Grandfather was engaged in transportation, and Snegirev traded animals. He had four pet shops, two veterinary clinics and several veterinary drugstores. And I liked it there a lot. I didn't have any pets, but I brought a friend there who had a sick cat - and was impressed with the cleanliness and service. They just licked us from all sides, offered us tea or coffee, gave us a bunch of magazines so we wouldn't get bored, and the cat recovered in record time. Although we did get three skins off our girlfriend... financially.
And Snegirev met my grandfather when he had to transport a three-meter crocodile to our town. One fool ordered it. Well, a client is always right, even when he's a fool. The crocodile was moved, and Alexey Ivanovich became one of our acquaintances, and then distant friends of the family. I didn't like him much, but he always treated me well. He gave me computer disks and cute earrings. I didn't mind. For that matter, I'm a very calm man. There are two people I'm willing to walk barefoot on fire and drink a liter of mercury for. This is my mother and my grandfather. I more or less care about everyone else. To put it bluntly, they burn with fire: I can't get my hands out if I have to get off the sofa. Mom is a little worried, and Grandpa says he didn't expect anything else from me. And he advises not to worry about it, saying that the volcanoes hidden under the ice cap explode particularly hard. I'm just laughing. My folks are top-notch at all!
But I got distracted. So, Snegirev. Pretty cute, with a figure of a retired amateur boxer and a broken nose. His hair is dark and cut by a hedgehog, his eyes are small, light brown, drowned in the skin folds. On his face, he looks most like a Sharpei dog. If he were humanized, he'd be a one-in-one Snowgire. Yeah, he's also one and a half heads taller than me.
His character is...
Grandpa doesn't love him. For me, that's the worst human characteristic.
I don't work with him, I don't study, with my grandfather they are business partners, that's why Snegirev is so kind to me and my mother, that his cheekbones from sugar syrup make me sick. And other than that...
Would you go with him on reconnaissance? No - or would you?!
I wouldn't even go to the woods to get mushrooms with Snegiryov. It's a good thing he knows for sure that being friends with my grandfather is better than not being friends. But he still looks down on me all the time. Like a child who needs protection. And who can hang any noodle, swallows everything. And this is unpleasant.
Mecislav confidently called the gate. Two calls, three, one.
I waited in the snow behind his back with Daniel, Boris and Vadim. Vampires looked up to me with respect. I wonder if that respect is like a human or a monkey with a grenade. No, if I survive, I'm gonna get into Papius' Practical Magic and read it from cover to cover. It's a year on the shelf that collects dust. And if that doesn't help, I'll read all the literature from the city library. If I stay alive... No, I just have to stay alive! Such unique material for research should not disappear! If anyone doesn't understand, it's about vampires, not me. Although my newfound abilities needed research, classification, or maybe development.
The gate didn't open right away. The gate opened first. I couldn't see well in the dark. Someone's silhouette appeared in it. Mecislav moved and said something not loudly. The silhouette recoiled immediately, and the vampire leaked into the gate, only the snow swirled behind his back. We were left standing like poor relatives behind the fence. But I didn't have time to talk about it. Just five minutes later we entered the territory of Snegirev. Mechislav was waiting for us, standing next to the owner of the house. I waved. Left. My right hand was bandaged and itchy. Daniel supported me with a hug at the waist. Actually, I could move myself, but it was nice to have him touch me.
- Good evening, Alexei Ivanovich!
His jaw was gone so I was seriously worried. Well, the man is surprised! But why swallow dirt? The swordplay was clearly entertaining.
- Do you know each other, Jane?!
- Yes. Alexei Ivanovich is a friend of our family.
- That sounds very solemn. I take it your family's rich enough?
- Yes.
- And your last name is Leoverenskaya?
- Yes... And where did you come from...
- Alexei told me about you. I thought your company might be useful to me. Transporting vampires is a time-consuming business.
- Vampires are a problem at all, I readily agree.
- We'll have to be patient - now there was metal in Mieczysław's voice. - Alexei, I need five ceremonial costumes. How soon will I be able to get them?
- As you wish, sir. - Alexey Ivanovich looked at the vampire with reverence. - Will you order things for the house?
- And as soon as possible. Jane, what size are you?
- Forty-six.
