Page 126 of Eternal Obsession

I shoved her off the bench and pulled Alex toward me, placing my arm around him. “Now, Alex, how are you feeling?”

Alex buried his face in my chest. He opened his eyes and saw her. “Catherine!”

“Yes,” she reassured him.

Alex averted his gaze. “Please.”

“Alex,” I said, “You’ve learned your first lesson in obedience.” I gleamed at Catherine, aware of her scorn and enjoying it. “Thirsty?”

“Yes,” Alex said.

“Let’s get something appropriate to celebrate our new and improved Alex.” I helped him to his feet. “No, Catherine,” I said. “Stay here. I’ll call you when you are needed.”

She protested, but this was futile. She drew close toward Alex, taking his hand affectionately, embracing him. His flesh was hot, sticky from perspiration, and she could smell his familiar aroma, his sweetness. She had missed him. What passed between them was not for my eyes. Catherine kissed his cheek.

Passively, she retreated.

Within my private chambers, Alex showered and was provided with fresh clothes—clothes specifically purchased for him, a white shirt and blue denim jeans, his usual attire. I hoped he would feel like himself once again.

“It’s time to test your readiness,” I said.

We headed toward the center of Belshazzar’s, always thriving and pulsating. Alex followed faithfully, staying close. His limbs ached, and though confused, he knew one thing—never to anger me again. He staggered, and I caught his fall.

Alex recoiled as a ring fell from his trouser pocket, rolling out on the floor in front of us. It circled several times before coming to stop at my feet. I peered at it then back at Alex before picking it up and carefully examining the small round object, recognizing the foreign inscription engraved upon its round surface.

“Where did you get this?” I asked him.

“I found it,” he said.

“These markings? What do they mean?” I asked, studying the strange shapes that encircled the ring.

“I have no idea . . .”

“You may keep it.” With a wry smile, I handed it back to him. “Fascinating.”

Alex tucked it carefully into his trouser pocket and judged my response.

“Better the devil you know,” I said.

“What does that mean?” Alex said.

“The path that ring leads to is an empty one.”

Snowstrom had something to do with the ring, tangled in lies, and confusion, and I wanted no part of it.

The elevator ascended.

“I know you’re hungry. I have something special for you.”

We were in the club now and a party was in full swing. Alex detected mostly vampires with only a few humans within the room. He realized the mortals were unaware of whose presence they were in. Although there for the party, they were blissfully ignorant of the part they played. With me in the lead, Alex and I pushed through the heaving crowd. Bodies rubbed against bodies, moving and dancing to the mesmerizing music, stirring the appetites of the immortals.

Together, we made our way to the bar where the bartender prepared our drinks. Alex sipped the thick red liquid and gazed off. He stared in the direction of the doorway, thirstily gulping his beverage.

He was going to bolt.

I leaned toward him, squeezing his arm in an ironclad grip. Clicking my fingers, two men responded to my signal and locked the door. Such a gesture was a warning to Alex. He stared into my hazel eyes, realizing he was not going anywhere. The drug-laced beverage took effect and soothed his nerves. When he finished it, he was handed another.

“Ah, calmer already. It will make it easier for you to choose which one.” I looked out into the crowd, indicating for Alex to do the same. “Choose.”