Real Vampires: Glory Does Vegas by Bartlett, Gerry (white hot kiss TXT) 📕

“Glory, get the tablets. One for each authorized bidder.” Dom looked pale. “You will know who they are, they have a numbered stamp on the back of their hands. Caroline made sure to check the names and handle that herself.”

“The vampires don’t look happy with your arrangements, Dominic.” Adela leaned against the bar. “Start the music again. We need to soothe some ruffled feathers.”

Marlene hurriedly carried her microphone to the stage again and started the Karaoke machine. This time the music was upbeat, a happy song. Connie and Dennis were handing out refills of the champagne synthetic while I rushed to get the tablets we had ordered. Each bidder had registered on-line so we knew they were tech savvy enough to send their bids to Dom electronically.

“Not happy? Dom, we may have fights break out if you announce the winning bids tonight. Say something to calm them down.” I handed out the numbered tablets and explained the bidding one more time as I did so. Each bidder was to put in the territory he or she wanted and how much they were willing to pay for it. They had to specify which brands they wanted to represent. I heard murmuring and some shouting.

One shoving match had Caro in the middle with the two shifters Dom had hired from the Turnbulls helping her maintain order. More than one vampire was in a rush to start bidding, almost hurting my hand as he snatched his tablet. I saw Robert and Jerry eyeing each other. I made sure they weren’t close enough to see what they were bidding on.

“Guests, please remember, this will be a money maker for you. I can even split territories if you would like for me to. Use the notes section if you have some ideas on that.” Dom had grabbed the microphone from Marlene in mid-song. “If we have a tie, I will work with you to make sure this has a happy solution.”

“You’re mad. I’ll tell you this.” Simon, the ultra-rich vampire, got in Dom’s face. “If I don’t win the territory I want, there will be Hell to pay.” He looked toward the door. “And I’m not talking about the stupid demonic kind.”

30

It was my job to collect the bids once the guests had made their decisions. To say there were some unhappy bidders, was an understatement. Luca and Adela did their part by talking to some of the vampires about selling their brands exclusively in some parts of the world. Simon, the arrogant vampire, seemed determined to be difficult. I took his tablet and saw he was after most of North America as well as Africa. He had some stiff competition, including from Jeremiah.

“Do you have any influence on who gets these franchises, Glory?” Robert whispered in my ear when he handed me his bids. He was only interested in Hollywood and wanted the most expensive brands with alcohol, including the Brazilian champagne and the Peruvian laced with cocaine. I’d learned to steer clear of that one. It packed a punch that left me dizzy.

“Not at all, I’m afraid.” I patted his hand where it rested on my arm. “Let me go before Jerry pulls his sword. You know how he is.”

“Yes, I do. I’m surprised you’re still with him. Odette and I will soon part. Give me a call if you decide to give Campbell the slip.” Robert tucked a business card in my fanny pack. “I mean it. I’ve missed you.”

I just looked at him. Sincere? Or trying to revive an old feud? It didn’t matter. My life was complicated enough without him involved.

“I didn’t see Micah here,” I said as I took his tablet.

“Called away on business. I have no idea what kind. He’s always full of secrets.” Robert shrugged. “Call me.”

I smiled and walked away. There was much chatter about how we’d run this competition. Because that’s what it was. Vampires might complain but they loved it. With long, long lives, anything that smacked of the unusual or stirred excitement would be talked about for decades. Dom stood surrounded by vampires who wanted answers. When would they be notified of the results? Could compromises be reached? Would this Halloween party become an annual event?

That last question made me smile. Marlene had turned on music but was no longer singing. Instead, she’d found her way to Simon, the ultra-rich vamp, and was talking to him. No surprise that when Dom announced he’d be emailing the results of the bidding the next night, that Marlene left with Simon on her arm. Clever woman.

“Did you see that?” Connie stood next to me. “Marlene went after him like a jungle cat stalking prey. The minute she heard him say how rich he was, she zeroed in.” Connie laughed. “Good luck to her. He struck me as cold. Only interested in his business.” She suddenly yelped and turned around with a glare.

“What is it?” I saw Luca behind her. “What did you do?”

“He pinched my butt. He’s been following me around all night.” Connie held her tray in front of her. “Do it again and see what happens. I don’t care what you’ve invented!”

“But, my dear, did I tell you what’s next? Do you crave real food? Something you can, umm, chew?” Luca grinned and looked from Connie to me. “Ah, that got Glory’s attention. Yes, Adela and I are working on that now. She misses chocolate most of all. Chocolate candy. How does that sound?”

“Now you’re torturing me.” I slapped him on his arm. He wore a toga tonight and looked good in it. “Stop lying and definitely stop pinching Connie. You hear me?”

“Yes. But you stop trying to take the fun out of the evening.” He pretended to pout. “I’m not lying about the food. We definitely have a chocolate flavored liquid synthetic almost ready to go. I’ll send you some soon. What do you think?”

“I think I’ll love it.” I held the