Page 45 of Wicked Allure
That was who she needed to focus on. The vampire had been accused of horrific crimes that if he was alive, she’d be only too happy to drag his ass back to face the king and queen.
“General, welcome back to Madam Rice’s.” The same hostess who’d greeted her yesterday smiled and bowed her head. “My name is Callidora, and I shall be your hostess again.”
“Thank you.” Dru took in the club. Music throbbed, low and primal, each note a seduction. Dru’s gums stretched to accommodate her fangs descending. She didn’t know why she was here—she knew but didn’t know why so soon. She’d just fed the day before, and it had been fulfilling. She’d left very satisfied. Tomesha had sated the hunger that had burned inside her.
So why was she back already?
She should have been fine for another day or two.
“Would you like a private alcove or open seating?” Callidora asked.
“Alcove.” Dru had left the inn with the promise to return soon. She hadn’t told anyone where she was going. She’d taken one of the vehicles and had driven herself to the club. She inhaled deeply and caught the scents of the humans, tempting and all available for a price.
Her gaze roamed the room, seeking out a certain brown-skinned beauty. Was she entertaining another? A growl rippled through her at the thought of another touching Tomesha. Drinking from her. Tasting what was between her thighs.
“Follow me.” Callidora smiled and turned on her heel.
Dru cleared her throat and hoped the hostess didn’t hear her growl. She followed Callidora in the direction she’d been seated yesterday. They arrived at another alcove that was nestled in the corner.
“Please have a seat. Would you like to review the menu or would you like to be presented live donors?”
Dru, dressed in her fighting leathers, sat on the cushioned bench. She scanned the room and ignored the vampires who leaned over their chosen partners in plain view or the gasps of ecstasy that carried over the music. Others were sprawled on lounges participating in the sins of the flesh. A male vampire rested back on a chair while a female rode him. Her cries reached Dru from across the room.
“Is Tomesha working?” Dru zeroed in on the hostess. She tried to appear calm and collected.
“I’m sorry. She’s not.”
There was a hint of something in her eyes that Dru couldn’t read. Immediately, alarms went off in Dru’s mind. She recovered quickly with a wide smile.
“If you desire a human donor, I’ll arrange?—”
“Give me the menu,” Dru interjected.
The moment the hostess had mentioned another live donor, Dru’s stomach quivered. She was unsure why she suddenly felt sick to her stomach at the thought of drinking from a donor. She’d done it countless times in her two hundred and twenty-five years on this earth. Why all of sudden would she feel ill to her stomach at the thought of feeding from a random human?
“Certainly. Give me a moment to grab one.” Callidora bowed her head and disappeared.
Dru blew out a deep breath. Was it Tomesha’s scheduled day off? Or was she home recovering? It had been the first time she’d been fed from. Dru had ensured she’d tipped Tomesha well. The woman had left an impression on her.
Clearly.
Which would explain why she was trying to see her again after she’d said she needed to focus on her mission—not the human.
“Here you are, General.” Callidora reappeared and slid the menu onto the table to Dru. “Would you like me to recommend?—”
“No,” Dru snapped. She cleared her throat and reached for the menu. She softened her tone. “Let me look it over first. If I have any questions, I’ll ask.”
“Of course.” She tipped her head to Dru before leaving.
Dru picked up the menu. She glanced at it but could barely read the words. She should leave. If Tomesha wasn’t here, then maybe she could come back on another day when she worked. Her breaths came faster at the thought of seeing the human again. Maybe she could just ask when Tomesha worked. Then she could come back for a direct feeding and more. Her breath caught in her throat at what more entailed.
Since she was here, she might as well have one glass. That wouldn’t hurt. She eyed the menu again. She read the selection she’d almost ordered last time.
The Dionysian – From donors who indulged in red wine before offering, imparting lush berry undertones and a heady warmth.
She might as well get it this time. It at least sounded more appealing than feeding from another female. Dru looked up and caught the eye of a server. She flagged her down. The woman navigated her way over to Dru.
“Hello. I’m Viessa. Can I get you something?”
