AN: I want to thank my wonderful Beta, Gozde. She is a remarkable lady and the best friend a person could ask for.
The shower was nice and hot, relaxing my muscles and waking me up, I toweled off then wrapped it around me as I opened the medicine cabinet. Shrugging my shoulders, I closed the mirror and opened the package of contacts. In the dark, no one in the club would be able to see the deep red color my eyes had become. I would need a few days to get adjusted to wearing them.
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Hey Edward, have you heard from Emmett?
No. What's up Jaz?
He contacted me to do some computer work for him.
He needed to find out who was money backing a club.
We always get you to do our research for us, what was different?
The research was normal, it was the findings that got my attention.
Oh yeah? And....
Remember our old friend Vlad?
Vlad Karkoroff?
One and the same.
Damn! What has Emmett gotten himself into this time?
My thoughts exactly.
Jaz, how is your schedule? You up for a visit to our big brother?
I'll be ready this afternoon, just swing by and pick me up.
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On my way home from the gym I came across a familiar scent. My brothers were near. I rounded the corner to my home and sure enough they were standing there chatting.
"Well what do I owe this privilege to?"
"Nice to see you too asshole." Jasper still looked like a little kid to me. I reached over to give him a friendly punch to his arm.
I unlocked the door and stood back so they could come in.
"Fess up boys, you got lonely and needed a hug from your big brother right?" I reached over to playfully hug at Edward as he ducked out of my way.
"We just thought we'd check on you before the old folks home got an opening and came and got your ass."
"Yeah yeah, and how was day care this morning Jaz? Did you learn any new colors yet?"
"Well no but apparently you have." He was staring straight at my eyes.
Edward came around from the side and looked into my face. "WHAT THE FUCK HAVE YOU DONE EMMETT ?"
"Calm down I haven't DONE anything. Just chill and I'll fill you in."
I told them all about the club, from the initiation to get in, to Tanya offering herself as my flavor of the night, purposely leaving out the part about following the girls home and using my skills to drink more.
Edward was pacing the room and obviously agitated "Dammit Emmett, didn't you even think there was something wrong about this? Especially since they aren't vampires?"
"Why do you think I asked Jasper to do some research for me? I'm trying to get to the bottom of this."
"You really want to get to the bottom of this Em? Cause it sure looks to me like you have been enjoying this a bit too much." Jasper always had a way of looking at me like he was disappointed.
"Yes, Jaz, I'm drinking at the club, but if I didn't they would know something was suspicious and I wouldn't get a damned thing from them."
"Fine, whatever. I found your money man."
"Really? Great who is it?"
"Vlad Karkoroff"
"Oh fuck! This is not gonna be as simple as I'd hoped."
"Now you know why Jasper and I showed up on your doorstep."
I flopped down in my favorite chair and propped my feet up, "So why do you guys think he would back a place like this for? I've done multiple scans of the place and if he had been anywhere near there I would have picked up on his scent immediately."
"I don't know yet Emmett, but he was trying pretty hard to hide his involvement. I had to trace the bank records through four different banks before I got a clue to his name."
"Is anyone usually there at night during the week or will we be able to get in to check it out?" Edward was already in full investigation mode.
"We can go in tonight. They leave by seven. Now if you boys will excuse me I need a shower. Had a long workout at the gym."
"Want to join us in a hunt first? We thought we'd check out your choices around here."
"No, you guys go ahead, I hunted this morning."
I turned on the shower and adjusted the water, stepping into the hot flow. I hated to lie to my brothers like that, but how could I tell them that I just couldn't hunt animals with them after the sweet pure blood I had been freely given.
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We jogged across town and paused in the alley outside the club. Dissipating into mists and entering the air conditioner system was the easiest way to get in.
We reformed in the office and Edward went to the desk, while I started in the file cabinet and Jasper sat at the computer.
We had worked together so many times before that no one had to speak. If we needed to contact the other one, we would simply contact them psychically. It was just one of the gifts we had.
Edward took a folder out with the club memberships on it and made a copy of it. He put the original one back and tucked the copy inside his jacket.
Jasper was writing down email addresses and pass codes on a notepad.
I really hadn't found anything yet that looked helpful.
Ok guys, about finished here? I don't want to take a chance on getting caught.
Yeah Em, I'm ready.
Meet you in the alley.
Jasper and I reformed and I was beginning to get antsy about Edward. After a good ten minutes he finally reformed.
"Where the hell did you go?"
"I wanted to take a look at their blood supplies. I have a list of the members and a list of the donors. I thought I'd see if the lists synced up."
"Ok let's get back to my house and compare notes."
We took off in the shadows; it was so easy for us. We ran almost everywhere we went. If we did come across someone and we didn't want them to know that we were there, we just sent out a block and mentally they would never see us even if we were right in front of their eyes.
When we got home, Jaz, set up my computer so we would get any emails coming into the club. Gotta love that little hacker geek!
Edward and I sat down with his lists and began cross referencing the names. I wrote them on a separate list if they were both members and donors. I made another list of donors who were not members.
"You guys are going to go to the club with me this weekend so you can see for yourself what it's like."
"We will go, but we won't drink."
I nodded in understanding.
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The week went by quickly, we caught up with each other, and had a good visit.
By Friday night, I was actually excited to show them the club. I had to calm myself before joining them in the living room, so Jasper wouldn't catch onto my feelings.
