The Syphon King (Bayou Bishops #16)

Chapter SEVEN

8-Bit eyed the three Kings, mentally recalling their names. Thakx, Vex and Krovax. Vex protected the scape, Krovax locked it and...Thakx did something. “Would you mind if I call my AI assistants and have them listen in on the conversation?” 8-Bit asked. “This would allow them to advise us of possible solutions now rather than later.”

The three Kings regarded each other before the middle one—Vex he thought—nodded.

He pulled his phone out and hit their app, getting them on speaker.

“Big Daddy,” Al answered.

“You’re on speaker. I’m with the Creole Kings. Big G?”

“Present.”

“I have King Vex, Krovax and Thakx here with a problem. They have something they refer to as a Dreamscape, similar to our virtual scape. All thirteen Kings connect to one another through neuro interfacing and use their cognitive gifts to locate other gifted individuals.”

“Fascinating,” Big G said.

“Yes. And recently, their brother King Rukem slept walk and created his own program in the Dreamscape that none of the other Kings can get in. We need to figure out what he’s done and how, then find a way to access it.”

“It would seem Rukem’s dreamscape operates on a combination of neural activity and subconscious creativity. Perhaps by mapping his brain patterns, we can gain insight into how he constructed and navigates this virtual realm.”

“Then,” Al said. “With our advanced neuroimaging techniques, we can reconstruct the dreamscape’s architecture and simulate its environment within our virtual reality platform. This would allow us to explore its intricacies and identify any hidden mechanisms at play.”

“Awesome,” 8-Bit said. “Can we develop specialized algorithms to stimulate Rukem's sleep-walking memories?”

“Yes,” Big G said. “By targeting specific neural pathways, we can help him recall the process of creating his Dreamscape and provide valuable insights into its design. Once we have a better understanding of the scape’s structure, we can integrate a neural interface to establish a direct connection between our minds and Rukem's subconscious. This will enable us to enter and interact with its elements in real-time.”

“However,” Al cut in. “We’ll need to proceed with caution. Rukem’s Dreamscape may contain security measures designed to protect its integrity. We’ll want bypass algorithms to overcome any barriers and gain access without triggering defensive mechanisms.”

“Your specialty,” Big G said.

“Why yes, Big Brother, it is,” Al said.

8-Bit allowed himself a grin at the inside joke. “And then once in, we’ll be able to work collaboratively.”

“And unravel the mysteries of Rukem’s creation and unlock its true potential,” Big G said.

“Shall I prepare a special tour of the Dungeon for our Kings?” Al snuck in.

“Not at this time,” 8-Bit said, praying he listened to the hell no in his tone.

“A raincheck then?”

“Of course,” 8-Bit said, bringing Al’s light tsk at his lie.

“When would you like to proceed with this plan?” Big G asked.

“Immediately,” Vex said. “I can provide you with a copy of the program and assist you in the installation to save time.”

“At my place?” 8-Bit wondered.

“Oh no,” Al cried in mock distress. “Stranger danger.”

“If that’s what’s required,” the King said.

“Would make it easier.”

“Behave before I write a barnyard code up your beehive.” Big G’s low warning brought snickers from the Kings.

“Are they always this chatty?” Thakx asked.

“More so lately.”

“We might not be if our dear Ethan hadn’t—”

“Okay, bye,” 8-Bit said, shutting off the app. “When do you want to do this?”

“Right now,” Thakx said. “Follow me and we can exchange questions as we go.” He regarded his comrades. “I’ll take this, and you can finish seeing about our brother.”

“Deal,” Krovax said, heading out while Vex remained, his eyes on 8-Bit.

“I would like to discuss a program for finding female matches for the Kings. If it turns out Rukem is correct about requiring them, we want to be ready with precise and logical solutions.”

8-Bit nodded. “I’ll get my buddies on that right away.”