- Okay, great. Four sets for men, one for women. All standard. Leather, metal, lace, silk. The colors are scarlet, grey, black. Have them bring in all available samples. I'll take a look and choose what suits us. For a woman, it's scarlet.
- Hey, don't I have a say in this?! - I'm outraged. - What am I, a social work flag, scarlet and lace?
Mecislav turned to me.
- We're going to Duška's appointment today and we have to look dignified. What's your version of the outfit?
I didn't have to think long.
- Fortieth sized Special Forces shoes, forty-eighth sized Special Forces uniform and a collar with bracelets. Such as those of metal workers, with spikes to the outside. So that one blow - and any vampire grows his eyes for three weeks.
Now not only Vadim, but Danielle as well. Yeah, introduced me as some kind of Jane soldier. I don't know what they're laughing at, though. Sounds like the best outfit for a visit to Duška to me, and you can't think of one. Just a silvered space suit.
- No, today you'll look like a lady, not a part-time OMONovite," said Mechislav. - That's enough talk. We have a lot to do tonight. Vadim, Boris, bring in the coffins! - And already to Snegirev, a kind of arrogant-looking and condescending tone: - The cellar is free? Have you equipped it, as I ordered?
- Yes, sir.
- Show them the way.
Alexey Ivanovich rushed to the vampires who had already taken the boxes out of the bus. One hand he gesticulated, showing where to go, the other hand pressed his cell phone to his ear, ordering clothes from some shop. I felt bad about it.
- Have you tried wiping your feet on it yet? They say it helps.
Mecislav translated his amazing eyes on me.
- If a man wants eternal life, that's his misfortune. Why shouldn't vampires take advantage of that desire for their own purposes?
I had no objection.
- Not why. But it's still disgusting.
Alexey Ivanovich came back rather quickly. And he gave me his hand.
- Good evening, Jane. - He's already quite taken over and smiled all over his mouth. - How did you end up here?
- Accidentally," I answered briefly. - And how did you manage to negotiate with vampires?
The smile made the folded face even nastier than usual.
- It was an accident, baby. Absolutely random.
I looked at my watch.
- What's that, no midnight either? I can't believe it!
- Yes, I think it's been a week since the evening," Danielle agreed, unobtrusively hugging me by the shoulders. I did not resist. Mechislav measured us with a mocking look, which made me dizzy, and turned to Snegirev.
- The bus has to be hidden, so does the corpse. It has to be done by morning.
- I'll order it now," Snegirev jumped. And again, he began to poke the buttons of his mobile phone frantically. Fat fingers were slipping, and he had to dial a couple of times before he got to the right place.
- Let's go inside for now," Danielle suggested. And he turned to Mieczysław. - I didn't know that you had a human ally here.
- And no one knew," the vampire smiled, showing his long fangs. Is it on purpose or what? He could smile like a normal person! That's his problem, though. He'd know better how to manage his people.
I, for one, know better how to cut frogs, too.
We went in slowly. I've been here a few times before and I've twisted my lips every time. A blinding combination of luxury and tastelessness. Mahogany, gilding, stucco. Statues that look like a chimera from Notre Dame in the corners of the roof so that partners and competitors don't spill into luxury. Everything's expensive and a bit clumsy. Mom used to make contemptuous grimaces on rare visits, too. And whispered in my ear: "A monument to bad taste. "That's what happens when the princes crawl out of the mud. I completely agreed with her. I think Danielle thought so, too. Anyway, even though he didn't say a word out loud, his grey eyes were full of disgust. Well, yeah. I don't know, but what's an artist's delicate soul like?
In the house, Mieczysław immediately took a large chair, very similar to the throne. It was obvious that he did it unintentionally. But he looked like a king in it. Only the tiara on his head was missing. And then there was the power, the mantle and the sceptre. Though he didn't need it. The same Snowflake with these toys would look like a Christmas tree. Mecislav, even in rags, would be charming - and dangerous as a royal cobra. And he would behave accordingly. It just didn't hiss. Should I make him angry or what?
Daniel and I occupied the couch. Vadim descended gracefully next to me. Boris was sitting on the same sofa across the street. Alexey Ivanovich was keeping him company. Danielle was the first to break his silence.
- Mecislav, do you want to call him today?
- Maybe one fight out of three. Or two. But nothing more.
