The Blood Boss by Davidson King

Chapter Six

Cain

Ishould have known he’d have a million questions, and this was why I’d wanted him to refer to Natalie for all things. But I’d made him see what happened to Reginald, so I’d take the responsibility of answering his questions.

“Ask.”

“Well, I’ll start with, how will that mark stay? I was taught vampires healed automatically.”

Of course he was. “Humans are taught about vampires based on folklore. Sometimes it’s easier to let you believe what you want rather than sit every man and woman down and explain ourselves.”

Jayce bit his lip, and I knew there would be hours of questions. I glanced at the grandfather clock in my study; it was a little past eleven. I had some time.

“Next question.” I walked over to the large oak bookshelf, reading over the spines in search of the book I needed.

“You didn’t answer me. How does the mark stay?”

“I can will my blood to do certain things. In this instance, I wanted it to secure the branding.”

“What else can your blood do?” He swallowed loudly, and I smirked at his question even though he couldn’t see my face.

“I can force someone to drink it and cause them excruciating pain or immense pleasure. I can seal a wound to stay as is, like I did with Reginald, or I can give someone immortality.” I snagged the book I wanted and turned toward him. His eyes were wide with wonder.

“Can’t all vampires bite humans and make them immortal?”

I moved to the crimson velvet couch, gesturing for him to join me. “No.”

He stood and meandered over; all the while questions flitted across his face, yearning to be heard and answered.

“But other vampires can drain a human or creature and kill them?”

“Yes. It’s forbidden without my consent, and I tend to only give that as a punishment to the human or creature should death be fitting.”

He sat across from me, eyes unseeing past his inquiries. “How would that be fitting?”

“If someone is sentenced to death I could burn them, drown them, shoot, or decapitate them. But if one’s death could provide sustenance for another species, it makes their termination have more meaning than simply a judgment.”

He pursed his lips and nodded. “That makes an odd kind of sense.”

“Glad you think so.”

“Am I wrong in understanding you’re called The Blood Boss because of your power over your own blood?”

Jayce was smarter than I thought. “In part, yes. I am the only vampire who can control my blood in this way. I have the power to turn someone immortal, and…” I held up a finger when he went to speak. “I can also summon other vampires through blood, though the summoning is something only I can do.”

“What?”

“It’s a form of telepathy in a way—the blood, it sings. It’s not something just any vampire can do to another, only myself. Ruler of blood. It is an extreme power.”

“And that’s how you got your name.”

I nodded and pushed the book toward him. “This is not folklore. It’s some history about vampires. Perhaps you can research us better, so when you witness something you’re unfamiliar with you don’t get that strange look on your face you had when I was dealing with Reginald.”

“I didn’t—”

“You did.”

He took the book and stared at the leather-bound cover with my sigil on it.

“Thanks,” he whispered as the tips of his fingers brushed over my mark.

“Now, if you’ll excuse me, I need to make a few calls and arrange meetings. Emil will be leaving to get what you need from your home. Ask Natalie to show you where he is, and you can let him know what you require.”

“Oh, yeah, okay.” He stood, hugging the book against his chest. “And after that?”

I gestured to the book. “You have homework to do.”

“Can I ask one more thing?”

I knew that was a lie. He’d be asking me things any chance he got. “What?”

“Can vampires read each other’s minds or anyone’s minds?”

“No.”

“Huh.”

“Why do you ask?”

He shrugged. “I caught Emil and Petru staring at each other in some silent communication at my house. Then I saw you do it.”

“When you’ve been around as long as we have, and around the same company, your expressions tend to say what your words do not. I’m sure your parents have those moments.”

He nodded slowly. “They do. Okay. Thank you.”

“Now leave me. I have work to do.” I moved from the couch and over to my desk. I had just sat down when I heard the study door close. I hoped the book would keep him busy.

* * *

After spending several hours in my study arranging meetings with the Sirens and Tritons, dodging calls from Sibell, and talking with the captains of the ships coming in and out of Asherah Bay, I longed to stretch my legs and clear my mind.

I wasn’t sure where Jayce was, but I figured I would be safe in the garden. I walked out, waving to the gardeners who always kept the flowers, trees, and shrubbery looking amazing all year round. I had no idea how they did it; I suspected there was magic involved.

I could hear the trickling from the fountain and decided to see what potted plants were surrounding it today. Of course, the second I stepped out into the open, there was Jayce, sitting on a bench, reading the book I’d given him.

I wanted to slink away before he saw me as I was in no mood for any more questions. That was the point of the damn book, after all. I stepped back at the same moment he lifted his gaze.

“Hello.” He smiled. “This book is amazing. So many myths have swirled around about vampires. I feel like I’m reading a vampire’s diary.”

No use in leaving now. “In a way, you are.” With a sigh, I sat on the bench beside his. “I wrote it.”

“You?”

“Don’t act so surprised. Someone had to tell the story, and since I was the first of my kind, it made sense.”

He furrowed his brow. “I’m only halfway through the book, but it never said who wrote it nor that you were the first vampire.”

I turned my head away from his questioning gaze. “I was meant to be the only one of my kind…But everything evolves.” I refused to delve deeper into my story. It wasn’t something I liked to talk about, and Jayce had no right to the information.

“I suppose that’s true.” He didn’t go on, and when I glanced at him, he was poring over the pages once again.

I watched the birds flying above and listened to the gardeners laughing in the distance. The air was clean and fresh but as I scented it, I could smell the impending fight.

“Are you okay?”

I met Jayce’s concerned gaze. “Fine.”

“You’re…growling.”

“I was thinking of not so pleasant things.”

I knew he was about to say something, but what that was never came to light because Emil took that moment to join us.

“All your things are in your room, Jayce. Good afternoon, Sir.”

“Thanks,” Jayce said the same time I returned the greeting to Emil.

“Sir, Michael Harlow told me Sibell came to his house this morning after speaking with Jayce. She was quite angry.”

I nodded. I was sure my ignoring her calls all day only added to her fury. “I’m aware. When I have time, I’ll contact her.”

“Wait, she went to my parents’ house over this?” Jayce closed the book with a huff. “I told her to leave it. She was livid when I explained the situation.”

“Yes, well, I will be sure to call her when I have a moment. She’s a thorn in my side, that woman.”

“Can I ask how you know her?” Jayce had no idea who Sibell actually was, only what she had shown him. While I understood keeping secrets for good reason, in this instance it made no sense to hold back important information from Jayce.

I glanced at Emil, who was doing his best to keep his face expressionless. I had to figure out what to say because I wasn’t sure he’d believe the truth.

“I’ve been around a long time, Jayce, and I’ve had a few run-ins with her. That’s all.”

“It’s just…” His gaze was on the book, his finger tracing over the sigil. “You speak about her like she’s this awful person, but the Sibell I know is one of the most caring people in my life. Do you think you’re referring to a different Sibell?”

“No. I do not.” I stood and looked down at Jayce, who was now watching me. “I may not favor the woman, but that is a story I will not share. I feel she should discuss with you her past choices.”

I didn’t wait for him to respond; I left the garden to finish my responsibilities for the day. For whatever reason, Sibell held her truth far from Jayce, and if I didn’t think her caring for him was odd, this secrecy was intriguing.