“Thank you.” He made half an exit and turned back. “I was thinking we could scan the King’s unique cognitive signatures and feed them into a search algorithm designed to match these profiles—emotional resonance, intellectual compatibility, and geographical proximity.”

“Right, right,” 8-Bit said, his tech-kink salivating. “How do you see locating them in real time?”

“Hacking into satellite data streams. We would retrieve captured snapshots of soundwaves and bio-signatures that match the King’s. Use visualization tools to zoom in on specific geographic locations of interest and further analyze in more detail.”

“And to enhance this analysis,” 8-Bit added, “we could put the data into a virtual reality environment, allowing us to interact with the signatures and further explore specifics like the quality of the match and any relevant information about each candidate—background, interests, and other details. Hell, you could even go and find all that out in person.”

Vex nodded. “That would surely be a required step.” He eyed 8-Bit for a few seconds and stuck his hand out for a shake. “I look forward to working with you.”

8-Bit shook his hand, nodding. “Same here, man.”

VEX DIALED MISS SKELTON as he hurried to his apartment to triple check it was ready for company. He was really pushing his multitasking limits. He’d insisted on not seeing Rosavelt’s paintings the day before. Such things required a proper reveal and that was tonight, in the middle of the world-ending meeting with the Marsh Kings, followed by dinner where he’d sneak a quick meet and greet with his brothers who were eager to make Rosavelt’s acquaintance.

“I’m so sorry we’re running late,” she answered on the phone. “Rosavelt decided I was her Barbi Doll so be aware I am not responsible for what resulted.”

“How far are you?”

“Fifteen minutes?”

“Call me when you arrive, and I’ll escort you.”

“Hi Vex,” Rosavelt called.

“Hello Rosavelt,” he returned with a grin.

“He says hello,” Miss Skelton relayed.

“Tell him I have a surprise.”

“I think he heard you. You heard that?”

“I did,” he said.

“Also, I brought my tools so I can take a look at your clock.”

“This is not a work date, is it?”

“It’s...well, technically it can be called a date, I guess,” she reasoned under her breath.

“You can’t work!” Rosavelt cried. “You’ll mess your dress.”

Her tinkly, bossy voice and accent made him smile. “She’s right,” Vex agreed.

“Oh boy, I can see how this night will go. Two bossies on my left and right.”

“The clock isn’t going anywhere.”

“Well, if you insist,” she sighed.

“I don’t insist, but I would prefer it,” he said, wanting out of the bossy category.

“I think I prefer you pushy,” she muttered.

“Whatever you wish.” He was certainly more adept at handling things in a linear path with few curves.

“Yep, definitely prefer you bossy. This wishy-washy doesn’t suit you at all.”

“Bossy it will be.”

“Well, now that technically made me the boss,” she realized as he arrived at his apartment.

“Just that once,” he assured.

She gave a snicker. “You’re covering the rest, huh?”

“It’s what you asked for.”

“Well, I’m keeping my receipt just in case.”

“What receipt?”

“The one that came with what I just bought.”

He inspected his apartment, finding it the same since last he looked. “What did you purchase?”

“Letting you boss me around,” she cried like he wasn’t keeping up.

He paused, connecting the meaning of her words. “Right. I do hope returns are allowed where you purchased this.”

“What’s so funny,” Rosavelt yelled while her mother assaulted his eardrum with her oddly comical laugh.

VEX MADE HIS WAY TO the exit, wanting to be near when Rosavelt arrived. He spotted his Marsh Mate with a couple of his brothers and hurried over, remembering his curious text from earlier.

Nitro turned when Vex was still a yard off. “Thought I smelt you.”

“Take a walk with me,” Vex urged, leading them outside. Once they were well away from ears, he asked, “Any updates?”

“Plenty,” he said, eyeing him with a look that put adrenalin in Vex’s veins. “For a ruby price.”

He undid the cuff on his jacket, glancing around.

