An Invitation

by Jasmine Hill

  “Can we go downstairs?” she yelled into Vincent’s ear to be heard above the music.

  He nodded, grasped her hand and tugged her behind him toward the stairs.

  “There are fewer people than earlier,” she commented once they were in the hallway.

  “Maybe the music sent people downstairs. It’s too loud up here to hold a conversation.”

  Small groups milled around the foyer and the bar area, but the atmosphere seemed restless, almost solemn.

  “I’m not sure what’s going on,” she murmured. “Where is everyone?”

  Vincent narrowed his eyes, his lips thinning but before he could answer, Madison rushed over to them. “Oh, thank god, I’ve found you.” She threw her arms around Bree’s neck.

  “What’s wrong?”

  “It’s Chantelle. She’s missing. She went to the bathroom over an hour ago and hasn’t returned. I checked the bathroom and our room, but she’s just disappeared.”

  Madison wrung her hands, worry etched over her face. “Look at the people,” she whispered. “Where is everyone? Tyler and Craig still haven’t appeared and neither have Tina and Sophia. Something’s not right.”

  Bree scrutinized their surroundings. The romantic Valentine’s Day vibe seemed to have dulled, the Valentine’s symbolism taking on a disturbing quality. The balloons had lost some of their buoyancy and no longer bobbed cheerily around the room and the flowers had faded, their heads drooping and their colors no longer vibrant. Even Cupid’s smile seemed less mischievous and more menacing. It was as if the need to maintain the romantic, celebratory atmosphere was no longer necessary. That the pretense was just too much too trouble. But to happen so quickly? What’s going on?

  Something sinister had been lurking on the edge of her conscious, something that she didn’t really want to give voice to, but the question had to be asked. She raised herself on tiptoes to whisper in Vincent’s ear. “I haven’t asked you. You seem to know the hosts, or at least the people who invited us here. Are they vampires as well?”

  He tightened his jaw, his eyes narrowing. “Yes.”

  She stepped back in shock. Of course, they’d be vampires. Suddenly the cult scenario seemed much more acceptable.

  “Why were we invited here? Do they have something planned?”

  A muscle convulsed in his jaw. His eyes flashed. “Yes. The guests have been invited for one reason and one reason alone.”

  Chapter Fifteen

  Vincent had been hoping to avoid the coming conversation, however foolish that hope was. His vague plan had been to protect Bree, that somehow being with her would ensure her safety. Once he’d seen her name on the guest list, he’d known he’d have to attend the weekend’s festivities. He hadn’t attended in years. He’d lost the appetite for it, literally, and that Dante never missed the event was even more of a reason for Vincent to stay away.

  He couldn’t believe that Bree had been included. Had the universe been working against him to put the one woman who’d interested him in years in mortal danger?

  Bree had grown alarmingly pale as the import of what he’d said sunk in.

  “What’s going on?” Madison interjected. “What’s with all the whispering? What aren’t you telling me?”

  “Go to your room and lock the door.” Vincent instructed Madison. “Don’t open it for anyone.”

  “You’re scaring me,” she murmured.

  “Do what he says,” Bree stated flatly. “We’ll come and get you when we can.”

  Madison frowned but nodded her acceptance and proceeded toward the stairs.

  Vincent knew a locked door wouldn’t keep a vampire out, but he was relying on the ‘out of sight, out of mind’ philosophy to keep her safe. He feared that her friend had already fallen victim to the appetites of their hosts.

  “When were you going to tell me?” Bree demanded. She was still pale, the shock of the situation carving worry lines around her eyes.

  “I was hoping to avoid it.”

  She gave him an incredulous look. “You didn’t think I’d notice the guests slowly disappearing?”

  He shoved his hands into his pockets in awkward embarrassment. “I didn’t know how to tell you and I was concerned that you’d do something foolish.”

  She planted her hands on her hips. “What, something foolish like running?”

  “Exactly like that. You wouldn’t get very far, and you’d only put yourself in more danger.”

