“Now, there are a few things I need to tell you about this event.” Xavier said. “Our destination is not far, so we’d best get on with it. First of all, there will be food and wine. Feel free to enjoy yourself, but please try not to drink too much. I’ve had my dates get drunk and make fools of themselves before.”

“I won’t, I promise.”

“Second, they will offer you red cookies or wafers. Do not eat any of them. They contain a compound that promotes the regeneration of blood, which is good if you’re on the menu, but you are not. Eating them would cause headaches at best, and burst blood vessels, internal bleeding, a stroke or aneurysm if you’re really unlucky.”

Justin made a face. “Got it, no red cookies. Anything else?”

“Just one more thing,” Xavier said, glancing out the window as the car slowed and turned up a long, paved driveway. “Certain members of this blood-harem can be quite...affectionate. If you want to have sex with any of them, please use a condom. There should be some in the pockets of your coat.”

“Oh, um...thanks,” Justin said, slipping one hand into a coat pocket. Sure enough, he found several foil-wrapped packets. Feeling a little wicked, he nodded toward the front of the car, Azidi hidden behind the opaque partition. “Can he hear us?”

“No, why?”

“Well, I was just thinking, if you’re not in any hurry to make an appearance, we could lock the doors and make use of a few these condoms.” He started to slide his hand over onto Xavier’s thigh, but a cold hand gripped his wrist, holding him immovable.

“You truly are incorrigible,” the vampire said, and thankfully he sounded amused, rather than angry. He reached over and opened the back door, and Justin couldn’t help but sigh in defeat.

“Can’t blame a guy for trying,” he muttered as Xavier released his wrist and climbed out of the car, only to turn around and lean back in, a crooked smile on his lips.

“I don’t blame you, and honestly, I’d have been disappointed if you hadn’t. Now, come along and behave. I need my friends to see you with me.” He offered Justin his hand, and after just a brief hesitation, Justin took it, allowing Xavier to help him out of the car. The night was still cold, Justin’s breath pluming …