I couldn't stay out of the conversation.
- Won't they try to kill us before they call us in?
- Not anymore. We destroyed at least seven vampires from his vertical. That's sensitive.
- So what? You have a human ally. Why doesn't Andre have one?
- It's against the rules. Only vampires and their names can participate in the fight for the Prince's place.
- Last names? And why are they?
- Jane, these are vampire satellites. People who are tightly bound to a vampire by an invisible bond. Flesh, blood, spirit, mind. This bond is achieved through high magic and is almost never broken. These people are almost part of a vampire. If I can use my hands and magic, I can use my family name.
- How about more details? - I was wondering.
Mecislav immediately cut with a sickle on the... wings of my curiosity.
- You can't. You don't need this yet.
- Then I'm sure you'll need it at the most inopportune moment," I summed up. - If you don't want to, don't tell me. Mecislav, can I ask you a few questions?
- Yes, you can.
- You don't look like a Russian.
- So you haven't seen many Russians.
I shrugged my shoulders. Maybe not enough. I've only lived in Russia since I was born. But I didn't want to argue now. I'm lazy.
- As you wish. Tell me, can I send someone to church for some holy water?
- Did you use up everything?
- Almost.
- Alexei, take your orders.
- Holy water? At twelve o'clock in the morning? - Snegirev woke up. - I'll be sent far away in any church, despite Christian mercy!
- That's right, too," I admitted. - Okay, let's go. I'll stomp on it till tomorrow. Especially since I have three more loaded guns. Tell me, Mecislav, you must have no more than two vampires when you go to Andre, right?
- You're not a vampire, and Danielle doesn't belong to me.
- Oh, I see. The King's entourage is playing?
- It's about that.
- And over there, on the road... How does this stuff work on people?
- Just like you did on vampires. You should've fallen asleep. And it would have sucked you dry.
I remembered a sticky slug in the fog, and I shook my whole body. Whoever doubts, vampire magic isn't aimed at good deeds. Basically. Danielle hugged me tightly over my shoulders, and I clung to him. The vampire stroked my hair.
- It's okay, Jane. It's all over now. You were doing just fine! I didn't even think you could resist this magic!
I've had enough for a weak, but still a joke.
- I've never been able to do anything human.
- Jane, does your grandfather know about your friends? - Suddenly the Snowgirev was born.
I looked at him like a hungry crocodile on a hunter.
- No.
- And if you tell him or hint him, I will rip your head off personally," Danielle smiled. His fangs were very visible.
- And I won't punish him," Mechislav smiled the same way. - It is profitable for me that Julia Leovenskaya's acquaintances remained her personal secret.
The snowbird nodded quickly and nervously somehow.
- As you command, sir.
Mecislav smiled quite a bit. He was a king, and he did not need to add anything like threats or even warnings. He was already afraid and respected. And I felt his satisfaction like a cool breeze that touched my skin. Do I perceive his emotions? Or does everyone perceive it? I know so little about vampires, I can't make sense of anything. No, right after all this mess - the library and the Internet, sifting through paper and electronic junk! I'm supposed to get at least one spark of gold, aren't I? I rubbed the whiskey. Not that I had a headache, but I could get sick anytime. That would be very unsuitable! What could help? A hot bath with foam! And to lie in it for at least half an hour. To lie down, close your eyes and think nothing of it. Just to peel ice apple or orange juice from a giant glass standing next to it. Or stretch out your hand behind the candy. Best of all, my favorite marmalade in bitter chocolate. Plebeian? Maybe! But it's so delicious!
- Alexei Ivanovich, with your permission, I would like to take a bath. Is that possible?
- Yes, of course, Jane! You know where the guest rooms are. Pick your own bathtub and wash up.
- Fine," I shone. If I'm going to visit vampires, I have to be in great shape. Physically, I felt very good, but I got dirty so I couldn't go any further. One smeared makeup that's worth it! But first...
- You're not leaving without me, are you? - I looked at Mieczysław beggingly. He smiled at me - and the smile hit me like an electric current. It wasn't vampire hypnosis. I just found out what he was thinking. And he was thinking that it would be nice to take a bath with me. Immerse himself in hot water, washing away all traces of the recent battle. Take a bottle of liquid soap, squeeze it out in the palm of my hand, rub it and slowly walk on my shoulders, on my chest, on my... What is it?! Am I becoming a sex maniac? Or is it a vampire having fun again? The second option was... Calm down.
