Keeley Thomson (Book 4): Demon Trap Read Online Free Page B

doorbell. It was a horribly normal thing, a simple chime that played in the background to let the people inside know they were there. The whole thing was decorated with bows of pine and holly, along with red silk ribbon and bits of mistletoe. It was festive enough, if a little plain for something Finias put together.
    The man on the door wasn't one at all, being very short, but perfect looking anyway. Elth, she thought. She'd have to remember not to thank him. They found that offensive, and while she'd survive it, it was considered generally rude to cause problems at a get together. As the host it would be up to Finias to settle anything like that too, which would probably not go well for her if it happened. She wasn't really up to fighting a being as old as he was, even if he did seem happy and a bit careless most of the time. For one of them at least. He seemed human most of the time really, which was a cultivated trick, no doubt.
    The tiny man, who wore all black, except his perfectly white gloves, bowed and gestured for them to come out of the cold.
    "Welcome all. This is the party of Finias, please come in and seek refreshment." It was clearly the line he was supposed to speak and when it was done the man simply stood there, not even acting like he had a thought or care in the world.
    Which he didn't. He was a slave, she realized, tracing the thin line from him to Finias, who was talking to a group of people across the richly appointed room she could see into on the left. It was all done in red and wood. A bright thing meant to agitate the Vampires, no doubt. There were, she realized, a few minor touches of green as well, but again, they were subdued compared to the Halloween fete he'd thrown. After they moved in, before everyone could see who was there, Keeley mentally contacted Balthias. Then, after he was alerted and started to get everyone else around, she smiled and gestured slightly.
    "Balthias, please attend us." It sounded regal and phony enough that a few people seemed amused, until the giant red brown form came to them, a hand on the shoulder of two Manthori Vampires, their white skin and red eyes giving them away instantly, a Hsreth standing behind each of them, also touching the giant beast man's arms. The four of them each holding a gift for the party. The Hsreth had large baskets of food and the Vampires held coolers packed with ice, which had almost fresh blood in it. Human, but gotten from a blood bank, just for the occasion.
    That was a real trick though, since Keeley had gotten a part time job in the local plasma center to make it all happen. It was surprisingly easy to get the blood, writing it off as waste, taking just a little from each person donating, before it was separated. The hard part had been finding an anti-coagulant that had no particular flavor to the Vampires. The normal kind had a bitter and unpleasant taste to it, so Vampires didn't care for it in the main. Otherwise most would never bother hunting humans at all. No more than people bothered going after cows for dinner, when the store was so handy.
    There was a table on the right side of the space with bits of food and drink, so she sent her people to handle that for them. They weren't there to have fun really. Well, Rebekah was, but she wasn't a slave. No, she was an employee, with full benefits. Including time off when she wanted it. To that end, when the cooler was settled, she walked back to them, looking nervous and out of place. The others just worked. They were props after all, and knew their jobs for the evening.
    Reminding everyone that she took slaves that no one else could manage. As Darla had pointed out, most, knowing her reputation, wouldn't have bothered trying to challenge her at all. Not alone. Unless they were morons at least. She hoped that wouldn't happen though, since she didn't need more slaves at the moment. It was that or kick their butts the old fashioned way, and really, she was just passable in a fight. Darla