11: Vampyre

Thirty minutes later, Ruby slumped into a corner booth of the club with a happy but tired smile on her face. The implications of her dance and what it meant for her relationship with Adam still hadn't caught up to her. She was too high on adrenaline and euphoria for her anxiety to rear its ugly head.

Mavis slumped into the booth next to her, giggling excitedly and leaning against her new (first!) female friend the same age as her. Well… the same relative age… 118 in vampire years was the same as 18 in Human years, right?

Adam sat down in the booth more carefully. It wasn't that he was sore or anything. He was actually surprisingly energized for having just danced for half an hour straight. No, the problem was personal, intimate, and related to the new equipment he was now packing below the belt.

Adam was perhaps the hardest he'd ever been in his life and he was quickly learning that his new size was something of a pain to manage and hide. He couldn't help himself. He'd just been in a three-person grinding sandwich with his first crush and another equally attractive Goth girl.

It would have been impossible for Adam to even consider staying soft when faced with a double dose of Goth girl goodness. Especially when one of those Goth girls was his childhood friend and his hands practically encircled her pinched waist as they danced together. It was like Ruby was perfectly sized for Adam and Adam alone.

And Mavis certainly didn't help things either. He barely knew her but she was already starting to grow on him. Everything about her pushed one of his buttons or another. Her sense of style was impeccable. Her body was petite with just the right amount of curves. Mavis wasn't quite a shortstack like Ruby but her infectious energy made her just as scaldingly hot for Adam as his childhood friend.

So Adam was currently pitching the father of all tents and his gray sweatpants were not helping to conceal the issue at all. If anything, they made his bulge more apparent! He'd gotten more than one appreciative female glance and had to swat away a couple of wandering hands as they made their way off the dance floor.

A waiter came by with water for the three of them as if the club had anticipated their needs. Mavis beamed a thankful smile and didn't seem surprised, so Adam and Ruby rolled with it as well. After quenching his thirst, Adam slowly turned the conversation to the original purpose of their visit.

"So, Mavis… you said this is your first time out of the… castle… right?" Adam asked, starting with something small.

"Yup!" Mavis replied cheerfully before her smile turned into a pout. "Dad's a bit too overprotective. I don't get it! I'm an adult now. What's the problem with me hanging out with Humans?"

Mavis pouted while Ruby and Adam shared a look. They tactfully avoided mentioning Mavis' slip-up.

"What's it like to live in a castle?" Ruby asked curiously.

Mavis shrugged, "It's okay, I guess. Kinda lonely… and damp… and dark… huh, actually it kinda sucks."

Mavis' button nose crinkled as if she just smelled something distasteful. Ruby giggled at the gothic vampire's adorable expression.

"Have you lived here all your life?" Adam asked.

Mavis nodded, "Un."

"Do you have any advice to give Hallow's two freshest faces?"

"Hmm…" Mavis hummed consideringly. "Be careful if you go out alone at night… Dad and Auntie D keep most of us in line but the other factions aren't always as disciplined… And stay away from the south side of town, over by the Observatory… Dad says that's wolf territory…"

"Wolf? Other factions?" Adam leaned in to show Mavis had his full attention.

Mavis nodded but wasn't able to elaborate. Someone cleared their throat, drawing the attention of everyone in the booth. When they looked, they saw a dignified older gentleman, impeccably dressed as if he was an old-timey butler.

A hand swept through his salt-and-pepper hair, "Young Mistress Mavis… Your presence has been requested. As has that of your companions. Please, follow me…"

"Requested?" Mavis cocked her head cutely.

The older man didn't wait to answer her. He just turned and started walking away as if he knew they would follow. And, of course, Mavis was curious enough to do exactly that. Mavis' curiosity led to Adam and Ruby following as well soon after.

The butler skirted the edge of the dance floor, slipping through the crowds of clubgoers with unnatural grace. Adam, Mavis, and Ruby followed close behind him, feeling almost obligated to hear out the mysterious request for reasons none of them understood. The only time the butler glanced back at them was when he stopped at a door that led off to the side of the club's main area. He held that door open long enough for the trio to catch up before ducking through it without a single word.