I walked straight up to the doorman and introduced him to my brothers, he greeted them friendly and moved the velvet rope so we could all pass.
We made our way to the bar and the outrageous site of the lab behind the glass window. Max brought us three goblets without asking and they each had a look of inquiry on their faces.
It's the normal thing around here. Just pretend to drink it or wait a bit and order a soda if you'd rather. Don't make it look obvious that you are not drinking.
I brought my goblet up to my lips and took a drink, making a show so they would assume I wasn't partaking.
Small hands came around me and covered my eyes, then I felt a warm breath on my ear as she whispered, "Shame on you Emmett, bringing more gorgeous men in here and not even introducing me."
"Aww Ali sweetie, I just didn't want to share you with these lunkheads."
She giggled as she kissed my cheek, "For that answer you will be forgiven."
She walked out from behind me and stuck her hand out, "Hi I'm Alice. Ali for short."
Edward and Jasper both smiled and Jasper who was closest reached to take her hand in his and brought it to his lips for a kiss. "Very nice to meet you Ali, I'm Jasper. I hope our brother hasn't tarnished our reputations around here before we could get here to defend our good names."
"Not at all Jasper, as a matter of fact, I believe the name of Cullen is in high regards." She allowed her hand to linger in Jasper's as she spoke.
Not to be outdone, Edward took her other hand and brought it to his lips for a kiss as well and then bowed at the waist. "Edward at your service ma'am, and please forgive the uncouth presence of my brothers here. They can't help being dazzled by beautiful young ladies."
"Good grief boys! Laying it on thick tonight aren't we?" I laughed.
"Hey we have to make up for you getting here first and meeting all the pretty girls. No telling what you left for us."
"Oh I wouldn't worry too much about that boys, there are a few of us unspoken for just yet." Ali gave them a wink as she turned and walked away swaying her hips and making sure not to give them a chance to answer.
I'm sure I heard Jasper whisper under his breath, "God save us from the likes of her."
I saw Rosie from across the room and motioned for her to join us.
She walked over and leaned over against me on the barstool, tilting her head in for a soft kiss on the lips before even acknowledging my brothers. I wrapped my arms around her and pulled her to me, looking over her head at the expression on their faces.
"Rosie, I'd like you to meet my brothers, this is Edward and Jasper."
She turned around without moving from my arms "Hi boys, nice to meet you." She gave them one of her great warm smiles.
"Well it's plain to see what drew your attention to this place." Jasper laughed.
I grinned one of my stupid blushing grins as I nuzzled her hair.
"You are on your own for a bit boys, I need to feel this beautiful lady moving seductively in my arms." I lead Rosie to the dance floor.
We were slow dancing and I was rubbing her back gently as we moved. She looked up into my face "Hi".
"Hi back. Did I ever tell you how good you feel here in my arms?"
"I think I remember you mentioning it sometime in the past"
"Well I'll have to make a note to mention it more often." I bent down and claimed her mouth in another kiss.
When I raised my head back up, I saw Jasper and Ali dancing together. Glancing around for Edward, I was surprised to see him still at the bar. At least he was having a conversation.
A few more dances and Rosie and I went to join Edward at the bar.
"You two decide to catch your breaths for a minute?" Edward teased us as we plopped down.
"Yeah we decided your friend here might need rescuing from your boring jokes." I winked at her over his shoulder.
"Thanks for the thought Em, although, I'm pretty sure it is the other way around."
"No way Bella, I know for a fact, you have a great sense of humor." Rosie defended.
"Thanks Rosie, much appreciated."
"You guys having a party without us?" Ali flitted over and hopped up on the stool by Bella while Jaz scooted next to her.
"How could we possibly do that Ali, it isn't a party without our hyper pixie there." Bella teased.
It was good to see her teasing and cutting up with them, I wasn't sure when I'd met her if she would be able to loosen up like this. I must have just caught her on a shy night.
We moved our group over to an empty booth at the back of the club. Jaz and Ali were spending most of their time on the dance floor and I was shocked as shit when Edward actually talked Bella into joining him for a dance. Rosie went to the ladies room and I was left at the booth alone. I motioned for the nearest waitress.
"What can I get ya hun?"
"I need a tankard please Rhonda."
She left with a swish of her skirt and brought one straight back to me. I tipped her gratefully.
Without hesitation, I downed the warm blood. I had waited all week and knew I had to be careful so my brothers didn't get mad at me.
I had barely sat it down on the table when she was back with another and picked up my empty.
Peeking out to make sure the others were dancing, I downed it just as quickly. Then I told her to hold off from bringing me another till I let her know and thanked her for the promptness.
Rosie got back and I leaned back pulling her in close to me as I began to feel the effects of the blood hitting my system.
When the others returned, I was already in my own utopia. I giggled, blushed, flirted, slurred my words. My brothers both looked at me and tried to figure out what was going on.
I dragged Rosie to the dance floor to avoid having to answer any questions.
Emmett, what the hell is up with you? You act like you are drunk.
Give it a rest Edward, can't you let me and Rosie have some privacy?
Fine, but when we get back to your house tonight, it's third degree time!
"Rosie baby, I've missed you so much. Is there any way we can go back to your place?"
AN: Okay I'm working on next chapter now, but come on folks don't make me beg too much. Reviews are like orgasms, everyone likes multiple!!!
