Why Lorie? Part I

Chapter 37: Drogo Confesses

Drogo laid in bed, staring at the ceiling. The girl next to him was naked and fast asleep. He chose her because she was easily controlled and very compliant. And, most importantly, she was completely devoted to him and cherished him more than her own life. He knew his secret was safe with her. She would take it to the grave without ever disclosing it to another human being.

Drogo had four such companions, one on each side of Vienna. Each girl looked different from the others: one was blonde and blue eyed, with milky-white skin that turned rosy pink when she blushed; another had chestnut hair, hazel eyes and bronze skin that always looked sun-kissed; the third was a fiery red-head with emerald-green eyes and adorable freckles on her nose and cheeks; and last but not least was a dark-eyed beauty with hair as black as a raven's wing and an olive complexion that reminded Drogo of the gypsy girls in Transylvania. That way, Drogo could indulge in whatever he fancied on any particular night. He also had the option of hiding in every direction of the compass. Tonight, he was once again with Agnes, the redhead who lived furthest away from Bartholy Manor.  Drogo had spent the previous two nights with her already, afraid of returning home.

After making love, Drogo fed on her and then pricked his finger with one of her cheap brooches. The few drops of vampire blood he dribbled over her lips were enough to completely heal her and make her crave a second wild romp through the sheets. Agnes eventually fell deeply asleep, a content smile stretching her ruby-red mouth.

Drogo was left with plenty of time to ponder his situation. He thought about the results of his plot to destabilize Viktor by bringing Lorie's biological father to Bartholy Manor. Upon witnessing Viktor's turbulent reaction to Lawrence, Drogo had suddenly realized he may have taken his prank a step too far, without truly thinking it through.

Drogo was determined to put things right with his father by permanently getting rid of his problem for him (even though he had created it in the first place). He wasn't sure what Lawrence's long-term reaction to the Bartholys would be. What if Lawrence somehow managed to get over his fear and regained his impertinence? He could then potentially go through with his plan of hiring a lawyer to take Lorie away.  In doing so, Lawrence could expose the Bartholys' secret and ruin their peaceful existence in Vienna. Drogo realized his rash actions could bring about not only Viktor's downfall, but his own as well. He had to act swiftly and fix things.

He had decided on the spot to go back to the Hotel Imperial and wait for Lawrence's return. When Lord Danville finally emerged through the front door, Drogo approached him stealthily. Lawrence looked dazed and frankly petrified— his face was as white as a sheet and he staggered when he walked. Viktor had obviously given him a taste of a horrific encounter with an angry vampire. It was enough to terrify the bravest of men... and Lawrence didn't strike Drogo as particularly heroic.

He didn't give Lawrence the chance to make it to the center of the lobby. Instead, Drogo wrapped an arm around him and swiftly pulled him out into the night. Lawrence was too dazed to protest. He merely raised his terrified eyes toward Drogo, questioning his intentions. Drogo wasted no time. Once they were in a dark alley, he tore into Lord Danville's throat and drained him of all of his blood before Lawrence could make a peep.

Drogo then picked up his limp body and flew away to a wooded area outside the city's perimeter. He found an isolated spot deep in the forest. Drogo was familiar with the place - he had used it before to dispose of his victims. He dug a shallow grave and placed Lawrence's corpse in it.  He counted on the hungry predators that roamed the woods to finish the job for him by ripping the remains apart.  After feeling fully satisfied with the results, Drogo flew to Agnes's flat.

"What happened to you?" The redhead scrutinized him with wide eyes.

Drogo realized his shirt was soaked in Lawrence's blood. He walked into Agnes' bathroom without answering her, and tore his shirt off. He quickly washed his whole body and re-emerged naked and clean, with a sly grin on his face.