Page 76 of Eternal Obsession

“What has that⁠—”

“You were born in the late 1700s, which makes you . . . old.”

“Orpheus?”

“And yet you sit before me in the twenty-first century.”

“You made me into . . . this?”

“I gave you eternal life.”

“You massacred my family, Orpheus.”

“Just your dad. And a few of his wily friends. I left your brother alive.”

“This is not living.”

“Then what is it?”

“Eternal damnation.”

“Okay. Bored now.”

“What was put in my drink?” he asked.

“Our blood donors are rather partial to chasing the dragon and such like. It gives it a kick.”

“Still cunning.”

“I thought it might loosen you up a bit. God knows you need it,” I laughed.

“I need to speak with Catherine, hear that she is . . .”

“You always were an old romantic.”

“Where is she?”

“She’s here. Downstairs probably, drinking some innocent’s life. No, wait. I think I see her giving some poor masochistic a run for his money!”

“You disgust me,” Jadeon said.

“You flatter me.”

“Let me see her. You and I are both tired of this charade.”

“I can’t deny that you are rather tiresome. It has been like trying to swat a bloody insect that refuses to die—buzz, buzz, and bloody buzz. Enough is enough. You’re right. Let’s ask Catherine to tell you herself.” I rose. “Shall we?” I gestured to the elevator.

“I don’t think so,” Jadeon said.

“My club, my rules.” I signaled to Marcus, who had remained standing at the bar, the girl now gone. He headed toward us.

I led Jadeon to the back of the room.

“Shall we?” I gestured to the open elevator.

He hesitated.

“Come now, so close. Below, she waits for you,” I said.