Page 41 of Always Eros
“Good question,” Justice answers. “I wasn’t allowed to know that, and I haven’t asked the group yet. Remember I told you about the blood testing?”
“Yes.”
“Well, that rule was for newcomers to the group and males. As I understand it, the younger females did provide blood to the Supreme Being.”
“Did he father children?”
“No.” Justice shakes his head. “He chose his children based on reports from those at Ceres and the Vessel. Children deemed worthy became his. I never saw any though. I heard they were raised in a special center far away from the others to avoid being tainted.”
Justice leans his head back with his eyes closed.
“Do you know that until today I didn’t know what a cell phone was?”
“What?”
“Technology was forbidden. All we had were occasional books, but they were curated. I saw television sometimes when we went out, but you couldn’t be caught watching it. I know about basic things like cars and what a computer is, sort of, but my life was labor.” He opens his eyes, staring straight ahead. “I feel like a child in a grown man’s body.”
“You’re not though. You’re articulate and obviously smart. You light up a dark room. I already know this because my life is full of dark rooms, and you light mine up.”
Justice shifts his gaze to me, his mouth slightly agape. “You barely know me.”
“Doesn’t matter. I’m an excellent judge of character. If it helps, technology is not my favorite invention. Sure, it has some benefits, but I prefer the days of long ago when…” My words trail off when I realize where I was going. “Anyway, I’m not very tech savvy either.”
“But you know what it is.”
“And so will you.” I exit the freeway and enter the downtown area where Chaos is. “Tonight, you’ll experience a nightclub.”
“What do we do there?”
“Dance, have some drinks if we wish, talk. Whatever we like.”
“Okay. I’ve never done any of that.”
“No music at the compound?”
“Just instrumental stuff. Sounded like… maybe opera or classical. Only during Devotion.”
“What did you do during Devotion?”
“Listened to stories about how someday the Supreme Being would rule all the races and peoples of the world. Slowly, his power and influence would seep into the highest offices. His disciples would pave the path, and only those who faithfully followed him would enter Eternal Bliss. Anyone who resisted would die unanointed. Then your soul is trapped in darkness.”
I nod as I pull into a parking spot. I definitely need to learn more about this cult. If this isn’t vampire shit, I don’t know what it is.
“Well, let’s put thoughts of that aside and have some fun.”
Justice squeezes my hand, his face lighting up. “I’ve never been allowed to have fun. Show me how it’s done.”
“I will.” Leaning across the seat, I kiss his forehead. “Let yourself go, Justice. You are safe with me. I promise no harm will ever come to you while I’m around.”
He nods, searching my eyes. “I believe you.”
Chapter Fourteen
JUSTICE
Eros takes my hand in his and leads me across the street to a black building with two men standing out front. Next to it is another building with very loud music playing and lots of people standing outside. He must have known that would be too intimidating for me.
He steps up to the front door and leans in, whispering to one of the men, who nods. The other man opens the door, nodding at me as I pass.