Floor 4

By Megan MacDonald and Alana Townes

Maxwell Espinosa, the son of a wealthy coffee tycoon, meets Alexander Darwin an eccentric vampire who sparks an entrepreneurial spirit in him that leads to a business opportunity that will forever change him. Together they founded the Tuleroux, a luxury condominium that becomes an epicenter of chaos in both their lives. David Romanov, notorious leader of the Romanov crime syndicate, and also one of Max’s best friends, is forced to make a choice between his business and the people close to him including Max. Max learns that every action has a consequence and from one decision an entire course of life unfolds. Death is only the beginning.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Lulu.com
• Release date: Jun 27, 2018
• ISBN: 9781387878864

Book preview

Floor 4

Floor 4

Copyright © 2018 by Megan MacDonald, Alana Townes

All rights reserved. This book or any portion thereof may not be reproduced or used in any manner whatsoever without the express written permission of the publisher except for the use of brief quotations in a book review or scholarly journal.

First Printing: 2018

ISBN 978-1-387-87886-4

Dedication

To friends and family who have been the inspiration of a whimsical and eccentric cast of characters, and the many jokes that ensued. 2009-2018.

Thank you. Without your support and patience, we would have never achieved this.

Free Falling

Walking briskly through the busy downtown streets of Toronto, Alex stared at the people walking past him, the swarm of humans. The redhead stood out among them, never feeling like he belonged. The smell of the cars driving past almost overshadowed the smell of the humans around him. The perfume, bad breath and body odour were like a tang that followed the crowd.

His heightened sense of smell made being around them almost unbearable. Then there was the most prominent smell of them all. It was their true humanity, their blood, separated from the world by a few layers of skin, easily punctured by Alex’s fangs.

Turning onto Church St., Alex sighed to himself. Well, at least it’s not as bad as the club, he thought. Thinking of the many clubs that Alex owned, he smiled and chuckled to himself. The smell of sweating bodies, the musk of old and new sex with the violent tang of bodily execrations. It never failed to make Alex feel nauseous, but it was out of necessity that he owned these clubs.

Shaking his head Alex remembered the first club he owned, or speak easy as it was called back then. With the start up money he painstakingly saved up before prohibition, Alex remembered doing runs across the Canadian border. He used his unique advantage of being a vampire to avoid the authorities. He sold the alcohol at insane prices just to drink the blood of the impaired customers later.

Feeling a vibration in his pocket, Alex pulled out his phone. The call display showed the name of his colleague and fellow DJ friend. Alex’s mind was far away as he kept an even pace, stepping out into the intersection and flipped open his cellphone. What does he want now? The day off again…

The screeching noise of brakes and tires on pavement caught Alex’s attention as he looked up, in time to see the truck in his path, and then total blackness as he felt its fierce impact.

Completely ignoring his mother, Max looked over to the patient in the bed next to him, watching as he pulled sheets over his head. Smiling, Max noted that the blanket did not completely cover his head and the strands of his red hair stood out against the white blankets.

Sorry we could not get a private room, but they were all full. You will be transferred tomorrow. Are you listening to me, Maxwell?

Mom, I’m not going to be in the hospital for that long, they said that I could go home today.

Good, then I can expect you at the office the day after tomorrow, a deep baritone voice said from the doorway cutting Max off. Standing in the doorway was Max’s father, large built and average height he wore a high-end bespoke suit, tailored exactly to his specifications.

What do you mean? Max said, his voice questioning yet sounding also like a warning.

You can’t expect me to let you go back to retail after this incident? I expect you to get over your juvenile objections to my company. You will show up on Wednesday morning at seven o’clock and be given a job, vice president in charge of internal resources. He said looking at Max daring him to say anything against it. His authoritarian presence was heaviness in the room.

Max summed up all the internal courage he could and said, No. His voice fell flat and he realized it needed more assertiveness then that.

What was that? I didn’t quite hear you. His father asked walking up to him, crossing his arms and squaring his shoulders, looking down at Max who sat on the hospital bed.

I won’t work for your company. Max repeated, this time with a little more oomph. I refuse to be involved in it. I won’t be a contributor to this corrupt industry. Max stood up before his father. And until you demonstrate fair buying practices and equitable pay for your workers in India, I will never work for you.

