Page 121 of Eternal Obsession

“Jadeon is here?” Alex stood. “I must see him.”

“Soon, Alex, soon,” I said. “First though, you must eat.” I shooed Marcus away.

Alex shook his head.

“Get out,” I ordered the girl.

I turned to Alex. “I will not tolerate your disobedience—” I calmed myself. “Let me teach you how to appreciate this life I gave you.”

Alex followed me back to the elevator. The doors closed and the cart jolted. We descended into the depths of Belshazzar’s. Alex concentrated, attempting to read my mind.

“By the end of this night, you will never defy me again. If I am to teach you, then you must be willing to learn. You must trust me. I know what is best for you.”

“I hate you,” he whispered it.

I am one of the eldest of our kind. Royalty among vampires, and you will address me accordingly—I conveyed with wrath.

We stood before the dark wooden door finely engraved with Nepalese carvings. I opened the door, pushing Alex into the room. He made out three individuals dressed in black attire.

Alex realized the two women and one man had been waiting for him. He detected immediately they were vampires, and though attractive, their outfits provided them with a sinister appearance. He assessed the mood, taking in the décor. A few candles provided some meager light. The only furniture within the room was a bench. Alex noticed the metal shackles secured upon the walls.

Alex stood his ground.

Swiftly, they shoved him into the corner. I offered him no reassurance.

At first, he was defiant, laughing as if mocking whatever game this was. Then his gaze shifted, sharp and intense, unlike anything I'd seen in him before. It was a stark, an electrified mix of love and hate directed at me, and to my surprise, it filled me with pride.

There is a time for pleasure, and it is now.

“How little you know me,” he whispered.

“Two centuries have given me rather a clear understanding of you, Alexander.” I addressed my leather-donned workers. “See to it by the time he leaves this room he is broken in.”

Alex made a break for the door. They overpowered him and dragged him back.

“Inform me when it is done,” I said. “Alex, the next time I command you to drink—or, for that matter, do anything—you will do it.”

I withdrew.

Chapter Fifty-One

JADEON

I was ready to face Orpheus.

Marching through Belshazzar’s, I headed straight for the lift. I was going to get Catherine and Alex out. Scanning the club’s many guests, I ignored their stares.

Marcus approached me. “He’s expecting you.”

“Is he now?” I said dryly.

Marcus pushed the elevator button, and we stepped inside. We headed into the heart of Belshazzar’s.

“We better be going toward Alex,” I said.

“Sure.”

The lift jerked to a stop and the doors opened. I followed Marcus down the dark corridor, studying his every move and memorizing every twist and turn that we took. Stopping abruptly, my chaperone opened a door to our right and quickly entered. The door was left open in wait for me to follow. Peering into the empty room, cautious and ready for trouble, Marcus moved swiftly toward the far wall, waiting at yet another doorway.