Page 31 of Wicked Allure
“I’m not sure how that would work,” Tomesha said.
“Excuse me, Lady Feng, but as Tomesha has been so kind to share with you, she’s reserved. You’ll have to excuse her.” Callidora, the club hostess, appeared at Tomesha’s side. The hostess bowed her head to Valentina then turned her attention to Tomesha. “Your very important guest has arrived. Please follow me.”
“Now wait a fucking minute. What do you mean ‘very important guest.’ Am I not an important guest? I want Tomesha tonight,” Valentina demanded.
“I am sorry, Lady Feng. Give me a moment, and we’ll present you with other choice donors who would be of great service to you,” Callidora said.
“How much do I have to pay? I’ll pay extra.” Valentina’s gaze flicked to Tomesha then returned to Callidora.
“I’m sorry, Lady Feng. We’re following the direction of the mistress. Now please. Have a seat, and I’ll send someone to you.” Callidora didn’t wait for a response. She spun on her heel and motioned for Tomesha to follow her.
Tomesha tried to smooth it over and smiled at Valentina, scurrying away after Callidora.
Valentina was pissed.
Dru attempted to relax as best as she could. There was no reason for her to be in the madam’s club and scowling. She understood the postmaster was trying to make a good impression on her. She was quite impressed with the fort.
Dru’s gaze swept Madam Rice’s club. This establishment wasn’t merely a place to sate hunger—it was a haven where desire and temptation met in equal measure. Every touch, every offering, was consensual. Blood from a willing donor was always better than a human filled with fear. Here, predator and willing prey could come together, free of judgment, free of fear. If she wasn’t here in town for a purpose, she’d probably enjoy the club for what it was worth.
Callidora had offered her seating with the postmaster, but Dru declined. The hostess had escorted her to a single alcove that gave her a full view of the place while also shielding her and providing privacy should she desire. She settled into her comfortable chair with a small round table in front of her. From her viewpoint, she took in Talbot across the room speaking with a human female, while Orenda had disappeared with her donor.
Dru had opted to be served from the club’s prepared blood. She picked up the menu and scanned the title and description.
The Crimson Cellar – A curated selection of rare and exquisite offerings, harvested with reverence and consent. Each pour celebrates the union of taste, experience, and intimacy.
The menu presented house vintages, specialty reserves, and more. One of the selections caught her eye.
The Dionysian – From donors who indulge in red wine before offering, imparting lush berry undertones and a heady warmth.
She reviewed the rest of the menu and decided she’d go with the Dionysian. She scanned the room to track down a server and caught sight of Callidora headed back her way. Dru froze in place as the human trailing behind the hostess came into view.
It was the human from the street.
Only she wasn’t in regular clothing.
Tonight, she was dressed as a donor for Madam. Her dark hair was left flowing around her shoulders, and her makeup was flawless, allowing her smooth brown skin to glow. Her dark eyes, almond in shape, had a smokiness to them. Her figure was curvy, and the white sheer dress did nothing but highlight all of the assets the woman had been born with. Dru pushed up from where she was seated inside the alcove and strode forward.
Her gums burned and stretched, then her fangs slipped through. Dru inhaled sharply as the female drew closer to her. She stepped outside of the intimate area to wait. Where was the hostess taking the female? Surely not to the postmaster? Or any other vampire in the room.
“General,” Callidora murmured. A teasing glint entered her eyes. She stopped in front of Dru and bowed her head. “Is something wrong?”
“No, nothing’s wrong.” Dru stared at the human who had yet to look at her.
The woman glanced over her shoulder before finally turning to face Dru. Her beauty hit Dru straight in the chest. The air in her lungs escaped.
“It was brought to our attention that you had requested to dine off the menu tonight, but Mistress Beatrix refuses to allow such an esteemed guest to dine off the menu when she’d reserved such an exquisite treat for you.” Callidora moved to the side and held out a hand to the woman.
She slipped hers inside Callidora’s and allowed her to guide her forward. The woman stopped in front of Dru and tipped her head back to meet her gaze. Dru’s lungs burned; they screamed for air. She finally inhaled, and in doing so, she breathed a scent that she attributed to the female before her.
It was captivating. She carried the aroma of soft fruit and golden honey. A sweetness clung to her skin like perfume. Dru’s composure faltered. She, a tough warrior, a general, was almost willing to beg the woman for her name. Her fangs throbbed, while her hunger sharpened to an intensity that shook Dru to her core. Her gaze fell to the leather collar around the woman’s neck.
She was a virgin to the bite of a vampire.
An almost primal need rose in Dru—to be the first to sink her fangs into the woman’s artery and drink her life-giving ambrosia. She blinked, unsure of why she was having this reaction to the human. She’d never cared about being the first to drink from a donor.
“General, may I present to you, Tomesha,” Callidora continued.
“Tomesha,” Dru breathed.