What are you going to do with your life then? Work retail still? The real world will tear you apart. You’re just a spoiled rich child. You’ve never done anything worthwhile and you never will.

I’m 27, hardly a child. Max towered over him, I will never work for you and I want nothing to do with you after this.

You have nowhere to live and no income. Or were you planning on living with David like one of his bitches? Max’s father said taunting him a slight smile on his face knowing he had won.

He’s going to move in with me. Alex said, then coughed awkwardly sitting up from under the sheets in the bed next to Max. Three shocked faces turned to face Alex, in shock over his proclamation.

And just who the hell are you? Max’s father said. Making a flash decision, Max ran with it and took a step backwards, to stand in front of Alex’s bed.

He’s my lover, Max proclaimed. A small gasp escaped his mother’s lips as she grabbed her face. The room seemed to grow colder as Max’ words hung in the air.

You are no longer welcome in my home, Max’s father said. The words dropping like bricks, heavy and emotionless. Patricia, we’re leaving.

Turning, he left the room, his wife following silently, stopping but for only the briefest moment looking back at Max. Her eye’s filled with tears.

Thanks for standing up for me there, you didn’t have to do that. Max said still looking at the door.

I’m not really sure if I helped. I might have made it worse. Alex said.

Not really, I wanted to come out at some point or another, the outcome would have been the same either way. It might as well be now.

Ah, I see. So why are you here if you don’t mind me asking?

Max bit the inside of his cheek and paused. I fainted and fell at work… I blacked out. I didn’t eat for like a day and my blood pressure dropped, while I was stocking inventory in the back room. But it looks like there was minimal damage, mild concussion maybe, I just need to rest.

Oh, wow. Alex replied.

Why are you here? Max asked.

Alex avoided his eyes. Umm, I was hit by a truck… crossing the street. Stay off your phone crossing intersections, haha.

Max’s amber eyes widened, Oh…well then. You seem to be doing well now, that’s good. He didn’t really know how to handle Alex’s response.

Yeah, I’m fine. Anyway, I was serious, eh. Alex cleared his throat nervously. You can stay with me if you want, until you find somewhere else. My apartment is not very large but it will do if you need somewhere to go.

Max smiled broadly at the Alex. It caught him slightly off guard. I just met you but you seem like a cool guy. I’m down to hang out a bit first and get to know you but I’ll definitely consider your offer, Max said with a smile.

Chapter 1: And Thus 2014 is Upon Us

Max sat back dizzily into the cushions of the black leather couch. Hypnotic bass beats sounded, vibrations shaking everything in a steady rhythm. It was a song he knew, but didn't care enough to remember its name. The rhythm coursed through Max's veins like blood as he threw back another drink of the mojito in his palm. How much has he had to drink? He had lost track, again.

Blaring music drowned out voices as Max watched with odd curiosity a familiar couple trying to yell over the music to each other. Lips moved but nothing could be made of the sound. They were Max's friends, Charlie and his girlfriend Jacqueline, a small shorthaired excitable blonde whom everyone referred to as Jackie. The girl had landed herself a job as one of the office staff at the Tuleroux condominium of which Max was a co-owner.

Max watched through blurred vision the strange shapes of the group dancing in the living room, one foot tapping in expensive shoes to the rhythm. The residents of floor four were having their second annual New Year's Eve party. Max stood up and walked slowly towards the powder room to relieve himself. He noticed a familiar smell emanating from the small bathroom. As he knocked on the door it opened letting out more smoke and a young, maroon-haired man peeked out with bloodshot red eyes. Before Max could protest, the young man grabbed his sleeve and pulled him in. Max set down his mojito on the bathroom counter that was very small as the young man prepared another bowl of weed in his bong. He handed it to Max as he sat and watched. The young man was very blitzed out, sitting on the lid of the toilet seat staring and chuckling softly. Max took a lighter from the counter and lit the small bowl, breathing in deeply the thick grey smoke the rose from the open mouthed spout. When he was done Max coughed profusely, and held onto the towel rack to keep his balance.

