16. Chapter 16

Chapter 16

Ethan

" W here are you taking me?" Lily asks, for the tenth time already. She has no idea where we are going.

I don't think I can bear to leave her alone now. Not only does she know what kind of creature I really am, but I couldn't be away from her either. Especially when Demetrius is roaming the city.

"Somewhere unique," I reply, hand on the steering wheel of my car.

"You have a thing for not answering questions, I suppose," she rolls her eyes, and looks outside the window.

"I have a thing for not giving away all the answers right away. I like the thrill of mystery. And you should, too."

"Yeah, yeah. Well, you're lucky that I feel safe with you, otherwise, I wouldn't even think about coming with you, wherever it is you are taking me," she says, and my chest feels tight. I want to hold her in my arms again.

"I just want to keep you safe, Lily. I must keep you safe. It is among my biggest responsibilities right now."

"Aren't you just the knight in shining armour," she jokes.

"Something like that," I smile, looking at her. Her hair is flowing in the wind and her skin is glowing, but her eyes are sleepy.

"What a day, really. I have always had the most boring life ever, I could swear. And then I met you and everything turned upside down. I'm still a little scared. I mean, vampires? Really?"

"Yes, vampires," I say, and take a turn to the right.

"I'm going to need some time to get used to this. And you'll be there to help me," she adds.

"Of course, I will be," I answer.

"Are we there yet?"

"We're there. Patience, beautiful."

"So, what's the deal with Demetrius, anyway? Is he some sort of vampire lord?"

"Something like that. It is starting to make sense because Perry, my attorney, is doing his best job trying to solve this. But I am going to need to deal with Demetrius face to face."

"He is the one whose profile you showed me earlier today, right?"

"Sharp eyes. Yes, Lily, he is."

"I knew it. I knew that I had seen him somewhere before. Those eyes are not easy to forget anyways."

"He is messing with me."

"You've told me that he is buying large quantities. Do you think he is re-selling your products?"

"I doubt that. My only guess is that he is not only buying for himself, but for a group of people. Vampires, just like him."

"And you."

"Yes, Lily. Just like me."

"The only difference is that you are one of the good ones. I can see it in your face," she says, slightly smiling at me. I suddenly feel a lot better about the whole situation.

"You think so?" I say, after a while of silence. It took me a moment to digest her words.

"Yeah. You have something that I can't describe. I feel that you are a good man."

"Thank you. It means a lot to me," I say, fighting back the urge to pull over the car and just kiss her.

"I know you won't hurt me."

"I will never hurt you, Lily. I am not like the others."

"I assume you mean Demetrius?" she asks. She is too curious, and she has every right to be.

"Yes. Him and his clan."

"And how do I know that you won't turn into a bad vampire, someday?"

"Because you'll be by my side, helping me," I answer, and I can't help but notice the smile that appears on her lips.

"Ugh, aren't you a tease?"

I pinch her cheek and notice how she shivers at my touch. I immediately take my hand back and try to focus on the road ahead.

"Are you always this cold?" I hear her asking.

"I am sorry. The perks of being a vampire. I should have warned you about this, though. It comes with the package," I reply.

"Do you want me to warm your hands up?"

"It is not that easy, Lily. As a matter of fact, it is not even possible."

"You know what, Ethan? You haven't had a problem with the fact that I am human, so, please, don't have a problem with the fact that I have warm blood."

"Fair enough. And how are you going to get my hands warm, Lily?"

"Give me your hand," she says, and I extend my arm. She grabs it and starts caressing the palm of my hand with her soft fingers.

"You are adorable."

"Is it helping?"

"It is," I fake my answer. My hand is still cold.

"Really? Oh, my God, it's working! This is incredible!"

"It's a miracle, isn't it?"

"I told you it was going to work," she says. I just laugh.

"Perhaps I don't need substances to keep my body warm anymore. I just need you and your miraculous touch, Lily Snow."