“Oh...” Nitro muttered, also scanning the area. “I was mildly joking.”

“You want it. I need it.”

They stepped into the shadows closer to the building and his Bat Brother took hold of Vex’s arm in both hands, glancing at him. “You need it?”

“I need data.”

He grinned. “What kind of ride you want, King?”

“Ride?”

“I was holding back last time.”

“Don’t hold back. But keep in mind I have business still.”

“As do I,” he said.

The flash of a blade appeared. “Open your hand.”

Vex did and watched the knife slice the meaty part of his palm. The second blood oozed, Nitro’s hot mouth latched on, sucking like a starved babe with devious intent.

Vex’s gifts opened and locked onto the tingle moving up his arm and spreading to his body. The heat was next. Dense and thick sliding through his blood, seeping into his muscles and lungs as his mind secured the information in a vault.

Nitro’s closed eyes slowly opened and held Vex’s while a harsh, warning growl filled his balls and spread into his cock. The vibration went on and on like a rabid purring and just when the air swam around him, Nitro's mouth lifted off with a blast of breath.

He gripped Vex’s shoulders right as his knees buckled. “Steady, King,” he said, winded. “Fucking rush, yeah? Have fun with that tonight.” He licked his lips. “I know I will.”

Vex’s phone buzzed in his pocket and the sensation reached clear into his blood. The effects were instant this time.

“I’ll text you my side of the payment. Later, King.”

Vex stood there, still recording the flood of data he’d been gorged with. Whatever he’d done differently affected his testosterone. His phone rang this time and he looked, seeing it was Miss Skelton. Fuck. He answered even as he saw her headlights down the winding drive.

“We’re here,” she announced, the words louder than usual. Another bite affect. How did he do that? Was he able to control what things he transferred?

“I see your headlights.”

“Oh, good. I think. Remember what I told you.”

“You told me many things.”

“About me not being responsible for Rosavelt’s fashion obsessions.”

“I won’t hold you accountable.”

She pierced his eardrum with a sharp laugh. “That makes me feel so much better.”

He picked up her sarcasm, realizing it made up ninety percent of her communication. “Do you need assurance?”

“Oh no, no, not me. I’m pretending to be a female tonight. Indulge me. Or not. Okay I see you. Well, at least I’m not overdressed. Do you always walk around in suits?”

“When working, yes.”

“Let me guess, you’re always working.”

He chuckled. “You guessed correctly.”

“Where should I park?”

“Right where I’m standing.”

“Oookay, better move. Hanging up so I don’t run over you.”

He slid his phone in his pocket, realizing his dick was still under the influence of whatever his Batty buddy had done. He aimed his gift at his cock, locking it in a prison that nothing on planet earth could penetrate as he made his way to her car.

The second the door opened, and Miss Skelton stepped out, the effects from his bite slammed him like a linebacker. His sense of smell was now attached to his cock, and he knew instinctively that it wasn’t her perfume that shook the prison around this power but her female scent. His sweat glands activated and his mouth filled with saliva. Then his eyes succumbed next, licking a slow gaze over every inch of her body. The combined data produced X-rated images that torched his mind.

“I told you he’d like it!”

Rosavelt’s voice and clapping should’ve broken the spell, but it took forcing his eyes shut to cut the power that had formed between him and her. No, not between. It was one way.

“I think he’s in shock,” Rosavelt whispered.

“My apologies,” he said, sliding a hand over his lowered forehead. “I was dizzy for a second.”

“Uh-oh,” Miss Skelton said, worried. “Are you a diabetic?”

She stood next to him and the urge to touch and taste with every part of himself came with such a force, it startled him. “I wouldn’t get too close. In case I’m coming down with something.”

“Pfff, I wouldn’t worry about that,” she said, touching his forehead with her hand. “You’re sweating. But you don’t feel feverish. Have you eaten?”

He snatched her wrist and their eyes locked. “Stop touching.”