Having a good night? The young man said and Max laughed, coughing slightly.

I love David’s parties... Max replied and grabbed his mojito, exiting the bathroom. He had completely forgotten he had to pee.

This year the party was held in the penthouse suite, volunteered by its current occupant David Romanov, who had a natural flare for entertaining and being a host.

David dressed smartly. In fact, there was rarely a time the man didn't look his best. It was clear he made a killing – doing what that is? David was a businessman, with his own private agenda. It more often than not concerned with a certain crime family, The Romanov’s. They were as notorious as they were secretive; and David was their leader since his father had stepped down.

David turned to catch a glimpse of Max, who waved happily. He glanced seriously towards the blonde, dark-skinned man. A pair of scrutinizing amethyst eyes stared through large black-framed wayfarer glasses. Max was David's best friend since elementary school; the two were almost inseparable. Max was one of the only people David could fully tolerate.

David raised his eyebrows, smirked and turned back to the lovely lady in his company, Christina. Brushing his long silver fringe out of his eyes, he delighted in sober conversation – above all David was a gentleman. Christina was a picture of elegance and beauty, dressed to kill, cheerful and smiling. Christina's red outfit looked elegant with her long black wavy hair that brought out her green eyes rather nicely. David stood tall next to her in his expensive suit.

You look stunning tonight Christina. David started, raising his voice above the music. He handed her the martini he had brought her holding his drink – a White Russian, watching as she took it from his hand. Keeping his eyes on the drink subtly.

As do you, She replied.

I know, David chuckled wryly and she rolled her eyes.

To David's annoyance, Max decided to come over to join them. Crossing his arms, the shaggy-haired blonde addressed David, the mojito clenched in the one hand. His amber coloured eyes were bloodshot, hazy and glazed over.

David, you think because you've got the penthouse you own the place and can totally ignore me? If it weren't for me you wouldn't be here...

You're right...I'd be somewhere better. Max's nostrils flared with anger.

You shouldn't be so hard on the guy. It's a party after all; you know the place where people normally have fun... Christina shrugged the drink still in her hand.

Goddamnit women! Drink it. David thought glancing at her glass again, half smiling.

David rolled his eyes dully. Max, I’m busy.

Max and I are pals...right Max? David remarked glancing back at Max whose eyes were narrowed at him. Drink it already Christina. He felt his grin was very false due to the fact he was getting frustrated as Christina ignored the martini in her hand, waving it around as if to tease him.

Thoroughly irritated, he captured the blonde man in a headlock under his arm. Max protested. He wriggled out of the taller man's grasp, remarkably without spilling his drink. Max attempted to correct his mussed hair, shirt collar and tie, giving David his evilest glare.

Relax, you still look fierce. David laughed as Max's eye twitched.

Better watch yourself, David. You never know what's coming...be ready. Max pointed at him with his free hand, and lifted the glass as he returned it to his lips taking a drink.

I'm looking forward to it. David provoked sarcastically with a close-lipped grin. Whatever 'it' was, it was clearly no threat to David. Max kept his amber eyes locked on David and he retreated back to the couch. David shook his head. Max, you're something else, he smiled, somewhat amused.

David took a drink of his White Russian, when someone punched him lightly in he shoulder and caused him to almost spill it. It was Kalvin Foot, the blonde longhaired Asian, whom was David’s other best friend. Hey man, I’ve got a beverage here... David said to him. Kalvin chuckled waved to his girlfriend Christina.

Can I talk to you? Kalvin asked. They left Christina and went to the corner of the room.

Shit. David said watching Christina put down the glass spiked with arsenic.

Max preferred to spend the rest of his time chatting with Alex. He was his partner, who was a little strange. Alex lived primarily off the blood of humans and others like him...what a lovely introduction. He rarely opens with that, for obvious reasons. There still is a strong stigma attached to vampires. He was the dapper looking, slim redheaded man in the black Italian suit, sitting beside Kalvin on the large black couch. Max sat down, a little wobbly and tipsy. Alex sat between both tall men, reminded once again how short he actually was. Max handed Alex a bottle of water to Alex’s bemusement and sipped his mojito. The weed from earlier was starting to kick in and Max felt the high. Max smiled at Alex warmly, but Alex glared dully with striking blue eyes back at him.

