BLOOD HEIR

Chapter 2 – Powers of Seduction

Shane was still a little dazed. Her mind was trying to wrap itself around what had just happened, while her body was trying to adjust to the stuff shed taken earlier and the fire that had tried to crawl out of her body. She still couldnt understand how it had just left. According to Anita and Jean Claude the ardeur would not leave voluntarily without being fed. But after shed felt it re-enter her body, suddenly it had just been gone.

Shane shook her head. She didnt need any of this right now. Things were complicated enough as they were. She took a sip of her drink and wrinkled her nose. She needed alcohol right now and this wasnt it. She scanned the room trying to find a waitress who could serve her. Her eyes flicked over the stage and she couldnt help but watch. Nathaniel was on stage doing his act, but it wasnt his body that had drawn her attention although if she did guys, shed probably have been drooling right about now, like most of the women in the room. Nathaniel was bending his legs and arms in ways that were humanly impossible. But then again he wasnt human, Shane reminded herself. She chuckled. He sure did give new meaning to the word double-jointed.

Shane finally caught the glance of a waitress across the room and waved her over. Her eyes wandered over the tall brunette as she was walking over. Her hips were swaying slightly as she walked almost as if she knew Shane was checking her out. Her hair was tied in a bun probably because she didnt want it to get in the way while she was working. Shane wondered what it would be like to wrap her hands in that silky looking hair.

Good evening, how may I help you? Shane looked her in the eyes intently. The woman looked back almost unable to break the gaze. She felt heat creep up her spine and a slight blush colored her cheeks.

Well, I can think of a few ways. But as far as drinks are concerned, Id like a Scotch, Shane said her voice filled with promises. The woman swallowed visibly and moved forward to take Shanes glass. Just at that moment Shane shifted in her seat and their arms brushed briefly making the woman shiver slightly. She smiled at Shane and hurried off.

A few minutes later she reappeared with Shanes drink. The woman lingered at her table so Shane sat back looking at her expectantly. The woman licked her lips nervously and then bent forward.

Were not actually allowed to date the customers, but give me a call some time, she whispered pushing a piece of paper in Shanes hand. Slowly she drew back her hand prolonging the contact as much as possible. Then she was gone. Shane smiled and looked at the piece of paper in her hand. Grinning she shoved it in her back pocket and took a sip of her Scotch.

*****

From a distance Jean Claude was watching the exchange between Shane and the waitress with growing fascination. His policy on not dating the customers was strictly adhered to, because he made sure his employees knew the consequences of breaking his rules. So for one of his waitresses to break this rule, she must be seriously affected by someone. In this case a certain someone who had just managed to raise the ardeur. Something that hadnt happened in months. Not since Anita had formed a second triumvirate with her wereleopard Nathaniel and her vampire servant Damian.

Jean Claudes glance slid to Damian who was casually leaning against the bar engaged in a conversation with two patrons. They seemed utterly enthralled by the attention he was giving them which he seemed to be enjoying immensely. The forming of the triumvirate had somehow enhanced his powers and at the same time enhanced his physical beauty. Something they were still struggling with. For only Belle Morte reportedly had that power. But somehow it had been channeled through Anita. Jean Claude shook his head. So many complications. For centuries things had been simple and straightforward. And now suddenly Belle Mortes powers were finding their way to different individuals. So far both of them human.

When he looked back at Shane, he saw she was flirting with one of the customers. This one also seemed completely taken by Shane. Across the room he saw Anita talking to Nathaniel who had by now finished his act. He saw her looking at Shane as well.

Ma petite, it seems our newfound friend has a certain ability with women, he thought. Anita turned her gaze to Jean Claude. This was definitely a positive side effect of their triumvirate. A surefire way of communicating without being heard.

Ive noticed the same thing. The way these women look at her and respond to her almost as if shes rolling them, she responded. But that was ridiculous and she knew it. Only vampires had the ability to roll minds. And through her necromancy she had the ability to influence the dead and the undead. But this girl was neither a necromancer nor a vampire. If she had been, they would have sensed it.

First she manages to evoke the ardeur and also makes it subsequently vanish which so far no one has managed to do, but Belle Morte. And now shes displaying powers of seduction that belong to the vampires of the line of Belle Morte. This is a most peculiar situation, Jean Claude mused.

Perhaps its time to find out just exactly who this girl is, Anita thought moving towards Shane to find Jean Claude mirroring her movement. Anita didnt trust this girl. But then again she made it a point not to trust anyone. One of her many flaws. One she was not going to try and make up for.

*****

Shane was smiling to herself. Two phone numbers in less than half an hour. Perhaps tonight wasnt going to be such a waste after all. She might even come back here. Even the monsters seemed tasty she thought grinning to herself. She was willing to bet anything that some of them would be more than able to make her forget about Cherie, at least for the time being. After all, a couple of hundred of years of practice should make them more than capable.

When she looked up she saw both the Master of the City and the Executioner sitting at her table. Shane smiled at both. She was on such a high right now, her fear had completely slipped into the background. In fact she was having fun. Her gaze slid to Anita. She took in the sight of her. From her blouse that was giving her a fair view of her cleavage – definitely a push up bra, Shane thought – to her full lips resting on her dark brown eyes.

