Chapter Three: Lillith
Las Vegas had been a nice diversion, but Raven was relieved to return home to New Orleans. It felt like home, as much as any place could feel like home to a vampire. He was a true vagabond, and reveled in his ability to adapt to new surroundings. But NOLA was just as much his mistress as the playmates that shared his relentless sexual appetite.
Besides, he thought with a slight rush, it was at his favorite club he had seen her: that redheaded temptress he'd lost to the night.
Raven was no fool. He understood her appeal was largely dependent upon the fact he hadn't had her yet. He was certain that once he claimed her and made her his, his fascination with her would dim just like all the others who came before her.
Until then she would linger in his mind like an apparition, and it was that ghostly image that drove him to return to the bar once more.
The heavy metal beat assaulted him before he even opened the door. It was a stormy Saturday night and a full moon; not unlike the very first night he saw her. Perhaps this was fate guiding his path right to her, rewarding his patience.
A patient man he had never pretended to be.
He suspected she would pay the price for his having to wait; he just hoped it would not be her life.
Raven was a lot of things, but a murderer he tried never to be. He had only turned one other person and that was at his request. Instead he had always managed to find those to feed off of, people whom he could return to if need be, even though thus far the need had never materialized.
But to condemn them to an eternity of blood lust? He decided long ago that was left to vampires with stronger constitutions than he. Instead, his appetite for blood rode shotgun with his libido. And the long line of satisfied lovers left in his wake validated his decision.
The fact he wasn't traditionally dangerous attracted lovers to him like flies, and perhaps that was the reason for his recent jag of dissatisfaction.
Sonja greeted him at the bar with a bottle of water, just as he liked it. A prior donor, she had always given him the space he required after their encounter together. Seeing as how she worked at a "haven" for others such as him, he knew she'd use the utmost discretion. Otherwise he never would have relented to feeding on one so familiar.
It was an intimacy he couldn't afford.
Because she had so dutifully followed his unspoken code, he knew he could trust her. Which was why he decided to ask her about the redheaded mystery woman.
"I know of a redhead, but I'm pretty sure she's not the one you're talking about."
Raven didn't care. If there was even the slightest chance it could be the same woman, he had to know. "Where can I find her?"
Sonja glanced around before leaning in towards him. She provided a name and a location, both were unfamiliar. But he nodded, tipped her well and was on his way.
The coven Sonja had directed him to was an unfamiliar one to him, which was odd. He thought he'd seen them all. But this one was pretty far underground, and if you weren't aware it was there you'd have probably missed it all together. Unlike his normal haunt, this place was secretive and selective.
The music was darker, the lights were dimmer. From the moment he walked into the place he knew he was on someone else's turf. Just who that was he wasn't sure.
Intense eyes followed him as he crossed through the sparse crowd; the stranger they'd never before seen. Fortunately Raven was used to that sort of scrutiny. He headed toward the bar where a young man only clad in silk trousers poured drinks. His eyes sparkled as he inspected this new patron.
"Can I help you?" he asked hopefully.
Raven simply smiled. "I'm here to see Lillith."
Lillith Winter, the name provided by Sonja. He couldn't imagine his dream lover with such a cold sounding name, but he was willing to take the shot. And what better way than to assume this Ice Queen would agree to see him even though they'd never before met? It was a risky move in their secretive community.
The boy's face fell, but he nodded. "Wait here."
He disappeared behind a beaded curtain, leaving Raven to survey the scene. This coven was unlike the other. People were feeding in booths and out on the dance floor. And he thought he could clearly make out one couple actually fucking in a back booth.
The boy returned. "She says she will not see you now."
Raven just smiled. He leveled his powerful gaze on the vulnerable man child. "I believe you're mistaken."
