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“Why do you care? Leave me alone.”
“I care because you’re my creation. I’m the only one who knows the real you.”
“No. You’re dead and you need to fuck off.”
Shit. The longer Manon is around, the more she burrows into my psyche, erasing me bit by bit. “I won’t let you drag me into madness with you.”
Manon opens her mouth, but it isn’t her voice that comes out.
“It’s too late, dude.”
I spin and glare at the three humans snickering behind me.
“Ben, shut up.” The middle human smacks his friend, eyeing me warily before averting his gaze.
Smart move.
The mouthpiece doesn’t read the situation, and his gums keep flapping. “Why? The dude’s right bonkers. He’s talking to the freaking air for crying out loud.”
The humans walking past give us a wide berth as I growl. I’m tempted to show them a taste of what New Orleans is really like when the sun goes down—no holding back this time.
“Do it.” Manon’s voice is silky sweet as she whispers in my ear. “It’s only nature running its course. They are prey.”
“Sebastian? Everything okay here?” Rune’s voice is steady and anchors me back to myself.
“Of course.” I take a step back and release my clenched fists. “I was just about to warn these boys to be careful not to draw unwanted attention. We have all manner of things that go bump in the night here in NOLA. Safety first and all that.”
I flash them a cruel smile but keep the tips of my fangs from showing. It would be ecstasy to tear into the pulsing vein of their carotid arteries—to feel the moment their lives drain into me.
Hunting in the streets is an indulgence I haven’t allowed myself in many years. If I were to give in now, I don’t know how many bodies would litter the streets before I was satiated.
Lucky for the humans, my night is fully booked.
With a gentle nudge from Rune, the two of us get moving once more. Manon is gone. Hopefully, she’ll remain gone for the remainder of the night.
My conversation with Sloane will go better if I’m in my right mind. And, maybe, if things go smoothly enough, I can leave here tonight with my cock intact.
Not that it would be a huge loss—the stupid thing has been nonfunctional for over two decades.
We walk the rest of the way in silence and only stop when we are standing under the neon sign.
Moonlit Serenade.
The sign above the entrance of the speakeasy lounge glows in bold letters, but that is the only bold thing about the exterior of Sloane’s establishment. But, as underwhelming as it is, in this case, looks are quite deceiving.
Inside, the muffled laughter of her patrons spills into the night and envelops me as Rune ushers me through the open door.
I don’t have to search long to find Sloane.
She lives for the spotlight—for attention.
Since becoming a vampire and losing access to her magic and connection to her goddess, she’s a sorceress in a different sense now—capturing her audience night after night.
With a voice and body like hers, she entrances her guests, packing the place and making a small fortune.
“There, Bas. Take that table opening up and I’ll be at the bar when you’re done.”
I slide through the crowd and claim the highboy table Rune pointed to, my attention firmly captivated by the former witch.
