Rare Blood

Chapter Nine: Company

"Mi princesa, wake up," Hector's voice broke into Roxy's dream.

"Mmm... did you just call me princess?"

"You sleep too much," he said kissing her.

"You don't sleep enough"

"Tal vez."

"You know I don't speak Spanish.

"I thought you liked when I do?"

"Oh I do, but I don't understand it."

"Did Cyrus teach you nothing... I'll teach you. You should learn a few languages, it will serve you well."

"What does Tal vez mean?"

"Maybe, it means maybe."

"So why am I waking up?"

"I've got company coming and I want you to join us."

"Company?"

"Octavius Taurin, from the Council, they need to know you are here with me in case Cyrus causes problems. I don't want to hide anything from them and I didn't want to seem like I was asking again. I know Octavius, I heard he was passing through so I invited him for a drink." Roxy sat up no longer feeling tired.

"Asking again?"

"When... when Dominique was killed and you were too new to be without guidance I petitioned to take care of you."

"Hector, you did?"

"Of course I did. Now get a shower and come down," Hector said getting off the bed and walking out of the room not giving Roxy a chance to ask any more questions.

I'll just ask you about it later, she thought heading to the shower. She spent easily an hour letting the warm water trickle over her flesh, reveling in the Mango-Sage scent of Hector's soap. It was the best shower of her life. When she got out there was a big black rectangular gift box tied with a red ribbon waiting for her. She was so lost in the shower she hadn't heard anyone enter the bathroom. Being snuck up on as a Vampire was a rarity, but it seemed to happen to her more than others which is one of the reason's she doesn't like to be alone. She'd be willing to bet Hector could creep on anything though so she didn't let it alarm her and opened the box.

Inside was a light grey La Perla satin robe. It was the exact color of her eyes. She towel dried her hair resulting in perfectly tousled locks and slipped the robe on. It had a deep v shawl collar, wrap front, long sleeves, and a belt tying around the waist. Her skin felt hyper sensitive and the cool silken feel of the fabric as it glided effortlessly with her every movement made her feel sensual.

Roxy's always been very sexual even before she was turned. She thrived knowing men wanted her. Having Hector buy her a six-hundred dollar robe made her feel secure. She knew she had him and she'd do anything to keep him enthralled. He was powerful, and had a soft spot for her. She could play sweet and innocent, a damsel in distress, or her favorite and most natural, the bad girl. Whatever he wanted she would be.

Wearing only her robe Roxy went to find Hector to show it off. Once she was out of his bedroom she could hear voices and a women's laughter. She froze and debated putting her clothes back on but there were drops of blood on the shirt she had been wearing when she showed up so it was out of the question. Knowing Hector could hear her and not wanting him to think she was listening in she went ahead following the sounds to his sitting room with the fire place they spent hours... enjoying, the day before.

It was a curious scene to say the least, two women, and Octavius Taurin sat on a couch and Hector was in his chair. She’d met Octavius once after her maker was killed and when he spotted her he stood, "Roxanne LaValle," Octavius said as if she were someone notorious. He held his hand out to her. Roxy glanced at Hector who also was on his feet; he gave an almost unnoticeable nod of approval so she took Octavius' hand. He pulled her hand to his face like he was going to kiss it but he inhaled deeply. He looked her up and down then turned her wrist over. Her whole body tensed as his bead like black eyes widened and his fangs descended. "Leave us," he ordered to the women. They did so without a backwards glance. Before Roxy had a chance to try and pull away Hector intervened. He got in between them, pushed Roxy back, and gripped Octavius’ wrist.

Octavius was made a Vampire long before Hector, but he was brought over in his sixties, surely at the end of his human life. A Vampire's physical strength is a direct result of the muscle quality the human had. Hector wasn't a day over thirty before he was created and he was built like an ox. The stronger the human was the stronger the Vampire they became. But, just because Hector was stronger didn't mean he could control Octavius. You respected those who are older than you especially those on the Vampire Council.

"You didn’t ask her permission," Hector growled.

"You forget yourself. I am seven-hundred years old. I do not need permission to do anything. Now, let go before I have you sealed in a tomb to rot." Octavius was calm when he spoke but Roxy knew it was no idol threat.

"Hector, let him go. Please," she pleaded. Hector dropped his arm and said to Octavius, "I will not allow you to drink from her, Octavius. Not against her will." Octavius laughed and turned to Roxy, "Roxanne, do you know how dangerous you are for him?" Then he got in Hector's face, "This is why when you petitioned to edify her after Dominique's death I sent her to Cyrus. Your attachment is detrimental for you both. Now..." He paused and looked back to Roxy, "It seems Hector would rather kill me sealing both your fates than have me drink from you. I don't want trouble I just want to know where the donor of the blood is."

Roxy momentarily debated her answer then said, "I don't know. She may be dead," and any warmth in the air seemed to leave the room as Octavius growled. It was truly frightening. He stalked forward angrily, "You have no idea what you've had. Tell me everything," he demanded.

"What do you mean?  What have I had," Roxy asked timidly.

"Il sangue di un dio."

"I'm sorry, I don't speak Spanish," Roxy said looking to Hector for translation who looked shaken as he translated, "It's Italian for… The blood of a god."

Roxy's jaw dropped.