Apep sucked blood from the boy, imagining his strength growing from this pure breed little WASP. Meanwhile, the Venom dripped into Royce's bloodstream, numbing his fingertips and relaxing his body into Apep's embrace. It was a rather sexual metaphor, the penetration, the domination and submission, the control of pleasure of and pain. It was damn near intimate. Apep could hate this little brat, but when providing this service he gave everything he had to it. He prided himself on a very satisfied customer. Sutekh hissed loudly. They weren't alone. Apep drew back his fangs and pushed Royce to the ground.
"Show yourself vampire," he called out. "My snake can smell you."
Ari had been following Royce for several minutes, their bond allowing him to always find the younger. He'd been suspicious of Royce's prospective whereabouts, when the other gave noncommittal answers about his destination. Royce was a colorful talker, but had always had a problem getting Ari to believe his shit. He'd let Royce get a sizable lead before leaving Penbrook.
Ari had decided to drive instead of just using Celerity, and picked out a sensible black sedan. He didn't want to risk being seen, and he didn't know what state he'd find Royce. Sure enough, his love had gotten high on some new drug, and Ari only hoped the west was far enough away that the other's didn't sense it right away. He could always claim Royce had a drunk human. He was known for that, and it wasn't as taboo as it once was. If Charon, or Felecia or even Hugh were to find out about this there would be hell to pay.
"He's had enough," Ari said to the slick looking drug dealer. "I'm taking him."
"So take him brother," Apep laughed, counting Royce's cash. "I'm done with the brat."
Ari had the urge to break this little nobody's neck, but he knew that was rash, and the best thing was to remove Royce from the situation. He was about to scoop up the boy and move him to the car, when the snake demon called out to him once more.
"Want my advice," the thief asked Ari, sounding sugary sweet and helpful.
"No," Ari said forcefully, casting a withering gaze at the snake. He let his age envelop the demon, choked him with the raw strength and power of his aura. Ari was impressed that the demon's face barely contorted, and he found a way to press on despite his new fear.
"Hey, hey, hey, man," Apep objected, holding his hands up in surrender. "All I'm trying to say is I think I can help you."
Ari scooped up Royce like he was a doll, cradled in his arms. He looked so peaceful and content high. It saddened his maker. "What is it then," Ari huffed, wishing to be rid of this demon.
"Fuck with him where he lives," Apep advised. "You want to control someone, find out they want, and then either give it to them, or..." he showed Ari one of Royce's hundreds. "Take it away." He ripped it in two. He looked at Royce's boots.
"Hey man, can I have those," he said pointing to the shoes.
Ari simply frowned, turned his back on Apep and began to walk away. The snake demon howled with laughter. Ari let him for a moment, before his mental attack fully hit.
Don't sell to him again, Ari said, as Apep went paralyzed at the waist. Ari didn't wish to cause more violence than was needed, and so he conditioned Apep's mind to have the effect dissipate over time. It still made him feel better to punish Royce's supplier. Apep cursed violently, slowly turning back into his snake form so he could slither home. Sutekh stared at his master blankly.
Did we win, he asked Apep.