"Substances?"

"Yes. What do you think the Rothschild Pharmaceuticals is for, then?"

"You tell me, because I am not buying the anti-aging crap that you told me about," she laughs.

"We create products for vampires to use. They help us with our needs, especially in terms of drinking blood. That's how we get energy. Through the blood substitutes that we develop."

"I knew there was more to it. Do you have any idea how many times I had to go through that file you gave me? I knew something was not right. And then when I noticed the weird name on the container of the blood bags, I knew something was off."

"Blood is not the only thing we create. We also create substances to help us survive in the human world."

"Like?"

"For example, our fangs are quite long. If a human saw them, they would freak out, wouldn't they?"

"They would."

"Well, we use special substances that allow us to have normal teeth and fangs."

"You do have quite the fangs, though."

"Oh yeah?" I say, as I flash her a smile.

"Yes. What about sunlight?"

"Oh, that. That has a special formula. We don't really need the sun to live, and most of the time we can be quite sensitive to the light. There is a special lotion for that. It works quite well, if I have to be honest."

"So, do you like, burn in the sun or something?" "Nope. We don't turn into ashes. That's just a myth. But our skin can be very sensitive. It is different for every vampire. Some can tolerate the light, some can't."

"What about you? Can you tolerate the sun, Ethan?" she asks, seeming more curious than ever.

"I can. But I'm not a huge fan of it. I would prefer the darkness any time."

"That's good to know."

"I am a creature of the night. That is the best way to put it."

"Oh, I am sure you are. So, you are saying that not every stereotype about vampires is real?"

"Some are myths. Some are real."

"So, if a stake through the heart wouldn't kill you, what would?"

"Lily don't get me wrong, but you are asking a lot of questions. I assume you are just very curious to know every detail finally."

"I can't help myself. I am just trying to get all the facts right."

"Yes. Of course. Well, if a stake were to go through the heart, that would hurt like hell. But, no, it wouldn't kill me. Only decapitation would."

"Decapitation, wow."

"Yes. I think I had enough of dying the first time," I joke, and she laughs.

"Well, what if the stake went through the brain?"

"No, that wouldn't kill me. But I do have an aversion to silver, garlic, and holy water."

"What about the mirrors thing?"

"Well, we can see ourselves, Lily."

"Oh, yeah, sure. What about crosses and other religious symbols?"

"Crosses can actually harm us. Not only cross symbols, but other religious symbols, too."

"I wonder why," she murmurs under her breath, and takes out her phone.

"What are you doing?" I ask her, a bit amused.

"I am looking up the reason for that."

"Google is not going to give you an answer," I say and laugh.

"There has to be something," she says, and she starts reading.

"Lily, I-"

"Ah, here we go. It is believed that the cross is a symbol of suffering. In Christianity, Jesus was crucified and therefore, the cross became a symbol of suffering."

"Very well," I say, smiling.

"Well, is there any truth to this?"

"You could say that. You could also say that our souls are damned."

"What do you mean by that?" she scoffs.

"Well, vampires don't believe in Heaven or Hell. But the majority of us believe that our souls are doomed for eternity. So, the suffering is there."

"I'm sorry."

"Don't be. It's not your fault."

"So, how did you become a vampire? Do you remember how it happened?"

"Lily, we are here," I say as I pull over. I am certain that if we hadn't reached our destination, she would have turned our little drive into an interrogation some more.

"Oh, wow. Didn't you tell me to not set foot here ever again?" she looks outside the window.

"El Diablo is safer when you are with me, Lily. Plus, I need to talk to some people, and you'll be safer in a place full of vampires that work for me instead of being on your own,"" I reply and open the car door for her.

I am sure Nick is here somewhere. He told me to meet him up here where we can plot something against Demetrius and his group. We are going to need a plan if we want to find out what he is planning on doing.

Or maybe he is not planning anything at all, and it is just the fact that he knows who I am and wants to get my attention.

