“Lucinda. Long time no see,” Harlan said, drawing the attention of the woman whose meal he and Ruby had so rudely interrupted.

Harlan could see Ruby blanch at the sight of Lucinda’s fangs, but she stayed her ground, staring the vampire down. Her fangs retracting, Lucinda turned to Harlan, her young donor still draped across her lap.

“Harlan. I heard you were in town,” Lucinda smiled at him, her voice smooth as honey.

Her words were somewhat lilted, her intonation influenced by more than one accent. With a thin face, narrow features, and red lips that matched the color her voluminous curls, she looked just as put together and self-assured as he remembered her.

Considering they had some unpleasant history, Harlan hadn’t been too eager to approach her, but she had been the only familiar face in the place. And Lucinda was always up to date on the latest rumors.

“I see you’ve brought your own snack,” she purred, glancing over at Ruby. “I don’t know why. The humans they have here are much more… refined.”

Ruby bristled at that comment, but didn’t say anything.

“I’m not here to eat. I need some information, and who better to help me out than you,” Harlan replied, keeping his annoyance well hidden.

He didn’t like the way Lucinda dismissed Ruby. She had been through a lot, and it took considerable fortitude for her to come here with him. That deserved respect.

“I’m kind of in the middle of something,” Lucinda said, trailing a manicured finger down the chest of the man in her lap.

“Don’t,” Ruby said quietly, making Lucinda narrow her eyes at her.

“Can you tell your pet to shut up?” she asked Harlan with an overly dramatic sigh.

“I’m no one’s pet,” Ruby scoffed, clearly offended.

“Be nice, Lucinda,” Harlan coaxed, even as his patience was wearing thin. “This is my betrothed.”

“Her?” Lucinda asked, giving Ruby another once-over.

Harlan could see Ruby stand up straighter under the woman’s gaze. She grimaced when Lucinda suddenly drew in a deep breath, her nose furrowing as she leaned closer to Ruby.

“Ah, yes,” Lucinda said. “How embarrassing, I should have noticed it right away. It’s just that she has that ‘chew toy’ vibe,” she laughed, the sound harsh and sharp as she glanced at the scar poking out from underneath Ruby’s sweater.

“You would know about being a toy, wouldn’t you?” Harlan replied lightly, suppressing a smirk when he noticed Lucinda tense at that, before she pretended to be unfazed by the comment.

“So, this one has managed to put a leash on the infamous Harlan? I can hardly believe it,” Lucinda commented, turning to Ruby. “I’ve heard women follow him around like lost puppies, just to get a taste of him. How long did you have to grovel before he made you his, hmm? Harlan, dear, you do know you don’t have to claim her to have your fun with her, right?”

Something inside Ruby seemed to snap as she stared back at Lucinda with reckless anger in her eyes. Ruby’s pride had been wounded, and it didn’t look like she took that kind of offense lightly. Harlan was about to open his mouth to put Lucinda in her place, but Ruby had other plans.

Stepping closer to him, she wrapped an arm around his waist and pressed herself tightly against him. Harlan didn’t let his surprise show as his hand slid over her shoulders. It felt good to have her close, to touch her… Her warmth seeped into his skin, and he found himself enjoying the contact more than he could have predicted.

“I didn’t have to grovel at all. Why, did you have to beg? Did Harlan here turn you down?” Ruby asked, plastering on an entirely insincere smile.

Lucinda tensed, looking like a predator ready to leap on its prey. Harlan gave her a look that said she would regret lashing out at Ruby, which seemed to take Lucinda’s attitude down a notch. Lucinda was clever, and powerful, but she knew she would be no match for him, if things came down to that.

Lucinda threw a disgusted look at Ruby’s arm around him before looking away in feigned disinterest. Without even realizing it, Ruby had hit a sore spot with Lucinda. The woman had a reputation for getting everything and everyone she wanted. Except for him, that was.

Lucinda might be beautiful on the outside, but no pretty façade can cover up the rot inside.

“Uh, excuse me,” the man in Lucinda’s lap suddenly spoke up. “Should I go or…”

“Yes,” Ruby replied.

“No,” Lucinda said, laying a hand on the man’s chest.

Sensing that Ruby was about to protest again, Harlan squeezed her tighter against him, and whispered into her ear.

“Don’t argue. The man will be fine. We need Lucinda’s help,” he said, low enough that she could just barely hear him.

“Now what are you two lovebirds up to?” Lucinda asked.