Max had mentioned to Kalvin how it was his influence on Alex that made Alex give into wearing formal suits. Alex preferred to wear comfortable clothes. Suits were definitely not on his list. Especially if they included a tie, the proverbial noose around Alex's neck. The two men agreed and assured Alex suits were not the devil and are necessary sometimes. Although, to avoid conflict Kalvin would most likely agree with what the majority said anyway. Alex was quite stubborn and still detested suits no matter what Max or anybody else said.

Christina made her way to gracefully sit down beside the three men. She never made it the slightest bit obvious she was an undercover police officer. At first glance, she seemed delicate. However, she did possess a tough demeanour when on the job, a contrast to her attitude now.

Her recent mission proved to be a large challenge, growing more and more emotionally stressful. She was trying to bust a notorious hit man that belonged to a violent gang and by being successful – a large promotion was in store. The problem was that notorious hit man, her boyfriend Kalvin was employed by David as a bodyguard and she felt that perhaps David was catching onto her.

It didn't take long for David to put the pieces together. He picked up on the subtle clues he had observed over the time he knew Christina. Still, the girl had talent and would be a nice addition to his group. But David had to be extra careful she was still an undercover agent and it would be best for her to be eliminated quietly without a trace.

You don't mind if I join you, do you? She asked before sitting down beside Kalvin who was wearing red aviator shades with his long sandy-blonde hair pulled into a low side- ponytail, leaving the shorter pieces and his side-bangs out.

Not at all, Alex reassured.

Hey, how’s it goin’ Christina! Max slurred, unsuccessfully trying to get a hold of a coaster on the glass coffee table to put his empty bottle on. Unfortunately for Max, it appeared to move about the surface on its own, making the task difficult.

Alex's electric-blue eyes widened at Max's crappy dexterity.

Max tried to focus on the women who just sat down beside Kalvin...or the two of them – he wasn't really sure at that moment if Christina had a twin.

Hey Hun, Kalvin said, ignoring them as he wrapped an arm around his girlfriend's waist hugging her to his chest. Kalvin had a strange habit, wearing the red sunglasses almost always. During the day he wore them, at night, jogging, and working, everywhere. Under the pair of large red sunglasses masked a pair of silvery cloud-grey eyes. Being a rather shy guy, he got embarrassed every time someone would point out his unique shade of eye colour. The saying about eyes being the windows to the soul freaked him out. Wearing the sunglasses was some sort of protection. Kalvin didn't mind seeing red, as long as other people couldn't probe his soul at will. Plus they supported his stoic poker-faced style and attitude anyway.

An hour pasted fluidly without much notice. The music was now a soft piano piece playing in the background as a crowd gathered before a clock on the wall. To match the room, the clock was very modern and contemporary looking. As far as David's tastes went, that was the best of the best—plain and simple. They watched its methodical ticking. Each second felt like it took an hour to pass. Tick, tok, tick, tok, tick, tok...

After moving into the penthouse, David was the self-proclaimed boss above even Max who owned the joint. The man gave off an opposing aura, serious and domineering as well as menacing, though he surprisingly – and secretly had a more caring side. He was suave, charismatic and debonair which made him quite popular with the ladies. Ever since his betraying, vindictive, gold-digging ex-girlfriend was ‘removed permanently’, the smooth criminal started to attract a harem of beautiful women that were often by his side at most occasions.

Alex brushed his hand through the side bangs of his fire engine red hair that spiked up at the top. He realized they didn't have much time left in the year. It was almost 2014 and what a year it has been. The past year was a changing one in his lengthy life, to say the least.

It was a good thing in a way although stressful at times. A 'growing experience' as some would call it. Max finally moving out of his parent's house was an issue, as well as the founding of the condo and all the financial and business crap that came with it. But it was also an emotional year. Alex met Max. That proved to be a life changing experience in itself. Alex reunited with his older vampire brother Nigel after over 80 years of being separated. It was all too much to handle for Alex, leaving him feeling a bit overwhelmed. He wondered if overcoming the whole ordeal really made him stronger. He had to keep going forward as hard as it was, walking over the problems of his past like a stepping-stones toward a perhaps better future.

