Page 65 of Wicked Allure
Her grandmother was a wonderful cook, and now that their pantry was always full, the woman was a cooking machine. Tomesha loved seeing her so happy while doing something she loved. Delonda always spoke fondly of her youth and spending time in the kitchen with her grandmother who’d taught her everything she knew.
The sound of heavy engines filled the air. She swung around and took in two large vehicles barreling down their street. They came to a halt in front of her home. Tomesha’s heart raced at the sight of large armed men exiting the vehicles. Tarek pushed her behind him as the men strode forward.
“Tomesha Clay?” the first one barked out.
Tomesha peeked around her brother’s form and eyed the men. These were definitely vampires and wore the royal crest on their uniforms. She doubted that Dru would send this amount of men after her to bring her back to the inn after she’d just left.
“Who wants to know?” Tarek demanded.
She tried to move from behind him, but he kept his body between her and the men. She rested a hand on his back while still trying to see around him.
“We’re here by royal decree. Tomesha Clay has been identified as a human who will need to report for the draft,” a deep voice snapped.
Tomesha’s eyes widened. She’d been drafted? She shook her head. She couldn’t believe that her name had come up. The vampire king’s scientists had devised a simple blood test that allowed them to identify a vampire’s fated mate. She’d been a kid when the draft rolled out. Tomesha didn’t know how she felt about being matched with some random vampire.
There were plenty of humans who protested the draft and even some vampires who objected to it as well. Each of the vampire princesses had been enrolled and even mated as a result of it. All of them to a human. The media had been taken by storm when the heir to the throne had been matched and mated.
Dru’s pale skin and bright-blue eyes came to mind. Was she registered as a vampire in the matching system? Was she in search of her mate? A twinge of pain lanced Tomesha’s heart at the thought of Dru belonging to another. Or that her vampire would no longer desire her because her attention was on another—one who was meant to be with her.
“If that is Tomesha Clay, you mustn’t stand in the way. It is a direct violation of penal code?—”
“I’m Tomesha Clay!” She flew from behind Tarek and stood by his side. She already knew he’d try to stand in the way in order to try to protect her.
He scowled at her, but she shook her head. The last thing they needed was for him to be arrested.
She took a step forward. “Please forgive my brother. He’s very protective of me, but I’m Tomesha Clay.”
“Ma’am, the Sampson County Draft office has been unable to get a hold of you.” The first warrior motioned for her to come forward. “You are to come with us.”
“She’s not going anywhere,” Tarek snapped.
The warriors’ hands dropped to their weapons on their waists in a very threatening manner. Tomesha spun toward her brother, wanting to squash a confrontation before it began. He’d be no match for the six tall, muscular warriors who had enough weapons on their body to take on a small army.
“Tarek. It’s going to be okay,” she said. There was no way for her to get out of the draft. There were repercussions for dodging it. She attempted to offer him a smile to get him to calm down, but it wasn’t going to work.
His gaze was locked on the vampire warriors.
“Gran will need you, Tarek. I’m sure I won’t be gone long.”
Not that she knew every detail registering for the draft entailed. She knew there was a blood sample that needed to be submitted. That was how the test was performed. She’d then be notified if she matched to a vampire.
“They can’t do this,” he rasped, his dark-eyed gaze falling to her.
“But they can. You know it’s the law. It would be no different than if they were here for you. Please, don’t cause an issue. Go back in the house. Hopefully I shall be home for dinner. Tell Gran I love her and I’ll be home soon.” Tomesha reached out and stroked his face.
His scowl deepened, but he jerked his head in a nod.
“Fine,” he exhaled.
She patted him on the chest then took a step toward the warriors.
“She’d better come back unharmed.”
Tomesha rolled her eyes at him but couldn’t keep her lips from curling up into a smile. Only Tarek would be demanding of vampire warriors.
“No harm shall come to the human female while in our custody,” the second warrior proclaimed.
That made her feel better. At least they’d get her safely to the government lab and then home.