“Just whispering sweet nothings into my sweetheart’s ear,” Harlan smiled at her.

“How trite. Now can you give me an uninterrupted minute here or does your sweetheart have some more objections? Maybe she thinks I should marry this man first before sinking my teeth into him? Since you two are so awfully traditional,” she arched a brow at Harlan.

“Go ahead. We’ll wait,” he replied.

This time, Ruby stayed silent as Lucinda bent her head down and grabbed hold of her donor’s chin, tilting it to the side. Her tongue snaked out first, as she slowly circled the vein on his throat. The man sighed softly in her arms, eyes fluttering shut.

Ruby looked to be mesmerized, watching on as Lucinda’s fangs popped back out and she slid them into the man’s flesh. She probably didn’t mean to, but she squeezed herself even closer to Harlan as Lucinda began to suck at the man’s neck. He moaned, fists clenching at his sides as Lucinda’s throat worked to swallow.

It was all over in about a minute, as Lucinda pulled away and grabbed a pristine white handkerchief from her purse and dabbed the corners of her mouth before pressing the cloth to the man’s neck.

“Thank you, Roberto,” she said, and he smiled back at her before getting to his feet.

“Anytime,” Roberto replied, looking entirely smitten with her.

He paused for a second to look at her before turning to leave.

“Now, where were we?” Lucinda said. “Ah, you were introducing me to this interesting little creature you say is now yours. What was her name, again?”

“I didn’t tell you her name,” Harlan replied. “And it doesn’t matter. That’s not why I’m here.”

“But Harlan,” Lucinda argued, playing at being hurt. “You spend almost thirty years fucking every hot piece of ass that comes your way with no sign of ever wanting to pick out a bride, and now you show up here with a human you say you’ve claimed? Excuse me if that makes me a little suspicious.”

“I grow tired of your games,” Harlan sighed, glancing down at Ruby. “How about you, my little jewel? Should we go spend our time some other way, and tell Julius we didn’t get any useful information?”

“Julius sent you?” Lucinda immediately asked, before Ruby could say anything. “You didn’t say anything about that.”

“I must have forgotten to mention it,” Harlan replied lightly.

Lucinda looked worried for a second, before that poisonous smile of hers reappeared on her lips.

“Tell me, is he still cross with you for not being his lap dog anymore?” she asked.

Harlan was all out of patience as he glared at her. The only thing keeping him from wiping that grin off Lucinda’s face was the fact they weren’t exactly alone. That, and his manners, of course.

“Have you met your lover’s Maker, by any chance?” Lucinda continued on, turning to Ruby. “Have they told you about their great adventures together, or did they start with their falling out? What a wonderful betrayal on Harlan’s part.”

Letting go of Ruby, Harlan stepped closer to the sofa.

“Watch your mouth, dearest Lucinda. Your tongue might grow back, but having it ripped out still hurts,” he warned, his self-control fraying.

“Now that’s the Harlan I remember,” Lucinda laughed, but there was an edge of fear to her tone. “Does your little whore like that side of you?” she taunted, eyes flicking to Ruby. “She must be into some nasty stuff to be able to keep you on your toes.”

Instinct took over as Harlan’s hand shot out, his fingers curling around Lucinda’s neck. Her feet lifted off the ground as he held her in front of him, holding back a snarl. He could feel the weight of eyes on him as other guests were no doubt starting to stare. But most knew well enough to stay out of vampire-on-vampire business.

Harming humans was against the rules in these establishments, but Lucinda was fair game. Knowing the woman well enough, Harlan guessed that no one there would stand up for her. Lucinda wasn’t very good at making friends. Her skills lay in acquiring reluctant partners to aid in her endeavors, and picking up an enemy or two along the way,

“You know that all I have to do to end your life for good is rip your head from your neck. You’ve seen me do it. So let me ask you, has your old age made you stupid, or reckless for you to taunt me like this?” he snarled, as Lucinda grabbed onto his wrists and tried to pry herself loose to no avail.

“Harlan, dear,” Lucinda said, managing to smile at him. “You know how I hate boredom and love excitement. How could I resist the opportunity to push your buttons? You know I meant no harm.”

“Do I?” Harlan asked, squeezing her neck until she was no longer able to speak. “Well, you can make up for insulting my betrothed by telling me everything I want to know. I think that’s a fair deal.”

Lucinda nodded, and he loosened his grip.

“Now, tell me everything you know about Grant Williams,” Harlan said, as he uncurled his fingers. “And for your own sake, don’t leave anything out.”