Submitting to the Bloodlust

Introduction to Business

Chapter Ten

Seth POV

I knew Maurianna would fall into my trap like all the others. I used to think that my handsome face was a curse until I learned how to manipulate women with it. She wants to impress me – to please me. It’s natural for her feminine energy to want to submit to my masculine dominance. She does what I want without having to compel her. That is a first. Then again, I have never really asked someone to do something, I just compel them. It’s easier that way. They don’t argue, and I don’t have to compromise. Why would I ask someone to do what I want when I have the ability to make them?

The little half-breed didn’t talk for the rest of the journey into the city. I even noticed that when Garrett would look at her, she would shut down and avoid eye contact. Good girl. I will have to watch Garrett around her from now on. He is interested in her despite him being her father's second in command. Tisk Tisk Garrett. I don’t blame him, of course, she is gorgeous. Although she lacks confidence, she carries herself well. She is modest, sweet, and has a fiery attitude. Sometimes too fiery for my taste. I find myself wanting to tie her up and gag her while I turn her ass cheeks pink as I spank the bratty attitude from her being. But that would get me in major trouble with the other leaders of my City. She is off limits to even me... Although just that fact makes me want to spank her even more.

The way she submits to me proves that it is going to be easy to use her for her powers. As long as I can keep the secret that she is a Siren to myself, we are golden. The poor girl doesn’t even know what she is, which gives me an upper hand. Her mother never told her, and I compelled her not to the night she told me Mauri's secret. What’s hard, though, is when she uses her powers of seduction on me. I almost kissed her after I found her at the market with Liv. Her scent is already intoxicating enough as it is, but for some reason, it draws me into her and makes me want things I shouldn't.

Her blood smells sweeter than any blood I have ever smelt. When I had her up against the wall, I wanted to drink from her so badly my gums ached from the need to sink into her vein. Then she flipped that siren switch and I lusted for her hard. She tried to pull me in with her sweet voice and her 'kiss me' eyes. f**k, I’m glad Lilith showed up. There is no telling what I would have done to her once I tasted her blood but I have an idea. Just thinking about it now makes my c**k twitch beneath my jeans.

I help Mauri out of the Suv and usher her into the building. She’s not very good at walking in the high heels I gave her. She clings to my arm as we walk so that she does not fall. She will need more practice to gain balance. Heels on women make them look more powerful, sophisticated, and seductive. I will need her to look top-notch and act top-notch while out with me. I am the King and I do not tolerate when others make me look weak. Luckily, we are only meeting with humans today, so we already have the advantage. Humans are naturally drawn to vampires. Their deepest, darkest desires cling onto our essence. It would be easy for her to seduce the mayor into signing the documentation I need.

Once through the doors and away from Garrett and Mario, I can finally speak freely. “The mayor of this city likes pretty vampires. I may need you to help persuade him into my proposal.” Her face contours, making her look disturbed. “All you have to do is give him your ‘Kiss me’ look and he will melt in a puddle at your feet.” I add giving Mauri a knowing look. I want to say, You know, the look you give me, but I leave it be. Before she has time to protest or ask any more questions, the hostess greets us.

“Hello Mr. Merek, the Mayor is at his usual table.” She says, pointing to the back. Jealousy flashes in the humans eyes when I place my hand in the small of Maurianna’s back and guide her forward. Just for show, I run my hand up her spine and back down to its resting spot. Mauri does not flinch at my touch like I expect her to. The waitresses’ eyes squeeze into slits. Human girls are always jealous of beautiful women. It is entertaining to watch sometimes and I enjoy lighting fires within their little jealous hearts.

The mayor and his two men immediately stand when they see Mauri and me coming their way. Their eyes darken as they take in the women at my side. I didn’t expect anything less from these corrupt politicians. I shake their hands and introduced them to Maurianna. “Gentleman this is my business partner Maurianna.” She stays silent and does not offer her hand to them in greeting. She just nods her head and says hello giving them a small but polite wave. Good girl. The mayor and his men sit on the right side of the table, so I move to the left side. Before I sit down, I pull the chair out for her. A pink blush steals her cheeks as she sits. I push her chair under the table, and she thanks me. I can be a true gentleman when I want to be.

The waiter comes over to us immediately to take our order. When he asks Mauri what she wants, her eyes search the table for a menu. It’s obvious she has never been to a restaurant like this before. “Let the chef decide.” I tell him and wave him off.

Mauri POV

The Mayor is an older gentleman, probably in his mid-forties. He is a big man. Not muscular big, but not fat either. He has the build of a lumberjack. He has salt and pepper hair and a trimmed beard. He’s not bad looking for his age and build either. Most politicians I have ever seen on tv are old, ugly men. He’s not who you would expect to run a metropolis. But then again, here he is meeting with a vampire. He obviously lacks morals, so maybe he is just as a politician as the old ugly guys.

He is dressed in an active dryfit outfit that indicates he has played golf today or will be playing later. Typical. The top one percent plays with fire all day while the rest of the village burns.

