The Auction

Tatina POV

Jayne and I arrive back at our hotel. I can't believe how much fun we had tonight. I am worried about Jayne's friend coming to talk to us. I am worried about Mr. Craig. I have a bad feeling about Lila. I hope Jayne's friend will be able to help him.

"Jayne, Is that your friend?" I ask. I point to the man standing in the hotel bar.

Jayne turns to look behind her where I am pointing. "Yes, that is Glenn," she says.

"Should we go talk to him?" I ask.

Jayne looks worried. "Yes, we should,” she says.

We walk across the lobby to the bar to meet with Jayne's friend, Glenn. He is an old vampire. He fits in but you can tell he is an old one. "Good Evening, ladies,” Glenn says.

Jayne and I sit down at the bar with Glenn. "Would you ladies like a drink?" he asks.

"Sure, I will take another hurricane,” I say.

"Me, too," Jayne says.

Glenn motions for the bartender and orders us a hurricane. "We have made some unpleasant discoveries involving Craig and Lila. Are you aware of the auctions he is holding Jayne?" Glenn asks.

Jayne is stunned. I have no idea how to feel. "What do you mean auctions? He got me from an auction but he has been nothing but kind to me in the few days I have been with him," I say.

"I don't think Craig is involved in anything like that. Are you sure?" Jayne asks.

Glenn pays the bartender and hands us our drinks. "Lila is trying to throw him under the bus. We know she is involved. She called the authority last night and said she discovered he was auctioning off women to breed with vampires,” Glenn says.

"I am very confused,” Jayne says.

"I hate to interrupt, but I have to know. Will I be sent back to the auction?" I ask.

Glenn pats me on the shoulder. "My dear, your debt is paid. However, we could use your help,” Glenn says.

"My help?" I ask.

Jayne looks as if she is somewhere else. Her face has lost all color. She is visibly upset and distraught. "Craig is such a kind man," Jayne says. "That he may be, Jayne. At least he was. We know something has been off since Julie passed and we understand he has been through a lot. However, we have rules. Auctions are not allowed outside of the authority and certainly not for breeding purposes. You know fairy breeding is regulated,” Glenn says.

"Wait, Fairy breeding?” I ask.

"My dear, Vampires can breed with Fairy to make a very unique vampire breed. Like yourself. You are a very powerful breed. If you ever tap into it you will see just what you are capable of. We keep our eyes on your kind closely. We don't interfere with you unless you get out of hand. It does happen. Fairy vamps require special training and special handling,” Glenn says.

"What do you mean?” I ask.

"He means the hunger a fairy vamp experiences along with their fairy powers can be dangerous to humans and vampires,” Jayne says.

"You know firsthand what can happen, Jayne," Glenn says.

"Let's not bring Julie into this,” Jayne says.

"I meant no disrespect, Jayne. What happened to Julie was tragic,” Glenn says.

We sit silently for a moment. Jayne is more distraught. "What will happen to Tatina,” Jayne asks.

Glenn smiles and takes a drink from his martini. "You will be her charge for the remainder of her time, just until she has served her term. Then she is free. However, again we could use her help,” Glenn says.

"What do you want me to do?" I ask.

"Simply put Tatina. I want you to go back to the house and find out what he is doing. We think Lila will probably run if she hasn't already. I plan to act as if we found no wrongdoing and she will simply return to the house and resume the auction,” Glenn says.

"So women will be harmed so you can figure out what is happening,” I ask.

"No, we will be in place to get them at any auction he and Lila try to have. We have someone in place to get the three he has now," Glenn says.

"Wait there are women at the house now," I ask.

"Yes, three breeders he got from an auction just yesterday," Glenn says. "Is that why he had me take her out of the house?" Jayne asks.

"We think he plans to keep Tatina. Lucky you did not end up being sold to be bred. It must be because you look like Julie,” Glenn says.

"I need another drink," Jayne says. She motions for the bartender.

“I will help you," I say.

"Tatina, are you sure? You don't have to. You can come with me," Jayne says.

"We can't let this happen, Jayne. We have to help,” I say.

"Oh damn. You are right. But I will be with you. I will take time off work and help you. I will stay in the city and be close so I can get to you if I need to," Jayne says.

"I will make all of the arrangements. We will keep you both safe,” Glenn says.

"I hope you have a good plan," Jayne says.

"We do," Glenn says.