I sighed heavily as I walked behind Jinx in the sunny afternoon, still slightly upset at having to be up so early in the day. After Luc had retreated into his coffin, I told the witch I was willing to meet with the first vampire, only for her to reveal he wanted to meet during the day. Only Dracula would want to take advantage of the fact he could wake up before sunset, and I groaned as we walked down the street toward downtown.
"Sure is quiet on the Friday before Mother's Day." Jinx commented and I made a noise of agreement.
"Yeah, I guess most have already headed back to their realms." I suggested, my thoughts remembering Sarai's voicemail. We always had to wait until after the holiday, but it was nice to know that I could at least see her again in a few days. My twin was always petitioning for Fallen to get visiting rights on holidays and while she wasn't always successful, I always appreciated her efforts. If not for her and the few who agreed with her, our interactions would be limited to voice messages and phone calls. "I'll be visiting Sarai on Monday."
"Good." Jinx offered, and I glanced up to look at the witch. She had her lips pursed, but she never slowed her pace as we kept walking. "I'll probably leave tonight for the Inbetween."
"Okay." I acknowledged, secretly happy for the witch leaving. She likely wouldn't come back until late on Monday, which would give me the opening I needed to fulfill Requiem's date requirement. The last thing I needed was for Jinx to question why I made a deal with the Demon king when "Lucia" was a daughter of Dracula. Sometimes Jinx's narrow focus was a blessing, but she could be surprisingly observant exactly when I didn't want her to be.
"This looks like the place." I glanced up as Jinx spoke, and noticed that we were heading toward a high end cafe. I groaned internally, starting to regret this meeting more and more
"Funny place to raise a zombie." I muttered, my thoughts drifting back to what Luc had said. Jinx shot me an annoyed glance, but I grunted as I followed her inside.
"Evangela, Valentin." I looked up as I heard our names, and was unsurprised to see Drac sitting in the far corner. It seemed the owners had set him up a shaded area to relax and I followed the witch as we made our way to his alcove. He was as dramatic as ever; old Victorian clothing, plenty of jewelry that was completely outdated and unnecessary and an over dramatic flair to every movement he made. As we got closer, I started to smell the overbearing stench of his cologne and resisted the desire to cover my nose. This meeting could not be over soon enough.
"Dracula." Jinx nodded, bowing slightly as we stood in front of the vampire. He ignored us for a moment, taking a long drag from his pipe as I coughed into my shoulder. Drac opened his eyes to us finally, that red gaze resting on Jinx. "You wished to use Lin's services?"
"Ms. Valentin, you may wait anywhere you like. Your order is on me." He dragged his eyes to meet mine and I frowned at his slight smile. "I would like to speak to Ms. Evangela in private."
"That's-"
"Not up for debate." Dracula interrupted, shooting the witch a dangerous glare before taking another drag. Jinx was visibly frustrated as she glanced at me, but I shrugged as I sat down across from the Count. Jinx finally consented, making her displeasure known as she stomped back toward the front of the cafe. Dracula chuckled as he finished his smoke, relaxing more into his couch. "As hot headed as ever."
"What's this about, Dracula?" I insisted, my head starting to pound from the scent of the strong cologne the vampire was wearing. Dracula sighed heavily as he sat up a bit, setting down his pipe on its resting place before settling back into the pillows. I forced myself to keep my eyes on him as he refused to look at me, relaxing in his alcove.
"I believe you know."
"I prefer not to assume." I insisted, watching as the Count opened his eyes to look at me again. I had to admit, Lee was right; Luc looked a lot more like the vampire lounging across from me than he did Requiem. The slim, tall body, bright red eyes, flowing dark hair; if I didn't know that the Demon King was his father, I would insist that the Count was. Given that it was very likely that one of his daughters was Luc's mother, it wasn't that surprising and I knew vampires genes could be weird.
"I would like to know," Dracula began, sitting up slightly as he spoke, and I knew he was reading my blood flow. He was worried I would lie? "Why would Lucien's father allow his son to spend time with you, while denying me these past five years."
"I made a deal." I shrugged, not looking away from that intense gaze. I wasn't sure why he thought I wouldn't tell the truth, but I had nothing to hide. "I needed Luc's help to save Jinx, and Requiem required a deal for me to have Luc."
"And that deal was?"
"For me to take his son on a date." I revealed, finally closing my eyes as the pounding in my head increased. I knew the Count was upset, but his issue was with Requiem, not me; why did I have to pay for it? "He didn't specify which son, nor has he told me when he expects me to fulfill that request."
"Hmm," I opened my eyes as the vampire finally closed his eyes again, relaxing back into his pillows as he considered my words. "I doubt he means Lucien."
"So do I, but I don't know what his game is."
"Oh?"
"If he means Luc, it'd be to try and rile up me or Jinx. She has not been subtle in her dislike of him." I sighed heavily, slowly closing my eyes again. I wanted to escape that awful smell. "If he means another son, I'm sure he intends on making Luc watch. Either way, awful for both of us."
"Requiem does enjoy his deals and all those unspoken rules." Dracula scoffed and I opened my eyes to see the vampire. He had retrieved his pipe and he had a frown on his face, showing his distaste for the Demon King. Had it been a deal with Requiem that led to one of his daughters having Luc? Considering the way Luc said they both wanted to use him, it wouldn't surprise me. It also explained why the Count held as much contempt for Requiem as he did. "Why do you think he wishes to punish Lucien?"
"Requiem has not been quiet in his disapproval of Luc's attraction to me." I scoffed, rubbing my forehead as I tried to focus though the pounding in my head. "He's been punishing Luc in different ways ever since the two of us started hanging out."
Dracula remained silent, taking in my words as I shifted on my seat. He seemed to be deep in thought, as if deciding what he wanted to do. I wasn't sure what required so much consideration; there was nothing I could do to allow him to see Luc. Even if he tried to come over, It was likely I wouldn't be able to invite him inside, or if I tried to bring Luc outside to him, Requiem would likely force Luc back to him. I understood wanting to know why Requiem had allowed me the meeting he so desperately wanted, but he knew he couldn't use me, right?
"Alright, Evangela. You may leave. The money will be paid to you." The Count finally sighed and my heart pounded with relief.
"Thank you." I stood to leave, eager to breathe in some fresh air to relieve my headache.
"Oh, and do be careful with him." I paused at the edge of his alcove, turning back to glance at the vampire. He was back to relaxing, his eyes closed as he smoked his pipe. "Lucien is more precious than either you or Requiem realize."
"Well, unlike you two, I don't want to use him." I spat back, annoyed by the laughter that came from the Count as I worked my way back to the front of the Cafe where Jinx waited.