I guide Lily by the hand towards the VIP section where it is quieter, safer, with less noise and people. We have to walk past a bunch of people who are dancing and drinking, and even a few who are making out. Lily is a bit nervous, and I can feel her grip on my hand tightening.

"Are all of these vampires?" she whispers in my ear, making me smile.

"You are the only human here. That would explain the stares," I point at a couple who are glaring at Lily.

"That's not very nice," she whispers, and I pull her closer.

"They are not used to seeing humans around. Plus, the fact that you are a human with me makes them want to know who you are," I tell her, making her blush.

"Should I worry?"

"No. They are not allowed to lay a hand on you," I say as I swipe my card on the lock and allow ourselves in.

"What makes you so sure?" she asks.

"Because everyone here is a faithful client of mine. They know if they mess up, somehow, the consequences will be huge."

"They fear you, then."

"Yes. I suppose they do. But they respect me too."

"Good to know."

"In fact, everyone does, except you and your never-ending questions."

"Well, excuse me. I'm just curious," she teases, and rolls her eyes.

I grab her waist and pin her on the wall where it is dark, dimly lit in red, and I can smell the scent of her sweet perfume. I press my lips on hers, tasting her.

She is surprised at first, but then she opens her mouth to let me explore it. Our tongues dance together, and our breathing gets faster.

I can't help but moan into her mouth and press my body closer to hers. But I can't let this get too far. Not right now. There are things that need my attention.

"Easy there," I break the kiss and stare deep into her eyes. She is flushed, and I can hear her heart beating so fast.

"Of course, you had to do that."

"Feel free to chill in the VIP section. I just need to make some calls."

"Are you sure I'm going to be safe here?"

"Positive. The club is mine; therefore, it is totally safe, Lily. There is a room at the end of the hall to your left. I am sure you'll quite love it," I wink at her, and place one final kiss on her right cheek.

She blushes and nods her head, and I can't help but watch her as she walks away. She is absolutely beautiful. I am going to need to figure a way out for us to stay together after all of this is over.

I place my hand in my left pocket and take out the letter. It's crumpled now, but I still open it up and read the words again. And again. It is making my thoughts race.

"Is she safe?" Nick's voice is behind me, and I turn around.

"Yes. I've put her in the VIP section. There are guards outside as well."

"Smart move. Now, the question is, what the hell are we going to do about this?"

"Well, wasn't that your plan to drag him here? I am sure he's followed me all the way here."

"I am pretty sure he's already here."

"Well, there's a lot we can do, then."

"Ethan, we have no idea what kind of numbers we are dealing with. If it is not him in person here, then it must be someone who works for him. But I am pretty sure it is him."

"I agree. The only thing we have to our advantage is that we are the ones in our territory. And it's the territory where everyone knows who the owner is," I say to Nick as he pats me on the shoulder, his eyes focused on the letter.

"What do you think? Do you think it is a death threat?"

"It sure seems like one, Ethan. And I am not liking the idea of that," he says as he scans the words.

"Me neither. But we need to find him. We have to deal with him and his group. This is getting out of hand, and I need answers,"" I reply.

"I will make sure we have security guards all around the place. You just focus on keeping an eye on your girl. We don't know what he is capable of,"" Nick says, taking out his phone and walking past me.

I scan the creatures dancing. They are so lost in the moment. The music is loud, and the alcohol is flowing, and no one can tell that a group of dangerous vampires are around.

My eyes are dying to get a look at him. My phone suddenly rings, but as I pick up, the caller immediately hangs up. It's him again.

"You son of a-"

I dial the number again and again, but I get no answer. I suddenly get consumed by a strange feeling. Lily. I rush out of the VIP section.

What if something is truly wrong?

As I make my way to the back of the club, the electricity goes off. I can't believe this. I violently bang on the massive door of the VIP section where Lily is kept.

"Lily? You there?" I stare into the darkness. This can't be happening. Not now.