So... David has a pretty nice pad. I bet it was hard to give this place up, eh? Christina asked Max. He looked down at her with unfocused and dazed eyes, loosening his tied nervously.

Nodding his head he replied to Christina. Oh yes of course. Well, I really loved this room the most. Those glass walls surrounding the living room were my idea. Alex thought they were silly, but what does he know! Alex narrowed his eyes at Max who leaned over his lap to be heard by Christina. Besides, look how beautiful the city lights and the stars look out there. He pointed in the direction of the glass walls enthusiastically.

Everyone on the couch turned to look out at the horizon; it really was like Max described it. A vast expanse of twinkling lights and a glowing full moon illuminated the few surrounding clouds. The view was the most amazing thing; such a thing justified the expensive glass walls they installed in the living room. Max was very proud... and also jealous because it was all David's.

Stupid David stealing my awesome view, Max thought.

But Alex and I are fine where we are too. We had the walls knocked out of rooms’ four fifteen, four seventeen and four nineteen to make our own suite. It's not as luxurious as the penthouse suite but we did a nice job of making it look nice anyway. He tried not to sound too hard done by, even though he felt that was sort of the case.

How is it, living on the same level as the rest of us? By now you must've realize we're all a little eccentric in our own way. She laughed charmingly.

Oh ...no, no, I don't mind at all, strangeness is good – keeps things fresh and exciting. I never want anyone here to relate to me as just the guy in charge. You're all my friends. But there is one thing that kind of pisses me off. He continued, slurring his speech.

Yeah…? She said as David took an empty space beside Christina. Doing so he purposely pushing her into Kalvin, creating a domino effect that almost knocked the drunken Max off the couch. He managed to not fall off completely and was stopped by the weight of everyone else who fell. He landed with his back against the arm of the black leather couch, which luckily was cushioned.

David found the whole thing exceptionally amusing.

Hey babeh, Max flashed a rather suggestively half smile gazing down at Alex who landed flush against his chest, raising an eyebrow.

Umm, hi. Alex muttered, feeling his cheeks warm. He narrowed his eyes at Max menacingly, noticing the few centimetres in distance that separated their lips.

Sorry, Alex, Kalvin apologized hoping he didn't hurt the smaller man.

I'm fine. Alex replied scowling at David.

As everyone sat back up, Kalvin gave David a much-deserved punch in the arm. Awkwardly, Alex pushed up off of Max's chest and seemed to be recovering ok from being squished, though it caught him off guard.

Max cursed David from the opposite end about squishing poor Alex, commenting on his small stature. A prominent blush spread across said man's cheeks to the tips of his ears.

Five-five is not that little! Alex protested.

Max smiled smugly. Alex wasn't about to start an argument with him. It's best to just ignore it for now.

Kalvin decided the couch was a little too crowded for his likings and told Christina he was leaving to get themselves drinks.

As I was saying Christina, there are these people who live across the hall from Alex and me. I was going to go check it out but haven't gotten around to it yet. Max looked around suspiciously. I can trust you right? He asked Christina close to her ear. She nodded as he leaned towards her placing his hand on Alex's leg to support him and whispered in her ear. Well I'm not sure what goes on there, but mostly on Thursday this group comes by at around like ten pm-ish. And I don't know, I’ve passed them carrying two duffle bags each into there. Seems suspicious. I probably should get it checked out. You never know with people these days. He whispered.

David wasn't paying attention to the crowd but rather on Max. The clock ticked as the crowd got restless, second by second ever closer to the New Year, the time society recognized as a common fresh start.

Christina blinked wide-eyed and alert. Y...Yes, you should definitely check that out. I’ll come with you.

Ten... They joined the crowd. All chanted together, voices sounding, Nine, eight, seven, six... Alex stood by Max's side among the crowd, their fingers intertwined together.

Five, four, three, two...

Alex pulled Max down to his eye level holding his face between his hands. Alex's eyes were clear, connecting with Max's amber half-lidded unfocused ones. Alex wondered if Max was really aware of what was going on at all at this point.

