The Blood Boss by Davidson King

Chapter Two

Cain: The Blood Boss

“Sir.” Natalie, my assistant, stepped into my study just as I was about to exit through the back way. I had to be at a gathering in an hour and very much wanted a drink before dealing with a bunch of needy vampires.

“What is it, Natalie? I have to get ready for that stupid event you thrust upon me.”

Natalie, a classically beautiful woman with auburn hair, lavender eyes, and flawless alabaster skin, smirked at me. “It’s important to show your face every now and then, or they get anxious.”

I knew she was right, and I didn’t need to deal with out-of-control vampires.

“Then you know this, why are you now stopping me?”

Her gaze flickered toward the door. “Emil called. He’s on his way here.” I gestured for her to continue since Emil lived here as did all my personal team. “He has a scapegoat for Michael Harlow’s recompense.”

I couldn’t remember the last time I’d seen that happen. One thing I’d learned in my years walking among the humans was their selfish abundance. One of the biggest reasons for The Final War had to do with the fact that they were killing themselves by destroying the very planet they lived on—they were killing each other. Seeing someone step in for another’s errors was almost foreign to me.

Natalie was staring at me, waiting for orders. “I must attend the gathering; have Emil bring the scapegoat to one of the guest rooms and keep them under guard. Obviously, feed them, but they are not to leave the bedroom under any circumstances. I will address this in the morning.”

“But, Sir—”

“You have your orders.” I pushed the wall beside my desk and ascended the private staircase that led to my personal rooms.

Natalie had a gorgeous black suit made by my favorite designer, Soan Moreau, hanging on a hook by my bed. I adored how he made a suit. It always felt like I wasn’t wearing anything at all. I took a quick shower, and not having time to dry my long black hair, I opted to braid it. Once I was dressed, I marveled at how when I moved under the light flecks of ruby appeared, matching the color of my eyes.

Upon opening my bedroom door, I heard voices. Natalie was talking with Emil, explaining my orders. I looked down from the mezzanine, which afforded me a great view of the foyer from the second floor. There I saw Emil and Natalie talking while Petru stood with a gentleman I did not know. I assumed he was the scapegoat.

The scapegoat was looking all around, taking in the interior. Eventually he would look up and while curiosity niggled at me, I had to get to the event. I left them to work out the situation and went to the garage to meet my driver by way of another private exit.

“Good evening, Sir,” Lance, my personal driver, greeted me and held the door open.

“Good evening, Lance.”

As he drove me to the gathering, I let my mind wander toward the man in my foyer. I hadn’t seen his face, only the top of his head and general physique. He was average, nothing special about him, yet his sacrifice intrigued me.

“I see we have a human guest,” Lance interrupted my thoughts.

“We do, a scapegoat.”

Lance’s eyes widened through the mirror. “How rare.”

“Yes.” I didn’t elaborate, unsure of my own opinions on the matter.

Soon enough Lance was turning into the driveaway of the Hester Estate, where the gathering was taking place. My door was opened, and I stepped out. There weren’t many vampires lingering about outside, but those who were bowed in respect. I gave them a nod and proceeded inside.

“Sir.” The man who took my coat bowed. There was no way to remember everyone’s names; that was what Natalie was for.

I wasn’t left alone for long. Abigail Hester approached me with a smile and a champagne flute in hand.

“Sir, I am grateful for your attendance.” She bowed, her golden hair tumbling over her shoulders.

“I don’t always get time for mingling, but luckily my assistant was able to make room for your party.” She handed me the flute and I accepted, eager for some liquid tolerance. “Thank you.” While alcohol doesn’t make vampires drunk, we have been known to get a nice buzz going.

“Your time is valuable, and I’m honored my party is one you were able to attend.” Her smile was shaky, and I knew my presence, while exciting to all vampires, was also terrifying. I held their immortality in my hands, and I had zero tolerance for disobedience.

“Your home is lovely, Abigail.” Her eyes softened at the use of her name and the compliment. I wasn’t here to pass judgment on my vampires. I was here to ease their minds and hearts.

“Thank you.” She gestured to a silver-haired vampire with moss-gray eyes and a dark complexion. “This is my partner, Germaine.”

