Page 82 of Wicked Allure
“The vampire you think was watching me?” Tomesha asked.
“Yes. He’s very dangerous and is wanted by the queen,” Dru admitted. It wouldn’t hurt to share a little information with her.
Understanding dawned in Tomesha’s eyes. “That’s why you were really sent here? When you said you were going hunting, you were looking for this vampire?”
Dru nodded and lifted Tomesha’s hand to her lips. She pressed a kiss to the soft skin. She should have taken her mate up on the offer she’d made earlier when she’d asked Dru if she had the need to feed.
The hunger burning in her belly had little to do with the actual need to consume blood but to taste her mate’s sweet nectar and watch her reach her climax.
“Once you find him, then you’ll return to Maine?”
“We’ll return to Maine,” Dru corrected her. When she left Butterbush, Tomesha would come with her. They’d never be separated. She’d ensure Tomesha and her family had everything they’d need to settle down in Crystal Cove.
“We’re here.” Orenda parked the SUV in front of an office building.
Across the street were a few stores. There was a general store, a clothing store, a shoe shop, and a bakery. Few pedestrians ambled down the sidewalk.
The cloud cover still held well to allow Dru and her warriors to be out during the day. She wouldn’t have to worry about burning. The other SUV pulled in front of them. Her men immediately exited and began securing the area.
“Are you sure you want to come in with me? Would you like to visit those shops across the street? I could send a warrior with you?” Dru asked.
“I’m not allowed in there?” Disappointment lined her voice. Tomesha looked at the lab.
From the outside, it looked ordinary. A slab of gray concrete and mirrored glass nestled between two other offices. Its entrance was unmarked to the naked human eye. To any human passing by, it would seem like another faceless architecture in the small town.
This wasn’t a place she’d want her mate to be exposed to.
But then as a mate to a high-ranking general, Tomesha would need to learn all there was to the life of a vampire. She was a strong female. Dru thought of the Riskel sisters’ mates and how each human was a strong woman who handled life amongst vampires just fine.
Tomesha would be no different.
“Not sure what their protocols are, but you’re welcome to come with me. If you’re unable to, then I’ll send Orenda with you to the shops.” Dru wouldn’t argue or throw her weight around if the lab had rules. If she had to send Tomesha away, she had the utmost confidence in her warrior.
Orenda exited the vehicle and opened Dru’s door.
“I am interested in seeing if your process is the same as mine was,” Tomesha said.
“Then let’s go.”
Dru stepped out of the SUV and strode to the other side. Her gaze swept the area. Her men had the area secured. The unknown visitor at the inn didn’t sit well with her. She opened Tomesha’s door and held out her hand.
“Come, miere.” Dru assisted Tomesha onto the sidewalk. She brought her close and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
Tomesha glanced up at her with a smile on her lips. Dru vowed at that moment to ensure her mate was always happy. This would be her life’s purpose. It was ingrained in vampires.
Take, mate, and cherish.
It was a creed that most vampires lived by. Tomesha was an optimistic human. She’d been dealt a crappy hand at life and she’d taken what she had and prospered. There was a strength inside her that Dru respected. Not many humans were as accepting of the way of life after the war. Tomesha was worthy of being the mate of a general.
My mate.
She entwined their fingers and guided Tomesha to the building. The glass doors parted soundlessly at their approach. Inside, chilly air reached them. The empty lobby held a minimalistic modern look to it. Smooth white walls, a polished floor that gleamed brightly. A reception desk manned by a male speaking on the telephone in a perfectly controlled voice.
She strode up to the counter just as he hung up.
“Name?” the male asked without taking his attention from his screen. His fingers moved over the keyboard in a steady motion. He looked up and froze. His eyes widened at the sight of her.
“I am?—”
