Faline

We make it all the way to the front door with no trouble. I'd almost stumbled when noticing the Vamp is actually wearing something on her feet. Heeled boots. Functional yet still fashionable.

First time I've seen footwear on her, it seems almost weird. Apex is the one who knocks on the door, taking the position as bodyguard. With as big as he is, he pulls it off perfectly.

Being a giant muscled, tattooed, and mean-looking guy, he comes off as imposing quite well. His surfer boy blond faux-hawk throws you a bit but not much. He's the most 'alive' looking out of the three of us, but then again, he is the most alive so the point is moot.

He moves to the side so Lady is more in front while I stand at her back, pretty much hidden in my shortness. That's okay though, makes people underestimate me all the time. I bite my lip when I think of what we're supposed to do with all the possible customers within, but don't get the chance to ask as the door opens. A bald, under six-foot male opens it, thicker all around but still looks very solid. Thick black brows rise as he smiles, blue hazel eyes giving off good tidings. Sick.

The stiff beard looks combed as he greets warmly, ushering us in. Vampire Mistress goes in first, her persona seeming to have shifted as she smiles openly. Not revealing fang, but her whole face looks different.

Eyes are wide as she looks around the place. Curiosity clear on her face, as well as a sly glint. I come in behind her with Apex close at my back. I'm practically hidden.

We're ushered into a front room before introductions are made, false names are handed out while I look around, trying to pull off curiosity as easily as she does. Not too hard since I actually am. My attention is pulled back when my hand is grabbed. First instinct is to pull away but I catch Lady's slight head shake. Smiling in a way that I hope is appeasing, I bear through his kissing my hand.

She did say he acted the part of a gentleman, so I guess this is part of it. Real corny if you ask me but no one ever does. She calls attention back to herself as she starts gushing about his home, his eyes take a bit before turning away but as a typical narcissist, he can't help but preen.

This room has nothing to convey what happens here, but I can hear and smell it. Have to fight the crinkling of my nose the smell of sex is so heavy in the air. Body sweat, animals, and blood also perfume the place.

Can hear the telltale sounds of flesh slapping flesh, the assorted grunts coming from males enjoying themselves. Underneath it though, I hear the cries of pain, the sobs tear at my insides. I have to put my head down to hide my expression.

"Is your companion alright? Maybe my wife can get her something to drink?"

I catch Lady's nod, not sure if she knows my problem or playing along to move things ahead faster. The stifling heat of the place itself is overwhelming and doesn't help at all.

"I'm sure she's fine, just a little shy. This is her first time."

He makes noises of hoping it's something I'll remember as he calls for his 'wife'. She comes breezing in as if waiting for her cue, dressed in an airy sundress looking like the proverbial housewife, the sickness in her eyes is clearly visible though.

As they chat for a bit with Lady, another male comes in. His smell is so offensive that I have to turn and look at Apex. Would seem even he can smell it as his form stiffens. The move is small and barely noticeable, only reason I saw it is because I'm staring right at him.

Another bouncer slash bodyguard looking brute, his skin is dark, just as his eyes and facial hair. The black man is hyped up on something; his eyes shiny as he smiles at everyone. His scent is of unwashed sex, sweat, and some type of drug, I don't know the narcotic smells well enough to pick one out from another.

Not sure how I'm supposed to smell anything with all this around, but it makes it easier to hold my breath.

"This is Bruce, a friend of mine who likes to hang around and raid my fridge."

They all chuckle, but I can only manage a smile. His wife hands me a small glass of what she claims is water. Taking it with a smile, I raise it and tip back. It’s not as easy to fake drink as it appears in movies but I make sure it touches above my lip.

Removing it from my mouth and wiping at it as if I spilled, her eyes gleam, so I know it’s been tampered with. With holding my breath, I can't smell what's in it. Keeping it respectfully, we're led to the back of the house. The pitches of body smacking get closer.

"I have my very finest out and ready to show you. As I'm sure you know there are those that will require more as they are very special..."

I block him out as I focus on other things. Keeping track of distinct sounds that mark a single person. I just get to three when my arm is touched.

Lady is grinning at me before waving a hand towards the six people standing in front of a roaring fireplace. Christ, think they have their heat on and the damn fire going at the same time. If you haven't noticed, heat makes smells much stronger and tends to linger as if baked into the area.

Blinking rapidly for a moment, I look down the line of them. Four males and two females. Not even going to try to figure out who is human and who isn't. Doesn't matter when they're all going to be leaving.

Every single one of them is trying to put on a brave face, look flirty, and enticing. It's all in the eyes though. Windows to the soul they say, or just reflective glass to show us our own fears.

Without thinking about it, I step up to each one and touch their arms gently. By that alone, I can tell who is animal and who isn't. A gentle touch goes a long way for one who's been beaten down. Each one still shows an inner fire, so they have that going for them. They will survive this. Three of the males and one female are beasts, my touch has their eyes going right to mine.

Can tell when each realizes what I am by scent; the slight stiffening of their bodies giving it away. I try to convey with my eyes that I won’t harm them but I can just imagine how many times they've been told that and it being a lie.

"Now now, you can do your touching after payment is received."

My eyes flicker in annoyance before I lower my head and walk back to Lady as if chastened. The four of them have a laugh, Apex having gone back to the door to answer a call. Don't know if it was planned or not, but whatever.

"Come with me sweety, we'll get you a snack before you have your fun. Going to want all the energy you can get - our boys have stamina like you wouldn’t believe."

Her giggle is sickening but I smile and follow after while Bruce stays behind with Eddie and Lady. Had caught his name somewhere in there, having had to make nice after it was given. I glance back and he's staring after me, his eyes overbright as his nose flares. Uhh, do I smell? I had that shower earlier, but I've been around food, so maybe I smell like something I'd been making?

Vampires do sweat, if we’ve had the required 'water' intake for it, so I know I don't stink of it. Could be he's just inhaling the smells coming off his 'friend'. Leaving him in Lady's capable hands, I smirk at him before turning back to Tabitha.

Woman is jabbering away about her 'boys'. Another male shows himself as we get further away. She squeaks in false alarm, acting her part to a T.

"Tad! My gosh, you do just love to pop out of nowhere, don't you? Don't mind him, my husband hired him to make sure I don't come to any harm. He's a softy though so not really sure why we keep him around."

While she continues to belittle him as we keep walking, I look at him. Another bouncer type, but he has a feeling of 'newness' to him. Still shiny and fresh from the packaging. Not too young or old but his face is set in lines that probably aren't there when he isn't around the she-bitch I'm following. I catch his gaze and roll my eyes at her constant talking. Think she loves the sound of her own voice.

He gives me a small nod, then looks away with what looks to be guilt. Ahh, I see. Mr. Tad doesn't want to be here but won't speak up.