Alex's heart stung painfully, he really detested seeing him this way.

One, Happy New Year...! The crowd shouted in joyful unison. Some clapped loudly; another cranked the music back up with a heavy electronic beat. One minute Max felt Alex's lips press firmly against his. The next, he was gone. Max blinked as if it was all an illusion, noticing Alex making his way out of the crowd, towards the balcony. Max disregarded the fact it was winter and bitterly cold out and followed Alex out onto the balcony. He now was breathing heavily, his heart pumping blood rapidly through his veins, stomach dropping – something was wrong.

Unlike Max, Alex at least had a suit jacket to shield him from the cold; Max wore a pinstriped dress shirt and navy blue tie that blew rapidly in the bitter wind. Alex? Max called out. Alex clutched the frozen railing hunched over. Are you feeling alright? You didn't look to good back there. Max approached Alex who set his gaze out into the clear night.

It's friggin' cold out here. Max shivered and rubbed his arms.

Alex laughed lightly at the obvious observation. Just a little bit, He smiled melancholically. Max stared with Alex out at the Toronto cityscape and the full moon above them for a little while.

Al…if you're feeling better, come back inside. Max whispered through frozen lips. You'll catch a cold if you stay out here any longer.

Me? Catch a cold? Nah. Alex coursed his tapered fingers through his semi- frozen hair.

Remember last New Year's, when you ended up getting the dragon tattoo from Tzu? Alex raised his voice over the whistling wind as Max leaned back against the cold metal railing beside him.

It is New Years Alex, and I like to party, Max said.

Try to be careful eh? I get nervous sometimes.

I'm sorry Al. I mean…you can trust me. I can take care of myself. You don’t have to worry about me.

Alex's annoyance melted. He leaned over and wrapped his arms around Max's lean but muscular torso, embracing him strongly. His face tensed as he pressed his cheek to the other's chest, feeling Max's heart beating steadily. Max faintly smiled down at him, deeply affected by the others outward concern.

It’s all good, don’t worry about it. Have fun. Alex's electric-blue eyes connected with Max’s and he half smiled. I’m gonna head back to the room now anyway. I’m feeling a bit drained. I’ll see you in the morning. Max nodded and Alex walked back inside.

It was unusually early when Max arose, pushing himself up onto his elbows. He blinked his tired eyes noticing the bedroom had begun to fill with the orange glow of the morning sun.

Max's head throbbed like it was smashed open with a brick. His stomach ached like the chemical reaction in a sixth grader's science experiment volcano, the nauseating feeling like it was going to erupt any minute. A hangover… brilliant. He sunk back down on the bed, staring at the ceiling and all the tiny little grooves and peaks in the plaster. His blonde bed head splayed across the pillow.

Hey, you're awake. Alex's voice sounded as he entered the bedroom already dressed and ready for the day.

I woke up this mornin' and so do not feel like P. Diddy. Max grumbled. Alex's brows furrowed as he crossed his arms.

And whose fault was that? Shoulda taken an ibuprofen and water before bed.

Well...

It’s fine, I’ll grab you a Gatorade. Get up, let’s go. We're going for coffee. Be dressed and ready before eight. I have shit I gotta do today like finalize that contract for a DJ gig on Richmond street west. I'm not waiting around here all day while you sleep off your hangover.

I don't feel like it mom. Max groaned, rolling over and hiding under the white duvet comforter. With that Alex left, leaving Max and his throbbing head and churning stomach alone to get ready. Max peaked out from under the comforter sluggishly to look at the digital clock rested on the night table.

Seven fuckin' A.M....

After a shower and time to fix his hair, Max was reluctantly dressed and ready to go sipping on his sports drink. He still felt like crap but getting considerably less since coffee was part of the bargain later.

He followed Alex down the hall towards the elevator, eyes lit up when he spotted a familiar face waiting there.

The tall black man with long dreadlocks waved enthusiastically, smiling brightly.

Alex, Max! What's goin' on boys?

You're up early Charlie, Max and me were going to grab some coffee at that new place that just opened down the street. Alex observed that the down button on the elevator was already pressed.

