Ashlynn sat on the edge of Iris' desk, her legs dangling over the floor. The backs of her sneakers thudded against the wood as she swung her legs back and forth. She smiled as a man approached, fighting the urge to wrinkle her nose at the smell of copper that overwhelmed his blood. He spared her a quick glanced before he rang the bell, once, twice.
Iris stepped out of the back room, barely acknowledging the young man. "I need a room," he said, "one night."
"$150," Iris replied, and he waved a hand toward the small price tag on the desk.
"Says here $30."
"That's out of date. Prices went up after the remodel."
Ashlynn tried her best not to chuckle at his annoyed reaction. He took off his sunglasses, looking around the lobby. "Okay, well, that's bullshit," he said.
Nonetheless, he produced a crumpled stack of bills from his pocket, setting them down on the desk. He bounced on the balls of his feet, not keeping eye contact with Iris. "You know what?" she said after a moment. "It's your lucky day. Mama's feeling magnanimous."
She took the money, turning to the wall and taking down a key. Ashlynn's eyes went wide as she saw the number, though she said nothing. "Room 64," Iris said, handing the key to him.
He nodded, making way toward the elevator. "Oh, elevator's out of service today," Iris called after him.
He sighed, putting his glasses back on before dashing up the stairs. Just below the staircase, Sally stared up at the man. "I've got dibs on this one, Ashlynn. I haven't seen one that sweet in a while."
"Have him," Ashlynn replied. "He smells awful anyway."
Sally flashed her the faintest smirk. "That's why he's sweet."
From the counter, Ashlynn looked to Iris. "64?" she asked with a hint of a smile. "Are you trying to torture me?"
"You can find somewhere else to be," Iris replied.
"Where? I won't spend the night at the bar."
"Why not? You've done it before."
Ashlynn opened her mouth to speak, though nothing came out. She bit her lip hard, lowering her head. Iris held back a chuckle. Ashlynn hopped off of the desk, her shoes hitting the carpet. She sent Iris one more look before she left the lobby.
She was getting hungry again. It seemed that the guy at the club hadn't been a filling enough meal, though she would never admit that to Iris or the Countess, as neither of them were content in her hunting abilities. It made her feel like a child, though in some ways, that was what she was. An immortal child, forever twenty-one.
She ventured the hallway, giving a small nod to a passing Miss Evers, who simply ignored her. The ghostly maid had a habit of ignoring Ashlynn, which she didn't mind. She would have rather avoided the passive aggressive comments made by the red-headed woman. Miss Evers was jealous, or, at least, that was what James always said. Ashlynn couldn't tell if it was jealousy or if Miss Evers simply hated her.
She watched Miss Evers go, rolling her eyes.
Reaching the door to the penthouse suite, Ashlynn braced herself before knocking. It was a moment before the door opened, and the Countess stared down at Ashlynn. She smiled. "Ashlynn. Well, this is a surprise."
"Spare me the mock kindness," Ashlynn said.
"It's not mock kindness. You are one of my children. I care."
"I'm hungry."
"Go hunting."
"I already did."
"And you didn't get your fill?"
Ashlynn bit her lip, looking at the floor as she answered. "I was crammed into a bathroom stall, so no."
The Countess raised an eyebrow dangerously. "Hunting in clubs again, Ashlynn? I've told you the consequences of that."
"He wasn't high or anything. He might have been the only sober person in the place. But I got interrupted."
"So, what, you want me to help you?" the Countess asked.
Ashlynn looked up at her through her eyelashes, putting on her best pout. "Please, Mommy?" she said, and the Countess nearly laughed.
"You're getting better at that. Fine, come in."
Ashlynn stepped inside, looking around before her eyes landed on Donovan, Iris' son, in the bed, completely naked save the blanket draped over his lower half. Her eyes went wide, and she looked at the floor. The Countess seemed amused. "Donovan," she called, and he answered sleepily.
"Yes?"
"Ashlynn's here."
She heard Donovan chuckle as he said into the pillow, "hello, Ashlynn."
"Hi, Donovan," she answered.
The Countess smiled slightly. "Iris has a girl in the puppet room. The children have been feeding on her, but I'm sure they'll be more than willing to share with their older sister."
Ashlynn smiled at that. "Thank you, Mommy."
She gave the Countess a quick peck on the cheek, turning to Donovan. "Bye, Donovan!" she said.
"Goodbye, Ashlynn," he replied, and she chuckled despite herself before she left.