By now, the high from dancing had faded for Adam, Mavis, and Ruby. It'd been replaced by an ominous feeling that grew with each passing second. Ruby shifted nervously, huddling close to Adam unconsciously. Adam's whole body was tense for a reason he couldn't readily describe. There was a sense of danger in the air, one that even Mavis wasn't immune to.

They were deep in unknown territory and had been given a request they couldn't easily ignore. A quick glance around revealed that certain members of the club's staff were watching their every move, passively for now but who knew how long that would last.

Adam was beginning to curse his reckless desire for information. It had paid off when they encountered Mavis, who was seemingly so open to sharing what they needed to know. But now their hasty actions were posed to bite back at them and they didn't even have a plan of escape.

Mavis went through the door, noticeably more hesitant than Adam and Ruby had seen her so far. Adam was next, digging deep to draw strength, courage, and reassurance from his Shadow. He took Ruby's hand as he did, unintentionally allowing her to draw from him as well. Together, they took the next step into the unknown, hoping beyond hope that the night would be kind to them.

The hallway beyond the door was tastefully barren. White tile lined the floor and muted red coated the walls. The only aspects of the hallway that stood out were the doors placed systematically on one side. They were understated but obviously of high quality, with wood stained a rich brown and gold gilding their faces.

The butler had stopped outside the second door in the hallway, standing at attention stoically and waiting for the three of them to join him. Even when they did, he didn't move an inch. The implication was clear. This was their destination.

Mavis was the first to take initiative and Adam and Ruby were happy to let her. She opened the door slowly, peeking inside before immediately slamming it shut. Adam and Ruby didn't even get to glance inside.

"Shit…" Mavis muttered, still facing the door.

She turned to face Adam and Ruby, "Before we go in there, I have to tell you two something. I really like you… both of you. Tonight's been amazing. Like, the best night I've had in years. But… going in there will probably ruin it…

"I'm just going to tell you straight-up… I'm a vampire. The girls in there are vampires as well. Hell, this guy is probably one of their thralls."

The butler still didn't say anything or move an inch and Mavis continued, wringing her hands nervously, "I-I'll totally get if this makes you wary of me or dislike me or something. Dad says all Humans are bad and they'll hate me if they ever find out what we really are… B-But I don't think you two are like that…! A-And I figured it was better for me to tell you myself than let those three tell you and try to steal everything I like as they always do and-…"

Ruby interrupted Mavis, recognizing the start of a ramble, "We know."

"Well, we very heavily suspected," Adam added. "We actually came here because we thought this would be a vampire club…"

"W-What?! Why would you do that?" Mavis asked frantically. Her eyes widened a moment later, "D-Do you guys have blood f-fetishes or something? Dad warned me about that…"

Adam snorted, "As if. The only fetish I have is Goth girls… And short girls… And wide, breeding hips… And tiny waists… And childhood friends… And-…"

"Moving on!" Ruby squeaked, blushing as red as her cloak and panting slightly. She took a few moments to compose herself again, stealing glances at Adam who seemed oblivious to the fact that all of his fetishes were describing her.

"Anyway… We… had a little run-in with a vampire earlier tonight…" Ruby started.

And Adam finished, "It kind of spooked us and we wanted to find out more about the supernatural side of this town before we ran into anything else that wanted to kill us. Honestly, we were lucky to run into you, Mavis…"

"You're the first person who's been willing to give us some advice," Ruby added. "And-… A-And I think we could be good friends…?"

"Awwwww~" Mavis sniffled, tearing up slightly before she managed to compose herself. "Okay, that settles it! Those three sluts — well… two — aren't going to steal from me again!"

Before Adam or Ruby could ask Mavis what she meant by that or inquire who was inside the room, Mavis gripped the door's handle and swung it open hard. She stood tall in the doorway with her hands clenched into fists on her hips. For such a petite woman, she cut an intimidating figure.

She stomped into the room, stopping before a large and luxurious crescent booth. Adam and Ruby peeked into the room after her. Three women sat in the booth. All three had different reactions to Mavis' dramatic entrance.

