Page 44 of Vampire's Choice

It quickly became apparent how much the Circus people enjoyed the kids and their parents, meeting them with true affection and good spirits, no matter the many set-up tasks awaiting them.

She really liked being part of the Circus world.

On opening night, Ruth was assigned to the midway. When Adan had described the Circus to her, she had inhaled the stories like candy. The reality was even better. The prep of vending wagons, sideshow tents and the Big Top, the creative arrangement of props, the players getting into their jaw-dropping costumes, the last-minute practices. All while the teasing scents of popcorn, cotton candy and peanut brittle started to permeate the midway.

When she patrolled the perimeter, she kept potential vulnerabilities specific to the fortune teller in mind, and marked Clara’s tent. It was draped in gold and blue parachute fabric that created silken waves whenever the wind picked up. The open flaps were hemmed with sparkling beads and tassels. A wooden painted banner, Fortune and Joy Foretold, was mounted over the opening.

Prior to the gate opening, part of Ruth’s job was checking the interior of the tents on her assigned route, to see that all was well and ensure the occupants had no issues or new security concerns. With that in mind, she entered one of the tents where smaller scale pre-show acrobatics and skits would be performed.

Sarita, Karl and Nikolai were going over a new routine and Sarita was nervous about it. She was the least experienced acrobat, an apprentice to the two veterans. Ruth had picked up that backstory from Clara, but also learned more from what she witnessed now.

Sarita was balanced on one foot on a large ball. Karl stood in front of her, Nikolai behind. As Nikolai watched, Karl’s touch slid up the inside of one braced thigh, his fingertips moving against the thin crotch of the sparkling leotard she wore.

“Hold,” he said. “You will hold that pose for your Masters forever if we require it. Won’t you?”

“Yes,” she managed, offering a slight smile at the tease but also showing the strain as her arousal grew. A tiny moan, a little whimper, escaped as he put his fingers inside her, under the crotch panel, and began to do a slow in and out thrust. His fingers were slick with her response.

Sarita shuddered and the leg buckled. Even Ruth’s vampire speed couldn’t have matched the response of the two Masters, who caught her in ready arms.

“You will perform beautifully for us.” Karl brushed her hair from her face. “You always do. If there are any mistakes, we will be there to catch you.”

“And correct you later,” Nikolai noted with the right touch of sternness. “In ways that will make you long to do much better.”

The care made Ruth’s chest hurt. As she glanced around, she saw Charlie on the top row of the fixed tiered benches, the audience seating. She was sewing flowers on a hat. However, her unique way of seeing had noted Ruth. She lifted a hand at her regard. When she bit the thread to finish up the repair and rose, Ruth moved to her aid, but Charlie came down the graduated steps easily.

“You’re kind,” the healer said quietly. “I admit, I do have more trouble in unfamiliar environments, but I know the Circus like I know my own bedroom.”

Slipping outside with her, Charlie showed Ruth the hat. “It’s Buella’s, one of our clowns. She adopted a stray cat a few months ago. The little terror shredded the flower, so I put on some new ones. I like this trio of forsythia, nodding over the brim. I’ve added a couple beads and some wire so they’ll bounce around like bug antenna.”

“She better hide it from the cat. But I love it. The kids are going to want one.”

Charlie chuckled. “Yvette will order me to send the pattern to our vendor supplier for small batch production, I’m sure.” They fell into step together, since Ruth’s perimeter check was taking her near the entrance, where the clowns were gathering. They would spread out when the gate opened, to mingle and entertain the ticket holders as they made their way toward the Big Top.

“So why did you choose that tent to repair the hat?”

“It was closest when Buella gave the hat to me. I carry scraps and a sewing kit for the things I have to do on the go.” Charlie patted the bag on her hip. “Karl, Sarita and Niko have wonderful sexual energy, even when they’re in work mode. You should see them on Play Night.”

“Play Night?”

“Many of our members are in power exchange relationships.” Charlie nudged her. “I’m sure you’ve noticed.”

With the Circus being owned and run by a vampire, it was practically expected. The Circus offered two types of performances, one for families, and one for erotic, more sensual venues, such as Club Atlantis. The Atlanta BDSM club was owned and run by Anwyn, a made vampire whose servant was Jacob’s brother, Gideon.

When Adan had apprenticed with Derek, he’d helped set up the portal at Club Atlantis that facilitated the Circus’s first performance for an exclusive audience that included the Fae court and Vampire Council. The Circus had returned there at least once a year ever since. Ruth hoped she’d be with them long enough to see that.

“So, once a month, there’s a staff Play Night in the Big Top,” Charlie continued. “Since we use the same props, Yvette says she gets new ideas for the erotic shows.”

They were reaching the clowns, and Charlie pressed her arm in a brief, affectionate grip. “You should plan on coming to the next one. You don’t have to play. Voyeurism is entirely encouraged. It’s just all of us, the Circus family. No outsiders allowed.”

“Sounds like fun. Thanks.”

Charlie nodded and headed toward the clowns. Buella came toward her, hands out for the hat. Her pleased smile said she liked Charlie’s efforts. After she put it on, adjusting the chin strap, she bounced in a circle like a waddling penguin, jumped into a handstand and followed it with a somersault, seeing what the antenna would do.

While vastly entertaining, Ruth reminded herself she was on the job and moved on. She did think about Charlie’s invitation, though. Hell yes, she’d go, even if she’d be eager to watch but afraid to participate.

Story of her life.

The parking lot was filling up fast. Gundar had told her that most of their performances were sold out before the Circus arrived.

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