Flesh and Blood

Ronan sat back, his mouth a thin, tight line. ‘We will interrupt your runners. Keep your products from reaching their destinations. And what of your comarré? Who will pay for their blood when the club is empty?’

Dominic leaned forward. ‘Where will your subjects get their blood if not from my sources? Will they ravage the human population and risk turning the city against them? Or do the fringe plan on adopting a more vegetarian way of life?’

Katsumi covered her mouth and laughed softly. Dominic gave her an appreciative glance. Whether it was her fresh nobility or her self-induced change, he very much liked the new Katsumi. He squeezed her knee through the purple kimono she wore.

‘Vegetarian? Like hell. There are plenty of humans in the city who are willing to be bitten.’ Ronan preened. ‘It’s a good age to be a vampire.’

‘You invite trouble going that route. There may be humans who worship our kind, but there are many more who fear us. Fear is a powerful emotion. Powerful enough to unite them against us.’

‘Now you understand how the fringe feel. We are being slaughtered.’

‘And if I decide to help you? What do I receive in return?’

‘What do you want?’

‘To locate a noble vampire by the name of Tatiana. She’s here from Corvinestri. She’s the one who killed Maris.’ He paused. ‘I have another, more delicate issue that needs dealing with first.’

Ronan’s brows lifted. ‘If you’re asking for secrecy on this matter, I’m willing to swear a blood oath – in exchange for your oath that you’ll help us.’

Dominic tapped a finger on the side of his glass. A broken blood oath meant death. No questions. ‘Katsumi can witness.’

‘You got a set of plums asking for that. She’s on your side now.’

‘Ronan, we are all on the same side. You think it’s going to make any difference to the humans if we’re noble or fringe?’

‘She’s not witnessing. Not alone.’

‘Who else, then? Vertuccio?’

Ronan snorted. ‘Like he would be fair. No, I choose Mortalis.’

‘You know he’s loyal to me.’

‘Yes, but I also know he’s not one to let a broken oath go unpunished.’

Dominic shrugged. ‘Fine. Vertuccio, come in, per favore.’

The manservant entered and stood awaiting instruction, hands clasped behind his back. ‘My lord?’

‘Send Mortalis in.’

‘Right away, sir.’ Vertuccio nodded and left.

Ronan shook his head. ‘Must be nice, being waited on hand and foot.’

‘You say that like I don’t deserve my wealth or what it’s afforded me.’

‘Bloody right,’ Ronan snapped back. ‘You’ve made your money off the backs of the likes of me and the rest of the fringe.’

‘You’re a fool, Irish.’ Katsumi tsked. ‘You want Dominic’s help and then you insult him?’

Ronan propped his ankle on his knee. ‘You’re one to talk. Look at the guff you’ve pulled and now you’re sitting here, high and mighty.’ He pointed at Dominic. ‘You don’t know the half of what this article’s been up to.’

‘Actually, I know the whole of it and I’m dealing with it in my own way.’

‘By making her a bloody noble?’ He shivered in mock fear. ‘Oh, please, punish me, too.’

Anger set Dominic’s jaw. ‘Ronan, you’re out of line. Shut your mouth before I change my mind about helping you. You’re the one who doesn’t know the half of what’s been going on. While you were off becoming king, Tatiana nearly killed Katsumi. And then there is the incident I’ve not yet spoken of.’ Wrath over Aliza having his blood shot Dominic to his feet with such force that Ronan flinched.

Ignoring the man, Dominic walked to the carafe and topped off his wine. ‘Dead fringe are the least of my concern when Maris’s killer is treating this town like her personal playground. I will help you because your help will make my job easier. I do not require your help to accomplish my goals, however.’ So long as the fringe didn’t abandon him as Ronan promised. If they did, his resources would be sorely tried. ‘But one more word out of you and you will regret the day you were turned. Am I clear, Your Highness?’

Ronan glanced at Katsumi, then back at Dominic. ‘Yeah, you’re clear.’

Vertuccio opened the door and stepped to the side. ‘Mortalis, sir.’

The shadeux entered. He nodded at Dominic, then Katsumi, but Ronan garnered a rare raised brow. ‘I thought you were dead.’

Katsumi rose to hand Dominic her glass for more wine. ‘Not only is he alive, he’s king of the fringe now.’

Mortalis grunted. ‘So. Not just a rumor.’

Surprise widened Ronan’s eyes. ‘You knew?’

Mortalis shrugged. ‘I’m well connected.’ He approached Dominic. ‘What can I do for you?’

‘We need you to witness a blood oath.’

Mortalis crossed his wrists in front of his body, a very soldier-at-ease position. ‘Whenever you’re ready.’

‘I’m ready,’ Ronan said. He stood and stripped off his jacket.

Dominic set his wineglass down, removed his cuff link, and rolled up his sleeve. ‘As am I.’ He moved into position across from Ronan. Katsumi came to stand at his right side, Mortalis on his left.