The minute their eyes locked, Anita felt this pull in the inside of her belly. She started to get lost in her gaze as a heat spread through her body. Her mind started wandering as well as her eyes to Shanes lips. That little spot on the neck right above the shoulder. She could feel her thudding pulse on her tongue. What would it be like to kiss that spot. To bite down till that pulse burst into her mouth spilling all that glorious blood.

Ma petite, Jean Claudes voice sounded a little alarmed. He had felt Anita being pulled towards Shane. First she had awoken the ardeur. And now she seemed to be awaking the blood lust Anita had inherited from his share in the triumvirate. Anita looked at Jean Claude and she re-found a sliver of coherent thought. Immediately she slammed her shielding back in place that she had lowered to be able to communicate with Jean Claude.

She just rolled me, Anita stammered regaining her senses and pushing back the blood lust. Jean Claude nodded.

I believe she did. Shane was staring at the two of them some of the fear returned to her face. Damn, they were talking in riddles again. Just as she was starting to feel this was just a normal club, they reminded her that they were anything but normal. Her mind flicked to dozens of articles she had read in the papers about the dangers of vampires and werewolves and other mystical things inadvertently feeding that fear. She was insane relaxing in the presence of these people. Part of her wanted to hightail it back to West Hollywood and the Planet where she felt at home. Unfortunately this part was overridden by that part of her that was just too curious and too turned on to let it go.

Whatcha mean I rolled her? Jean Claude looked at her and gazed into her eyes. After a few moments he shook his head. Anita blinked. Jean Claude hadnt been able to roll her. That was even more impossible.

But in the alley

I believe the ardeur might have unlocked some doors no one was aware were there. Now Shane was starting to get pissed off. Every time she asked a question they ignored her and started talking about more stuff that she didnt understood. Defiantly she sat back in her chair and crossed her arms.

Anyone care telling me what the ***** is going on?

Do you remember what it felt like in the alley? Jean Claude asked his voice neutral now. Shane nodded.

That is what it feels like to be rolled. Vampires use their powers to cloud peoples minds to make them more pliable.

You mean to take advantage of them, Shane retorted. Jean Claude shook his head.

Not necessarily. We can also make people experience things. Calmness. Desire, he explained patiently, The vampire in the alley rolled you. Just as you a moment ago rolled those two women and Anita. Shane nearly fell out of her chair at this statement. How the ***** could she roll anyone? Last time she checked she was still very much alive and didnt go poof in the sunlight.

Im not dead, she said harshly. Jean Claude laughed and his voice rolled over her filling her with this indescribable warmth.

Neither am I, he smiled, But that point aside you are right. Humans do not possess the ability to roll the mind of others. Except apparently you.

I was NOT rolling their minds. In case you hadnt noticed, its called flirting, Shane said.

Very well, lets put it to the test. Pick someone in this crowd and make eye contact. Do the exact same thing you were doing with those women and Anita and we shall see what happens. Shane frowned. Was this guy serious? Fine, shed show him that it was just flirting. She looked around and saw a blonde women with a very short haircut sitting a few tables away. She was wearing a short black dress and her make up was slightly goth. She seemed nervous, as if she wasnt used to being in stripclubs. Shane made eye contact and the woman smiled. Nervously she started playing with the straps of her purse. Jean Claude smiled.

Now think calm thoughts. Shane looked at him.

Dont break eye contact. Shane looked back at the woman. Calm thoughts her mind wandered to the Planet. Drinking coffee with her friends. Making fun of Dana. The woman visibly calmed down and stopped playing with her purse putting her hands in her lap.

Now think of some of the things you would like to do with her. Shane smiled at this. Without breaking eye contact she started thinking about those full lips. What that hair would feel like sliding through her fingers. Running her fingers down that gorgeous neck. The woman was starting to blush slightly. Shane thought of her hand sliding down the hollow of her neck disappearing into that gorgeous cleavage. The woman licked her lips and her hand shot up to her neck. Shane was starting to feel uncomfortable now.

Now imagine her walking towards you. The moment Jean Claude uttered those words the image poured into Shanes mind and the woman got up and started walking towards their table.

Now break eye contact. Shane looked away and looked at Jean Claude. He was still smiling. When she looked back at the woman, she had stopped midway and looked rather lost. She glanced back at her table as if wondering why shed gotten up and where shed been going.

I believe you just rolled her mind. Shane looked at Jean Claude in shock. This couldnt be right. That would mean that all the women shed ever been with No, it just couldnt be.

It still doesnt explain why you couldnt roll her. Jean Claude looked at Anita.

No it does not, ma petite. Shane looked from one to the other.

Are you saying, you just tried to do that to me and it didnt work? Jean Claude nodded.

But the guy in the alley she let her voice trail off even more confused now than before. How come the Master of the City couldnt roll her when some vampire in the alley could?

I cannot say this with any certainty, but perhaps coming into contact with Anita has somehow unlocked some doors that until now have been closed.