Page 16 of Wicked Allure
Tomesha closed the drawer and went over to her closet. It was almost time for her shift. As promised, she’d been given her own private room. It was a standard suite with the basics. She hadn’t had a chance to think of how she wanted to personalize it. At the moment, she left it as it was presented to her. Spending money for lavish decorations wasn’t at the top of her priority list. It was nice and cozy as it was. The bed was large enough to fit four grown people in it. The artwork was tasteful, and they’d even provided a drawer of toys for her to utilize for her customers.
The only request she’d made was for a sewing machine and plenty of fabrics. She wanted to make her own uniforms. Mistress had approved the request but stated she had to stick with the sheer material that was standard for all donors and servers.
Tomesha slid the door back to reveal the standard uniforms she’d been given, but then her gaze landed on her latest design. She smiled and reached for the dress. Mistress had seen the other two outfits she’d concocted and had even mentioned she liked them.
She moved over to the bed and placed the dress down. She had a towel wrapped around her and wanted to do her makeup first before getting dressed. She’d waited until she’d arrived at the club to take a shower. She wanted to ensure she was fresh and clean for work.
Tomesha eyed the vanity that held more makeup then she knew what to do with it. She flicked on the bright lights and stared at herself. Her dark eyes were large while her long dark hair was still contained in her shower cap. Starla had taught her how to do her makeup. She wanted to keep everything light and natural-looking. Some of the donors were always dolled up with a face full of makeup, but Tomesha didn’t feel that was for her.
Her thoughts turned to tonight as she moisturized herself. She was to work the bar. It was a weekend, and she was sure it would be busy. Even in their small town, there were plenty of vampires arriving, since Butterbush was a vampirian outpost. Ever since the vampires had taken over, they had instilled their outposts throughout the country. It had been built as a defensive post during the war. It proved to be a strategic location that allowed the vampires to exert their presence and control.
The town of Butterbush once only held less than ten thousand occupants. Once the outpost was set up, it brought more humans. Vampires in the area should have equaled more job opportunities, but with the amount of humans who’d flocked to the town, demands outweighed the opportunities. Some businesses struggled while other certain areas flourished.
One good factor about living in a town with a vampire outpost run by their military was the protection from rogue vampires. Butterbush was a safe haven for humans. The royal vampire military had been battling the rogue vampires, those who did not abide by the vampire laws. Even humans would rather be protected by the vampire Royal Army than take their chances with lawless vampires.
It didn’t take Tomesha long to finish getting ready for her shift. She stood back from her floor-length mirror and almost didn’t recognize the person standing before her. She looked healthier. Her color was radiant. One thing Mistress wasn’t going to go for was a starving server. Plenty of food was provided for the humans. They’d need their full strength to be able to service the vampires.
Her white sheer dress stopped just above her knees, showcasing her legs. She’d received many compliments about them. She’d never really paid them any mind before, but if potential clients liked them, then she’d ensure they were on display. If she wanted to bring in top money then she’d have to appeal to the sensual nature of vampires. She’d pulled her hair up into a top bun. Even though she had to wear the collar and wristlets, it hadn’t kept vampires from sniffing her neck.
“You can do this,” she murmured.
A nervousness always settled upon her as she was about to go out into the club. Would today be the day Mistress allowed a worthy vampire to sink their fangs into her flesh? A shiver rippled down her spine at the thought. She gave herself another look over before spinning on her heels and heading out of her room.
She made her way down the private corridor. The music playing in the club was muffled, but she could hear the steady beat of the base. Moans of pleasure echoed from some doors—some people were already busy with work. She arrived at the end of the hall and jogged up the few stairs that led to the guarded door.
“Good evening.” The security guard, Boris, opened the door for her. He nodded to her as she passed by. He was tall and broad-shouldered, his dark hair slicked back from his face, his fangs noticeable when he spoke.
“Evening, Boris.” She exhaled slowly.
The men and women who provided protection for the club were vital. In her two weeks there, she’d seen a couple of vampires who had to be removed for being unruly. The security team acted swiftly, and business was back to usual within minutes.
“I hope you have a smooth night,” she said.
“Same to you, Tomesha.”
She smiled at him and continued on.
The madam’s establishment was a sanctuary of indulgence, where elegance and temptation were entwined. Candlelight glowed from golden sconces, and crystal chandeliers bathed the room in a soft light. Tapestries of silk and velvet were draped on the walls, giving the place the look of luxury. Plush lounges, private alcoves, and sweeping curtains offered intimacy if guests wanted to be hidden away or to become spectacles if they chose to be on display.
Tomesha paused in the doorway and inhaled. She was met with the scent of sandalwood, rose, and the faint, metallic hint of blood. Humans and vampires filled the room. Tomesha was no longer in shock at the show of open feedings. It was a necessity for the vampires. Something that she thought would be barbaric could actually be tender and intimate. She took in the writhing bodies in a corner and a human reclining, willingly offering themselves for a vampire to drink from them.
A grand bar gleamed at the heart of the establishment with its polished mahogany base and marble countertops. That was where she’d be working tonight. Crystal decanters held rich wines and the precious blood for vampires.
Tomesha would have never guessed there were so many ways a vampire could consume prepared blood. One of the first things she’d been taught was providing and preparing the blood for the vampires. She’d just assumed it would be in a container and she’d pour.
Oh no.
Serving blood was similar to serving the finest of wines with a presentation that was stylish and almost ceremonial. Tomesha was blown away by what she’d learned and all that was available for the vampires.
“You’re a little early today. Ready to make that money?” Ada, one of the vampire bartenders, winked.
“Well, I figured I better hurry so I can help. It looks busy out there.” Tomesha slid behind the counter and took in the crowd around the bar.
Vampires gathered there, some sipping from goblets while humans lingered nearby. The hum of the music threaded through the club, weaving a rhythm that matched the thrum of desire in the air.
Tomesha had learned quickly this was a place free of judgment and fear. This world in the club was different than what awaited them on the outside.
“I appreciate it. Jacob and Viessa are already running drinks to a few tables. I have some other orders that I need you to take,” the experienced bartender said.