  “More danger than becoming a bloodsucker’s next meal? I might take my chances!”

  “It’s not possible, so get it out of your mind. You must have noticed the different scenery, the unusual terrain and the elevation of the mountain we’re on? You commented on it to me.”

  “What are you saying?”

  It was difficult to explain to a human in a way that they’d understand, but he’d have to try or risk her attempting to run. “Vampires are supernatural. We have abilities that go beyond a human’s. All supernatural beings have powers. We can deceive and spellbind. We can cast glamour to enthrall or confuse.” He paused. “We’re on a different plane at the moment. A paranormal plane that you won’t be able to find your way out of.”

  She stared at him. It was a lot for her to take in, he understood that, but the faster she learned what she was up against, the safer she’d be.

  “You’re telling me that I’m stuck here?” she whispered, fear evident in her tone.

  “Not indefinitely, but you won’t be able to leave without me.”

  “Well, what are we waiting for?” she cried. “Let’s leave now!”

  They couldn’t leave without the risk of being hunted down. He needed to demonstrate to her the danger surrounding them. He wasn’t worried about himself, but about Bree and her mortal vulnerabilities. There was a way, of course, to ensure her safety indefinitely, but he wouldn’t broach that subject unless he had to. At least he could make her stronger…if she’d let him. But first he needed to show her what they were up against.

  He grasped her hand. “Come with me. I need to show you something.”

  Bree’s head was spinning. She didn’t think anything Vincent could show her would surprise her now. She wondered at the fate of the poor people who’d disappeared. Unfortunately, it wasn’t too hard to imagine what had befallen them.

  Vincent grasped her hand tightly as he led her down passageways and staircases that she hadn’t seen before.

  He stopped at a large, heavy-looking door. A chilling depiction of a devil’s head adorned the wood above a round metal handle.

  She arched an eyebrow. “That’s a bad horror movie cliché.”

  He grunted. “It’s Soren’s idea of a joke.”

  “What’s inside?”

  He looked uncomfortable. “You’re about to see the devil’s work in action. It will shock you, but I need you to see what you’re up against. You can’t suppose that all vampires are like me. You need to see how dangerous we are.” He caressed her cheek. “I don’t want you to fear me, but we are predators. Dangerous predators, and you need to see what we’re capable of. Just know that I’ll never hurt you. I need you to believe that before we go inside.”

  She nodded. Even after learning what he was, she didn’t fear him. Perhaps it was stupid, or maybe her self-preservation instinct was off. Whatever the case, she trusted him.

  “Follow my lead and don’t leave my side.”

  He twisted the metal ring and pushed the door inward.

  Bree clasped Vincent’s hand tightly, unsure what to expect, but what she saw took her breath away and sent her blood cold. She gasped and clapped a hand over her mouth. She wanted to close her eyes, but the sheer terror of what confronted her had her staring in shock. I’ve walked into a scene out of a horror movie.

  Men and women lolled about in various stages of undress, their glazed eyes and passive expressions scarier than the vampires feasting on them. Blood stained the walls in red, gory arcs where veins had been pierced and severed. She recognized Augustus, t
he man who’d made the welcoming address, sitting on a crimson-colored couch, a naked woman propped on his lap. The woman’s head sagged to the side as he indulged on her neck, blood oozing to stain her throat the same color as the couch. As Bree looked on in horror, the woman grew paler and weaker until finally she flopped lifeless to the floor.

  Augustus’ partner, Estelle, straddled a bare-chested man, her fangs deeply embedded in his neck.

  Raven, the black-haired singer, sucked on a woman’s breast, blood dripping down her chest like a macabre scarf.

  Two other male vampires, one latched either side of a woman’s throat, drank hungrily. Within minutes the woman slipped to the floor, her lifeless eyes staring sightlessly at the ceiling. Bree couldn’t reconcile the beauty of the vampires with their bestial behavior. It was a gruesome dichotomy that confused and horrified her.

  She gaped at the sickening scene in impotent dread, unable to move or even scream. Adding to the grisly exhibition was the seemingly relaxed state of the humans, as if having someone suck the life from their body was an everyday occurrence.