- Jane, I promise I'll take you to meet Andre today. Clothes are already ordered. - Snegirev confirmed those words with a cramped nod. I wonder how much and who would have to get away for worrying so that in the middle of the night hell knows where a lot of clothes are taken? - Would that be okay with you?
The voice of a vampire enveloped me from all sides, touching where no one had ever touched me. Without a doubt, Mecislav knew very well how his voice worked on me. And he used it at all. I chose not to notice anything. Although more than anything in the world, I just dreamed of taking a bath with him. But sometimes the realization of a dream is not worth the consequences. And that was the case. I had no doubt that if I invited Mieczysław now, he would come. Just to strengthen his power over me. And we will spend some unforgettable hours together. I don't think I'll regret it. And then...
Light grey eyes... Sincere joy on my face when I praise the drawings... Quiet voice... "Don't leave me, Daddy..."
Is a couple of hours with Mieczysław worth our nascent affinity? No. Definitely not worth it.
- More than!
And I jumped up the stairs. In the bathroom, I turned on the water at full power, quickly undressed and smelled the bottles standing on the shelf. Aha! That's what I love! Jasmine scented foam. A huge bush grew in front of our house, right under the windows, and in summer I literally bathed in the waves of its scent. I looked in the bar of the room for wine and candy, f
ound both - and stretched out in hot water all the way up. I'd rather have juice, but wine would get me into a state of light intoxication, and that's what I need. I'd rather go to Duchka's house if I was dead drunk. Or at least a little cheerful. To make Everest and I feel the same way. Ugh, that's it.
Jets of water caressed the body, relaxing muscles and relieving fatigue. The foam grew rapidly until it closed all the water. And then me. I washed my hair thoroughly, removed the bandage from my hand, and treated the wound with cologne. I wanted to get dressed, get out and ask for more bandages, but I didn't have time. The door opened and Daniel's voice embarrassedly asked:
- Jane, can I come in?
I was standing in front of the mirror completely naked, so it wasn't the best offer. I mean, I really wanted to, but it's better not yet. It's not time yet.
- Wait a minute!
Where's the towel? I wrapped up to cover most of my body. It was enough to cover both the chest and the butt. Wet hair shattered on my shoulders. It's okay, it'll dry soon.
I don't have a lot of them to dry with a hair dryer.
- Our clothes arrived, - Danielle was handing me some bag. His eyes involuntarily ran across my body. I would be embarrassed, but I couldn't. So little in these light eyes was from animal lust. It was more like admiration. I wonder what it was. I'm far from a top model. But this is the first time I've regretted it. No, if I get out, the first thing I do is go to the library, and then to fitness!
- Don't you want to take a bath yourself? - My voice sounded a little hoarse.
Danielle smiled at me.
- I've already had a swim. Mecislav said to tell you that you have half an hour. And then he'll go either with you or without you.
- How cute! Okay, give me the rags! By the way, can you find me some dressing material for my hand? The bite still hurts.
Danielle gave me a bag and came out. I wiped everything that was in it right on the floor. Well, thank you, vampire. Except I didn't approve of the color. The black underwear wasn't for socks, it was for seduction - solid lace with holes. In all the places and in the shape of hearts. But I liked it. I would have worn it if I had the guts. I didn't used to. But the vampire didn't know about it. The bag of tights is exactly my size. Bright and scarlet leather pants embroidered with rhinestones didn't cause any complaints, either. It's just a beautiful thing. Usually I do not approve of any sequins, but now they looked not ridiculous, but a successful decision of the fashion designer. And they sat on me like I'm in. And then it got worse. The top of my clothes was made up of two things. A black silk top with snaps, transparent as dark glass, and tightly fitted to the body. And a bright scarlet silk blouse to the waist with long flying sleeves, embroidered with artificial stones and applications of leather. I was walking, I can't help but admit. But I looked like an expensive whore. From underneath my blouse I could see my chest and stomach all the time, and I could see through the top of my underwear with holes in my nipples, and the jeans were so tight that they showed stripes of panties on my hips.
Ring of Madness Page 24