The one in the center of the booth — a blonde — smirked an almost cruel, knowing smirk. The one on the left — a brunette with hair so dark it looked like the void — just rolled her eyes. The last one, sitting on the right side of the booth — a perky-looking redhead — waved happily at Mavis.

A picture of righteous resistance and dogged determination, Mavis pointed her finger at the three slightly older-looking women, "Whatever you three want, you won't get it!"

"Mavis, dear cousin," The blonde said with insincere politeness, her voice a sultry purr that sent shivers of unease down Adam's spine. "It is ~soooooo~ good to finally see you out of the castle."

"And she brought fresh meat~" The brunette's voice went past unease and filled Adam, Ruby, and Mavis with dread.

"Hi, Mavi~!" Compared to the other two, the redhead's voice was cheerful and wholeheartedly wholesome like ringing bells. The smile on her face matched her tone.

The blonde tutted, ignoring her redheaded sister, and addressed the brunette, "Now, Cass~ You knew she was bringing guests~ It seems she's made some friends tonight~ One of them is even that delightful ~manthing~ she walked in with~"

Cass' smile was straight-up sadistic as she licked her lips, revealing needle-sharp fangs, "Oh~? What a treat~ I don't think I'll be able to thank 'widdle Mavi' enough~"

"They're not yours, Bela! They're mine!" Mavis growled, her face distorting into a bestial snarl with bared fangs and glowing eyes.

Her eyes and expression softened when her gaze landed on the redhead, "Also… Hi, Dani. Always good to see you."

"Ohohoho~" Bela laughed, covering her mouth mannerly. "Why don't we ask them what they have to say about you claiming them like that, yes?"

Adam took a deep breath to steel himself before biting the bullet and stepping into the VIP room, "Uh, I'm cool with it. I'd rather stay with the vampire that's been friendly and not threatening or called me a 'manthing'…"

Ruby followed after him meekly, hiding halfway behind Adam's bulk but still peeking out from around him enough to get in a shot of her own, "Y-Yeah! Y-You aren't making the best first impression, y-you-… you mean girls!"

Dani — the redheaded sister — gasped as if she'd been struck by Ruby's words. Bela just chuckled, "Oh, how cute~"

Cass giggled maniacally, "Ehehehehe~ The manthing and his little pet have claws~ We'll see if you still have that fight in you when you're inside me and I'm sucking you dry~"

"Bitch, I will cut you!" Ruby said suddenly, surprising everyone in the room. Seeing everyone staring at her, Ruby's instinctive, protective jealousy-inspired confidence faded quickly. She shrunk in on herself, hiding behind Adam again, "Aaaahhhhh… I mean… Uh… Forget I said anything… B-But I will!"

"Hmm~" Bela hummed consideringly, looking at Ruby in a new light. "Come, sit down, let's just have a friendly chat."

With no other real option, the three guests moved to do so. The vampire triplets shifted their seats, completely comfortable in their place of power. The seating in the booth ended up looking like a standoff, with Adam, Mavis, and Ruby on one side, and the vampire triplets on the other.

Mavis put herself next to Dani, closest to the center line that divided the two groups. Adam was forced to take the opposite side, farthest away from their hosts. Bela, the seeming leader of the triplets, mirrored Adam's position on the outer edge of the curved, half-circle booth.

"So tell me~," Bela purred dangerously, addressing Adam directly. "What are you and why are you intruding on our territory?"

Before Adam could reply, Inky whispered in the back of his head, "Challenge her… Whatever you do, don't let them get the upper hand. This is politics and you're already on the back foot. Be aggressive, surprise them, and make them think twice about crossing you…"

"When did this become politics?" Adam thought.

"The moment a mere vampire thought it could demand the presence of a Shadow…"

For some reason, Inky's words filled Adam with an overwhelming sense of pride. This was not the pride of a man. Nor of a woman. Not even of a Human. This was the pride of primordial existence, the darkness, the Shadow of all things.

Offended, the pride rushed forward to flood Adam's soul. It did not strip him of his free will. But it did… influence… him. Backed up by a Shadow older than Humanity itself, Adam sat straighter. His eyes sharpened and the air seemed to thicken around him.

"Fine then," Adam thought to himself and Inky. "Let's play…"