  Finally, her initial shock subsided, and she tensed, preparing to run. Vincent shook his head and squeezed her hand, reminding her of his presence and his instruction to follow his lead.

  Augustus, obviously realizing their presence in his midst, looked up and speared them with his scarlet gaze. “Ahh, Vincent. You’ve joined the party, I see. And you’ve brought your own meal to enjoy.”

  He studied Bree, his red eyes flashing lasciviously. “And what a gorgeous morsel she is. Wherever have you been hiding her?”

  Chapter Sixteen

  Vincent snarled and his fangs extended. He’d never liked Augustus and he positively hated him in that moment. His rage at the other vampire hazed his vision scarlet. But he had to be smart. He couldn’t risk painting a target on Bree’s back. If the others knew of his feelings toward her, they could use it against him. Vampires weren’t known for their kindness of spirit, and in their immortal existence, any torment that passed for fun was fair game.

  His one saving grace was that Dante wasn’t present. Whatever suffering his brother was inflicting, he was doing it elsewhere. That meant one less distraction for Vincent to be concerned about.

  Vincent urged Bree to stand behind him. He flashed his fangs and grinned at Augustus. “This one’s mine. You know me. I don’t like to share.”

  Augustus clucked his tongue and shook his head dramatically. “That’s not very chivalrous, Vincent.” He waved a taloned hand in the air and pouted. “We’re all friends here, and it’s been so long since you’ve graced us with your presence at one of our little parties.”

  Vincent made a point of looking at the bodies littering the room. “I think you’ve had your fill. Wouldn’t you agree?”

  Estelle jumped to her feet. “There is never enough!” She stared at Bree. “Did you not use mind control? She looks terrified. You sure you haven’t lost your touch, Vincent?”

  He chuckled darkly. “Not at all. I like it when they put up a fight.” He gestured to the bare-chested man that Estelle had left limp and dazed on the floor. “I’ve grown tired of the lifeless acceptance. I enjoy the struggle and the fear.”

  Soren yawned. “I used to, but now I’m too old to play with my food. I just want that rush of pleasure as their blood hits my throat. The quicker the better.”

  Bree let out a strangled cry and Vincent tightened his hold on her. That was good. The more terrified she appeared, the more believable his story. He scooped her up and tossed her over his shoulder, banding a muscled forearm over the back of her legs.

  She thumped him ineffectually on the back and started to struggle. “Put me down!”

  He laughed. “I’m going to have fun with this one. I might even draw it out a bit.” He moved his arm up to keep his shirt in place over her backside. She wasn’t wearing panties and he wasn’t going to give the others a show of her perfect ass cheeks. That would only risk inflaming the situation.

  Augustus chortled and, already losing interest, turned his attention to the man Estelle had left incapacitated on the floor.

  It was time to make an exit. Vincent turned and swung the door open, letting it crash closed behind him.

  Bree struggled in Vincent’s hold, but his arm around her legs was like a vise. He’d said to follow his lead, but the shocking enormity of the situation had her panicking. What if he’d been serious when he’d declared he enjoyed the fight? What if all that blood and death had sent him into a vampiric frenzy?

  “Calm down,” he murmured. “I’m taking you to my room.”

  “To do what?” she screeched and started pummeling his back once more.

  “Not what you think. You don’t have to fear me.”

  That was easy for him to say. She was the one at a definite disadvantage.

  “Hold on,” he muttered, then took off at his usual breakneck velocity. Her inverted position and their speed sent her head spiraling. She closed her eyes and wrapped her arms around his waist. Her brain was running in overdrive. How many people had they slaughtered? How many innocents had been lured to their deaths by that fucking invitation? She was certain Chantelle, Craig and Tyler were all casualties of their hosts’ sick appetites.

  She opened her eyes when they stopped outside Vincent’s door. He unlocked it and swung it inward. Then he stalked over to the bed and lowered her onto the mattress.

