Even In Death
New York.
Mina smiled as she stepped out of the cab that was parked before a café. The last time she was in a city even close to this size, she was a small and shy little child with an air of naivety about her. Now she was a completely different person, and the wonders of a city larger than Stokerton astounded her. It nearly flooded her mind with curiosity and intrigue to explore.
Amare stood beside her, holding her bag in one hand and his in another, neither having too much luggage. "Are you hungry?" He asked and she shook her head which broke her smile. Ever since taking off from Stokerton Airport Amare has defiantly been keen on making sure Mina stays fed. As if Otis would starve her in New York.
Vlad stood on her other side and she smiled at him as he and Otis stared at the café in front of them. "Any idea what the V might stand for?" Otis asked them.
"A vampire bar? Really?" Vlad asked and Mina's smile spread to a grin.
"Like the Crypt?" Mina wondered and Amare nodded as well as Otis.
"The owner is a good friend of mine. Though not, as it were, a good friend of your father's." Otis spoke primarily to Vlad and Mina turned her eyes up to Amare who shrugged.
"One of Casimir's acquaintances, but I know him well."
Mina nodded to Amare before she turned in to Vlad's continued conversation with Otis. "Why not?" He asked his uncle.
"I've never been clear on that. But trust me. You didn't want to be in the same room with Tomas and Enrico." Otis then opened the door to the bar and held it for Mina, Vlad, and Amare.
Mina gasped as she entered the V Bar and took in the welcoming aura. There were strange object all about that reminded Mina of the Crypt or Casimir's house. She felt instantly at home and comfortable with the new space as she followed Otis to the bar.
"What can I get you gentleman?" The bartender came up and when he saw Mina spinning on her bar stool with a childish grin, he corrected himself. "Gentlemen and young lady?"
The man wore a beautiful blue shirt that matched the blue of the establishment and his eyes. He smiled charmingly at Mina and she offered him one in return as well. Vlad kicked Mina as she blinked her eyes sweetly at the man, earning him a glare as Otis cleared his throat.
"The house red, please. For all of us."
The bartender's smile widened and he offered a look to Vlad before winking at Mina. She blushed and Vlad scowled faintly. Then he turned to Otis to speak. "I thought your guests were part of the club but had to ask to be certain. Are you here on business or pleasure, Mr. Otis?"
"Business, unfortunately."
The man in blue nodded. "I'll make it a double then."
"Would you please let Enrico know that I'm here, and I've brought guests?" The man nodded at Otis's request and did just that. After he finished his call he filled four glasses with red liquid. Another brief look at Mina and Vlad made him pour two of the glasses into plastic cups complete with straws.
"For appearances. We wouldn't want to attract any unwanted attention, would we?" He grinned and both Mina and Vlad chuckled. Mina hurriedly lifted her straw to her lips and gulped half the cup down in one sip. The bloodwine made her smile wider than she had in a long time, something that seemed to make Vlad sulk slightly as he watched her from his peripheral vision.
"Why don't you ask him?" Otis suddenly said and Mina assumed Vlad had asked him something telepathically.
"Excuse me?" Vlad leaned over the counter to whisper to the bartender, making Mina lift an eyebrow at him. "But are you a vampire too?"