Wow... coincidence? I was heading there too to get Jackie some coffee. She wasn't doin' to good this morning so I thought I should peace out before she kicks my ass for no reason.

Good plan. Alex nodded looking over at Max bundled up in a matching grey wool mitt and scarf combo and his black pea coat, leaning fully against the wall, head tilted back, eyes shut.

Charlie dressed in a black winter jacket and was the resident of room four-oh-one. He adjusted the red scarf that he usually had tied as a headband around his head.

That's cool. I heard that place has good stuff. Jackie's always going there lately...rarely brings me anythin' though. He sighed. I'm off work today. I deliver mail now. It's not that exciting but whatever. He flashed another brilliant smile making Max's cheeks warm. Alex seemed to be ignoring both men, messaging away on his Blackberry.

The elevator stopped, opening up to the lobby. Well I'll catch yah' guys later. Charlie waved as he departed, running off to the coffee shop.

He's always been such a nice guy, Max swooned subtly. Alex glanced up at Max questionably. Max looked down at Alex embarrassingly, Not as nice as you of course. He recovered swiftly, letting out a sigh of relief. Alex grabbed him by the coat sleeve and pulled him towards the revolving doors. Max waved to the indifferent security staff at the front desk before he was pulled out of the lobby.

She didn't like me very much, could you tell? Alex asked Max as they sat at a table by the cafe windows. It was a busy Friday in downtown Toronto, and a cold one as well. The coffee did wonders on both their moods, more so Max's hangover. Alex seemed more distant then usual as he gazed out the window at the passing traffic. Max liked the way Alex's straight fiery red hair flipped out from under his black tuque; he thought it was very cute.

Who are you talking about? Max asked taking a sip of his black coffee. He was used to the bitter taste because his father's business was coffee and there were always plentiful amounts around, the habit to drink it that way still remained. Real men don't need anything in their coffee. Max remembered his father's words and cringed inwardly, tearing open a pack of sugar and poured it into his coffee. I can’t stand to drink it this way because of him.

Over there, the women that served us. Alex nodded to the counter where a 30-something year old women was taking a customer's order. She gave me this awful look. I guess when I smiled at her, I was just being friendly and I ended up showing my fangs a bit. Alex demonstrated by lifting the corner of his upper lip to reveal a sharp canine.

Well, I suppose that's a normal reaction. Some people don't react well to controversial things like that. There’s still a lot of prejudice towards people like me. Even though it’s propelled by fear, most vampires have no intensions of killing. It’s only the ones that can’t control themselves people should worry about. But why is that different from worrying about a normal murderer. Some people just don’t get it.

Take for instance my parents, when they found out I was moving in with you, on top of that starting the Tuleroux. I admit that part was a bit ambitious and risky but think of how much it's changed my life. It's crazy. But I'm happy about it, you know. Max laughed trying to lighten the mood. Alex smiled genially.

Are we still talking about me here? Alex asked in jest, bending a brown stir stick in his hand into a triangle. So I guess if it's normal for her to react that way, I'm supposed to accept that's how most people will act when they realize I'm a vampire?

Well, no. There are people out there who won't mind. I for one don't think of you as any different as anyone else...just because you have an alternative diet.... and a habit of biting people.

See, there you go! That freaks the majority of people out. I can understand that too. I mean that's why they tried to get rid of us in the first place. It’s not like we have to feed all the time, we still eat the same food as them. Society even sets up these designated meeting places for vampires to exchange blood, meet friends and such, for those who don’t have someone to rely on. We’re a minority. They still tried to find a way to reverse it on humans who were turned, thinking they would have something against them, if they tried to retaliate. I was more a test subject then anything. See, look, I still have my number. Alex stood up from his chair. He lifted up his burgundy long-sleeved shirt with one hand revealing his toned stomach. With the other hand he hooked his thumb under the denim and his boxer's waistband, pulled down until a five-digit number was fully visible on his left hip vertically.

Max's eyes widened as he almost spit out a mouthful of coffee. He found he couldn't look away from 87651 tattooed over Alex's left hipbone where the crease was. His heartbeat quickened because for one, Alex was flashing his bare left hip to all nearby in the shop and second, the placement of said tattoo was incredibly hot. As odd as a tattoo of a random number was – it was on Alex and Max was kind of jealous.

