Faline

"Business matters, nothing to do with you. Right now you need to focus on those new recruits you have in the kitchen. The clouded leopard female, she is lost, you should just put her up front to be sold. The wolf Shifter may cause a problem with his attitude, but is very well endowed."

Her admiring tone has me pulling away, feeling uncomfortable. Unlike her, I don't see them as strictly sexual objects.

"Your Changeling also. Defiant. It is a shame he won't be on the floor, he would bring in quite a sum. A rarity."

Now I make a sound of disgust, which has her brows raising.

"What do you plan on doing with those you deem too young? The hyena female and three humans? The youngest girl down there now, she won't survive, you are aware of this, yes?"

I sigh, folding my arms over my middle, pacing a few steps before I respond.

"I'm aware she won't, I've already told Trisha that when things get bad to just put her to sleep permanently. As for the others, I plan on putting them to work and if they wish to be put out on the floor, then that's their choice."

She nods, looking agreeable. I frown at her though.

"As for Thessily, I will bring her back, she's not totally lost yet. Another couple of days there perhaps she would have been, but she isn't yet. She just needs time."

Eyebrows rise as she motions me to follow her back out to her office.

"Trisha tells me you want to change the slave quarters as well as the detox rooms. Do you plan on her wasting materials on those who will be lost?"

I growl at her, moving back to the window and looking out.

"It's not a waste. Elena will die, yes, but all she's being given is fluids, same as Kell. Tasha did not stink of heroin as they did. Water, sleeping aids, and an overdose, that's all that's being used. The same will be given to any future humans brought in all doped up. Which reminds me, you need to get another healer."

I turn and look at the Vampire who looks amused.

"Trisha is good, but she's getting old and is only one person. Danica is being taught, but she can't do much on her own yet. Someone either familiar with the animal species or is one themselves would be preferable. Your healer was not aware that by sleeping together they would heal faster."

Her head cocks, short black hair on the right side, shaved on the left. Natural blood-red streaks flowing through the strands. Not sure why that's so common, Nicolaus had them too.

"She was told to keep them from having sex with each other, sleeping near another usually means sex. She is at fault, yes, but I assume you have corrected her thinking?"

I nod, but I'm not amused, even though she seems to be.

"And your Changeling? What about him?"

To be honest, I have no idea what to do with him, but she's pretty much already told him his duties.

"What about him? You decreed he stay close to me, so that's what he'll do. As for being defiant, that's a good thing, not a bad. All of you Vamps here like everyone to be submissive, but I'm sure other patrons would like something different. There are some people who want to be dominated, just for a night. You have a few here that are more than capable if given the chance."

She just gives me a look, but I keep going.

"There are women and even men who want to be submissive, but can't be in their everyday lives. Here, they could have that option. I can pick out a few males right now that would make for good...uh...tops. Females will be harder to find since many have been broken by those who are too rough."

I hold up a hand before she can say anything.

"I know. The patron bought the rights for whatever, but since you gave me the go-ahead on changing things, that's one of them. Each one will let me know just what their preference is gender-wise and only certain ones will be available for certain activities. Those buying flesh will get one who enjoys pain and can actually take it."

She's watching me, but I see the wheels turning. Think she's regretting allowing me this.

"Have I mentioned the saying 'Happy Slaves make for Happy Clients'? Much like the new clothing, if they actually enjoy what they're doing, both will be getting something from it, not just one. You're in the business of pleasure, why does it have to be just the clients? If your slave is pleased, they will be more willing and interacting with your patrons instead of being lifeless dolls."

Lady is shaking her head, grinning.

"And what of those clients who have a favorite that does not adhere to your new standards? What then?"

I shrug, giving her a 'duh' look.

"Introduce them to a new favorite, one who does 'adhere to standards'. They're what brings you money; more will be made if they actually seem alive. I would imagine pounding into a lifeless-like body has to get boring after a while. Even those who enjoy certain things can still act like they don't if the need arises."

Walking towards me, the Vampire reaches out and touches my hair. A slightly mocking smile on her face.

"You are so naive my pet, but very well. We will try it your way, but if it does not take, then things will go back to the way they are as of now. If things do not go the way you envision, then the loss of revenue will be taken from your hide."

I look at her in annoyed disgust.

"You really need a new hobby. The one of wanting to see me bleeding constantly is not healthy."

Her chuckle is low as she leans forward, arms pushing mine into the window. My body gets pressed into the cold glass as her face hovers over mine, her gaze intent on my throat before dipping forward and nuzzling it. Her voice is just as low and muffled, but I can hear it clearly.

"Not healthy for whom? I think you bleeding is something we both enjoy, you just won't admit it. Just like you refuse my bed, yet crave it as well. You deny your desires, why is that?"

Lady's breath on my neck causes me to shiver, my own hitches when I feel the slick glide of a tongue across my skin. I don't answer her question, mostly because I'm afraid of the answer myself. Afraid that at the hands of both her and Nicolaus, I've come to want and even crave things that I tell myself are wrong and not what I want or even need. Things that I never would have thought I'd want in a million years yet had been introduced to nonetheless, in a way that should have repelled me from wanting anything like it. Granted I still have a limit, but even that seems to get foggy in my head at times.

The androgynous Vampire runs her fangs over my skin lightly, causing another shiver and goosebumps to crawl over my arms and the back of my neck. When I think she's going to bite, she does something completely different. Dark head rests against my throat as she breathes in deeply. I keep forgetting I'm Vamp catnip.

A cursed ability given upon Conversion. The gift to soothe and calm those around me just by my being near them. As long as they don't mean me ill, anyway. Both Nicolaus and Lady have taken to it as if it were a drug; as if I am. This Vampire though has also developed a craving for my blood, which I don't understand, as it provides no nourishment of any kind. She has fallen asleep with her head tucked into my neck before.

When a prisoner here with Nicolaus, I'd stay in cat form most of the time when not in the kitchen, and he would also want me close, usually on top of him, when sleeping. While in cat form, he didn't come off as quite as insane as he is.

"Next time you sleep, I want you here. Understood?"

I growl lightly, teeth clenched tight.

"You really think I want to be anywhere near that bed after the threat you gave me yesterday? In case you've forgotten, you said..."

"I know what I said."

She waves her hand in the air as if it isn't important, pulling away with a look of annoyance. My jaw clenches so hard that I'm surprised my teeth don't break. Really need to get out of here before I resort to violence.

When she turns for her desk, I go the opposite way, storming back to her bathroom and recovering my clothes. Snapping them up smartly, I ignore her completely and go for the door. Just as I reach it, she really pushes my buttons.

"We aren't done here."

I don't even stop, jerking it open.

"Yes, we are."

Going through, I slam it shut behind me. Too bad her face wasn't in it. Avina startles and cowers while Leidolf comes out of the small alcove with perked ears.

"Come on, we're going."

My storming doesn't stop as I keep walking, not looking to see if they follow or not. Having been through here enough times, I know the general direction I need to go in. Not a word is said as I fume in my head, angry with myself and this whole damn situation.

Anyone tries to approach me now in anything but perfect manners and I will seriously go off. Where's Madaline or Max when I need them? Keep catching hints of their scent, but nothing tangible. They've been lurking, but not recently. Cowards.