Germaine bowed. “It’s an honor, Sir. Abigail told me you might attend, and I was hopeful I’d get the opportunity to meet you.”

“Are you new to Black Veil?”

He nodded as he sipped his drink. “I am, I arrived a few months ago. The process to get accepted into the city was strenuous but worth it for her.” He gazed at Abigail with clear adoration, and I felt as if I should look away to give them their moment.

“Welcome, then. I hope you feel at home.”

Home was not what I was feeling. Everyone was respectful, kind, and kept a fair distance. Every so often someone would engage me in conversation, but I didn’t want to be at this party.

“Sir?” I turned, and a slight man with a stern expression, and dare I say orange hair, approached.

“Yes?”

He did not bow, which had me raise a brow.

“I have tried tirelessly to get an appointment with you. I spoke with your assistant, Natasha—”

“Natalie,” I corrected.

“Sure, Natalie, that’s her. She tells me you’re filled to the brim for the next three months, and I have a serious issue that is desperate for your attention.”

A small crowd formed as this man, full of dramatics, spoke at me.

“What is your name?”

He huffed as if I should know who he was. “I’m Reginald Bouvier.”

“Well, Mr. Bouvier, I fear I’ve never heard of you, which, judging by your irritated expression, means I should have.”

“I oversee the supply of nutrients for all vampires coming into Black Veil, Sir. I assumed you knew who I was.”

“And this position you have, it warrants your disrespect?” I took a step toward the man, who retreated slightly.

“My apologies, Sir, I’m frustrated and—”

“Did you explain the urgency to my assistant?”

“Well, no, I told her who I was and said I needed an appointment.”

“And let me guess…” I chuckled. “You didn’t tell her what the problem was.”

“Well, no, but—”

I took another step forward to his step back. “Did it cross your mind to tell her?”

“It’s not her business!” he snapped, and I was done entertaining his insolence.

With a swiftness only a vampire like me could possess, I had him by the neck and against the wall. “You dare confront me at a social gathering and disrespect not only me but my house? You spout orders and entitlements as if you’re worthy? Well, Reginald, you wanted my attention, and now you have it. I daresay you will not enjoy the time we will spend together.”

“I…” he sputtered.

I released him, and he fell to the floor in a heap. The entire room was silent, watching, listening, waiting.

“You will come to my estate tomorrow at ten in the morning. I will hear you out.”

“Thank you, Si—”

“Then a punishment for your disrespect will be delved out.”

His already pale skin turned ashen, his yellow eyes widened, and he was visibly shaking.

“Ye…yes, Sir.”

Without sparing him another glance, I approached Abigail. “You’ll have to excuse me; I must be returning home. Thank you for a lovely evening.”

“Of course, Sir, anytime. You’re always welcome.”

As I left the estate, many watched. I could smell their fear, and I knew Reginald would not have an enjoyable evening, and he shouldn’t. The reason vampires didn’t run rampant on the streets of Black Veil was because if they disrupted the balance, it would bring forth the world that once was. I was the enforcer, the key to that never happening, and when my vampires stepped even an inch out of place, they were dealt with swiftly and harshly.

“Leaving already?” Lance held the door to my car open. I grunted and slid into my seat.

As soon as the car was moving, I called Natalie.

“Sir?”

“Who is Reginald Bouvier?”

There was a brief silence before she spoke. “He’s in charge of making sure nutrients are delivered safely. Why?”

“He came up to me at the party, indignant and demanding about being unable to get an appointment with me. He said he oversees all the nutrients that enter Black Veil, and I wanted to be sure he was in fact who he said he was.”

“I’m sorry, Sir, but he never—”

“Mentioned the urgency, I’m aware. He will be coming in to speak with me tomorrow morning at ten; make sure there’s space on my calendar.”

“But, Sir, the scapegoat?”

Shit. How did I forget that?“I will speak with him at eight. Have breakfast prepared for him, and we will meet in the dining room.”

“Very good, Sir. I will make arrangements.”

“And, Natalie?”

“Yes?”

“Find out everything you can on this Reginald Bouvier besides the information we already have.”

“No problem.”