The next room was another sitting room, this time in beige and gold, deep tans complementing the colors. The effect was rather monochromatic but impressive.
“The first floor hosts our general gathering rooms, masters,” their guide said. “Your pets will also find basic facilities, including our caretaker’s office toward the center. I’ll be certain to point it out as I go. They are aware of what that can provide for them, yes?”
That hadn’t been something Roger had thought to cover. Not every place bothered to have a caretaker, and there had never been one at a donor house in the GLC’s territory before. Roger said, “Carver, you know, don’t you, boy?”
“A donor house’s caretaker tends to pets’ injuries, master,” Carver said in a quiet, deferential voice.
“Ours can assist in long-term care needs if a pet hasn’t had the time to arrange a formal doctor’s visit elsewhere,” their guide said. “Or help a pet find care closer to home if that is preferred.”
On their walk, they passed additional sitting rooms and one music room that alongside the usual harp and piano Roger was used to seeing also had a host of guitars. A mortal was strumming a soothing melody on a guitar while another sang. Everyone in the room was rapt with attention to the performers.
They came to a T-intersection deep in the building. Their guide motioned at the large glass doors before her. “The ballroom.” Then she swept her hand to the right. “That way leads to additional general meeting areas, including an art gallerywith a rotating collection. Our current display is ‘Scenes of History’ and features paintings from our newest coven captain, Dempsey.”
Dempsey was one of Candide’s sirelings. Roger tucked that mental note away and nodded.
Their guide motioned to the left. “The common library is that way, masters. In either direction, we would go past a bar, which offers modest delicacies as well. We add whatever your pets eat and drink to your account. If you would prefer your pets had no access to alcohol, or anything we provide for that matter, we can accommodate that desire.”
“My pets know their limits and know not to overindulge,” Roger said.
“Understood, master,” their guide said. “There are a few illicit offerings at our bars as well. Mistress has even acquired fey rarities with the permission of our Master Seamus and is able to provide those as well.”
“They know what would displease me,” Roger said. “I see no reason to limit them.”
Their guide nodded. “Would you like to see more of the first floor, masters, or would you prefer to move onto the second?”
“I think we can move on to the second,” Takashi said.
“Agreed,” Roger said.
“As you desire, masters.” Their guide started down the left hall and continued explanations as she took another turn that led them to a grand staircase. She pointed out some of the finer furniture and art pieces as they traveled.
Some of them had been in Roger’s homes once upon a time. He’d had his penthouse in the city, but his one in downstate Illinois that he rarely visited had been chockful of art.She fucking stole from me.Anger bubbled in him, and he had to curb it before it became a desire to cause pain. Others would be ableto feel that impulse, and he needed to appear levelheaded.She thought I was dead. It’s fine.
Unless she’s the one who made a deal with a fey to seal me away.Roger didn’t pay much attention to what the guide had to say as they passed more rooms and doors. Apparently, one of them was an elevator. But fear and hurt were swirling. Keeping his jester’s mask in place was tough, especially as their guide recited the history of a Manet piece that had been inhisliving room without a single mention ofhim.
While they continued down the hall, their guide said, “As you can see, this floor is for entertainment. A closed door signals a desire for intimacy. Access to the third floor and private rooms that are there is restricted unless you’re a privileged member of the coven.” She blushed, a hint of fear pulsing from her. “Which, of course, you are, Master Roger. You are a captain and should have such rights. I’m certain the staff would allow you anywhere you like, pardoning Mistress’s private chambers.”
His image might have been everywhere, but people had forgotten his importance. Roger said coldly, “And I’m certain they would allow me there if I had a need.”
Their guide dipped her head. “I didn’t mean to imply you wouldn’t have our cooperation, master. Please forgive me.”
Roger snorted. That was as much of a forgiveness as he ought to give.
“I love it when he oozes authority,” Takashi said with a bright smile. He took Roger’s hand and kissed it, then continued holding his hand. “Positively terrifying, isn’t he?”
Their guide smiled politely, then motioned down the hallway. “My mistress is just a little farther this way, masters. At the end of the hall.”
The rooms on the second floor were more crowded, though that could have been an illusion due to their smaller dimensions. Music played from speakers in a few places, and though sexand the stronger fantasies were played out behind closed doors, the subtle reek of lubricant mixed with the odor of the grave and the far more pleasurable scent of blood. Moans were an undercurrent to the general bubbles of conversations.
Still, Roger heard the crack of a whip twenty feet away from the last room on the left. He stepped into old habits as they made their way. The GLC would be expecting Roger, an experienced vampire and occasional public Dom, and he didn’t balk at dominance play of any level.
He’d always believed he found being the dominant in those scenarios was the most exciting, but with Zack, he was starting to wonder if he’d been stumbling along. Zack had been in control in the bathroom, directing Roger with every word and move. He’d been demanding, and that had been incredibly hot. Following instead of leading had been freeing, and he longed to know what would happen if he let Zack fully dominate him.
Seamus had been rough with him, and Roger had assumed that submission wasn’t his thing. He’d made the best of out his times with Seamus, enjoying what he could, but being away from the GLC had made clear what he’d always known.
Seamus was not a good master, in any way.
What if he’s changed while I was away?Roger forced his feet onward.Dmitri hates him. Always has. If Seamus was better, Dmitri wouldn’t even notice.
