*Reunion

Suggestive Memorium: The technique of inception allowing to obtain someone's consent.

I stride into the room; everyone stops to look at me. From what I observe, there are only forty humans. This calculation includes the waiters and ninety-eight vampires.

The girls are on a couch, and Jesus sits between them. Aurora, as usual, flirts and plays with her charms, whereas Inna is in retreat. Even from here, I see how dilated Inna's eyes are. Her scent seems amplified; Jesus' stare is upon her makes her perspire.

Inna's attraction for Jesus is palpable. The rush of hormones emanating from her is as intoxicating as an aphrodisiac; it's close to what firsts release when we conceive. The Seconds in the room are high on her odor. The bacchanalia I saw before the switch of the decor was a result of its absorption. Right now, the only things stopping the Seconds from licking and sucking Inna dry are Jesus and me.

Jesus fixes me and smiles, "well, well, what have we got here? Ladies and gentlemen, let me introduce to those who don't know him, my brother, lord Søren Waldermar Tepes."

The drama queen then gets up and does a curtsy followed by everyone else except the humans present in the room.

I look in the girl's direction to see their response. Aurora appears amused by the performance, unlike me, whereas Inna gives me a quizzical.

Jesus regains his position and spreads his arms on the couch, which stretch behind the girl's shoulders, "so what brings you to my party? I know these get-togethers aren't too much of your cup of tea. Perhaps it's the charming creatures that reeled you in."

I sketch a lopsided smile and enter his mind, "stop it now, Jesus."

"Why? I had a feeling you were hiding something," he says, fixing me. "So which one is it? Ophelia," he turns his head to smile at Aurora," or is it this exquisite flower?" he motions his head towards Inna.

If I'm in the defensive mode, Jesus will catch on. I release my facial muscles to give off a neutral expression, "it's not what you think, their clients."

"I bet it's Ophelia. You've marked her; she was yours before. I won't fuss. I'll have vanilla," Jesus opens his mouth on Inna's neck showing his fangs while she looks away. He stops as Inna turns, and they find themselves nose to nose.

For those watching, nothing is happening between Jesus and me. The mental conversation is private. The only thing someone can observe is my worried expression and Jesus smiling like a jackal.

At the instant Inna's and Jesus's nose knock together, the scene oddly affects me. My fear of Inna's safety is more significant than I imagine.

Jesus gives Inna his lost-boy stare," sorry, I'm so confused. It must be an oblivious desire."

Guilt made me flee both Aurora and Inna. The incident with Aurora at the parlor obstructed my thoughts. I forgot about the concert and the eventuality of Inna being present there.

As a punishment, Tarnish forces me to endure this scene uniquely conceived for my intent, just like the one before made to break Inna.

"JESUS," I yell in his mind. He shuts his eyes; the shout was too loud.

"Oh, can't I tease you? You have no sense of humor, but seriously you have two of them. You could at least give me a doll to play with."

"Jesus, where is Tarnish? She must answer for her actions and stop this memorium. So do you, since when do you touch those who have my mark?"

Jesus lifts his hands in protest, "I did not touch Ms. Davis as for Ms. Lee Rodgers she was merely cloaked a distinctive bite would make her your possession, she has none. She is as neutral as Switzerland and still a fertile land of conquest."

Angered and frustrated, I leave the room. I need some air. I didn't expect this scenario. Inna's infatuation for Jesus annoys me even though I know we are still in Tarnish's vision. All is a mirage, a very realistic one that torments the mind.

I try to bring my focus back as I meditate when I feel a tap on my shoulder.

"Hey."

"Aurora."

"You seem tense back there."

My eyebrows knit," I'm sorry, I not in a good mood."

Aurora smiles and lets a finger travel from the collar of my tee to the waist of my jeans, "perhaps, I can help you with that; there are many suites here."

At other times, I would have readily followed Aurora and put a do not disturb sign on the door. The woman before me has always plagued my dreams, but I realize that time has done its duty. Though my thoughts remain shadowed by blame and nostalgic residues of love, it's a penalty I accept, for I sinned when I stabbed her.

My presence here is due to one person. I came for Inna.

"Sorry, Aurora, maybe another time."

Aurora remains stranded. I make my way back inside and head directly to the lift, following Jesus' serpent's scent. I arrive at the highest tower, where the most expensive suites are.

The royal corps I cross, bow, and let me pass without any questions, and I enter a vast room where Inna slumbers. Tarnish regains her human frame.

As soon as she finishes to shapeshift, I thrust in speed and pin her to the wall by the neck, "how dare you, Tarnish?"

"Your highness, I have cleared her mind. She will have no memory of this."

She hisses with her bifurcated tongue, and I retort all fangs out. Tarnish shifts once more into her reptile form to slip from my hands and regains her human figure a few meters away from where she unleashes venomous words, "Soren, you are not my master. I only obey lord Vladislav."

"Watch your tongue, viper or I shall split you in half and feed you to the Vârcolac."

A devious smile surfaces on her face, "oh la la; there you are, nosferatu. It seems you haven't lost all pearly whites. Try to exterminate me."

Tarnish defies me.

I take a step; she shifts once more and slivers to the door, "you do not have the power to obtain her. You are unworthy of the priceless one," Tarnish hisses.

The priceless one, the term is not unfamiliar, where have I heard it before?

Inna remains in a dreamless wonderland now emptied of obscure souvenirs. What Inna saw occurred in an experience she lived as a virtual player with a VCR helmet. She was here in this room since her arrival under Tarnish's surveillance.

I go to stand on the balcony; the evening events have given me a headache. I can't recall the last time I activated this much strength. I'm weak and in desperate need of blood.

A few minutes pass, and I hear a shuffle followed by steps. Inna is awake. Her scent is intense; it fills the atmosphere. Wolves howl, all the night creatures are alert, and an unearthly silence fills the air as a wavelength sweeps over us.

I turn to face her; she did this.

"Søren, how come you're here?"

"I came to the concert you fainted. My brother brought you here. Are you okay?" I sign.

She nods and replies, "are you okay?"

Her mind is open. I can read her.

I glance at her neck, the pendant where is it?

No wonder Jesus and Tarnish could penetrate their Memorium.

"Eh, I'm fine, it's just my brotherㅡ," I stop expressing myself. I can't even tell Inna she's the reason why I'm here.

"Your brother?"

"Yes, Jesus Tepes."

"I didn't know you were Jesus Tepes' brother. I mean, it's not mentioned in his bio."

"I forbid him to tell people," I sign.

She smiles, "wow, most people would brag about it."

If only she knew.

Thank you for reading