“What do you mean?” She blinked at the stranger’s comment then turned to study the dance floor again, ignoring the sharp burst of sweat and spice from the bodies as human and vampires mingled.
“Sexual favors are prohibited on the premises.” He came to stand by her side as if invited. “This exhibition is to titillate the visitors and keep them coming back.”
Raven watched the vampires in the room, easily picking them out from the crowd, even the ones that pretended to be human, and saw what he meant. The vampires were putting on an act. Suspicious of their oh-so-helpful vampire guide, she twisted to keep an eye on him. “So it’s all show?”
A deep chuckle escaped and a charming twinkle sparkled in his eyes as he studied her face. “Not all. We give them what they expect.”
He nodded to a couple in the corner. Two skinny socialite girls who looked as if they were expecting to be munched on at any moment sat huddled nearly under their table, unable to stop gawking as they snapped pictures to show they had survived. “They come for the excitement. Some come for the danger.”
Very aware of his critical gaze on her, judging her, Raven purposefully kept her eyes averted to avoid any mind tricks. “And you give it to them.” The words were barely audible, but he took it as a rebuke.
“We take their money, a sip of their blood, and give them the thrill of danger without the threat.” There had to be less than ten vampires present.
“So the Bloodhouses are all a ruse.” She studied the vampire next to her, suspicious at all the free information. “Why tell me the truth?”
“Not a ruse. They have their purposes. It lets the humans think that they’re safe and we’re regulated.” He gave her a slight bow. “I’m one of Lester’s people.”
“Ah.” That explained everything. “So he assigned you to keep an eye on me.” Or to ensure that she didn’t probe too deeply into the dark shadows the vampires were famous for using to protect their secrets.
The man’s smile never wavered. “He told us to be useful to you in any way we can.” She didn’t miss the way his eyes fanned her body, the way his eyes lit in invitation.
A growl rumbled up Taggert’s throat. Despite the warning, the vampire never looked away from her. When their guide brushed against her without lifting a finger, her eyes narrowed.
“Don’t. You won’t like the consequences.”
The prospect of a tussle lightened his eyes, but then the mischievousness in him died. “You should leave.”
She couldn’t be sure if he was issuing an order or giving them a warning. “Can’t. I need information on Jason, and the only way to do that is by talking to his peers.”
“Lester questioned everyone. No one here will be able to give you answers.” He didn’t bother to scan the room. “I doubt there’s anyone left still standing that would be of help to you.” His expression hardened a little. “Your breed has a fresh wound. Not a wise choice in a bloodhouse.”
Something in his voice tightened the muscles of her spine. In a casual scan of the room, she noticed the not so subtle glances cast their way by the vampires, the light swirl in their gazes as the color bled away. Every vampire eye was on them. One thought was clear. Lunch.
When she wanted to grab for the current at her core, she hesitated. If she fought back, her gift would be exposed. If she killed them, she’d make enemies.
“Go.”
She didn’t move. Not without answers. “I’ll not let them have him. I don’t wish to fight.” She met his gaze, ignoring the buzz at the back of her mind as the vampires communicated with one another. She didn’t have to listen to their conversations to know whom they were discussing. “If they start something, I’ll finish it.”
“I’ll handle them.”
Raven hesitated, but she couldn’t help but believe him. “And Jason?”
“Try his girlfriend.”
That caught her attention. “Girlfriend? I’m sure Lester already checked that route.”
The man shook his head. “She was a shifter. She’s food. He’d never believe his son dated the likes of her.” He stood in front of them, blocking the rest of the room from view. “Go.” His voice grew more insistent, harder, the cheer and helpfulness gone.
Taggert caught her hand and tugged. She kept her feet, refusing to budge and leave their informant alone to face the half dozen or so hungry vampires.
“Come with us.” The vampire stilled completely, his humanity stripped from him. She either startled or surprised him, an unnerving experience to say the least. Then a dazzling smile danced across his face.