Yup, I’ve seen it already, many times. But please Al, kindly stop flashing everyone and sit down, we're in public. Max hissed, even though Alex was not indecently exposing himself, although close. Two teenage girls sitting in the booth ahead of them giggled, stealing a few shy glances. Alex ignored Max, grinning with a subtle head nod suggestively at them, winking.

Max covered his face with his palm in utter defeat. Alex finally pulled his pants up and pulled down his shirt, sitting back down.

Alex, Alex, Alex... Max sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose.

I was only showing you that it was....

Yeah I know...I’ll see more when we get home. Max whispered resting his chin on his palm grinning. Alex crossed his arms stubbornly, narrowing his eyes at him.

You think so, do you?

"Yes I do. I was just thinking you’re really lucky; you’re constantly healthy which means you won’t get fat. I mean you could’ve bought that vente caramel macchiato you've got there with whole milk; instead you bought it with non-fat milk to feel like you’re making a more healthy choice."

Max seemed to think he had it all figured out. Becoming visibly agitated, Alex drummed his fingers on the table.

So, you think I get it with non-fat milk to fit in? I happen to like the taste of it.... so there. I don’t really like the thick taste of whole milk.

Max raised his hands surrendering. I give up. Alex rolled his eyes smiling.

Hey, look that's David. He's just outside there. Max pointed to David in surprise, who was causally standing by the corner wearing a very warm looking long trench coat.

I just got a text. It's from him actually. Alex mentioned glancing at his phone. He wants to talk with me in person, says it's pretty important.

It's ok if you go. Max motioned to David. If it's important I'll wait here.

Yeah, okay thanks. Alex grabbed his winter coat, threw it on and left Max at the table while he went to meet David Romanov.

What business could he possibly have to discuss alone with that guy of all people?

Max watched them from inside the cafe, still drinking his coffee. Alex looked over to see Max through the window, which caught Max's attention. He became very curious suddenly.

After about fifteen minutes, David continued to stand there amongst the passers-by with a distressed look on his face. Alex came back into the coffee shop looking distressed. You don't mind if... Alex said somewhat out of breath. ...If David joins us?

What? Max was now immensely concerned just by the look of his partner.

David needs to talk to you too. Alex's eyes were wide with fear and an anxious tone in his voice.

Ok that's fine.

David appeared through the door joining Alex and Max in the booth. Snowflakes clung to his jacket and his large glasses fogged up. David said in a very intense and straightforward manner, As of around eight-fifteen this morning, room’s four sixteen, four eighteen and four twenty were entered under suspicion of illegal drug operations and the police found and confiscated 36 million dollars worth of cocaine. So basically someone fucked up somewhere, because now I’m out 36 mil from that deal.

Shit... Alex cursed.

You don’t seem that stressed for someone who just lost 36 mil. Max said.

David’s lips formed a line. I am very much stressed, thank you. He figured this would be in the media and everything by now. He already sensed a pending press conference for damage control. Max's mind stalled and he started to sweat.

Fangs, Fate and Fettuccine

Max closed the door of the small yellow Volkswagen. The noise echoing down the small alleyway, squeezed between two nightclubs. The alleyway had an eerie light cast from the fading neon lights.

The short red headed, almost stranger walked in front of him. So this is my home, he said looking back at Max. His eyes ran from Max’s designer clad feet to his dyed blond hair, and raised his eyebrows. "Damn, you are big aren’t you?"

Excuse me? Max was taken aback.

Oh no. I meant you’re tall. Just remember that my apartment is tiny. There’s nothing I can do about it. So… lets go in shall we? Sliding the key in to the lock, Alex opened the door revealing a short hallway with two doors, one on the right and one the left. Walking in and going to the door on the left, Alex pulled out another key and unlocked the door.

So I’ll get you my spare pair of keys and we’ll need to get your stuff soon, Alex said walking into the small hallway and up a small flight of stairs in to the living room. So this is … Alex was cut off by a loud thump behind him, turning