  She stared up at him and fisted her hands to stop her sudden shaking. It was the shock and the adrenalin flooding her system. “Did you know what was going to happen to all those people?”

  He looked away and shoved a hand through his hair before meeting her eyes once more. “Yes,” he responded without preamble.

  She gaped at him. “Then what makes you any better than them?”

  “I haven’t been to one of these parties in decades.” He shrugged. “Longer, probably.”

  “So why did you suddenly feel the need to attend this one?” Though she was relieved he had. If Vincent hadn’t been there, who knew where she’d be right now? Probably in a ditch somewhere or wherever they put the bodies.

  “To protect you,” he stated, his eyes flashing red.

  She stared, confusion drawing her eyebrows into a V. “What do you mean? You didn’t know me before this weekend.”

  But even as she said it, she thought about her dreams and how familiar he’d always seemed. She hadn’t been able to identify why, and Vincent had always been vague when she’d questioned him about it. Was she missing something?

  He took her hands in his. “You thought you knew me, remember?”

  She nodded. “Well, I recognized you because, as silly as it sounds, I’ve dreamt about you.”

  “That’s because I’ve been visiting you at night. I’ve been looking over you and watching you sleep. My presence in your room and my thoughts infiltrated your subconscious. It wasn’t a deliberate thing. That’s more in line with the work of an incubus than a vampire.” He shrugged. “But that’s the only way I can explain it. I guess my feelings for you combined with my supernatural abilities worked their way into your thoughts. I was dumbfounded when you said you thought you knew me.”

  She gawked at him. “So, you were stalking me?”

  He looked uncomfortable. “I wouldn’t class it as stalking. I felt like I was protecting you.”

  She scoffed. “I would have thought that I’d be more likely to need protecting from the likes of you.”

  He narrowed his eyes at her, a muscle jerking in his jaw. “I don’t deserve that. I’ve done nothing but keep you safe.”

  She gave him a baffled look. “Do you just go into random women’s rooms at night and stare at them?”

  “No! You’re the first. I saw you one evening in a bar with some of your friends. You remind me of someone I knew long ago. I couldn’t seem to stay away. Then, when I saw your name on the guest list for this Valentine weekend, I couldn’t believe it. I knew I had to be here as well.”

 
“Who was she? The woman I remind you of?”

  A sadness overcame him, his eyes glazing so Bree thought it was the most human she’d ever seen him look.

  “She was beautiful and kind. She was my fiancée. It’s a story for another time.”

  Now definitely wasn’t the time for reminiscences, particularly when it obviously hurt Vincent to talk about it. She changed the subject. “Why were those people just allowing themselves to become a vampire’s meal? Why weren’t they struggling or trying to get free?”

  “It’s a form of mind control. A human becomes docile, brainwashed, if you like. They don’t realize what’s happening to them.”

  It was something, she supposed, not to comprehend the horror of their situation. She still couldn’t work out why Vincent had wanted her to see it, though. Why would he want her to witness the evil he was capable of? “Why did you take me to that room? Why did you need to me to see the horror?”

  He gave her an intense look. “Because I want you to drink my blood.”

  Chapter Seventeen

  “What? Are you confusing which one of us is a bloodsucker?”

  “I took you to that room because I need you to appreciate how much danger you’re in. My blood has healing properties. It will also make you stronger.” He grasped her hands, imploring her to understand. “We need to leave here. No human has ever left one of these parties alive. The others don’t like to leave witnesses.”

  She stared at him wide-eyed. “How many vampires are we talking about?”

  “Enough to concern me.”

  “The staff?” she whispered.

  He shook his head. “They’re under a form of mind control too. They’re told a story and that’s what they understand to be the truth.”

  “I can’t believe they can get away with slaughtering all these people. Questions will be asked. Police will be involved. A hundred or so people can’t just go missing without raising a bunch of questions!”

  “We’re vampires. We don’t fear humans and we don’t live by human constraints and standards. The guests come from all over the country. Hundreds of people go missing each year. They’ll become another statistic.”