RBC05 - Bloodline Read Online Free Page B

diminishes our power. The Belnovus, or as I refer to them, ‘the blight’, don’t have those limitations, because Belial created them and then a Jinn changed their scent and gave them the ability to have full power in the light of day. That ability was later made permanent by a Drow master. Belnovus can be killed however, like any other vampire, if you can find them.”
    “Do you know who is leading them, giving them direction?”
    “No, only that it is probably not a Belnovus. It is more likely a Noctu and if I had to give you a guess, it would be Nevidius.”
    “Do you know this…Nevidius?”
    “He’s my brother.”
    I must have looked surprised, because he smiled crookedly and then continued.
    “There is nothing like family drama, is there? I won’t bore you with my personal story. My brother and I don’t see eye to eye and I haven’t spoken with him for several centuries, but I hear things. Belial herself enjoyed telling others about how close they had become, knowing that it would eventually get back to me.”
    “What is he getting out of this now that she is gone?” Cathos inquired.
    “Power I suppose. He always hated the day vampires, especially the royals, and joining with Belial’s vampires allows him a chance to rid the world of them.”
    “Tell me about his power then. If he’s a Noctu he’s more vulnerable in the light, is that correct?”
    He checked his nails as if becoming bored with this conversation.
    “We are the more traditional kind of vampire after all, and we tend to sleep during the day. But yes, he is the most cunning vampire I’ve ever known, and he won’t be easy to find if doesn’t want to be found.”
    “Is he gifted?”
    “Very.”
    He purposely paused, letting me think of all the gifts this elusive Noctu might have.
    “He can smell you coming and his mind control is stronger than any other vampire, but especially when used on women. Even other vampires are easily controlled by him.”
    “You are telling me that you think I would be vulnerable to his charms?”
    “I have heard that you are very powerful in your own right and now having met you in person, I feel that you would be…”
    He seemed to be trying to read my aura, but I had no intention of letting him know just how powerful I was.
    “I don’t think your brother is going to charm Katrina unless she wants him to,” Cathos interjected. “You know what happened to the Dark Prince, don’t you, Rafael?”
    “Yes, yes I do. But Nevidius, no doubt now has power gleaned from Belial to add to his vampire gifts. Tell me Katrina, how many of your so called Protectors have turned their backs on you?”
    “Only one that I know of,” I acknowledged.
    He smiled and finished off the blood in his goblet, licking the corner of his mouth to savor the last drop.
    “Nothing like fresh human blood, don’t you agree Katrina?”
    “I prefer to hunt.”
    Rafael clapped his hands loudly in front of him, “Well, this has been fun. We should do it again sometime.”
    He stood and started towards the door. “We’ll meet again, I’m sure of that. Cathos, if you would.”
    Cathos waved his hand dismissively and Rafael disappeared.
    “That’s quite a wry smile, Cathos. What have you gleaned from Raphael’s answers to my questions that I didn’t?”
    “It’s not what he said Katrina; it’s what he didn’t say. He has more than one brother and the one he mentioned is not the one I would have chosen. No, the one that now I am sure is the leader you seek, is not Nevidius, it’s Auguste. He was telling the truth about one thing, his brother is ruthless, cunning and he has some of Belial’s power. As for Rafael, I marked him so that you can follow his every move and I am sure if you do, you will eventually find all seven of his brothers. You realize he was testing you as well. He needed you to confirm Damien’s defection, which you did.”
    “Why would he tell me things knowing that you knew different?”
    “I guess I