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

I pulled into a circular drive and walked into a courtyard. The large double doors swung open and Odette stood there waiting.

“I’m so glad you are here. Come, you can meet my lover. We were together in Europe and now he is here. He came in early for Dominic’s blood tasting. I was so happy to hear from him!” She was smiling widely and had changed from the casual outfit she’d had on at the Council House to a pretty dress in a jungle print. The shades of green matched her eyes and looked good with her long blonde hair. I had to think that dress would have suited me. Too bad she was wearing it instead of selling it.

“This is a beautiful house, Odette.” I followed her with Valdez on my heels. There were marble floors, high ceilings and lots of space without too much furniture. What there was had an elegance that made me think of Europe. We moved into a living room with a gray velvet sofa and love seat. It sat on a rug that was a work of art with swirls of gray and burgundy. A pair of burgundy and gray striped chairs faced the sofa.

Fine art was everywhere. Modern sculpture sat on the coffee table but the art was more old school. Somehow it all worked together.

“It’s a rental. But I like it very well. Darling, come meet my new friend!” Odette called. “He is always so busy. His office is through that door.” She pointed to more double doors but one of them was open.

A man pushed the other door open. “Why, yes, I was busy, but not so busy I can’t find time for you, my love.” He stopped and stared. “This is your new friend?”

“Yes, Glory, um, Simpson. Is that right?”

“No, it’s St. Clair. Isn’t it, Gloriana?” He walked up to me and took my hands.

I couldn’t believe my eyes. How had this man ended up here? Coincidence? Or part of some horrible plan that would end up hurting me or Jerry?

24

“Robert MacDonald.” I hadn’t seen him in centuries. “What are the odds?”

“Strange question to be asking in Las Vegas. We could probably find out with a quick call to the nearest casino.” He turned to Odette. “Darling, Gloriana and I have known each other for centuries. Her sire and I are bitter enemies.”

“Oh, no! And I brought her to our home?” Odette clutched his arm. “I’m sorry, Robert.”

She pronounced his name the French way, Ro-bear. I put my hand on Valdez’s head to keep him back. He’d started growling as soon as he heard the word “enemies.”

“Stop, Valdez. Robert and I never fought. In fact, I’ve always liked you, Robert. I would hope after all these years that the feud between you and Jeremiah could be settled.”

“You would think so. You’re right, you and I always got along quite well.” He smiled. “Sit, relax. Odette, don’t we have something to serve our guest?”

“Yes, of course.” She hurried out of the room, throwing a glance back over her shoulder.

“Odette says you’re in Las Vegas for Dominic’s blood tasting, Robert. Is that true?” I had to wonder if he had followed me or was stalking Jeremiah. If the feud was still on, anything was possible. “Have you been in America before?”

“First, yes, I visit here frequently. Actually, my brother lives in America. I came to look around and met Odette a few years ago. Now she is after me to take her back to Paris. I am tempted since it is one of my favorite cities. When I heard about this blood tasting being held on All Hallows Eve, I decided it was worth a look. Do you know of it?”

“Yes. In fact, I work for Dominic Mayer, the man who is organizing it. If you got an invitation, then you know he is selling franchises for premium brands of synthetic blood in various parts of the world.”

“It piqued my interest.” Robert smiled when Odette returned carrying a tray with three goblets on it. “I assume this Mayer fellow has tied up this region around Las Vegas for himself.”

“Oh, yes. He has from here to California.” I took a glass.

“He took the Hollywood vampires? Clever of him.” Robert stared into his glass. “How about a toast? To meeting old friends.” Robert clinked his glass to mine. Then he turned to Odette and touched his to hers. “And making new ones, Odette. I think you and Gloriana will find you have much in common.”

“You two were never lovers?” Odette said after we all sipped what proved to be one of Dom’s best Romanian synthetics.

“Plain speaking, Odette.” Robert grinned. “No, we were not. I tried, but Jeremiah Campbell is a jealous sot. He would not share her or let her go.”

“You also were married the last time I saw you.” I saw Odette’s eyes narrow. “That was four hundred years ago, Odette. I’m sure Fiona is either long dead or finally got her wish to become vampire and has moved on.”

“Which is it, Robert?” Odette put down her glass.

“This is what I love about Odette. She does not play games.” Robert put down his own glass and reached for her hand. “It is a long story, leannan. For another time. Let’s just say that Fi is well out of my life. I haven’t seen her in decades and have no desire to do so.”

“So she is a vampire.” I played with my glass. “I liked her. I will say that, Odette. I’m glad she isn’t moldering away in a grave somewhere. She trapped Robert into that marriage. It was a sham. You have no reason to be jealous of her.” I stood. “Odette, I am dying to see your closet. That is why I came, right?”

“Yes, it is.” She got up with a swish of skirts. “Are you still with your lover, Glory, this Jeremiah Campbell?” She smiled at Robert. “Will he be coming to the blood tasting?”

“We are still