Page 74 of Eternal Obsession

Taking in his surroundings he made his way along the eerie passages, glancing up at the many chandeliers guiding his way. Continuing down the dark sinister corridor he approached the large double doorway, which opened for him, and entered the wine bar.

Tables were everywhere, the room full of both humans and vampires, though he detected the mortals had no idea whom they were socializing with. The gothic and renaissance décor provided an eclectic accent. The aroma of burning candles and incense bestowed a heady scent, and the music enhanced the atmosphere. Jadeon easily counted at least one hundred guests. Everyone was dressed well. The theme appeared to be that of black attire, both men and women obviously of wealth. This was an exclusive club.

But what kind of club? he wondered. And for what purpose? Walking toward the bar, he was immediately greeted by the bartender.

“Bloody Mary it is, then.” The man poured a thick red concoction into an iced glass.

Jadeon sniffed the familiar aroma.

Looking around the room again, he observed others drinking the same as he, and he wondered how they got away with consuming such a concoction. Self-consciously Jadeon sipped from the glass, appreciating that it was indeed blood and he was thirsty.

There came the ethical consideration of whose blood, but time had worn away at his sensitive nature and left a dark aura that clung to him.

He glanced back at the man behind the bar, uneasy to see him staring back.

“Another?” the bartender asked. “It’s on the house. You’re a first-time guest, so anything you want is yours.”

“Who owns this place?” Jadeon asked.

“I think you know,” he said.

A tall woman approached Jadeon. “I haven’t seen you in here before.”

“This is my first visit.” Jadeon took another sip from his drink.

“Well aren’t you the lucky one? First-time visitors get special treatment, don’t they, Lance?”

Lance slid an iced cocktail in her direction.

She ran the tip of her forefinger around the rim of the glass. “Can I interest you in anything?” She leaned forward on the bar, allowing Jadeon to see easily down her silk top.

He shook his head and attempted to keep his eyes focused on hers, aware that her satin blouse was completely transparent. She laughed in response to his discretion, drawing unwanted attention in his direction. She leaned toward Jadeon, close enough to kiss him.

Jadeon stepped back, taking her hand and gently pushing it away, conscious that others may be watching. She laughed again as a hand appeared on her shoulder and she was guided out of the way. A female nightwalker now stood before him. Jadeon was struck by the appearance of her red hair and blue eyes.

“Please excuse our guests. They get a little carried away. They just can’t wait to get started if you know what I mean.”

Jadeon stared at her.

Opening up her mind, she invited Jadeon to read it. In doing so, he realized that this club was not just a place for social drinking and light entertainment. The female presented the clearest of visions of what occurred within this very building several floors below.

Powerful and clear images of the activity within the rooms were revealed, and the visions were of a sexual nature. This was a club in which an individual’s fantasy could be realized. While he surveyed the many naked and partly dressed bodies intertwined it became clear to him the focus here was on obtaining both sadistic and masochistic pleasure.

Glancing around at the people within the room, Jadeon knew many of them would soon be joining those below. He wanted to flee, considering that he could perhaps return when he’d had some time to contemplate his next move. In reality, he knew it was too late. He might never get a chance to be this close to me again. He steadied himself, attempting to look a little less conspicuous. He knew that if I were here I would detect him. And he was right.

Jadeon felt a bump and turned to see a young male in black leather behind him.

“Just say when you want to come and play,” he whispered close into his ear. “I’ll heat the wax.”

Jadeon stepped away. Gradually, a sensation of dizziness disoriented him. He realized his drink had been spiked. He placed it down on the bar and scrutinized the bartender, attempting to gauge the poison. Jadeon took a seat at an empty table positioned in the corner. He sat with his back against the wall, hoping the dizziness would pass.

The feeling of warmth rapidly came over him and he relaxed a little. The music played with his mind and he enjoyed the rhythm. A corseted female sat next to him. He studied her, finding her dark features, curvaceous body, and tight leather outfit alluring. She sat for a moment looking at the chattering crowd. The ebullient mix of party guests conversed noisily, engrossed in their conversations, consuming their beverages.

Initially unsure whether it was the atmosphere or the blood that had given him such a heady sensation, Jadeon’s symptoms now confirmed his suspicions. Whatever had been placed in his drink was seriously taking effect. He rubbed his eyes to clear his vision. Disconcerted, he realized the female stared at him. She pouted seductively, her mouth sensuously full, her lipstick blood red. He scanned her thoughts, amazed to see visions of angels which appeared to fly through the air or float dreamily in front of him.

Such visions reminded him of paintings by Raphael. He became lost in their beauty, his thoughts drifting off.

As the illusions continued, he felt her discreetly place her hand on his thigh, but such a movement was obscured, shielded by the table from the view of others. Jadeon closed his eyes, lost in the images.