BXBX NOVEL Chapter 74: Your Life Has Been Paid For
As Ezra walked down the dimly lit street, his mind still occupied with the events of the night, a voice broke through his thoughts. "That was hot," the voice said, smooth and slightly amused.
Ezra stopped and looked into a nearby alley. Leaning against the wall was a woman in a white gown, the lower half of her face obscured by a red scarf. Ezra recognized her immediately. Stephanie, the leader of the Flower Shop girls, a trio of vampires known for both their charm and their deadly skills.
Ezra tilted his head slightly, his eyes narrowing. "It was necessary," he replied, his voice steady.
He turned to leave, not interested in engaging further. But before he could take another step, Stephanie moved swiftly, linking her arm with his. Her touch was light, almost playful, but there was an underlying strength in her grip.
Ezra stopped, raising an eyebrow at her. "What do you want, Stephanie? I don't have time to play games or flirt with you. Find someone else."
"How about a cup of coffee?" she asked, her eyes twinkling above the scarf.
Ezra regarded her for a moment, suspicion flickering in his mind. "What do you really want?" he asked, his voice cautious.
Stephanie's eyes crinkled at the edges, hinting at a smile beneath the scarf. "I'm not trying to poach you from your wives, if that's what you're worried about. Just a conversation. Nothing more. I believe it would be worth your time."
Ezra considered her words. Olivia's warning flickered in his mind. He knew better than to trust anyone easily, especially another vampire with her reputation. But the night had been long, and a part of him was curious about what she wanted to discuss.
"Alright," he said finally, switching out his mask for a pair of sunglasses. "But if this is a trap, you'll regret it."
Stephanie laughed softly, the sound melodic. "You have my word, Ezra. No tricks."
They walked together to a small cafe a few blocks away. It was one of those 24 hour places, frequented by night owls and those who had nowhere else to go. The warm glow of the interior lights spilled onto the street.
They found a quiet corner table, and Ezra ordered a black coffee while Stephanie opted for a cappuccino. The barista, an elderly man with kind eyes, served them with a nod, not seeming to notice anything unusual about the pair.
The two vampires quickly added their personal stashes of blood wine to the coffee, making it edible.
"So," Ezra began, taking a sip of his coffee. "What's this about?"
Stephanie leaned back in her chair, her eyes studying him. "I've been watching you, Ezra. You and your wives have been making waves. It's impressive. At this point, the City Lord himself will take notice of you. A newborn challenging and winning, mostly, against two established covens, that's almost unheard of."
Ezra frowned slightly. "Flattery won't get you anywhere. Get to the point."
She smiled beneath her scarf. "Fair enough. I want in. Your coven is growing stronger, and you'll clearly get something out of this venture, not including whatever Griffin is offering you. I want in on it."
Ezra's eyes hardened. "Whatever you think is going on, it's not it."
"Come on, we both know that's not true. If all pans out, you'll be walking away with at least fifty million credits from the two gangs. We all know the new Count isn't coming for at least three months. These things take time." Stephanie took a sip of her coffee. "I'm willing to offer something in return. I'm sure there are a few vampires you'll like to see no more.
We could be useful to each other."
Ezra considered her offer. Even Olivia acknowledged that the flower shop girls were the best at what they do. Aligning with the Flower Shop Girls could provide significant advantages, but it could also complicate things.
Stephanie's eyes met his, unwavering. "The landscape is changing, Ezra. There's a new Count coming and those who don't adapt will be left behind. I'd rather be on the side that's shaping the future. Your side."
Ezra took another sip of his coffee, thinking. He wouldn't decide this on his own. Olivia and Gen deserved a say.
"I'll think about it," he said finally. "But know this. Don't approach me like that anymore. I'm not someone you can manipulate or control."
Stephanie nodded, seemingly satisfied with his response. "I wouldn't dream of it, Ezra. Consider my offer. You know where to find me. Or if you don't, Olivia does."
They finished their drinks in silence. In a few minutes, they parted ways outside the cafe. Ezra watched Stephanie disappear into the shadows, her white gown somehow blending with the darkness. He turned and walked back towards his back home, his mind churning with new possibilities.
As he walked home, he suddenly stumbled, a wave of dizziness washing over him. His vitality stuttered and he tried to bring it under control, but it kept swirling around, agitating Valaren.
"What in the heavenly hells?" He muttered in confusion. "Aarrrgghh!" A spike of pain shot through his body, forcing him to stop and catch his breath. "What the fuck?"
Ezra heard the sound of someone walking towards him and turned to see Stephanie emerging from the shadows, her eyes gleaming with a cold amusement. "You're too trusting, Ezra," she said, her voice smooth and mocking.
Ezra's eyes narrowed, struggling to focus. "What have you done?" he demanded, his voice strained. Valaren was becoming more alert, sensing the weakness within him.
Stephanie took a step closer, her movements graceful and deliberate. "I poisoned your coffee," she replied casually. She checked the watch on her wrist. "You have just a few minutes until your vitality disappears completely."
Pain surged through Ezra again, more intense this time. He gritted his teeth, trying to steady himself. "Why?" he asked, though the answer seemed obvious.
"Your life has been paid for," Stephanie said, her tone matter-of-fact. "And I'm here to make sure it stays that way."