“Mayor Henry, I would like to buy the piece of property that is for sale in the downtown district. It is listed for 300k and I would be willing to give you 450k. I want to open a nightclub here in the city.” Seth interrupts the man as he is trying to finish his meal.

The mayor raises his brow and sets down his fork, “And I assume the extra 150 is because you will be handling vampire business there, correct?” his features do not look amused, and he scowls at the King.

“I am willing to offer an additional 15k monthly for your officers to look the other way and stay out of our business.” The king states.

Seth’s demeanor is exceptionally calm, something I haven’t seen in him before. He picks up his wine glass and takes a drink of the red liquid. I have to fight to keep in a laugh because it looks like blood… how ironic. Knowing Seth, I wouldn't be surprised if it isn't blood.

He hasn’t touched much of his meal. This makes me wonder, can a vampire even eat real food? Will I be able to eat still once I transition fully? I will need to ask Seth. I hope so because food is LIFE. The only thing keeping me from licking my plate right now is the fact that we are in public. I'm also trying my best to appear as if I belong in a place this fancy.

A small man to the mayor's left writes something on a notepad and pushes it over in front of him. He nods his head as he reads. He looks back up at us, smiling at me in a predatory way. “The property is yours for 450k but we want 20k monthly and access to the club. My officers have a thing for vampire women, and I have a craving for submissive ones.” His eyes rake down my body, making me grow extremely uncomfortable. I wiggle in my seat unintentionally trying to scoot back away from this man. Seth's hand grazes my knee from under the table. At first, I want to pull away, but I let his gentle strokes calm my nerves.

Seth takes a deep breath and then writes a clause to attach to his contract. “Maurianna, please take this contract to Mayor Henry to sign.” He says out loud. When I reach for the contract, he pulls me close to him and whispers into my ear, “Do not let him look at the contract. Make him think you are interested in him, it will distract him.”

I’m hesitant to get up and walk over to Henry. I don’t want to be anywhere close to him and I definitely don’t want him to think I like him. Something about him makes my skin crawl. Seth pushes my back, urging me to get up. I stand to my feet and catch a reassuring smile from Seth. I slowly step closer to the man in charge of the city. His eyes study every inch of my body. I want to look away from him, but I do as I’m told. I stare into his eyes and beg the universe to have him sign it without looking at it. I fear for whatever is on this piece of paper that Seth doesn’t want him to see. I set the contract in front of him. When he breaks eye contact to look down at the paper, I panic. “This restaurant is beautiful, and the food is delicious. If your city is anything like this place, you are doing a great job, Mayor.” I say to him softly and stroke the table next to me and away from the document. His eyes darken and follow each stroke of my hand.

“You should come back sometime and have dinner with me. We can talk about business opportunities.” His tone is playful. I smile at him and force a flirty giggle, trying to steal his attention. He signs the paper and pushes it back my way.

He breaks our eye contact and glares above me. Goosebumps swoop down my body when Seth's warm breath kisses the skin on the back of my neck. He's standing so close to me that my knees feel weak. Seth sets a few stacks of cash on the table and picks up the contract. “This is 20k, our first payment. My bank has already transferred the 450k into your account. We will start our renovations tonight. Thank you, Mayor Henry.” He puts the contact in a folder and tucks it under his arm. He pulls another bundle of cash out of his pocket and sets it in the middle of the table. “For dinner.” He states. He pushes gently on my lower back, wanting me to walk ahead of him. I bow my head to the older gentlemen as we leave.

Once outside the restaurant, Seth pats me on the back and sighs loudly. “Lesson two, never stay for dessert.” His gorgeous eyes peer down at me in a way that makes my heart flutter.

“Why?” I ask.

“Because if you stay for dessert the meeting becomes social and they think you are their friend. If they think that you are a friend, they no longer fear you… and fear is the most important gift to give. There is no place for friends in this world baby.” Seth looks up from me and motions to our parked SUV down the road.

Although I agree with some of his philosophies, I do think friends are important. Surely there is one person in this world who he would consider a friend. “Do you not have any friends then?” My curiosity gets the best of me sometimes and I have to ask.

His SUV pulls up in front of us, and he opens my door. “No. Get in.” his voice is dry when he finally answers me. When I linger outside the vehicle, mainly because I’m shocked at his answer, his eyes turn red. “Get in the car Maurianna.” he hisses through clenched teeth.

I pull myself into the car and slide to the opposite side. When Seth shuts his door and peers at me, I give him an evil look. “Lesson one…. Manners will get you a long way your highness. It might even help you obtain a friend since you don’t have any.” I tell him.

Mario and Garrett both chuckle from the front. They stop and apologize as soon as Seth’s face falls.

Seth is on me in an instant. His big hand has ahold of the back of my neck. He stares down at me and smirks. “You’re going to be quiet unless you need something, Maurianna.” His irises dance as they seduce me into complete submission. I try to talk, my mouth opens and closes like a fish out of water, but no words come out. He f*****g compelled me out of spite. I shove him away from me with all my might. His body smacks against the other side of the car. I expect him to be mad but he chuckles at my forceful push. He fixes his clothes before he tells Garrett the address he wants to go to. f*****g d**k.