Reign of the Vampires by Rebekah R. Ganiere

the thought of that ever-so-intoxicating blood she’d smelled the day before. She twirled the ruby ring on her finger. Without thinking, she placed another bid. Five million.
    When her uncle found out, he’d be very displeased. Didn’t matter. She was the Vampire lord in this house, and the money was hers to spend.
    * * * *
    Two hours into the bidding, there had been no action on either Whitey or Mason since the first few minutes, so Danika decided to stretch her legs. The feeding had brought a renewed strength that she hadn’t realized she’d missed, till it returned. Rising from her chair, she straightened her slacks and silk shirt. She needed to be careful, feeling better and looking healthier didn’t mean she could afford to let her guard down.
    She walked out into a large corridor. The dark walls were papered in deep red wallpaper. Her Vampire mother had chosen it more than fifty years ago, and due to the lack of light in the house, it still looked brand new. The rich, dark wood wainscoting was polished and free of dust. Xenock’s room had been next to hers; Danika paused as she passed it. It needed to be cleared out this evening before Whitey was delivered. Next was her old room; that needed clearing out as well, for when Mason arrived, later on.
    The corridor opened up into a grand landing above the entrance hall. It stretched out around the entire second floor, with bedrooms shadowing the landing. On the opposite side from where she stood, over the house entrance, was a small set of stairs that led up to bedrooms on the third floor. The coven was quite full, and all rooms were occupied. Everyone in the coven had a place and a job. The men were advisers and leaders in her company. Several owned the delivery company for Savor. Two of the men owned a retail store chain for the products, and another owned and ran the Internet sales. Their mates occupied the rooms as well.
    Danika continued down the hallway toward the staircase. Lance, one of her vice presidents, and his mate, Sinya, came out of their suite. They spotted Danika and bowed. She nodded in return and waited as they proceeded arm in arm toward her.
    “Good evening, Lord Danika.” Lance smiled.
    “Lance, Sinya. How are you this fine evening?” They walked together down the wide staircase to the front hall.
    “We are blessed.” Sinya smiled coyly.
    Jealousy ran through Danika. “Are you truly? How wonderful that we’ll have a new family member soon. That is a blessing.” Danika turned and embraced Sinya in a light hug. She’d always liked Sinya. Tall and thin with long blond hair and deep blue eyes, that, combined with her heart-shaped face and kind smile, reminded Danika of a Barbie doll toy.
    “Thank you. We are most pleased, we have been trying for a long time,” said Lance.
    “You say that as if it’s been such hard work trying to get me pregnant, Lance.” Sinya glanced at Danika and they burst out laughing.
    Lance shook his head. “I’ve enjoyed our practicing more than anything my love. But I worried that I would need to buy us a breeding slave soon.”
    Sinya hugged Lance and kissed him. “Well that’s not needed now, is it?”
    “No, it seems not. However I do believe that it might be time to buy a guardian.”
    “You’re aware that the slave auction is currently running, aren’t you, Lance?” Danika continued down the stairs.
    “No, I’ve been too busy in the office. Ahh... Yes, I believe I did receive a notice about that a few weeks ago.” Lance ran his hand over his hair.
    “Don’t fret, my love, I’m sure we have time to find someone before the baby comes.” Sinya, touched his cheek. The gesture made Danika’s heart squeeze, and again she was reminded of her ticking clock.
    “I’ll give you my files,” said Danika.
    “I would be more than grateful for your counsel in the decision, Lord Danika. If you feel good about any of them, then I’m comfortable with that,” said Sinya.
    Sinya’s trust in her was a