, does he?” I point at Niko, fighting off a wave of laughter.
Niko rubs his forehead, groaning.
Curiosity settles across Isidoro’s features. “Know what?” He waves his companions away, so it’s just the three of us once more. “You are a single man against them, yes, but it can’t be that.”He hums. “You have me intrigued.”
“Niko here might have omitted a couplecrucialdetails about that particular encounter, you see,” I tease, nudging the man in question in his side. He throws me a scathing look, but I just smile at him, which makes it extremely difficult for him to maintain his fake disappointment.
“Now you have to tell me.” Isidoro sits back down, the epitome of elegance with his wineglass and delicate movements.
I nudge Niko once more, excited to hear the story again. He pinches my left cheek, then sighs.
“You remember I told you it happened at this construction site…”
“I can’t believe your friend is a vampire! And not justanyvampire, but a vampireprincetrying to take back histhrone! This is like something straight out of a movie.” I jog over to our room’s private bathroom, turning on the water so the bathtub can fill.
Niko locks the door behind him, shaking his head.
All the running got me sweaty. Plus, the hot water will help with the soreness that’s already creeping into my muscles. I’m so glad things turned out this way though, and that Isidoro didn’t just try to eat us.
“You…” Niko starts, but hesitates. I give him a pointed look. “This is a world-changing revelation, Tommy. Vampires are real.” There is awe in his voice, a hint of excitement and fear, too. “How are you so…”
“Chill about it?” I help him out, puttering over to him as he flops down on the couch. He gets comfortable, but then raises an eyebrow when I start unbuttoning his shirt. “I don’t know, I mean… I’m shocked, don’t get me wrong. But this is one of those ‘no way, that’s awesome’ revelations, you know? It could’ve been so many other bad things, like, I don’t know, parasites controlling people’s brains? Immortal gods walking among us just so they can fuck with us?”
“Jesus, Tommy.”
“What? You know I’m right.”
And I mean it. It could’ve been way way worse. Besides, we know vampires can be killed, whether by rebar, or by weird vampire information-gathering torture techniques. Still, it’s not like the shock has entirely worn off me. I’m still buzzing, my blood thrumming in my ears. My legs had a tremor to them when we walked over here, and even now, I feel like I’m halfway out of my body, looking down at myself as I get ready for a hot bath.
