Vampire's Kiss

Cedric Merryweather was a Viking through and through. Though times had changed around him during the decades he had been alive, the only thing to change for him, in his opinion, was his appearance. Looking in the mirror he adjusted the bowler cap on his head. He turned, angling his ass towards the mirror. The fabric of his pants squeezing to his skin, his eyes found his belt line double checking that each suspender was fashioned properly in place. Facing forward in front of the mirror again he popped his collar the cotton fabric of his button up cascading exposing his chest down to the third button. A devilish smirk played at his lips as he arched a brow, winking at himself in the mirror. The 1930s looked good on him. 

He had spent the better part of the last two centuries building his wealth. One that the small town he helped develop and maintain enjoyed immensely . He had the power, money, good looks, intelligence, and comfort of his kind all at his fingertips. Looking himself dead in the eye however showed the pain of his unnaturally long life. There was a sorrow there that seemed to grow endless. A sigh left his lips as he turned to face his office.

The large room was littered with small trinkets from his past. Books, maps, art, weapons he smiled as his gaze fell on his sword. Pride welling up in his chest, his gaze drifted once more to his solid redwood desk tucked towards the back of the room just out of reach of outside light. Walking to the door his long strides confident he called for his oldest friend and butler.

“Antonio,” he called his baritone voice calling through the halls. Stepping through the massive doorway from his office he turned to his left at a brisk calm pace. As he walked Antonio appeared next to him, the poor Imp's shorter stride making him have to practically run to keep up with his Master. Glancing down fondly, Cedric asked, “What’s the update on the body that was found in the woods by the two detectives?” 

“Scarlet reported in, a few hours ago. Body parts are still being found within the 60 foot radius we’ve sectioned off. Unfortunately some pets are still being found, mostly fingers, the left arm and the right foot. The head was found…rectally, other internal organs are being examined and only a few are unaccounted for presently,” Antonio responded, his tone more matter of fact than he had intended. His large eyes looked up at his Master. Brooding was the only word that could describe the look on his face. His eyebrows were hunched together, his racing mind and concern clearly written all over his face. Clearing his throat Cedric asked, “What of the two cops, are they healing from their injuries and have we pinpointed the creature that attacked them?”

“They are healing, magic is seeping from them in waves, Cressa is currently maintaining their health and giving their magic back in doses through her salves. The creature is still unknown. From Cressa’s reports it went for the weak points of the body digging deep, the wounds are behaving much like they are poisoned. The sleep you put them under has helped their natural healing processes though they are struggling to stay sedated. The photographs show intense bruising with black gains and veins spreading from the center. Thane is currently at the shop as well monitoring them.” 

Cedric stopped walking, an exasperated sigh leaving him. “Thane is in no condition to be handling this case. He needs to be rehabilitated after being tortured for as long as he was.” The little imp nodded in agreement, “Getting him to listen while his family is in danger is not going to be easy.” Cedric smiled down at the Imp, a mischievous look playing in his eyes, “That is why my dear friend we are going home to Skye.” Antonio struggled to maintain a calm demeanor, excitement coursing through him. “Master, that would be wonderful but are we going for leisure or business?,” he asked timidly. Fear of not getting to spend time in his woods pulled at his heart strings,  and SHE was there. 

“We are going to retrieve her, while I’m doing that you will be going home. If this kill is what we think, it is best you stay as far away as possible, my friend.”