He followed her along the hallway until she knocked at another door then entered. Inside the comfortable living area sat half a dozen women, all beautiful in their own right, and all tastefully dressed, some showing more flesh than others.

Vera motioned to the girls and gave him a sideway’s glance. “The choice is yours.”

He let his eyes wander over the women, then pointed at one of them. “This one.”

Vera waved the woman to come to them. She was voluptuous, her curves full and enticing. Her gaze swept over him, lingering briefly on his crotch. He allowed a half-smile to cross his slips before he took the beauty’s hand and brought it to his mouth.

She appeared surprised at the old-fashioned gesture and giggled.

“This is Ophelia. She will lead you upstairs to a private room. Ophelia, please wait at the bottom of the staircase for Mr. Corbin.”

The woman nodded and left the room. Vera followed her, motioning him to do the same, then stopped in the corridor where she turned to him once Ophelia was out of earshot. “Will this be cash or credit card?”

He looked at her and pulled out his wallet, opening it. He’d had the presence of mind to stuff his wallet with large bills before leaving his house and pulled them out now. “Cash.”

Vera stretched out her open palm, and one after the other he placed hundred dollar bills on it until she was satisfied and closed her hand around the money.

“Enjoy your evening. And should you require anything, there’s a house phone in the room. Dial zero, and let us know how we can make your stay more enjoyable.”

“I’m already certain that this will turn into a very satisfying evening.” He would make sure of that.

When he reached the stairs, Ophelia was waiting for him. He snaked his arm around her luscious curves and allowed her to lead him upstairs. On the third floor, she made a turn and led him down a corridor with several rooms. She stopped in front of one of them and opened the door.

Giving him a seductive look, she entered and motioned him to follow her. “This is it.”

Corbin gave the room a cursory look. It was tastefully furnished with a large bed, bedside tables and a dresser. There was a chair, presumably so clients could put their clothes there while they indulged in the offerings the women provided.

“Perfect,” he answered.

She brushed against him, her hand reaching for his tie. “What would you like?” She licked her lips.

“What do you do?”

“Everything,” she replied and pressed her hips against his groin.

“Good,” he murmured. “Then how about this?”

He brought his hands up to her head, cupping it. Expectantly she gazed at him. Then, with one swift, but powerful move, he turned her head, snapping her neck.

She collapsed instantly, and he caught her, depositing her on the bed. It was a shame that he was in a hurry, otherwise he would have fucked her first, but business was more important.

Readjusting his tie, he turned back to the door. “Now the evening can start.”

***

Ursula flicked through the channels on the TV but found nothing interesting to watch. She was too hyped up to concentrate on anything. Tonight, Scanguards would free her sisters, the women who’d been locked up like her. Their ordeal would be over soon, and everybody would be back with their families. She prayed that Oliver and his colleagues would be able to defeat the other vampires and not get hurt.

Sighing, she closed her eyes and recalled the memories of the previous night, but a sound at the door interrupted her. Was her dinner ready so soon? Ursula heard a noise as if somebody forced the key into the lock, but had trouble turning it. Then the door was jerked open.

What she saw then was a blurry movement, then a man appearing inside her room, shutting the door behind him.

Stunned, she scrambled to jump up from the bed, trying to put some distance between her and the intruder, but he was faster and snatched her arm, squeezing it painfully.

“Not so fast, my little blood whore,” he said with an evil smile on his face.

Oh God, she knew who he was! She recognized him. He was the leech whose wallet she’d stolen: Paul Corbin.

Air rushed from her lungs. “What do you want?”

He issued a non-committal smile. “Well, isn’t that obvious? I didn’t buy you whores to have you escape me. I’ve come to bring you back to the flock.”

“Bring me back?” She didn’t understand what he was talking about. Why would he want to bring her back? He was a client of the brothel, not a guard.

Corbin chuckled. “I own you and all the others. You work for me! You make money for me, and I won’t have some young vampire upstart steal you from me so he can get the goods for free. Whoever wants your blood, will have to pay me for it!”