He released her and she dropped her hand. “Sorry,” she barely mumbled.

“Are you okay Mr. Vex?”

The worried voice of Rosavelt was the bucket of ice water he needed. He lowered to his haunches and took both her hands. “I’m fine now that you’re here. I’ve been counting the minutes till your arrival. All my brothers have, in fact.”

Her smile beamed. “How many brothers do you have?”

“I have twelve.”

She sucked in a huge breath, blue eyes big. “Twelve! I hope they’re not all annoying like my brother.”

He chuckled. “Sometimes they are.” He stood, keeping one of her hands in his. “Do you mind if I escort you?”

Her braided pigtails flung about with the shake of her head. “Don’t mind one bit. But momma might get jealous,” she hissed loudly as they went.

“Not to worry. She will be lavished with more attention than she could ever want I think.” The moment the words left his mouth, he was hit by another bite effect. No eyes were allowed on her body but his. No male would smell this scent but him.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Miss Skelton asked.

He realized he was standing still, caught up in a lust rage. “Do you see that door?” he pointed. “That’s the entrance. I’ll be right behind you.”

“Alright,” she said, smiling at Rosavelt and offering her a hand.

“What about his paintings?” she remembered, worried.

“Don’t worry,” her mother said. “I’ll come and get them when it’s time for the grand showing.”

Vex pulled his phone out as they headed inside, his eyes locked on her body, sucking in every curve and the way they moved and swayed. At the door, she turned, and he glanced down at his phone, clenching his eyes tight. He found Nitro’s name and dialed him.

“King.”

“What in the realms did you do to me?” he could only seethe.

“Oh damn,” he muttered, chuckling. “Too much?”

“Too much? My cock is a fucking third limb. And Miss Skelton is here with her daughter!”

“Ohhhh fuck,” he said around chuckles. “The only way for you to understand it is to experience it. That’s the text I was going to send you. I had no idea you were interested in a woman. In fact, I’m pretty sure you made it clear you’re not.”

“Whatever you pumped me with has turned my testosterone into some kind of...bio-jet-fuel.”

“So, it worked, wow,” he whispered. “What are you experiencing? Are you thinking it yet?”

“Thinking what? That I need to kill you?”

He laughed again. “You must not have, or you’d know. Maybe it has to grow.”

“If there’s even the slightest increase in my body, even molecularly, I’m finding you and aiming all of this...rage on your face.”

“It is a rage, isn’t it,” he marveled. “A lust rage. Just know that if you want to bite her and drink her blood while fucking her, don’t fear it. Let it take you. It won’t let you hurt her, it’ll protect her.”

Vex couldn’t believe what he’d just said, but more disturbing was that he was hanging on every syllable like a man desperate for those exact details.

“This can’t be happening,” he mumbled. “I need to call Lore. No, Gauld. Gauld will know how to stop this.”

“Well, brother, I should warn you. Sex feeds it. So, if you don’t want this to grow, do not fuck her. No matter how badly you want to.”

Vex hung up the phone, floundering in the flames. He needed to cancel this entire thing. He wasn’t safe to be around. He stormed through his own brain for ideas while his hunger reminded him where she was and the exact brothers who might take great interest in her.

That brought a flood of rabid nonsense and took control of his indecisive limbs, shooting him toward the building. Finding her and little Rosavelt just inside and still alone put him right on their security detail. There would sure as hell be no sharing either of them.

“If you would follow me, ladies,” he announced, his attempt to not look at Miss Skelton ending right at her breasts. He ripped his eyes from them and led the way, fighting to maintain a sensible pace they could keep up with while mentally preparing for the war to come once he had them in his apartment. The other option was a public space but having her around his brothers was unthinkable.

“Please make yourselves comfortable,” Vex said after they entered his quarters. “I’ll be five minutes.” He hurried to his room and into the bathroom, stripping out of his clothes and ordering the shower to the coldest setting.