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Like true vampires, the Vampiric Fae developed a venom in their bite. But the venom is specifically focused. The mutation happened when the first Unseelie were turned. The Fae's sexual powers were infused into the toxin and the controlling focus became of a sexual nature rather than the ability to create general suggestions. In other words, a member of the Indigo Court can sexually enslave someone through their bite. With the true vampires, the suggestion can be of any sort--from something as simple as handing over money to killing oneself. The primary difference, besides the sexual component, is that the venom of true vampires will wear off after a while unless a mutual blood bond is created. But the Indigo Court Fae venom is cumulative and at some point the victim will be hopelessly enslaved, unable to break free. The number of bites this takes is unknown.
She glanced up at me. "How many times has he bitten you?"
My stomach churned. My feelings couldn't all be the result of a drug, could they? There was a link between us--we'd proven that.
I shrugged. "Just once . . . twice maybe?"
"You can't let him keep biting you," Leo said.
"At least, not until we find out just whose side he's on," Rhiannon added softly. I jerked my attention to her and she gave me a soft smile. She understood.
She understands better than any of them, Ulean's voice whispered low behind me. Truth be, there is a danger with Grieve, but not in the manner that they think.
I wanted to protest, but decided to just roll with it. "I'll be careful. I won't say anything to him about working with Regina without talking to all of you." I let out a long breath, about to head into the kitchen for a bite to eat when the doorbell rang. "You expecting anybody?"
They shook their heads. I slowly crossed to the door, but then it occurred to me that the Indigo Court wouldn't just come knocking. They'd forcibly abducted Heather, they wouldn't politely ring the bell.
I opened the door but there was no one there. Curious, I opened the screen door and peeked out, and then I saw it. On the porch--a huge basket filled to the brim with what looked like expensive treats.
Reaching out, I poked it with my foot. Nothing moved or exploded. Finally, I picked it up and carried it into the living room. The sucker was heavy and I set it down on the coffee table.
"Apparently, somebody likes us," I said. "Christmas is still a couple weeks away but it looks like we got a present early."
"Who's it from?" Rhiannon leaned forward.
"I don't know. Let me see if there's a card. Meanwhile, is there anything to eat? I'm starving." I cautiously opened the cellophane holding everything inside. I wasn't used to presents. Krystal's idea of a birthday or Yule gift had been along the lines of a Happy Meal or a quarter-ounce of pot.
"I'll start dinner," Leo said. "Let me know what it is--and yell if you need me. Rhiannon, why don't you call Anadey?" He headed into the kitchen.
The cellophane wrap was held together by a large burgundy ribbon and bow. I unfastened them and laid them to the side, then peeled the wrap away. As I began to lift out boxes of expensive chocolates and cookies, and imported cheeses and candy--all still tightly wrapped in their original wrappings--I finally saw a card in a crimson envelope. I quietly opened the seal, which was formed of a gold wax with flakes of crimson.
You know who it's from. Ulean was behind me, I could feel the gentle breeze of her breath blowing on my ear. An entirely different sensation than when Grieve did it.
Oh, I know.
I knew who had sent the basket before I even touched the card, which sported a beautiful bouquet of red roses on the front. As I flipped it open, sloping writing--curved, elegant calligraphy--shone out in red.
From the Crimson Court to Ms. CicelyWaters & Friends.
Just a token to celebrate our partnership. Here's wishing for a long and happy connection. Your first blood tithe is due the night after next--please meet Lannan Altos in his office at the New Forest Conservatory on Sunday evening. He will have your first month's salary in advance at that time.
Best, Regina Altos
Emissary to the Crimson Court.
Fuck. I looked up from the note. I'd hoped for a month or so to adapt to the idea but their message was clear. They owned me, blood, stock, and barrel.
And it was time to pay the piper.
Chapter 18
I tried to underplay the note. No use getting Rhiannon upset. Meanwhile, we needed to go talk to Anadey and tell her what we'd found out about Peyton and ask if she could help Rhiannon. We called and she agreed to meet us the next morning at her house. We spent the rest of the evening strengthening the wards around the house and playing Scrabble.
The next morning, while Leo and Kaylin volunteered to stay home and try to pull together some sort of protection for the land itself, Rhiannon and I jumped into Favonis and headed for Anadey's apartment.
She was hunched over the table when we quietly entered at her Come in, teacup in hand, looking ten years older than when I'd met her the first day. She gazed up at us, her eyes still red from crying. "Any news?"
It was clear she was afraid to ask, but had to.
