Page 6 of Risking Immortality

“Nope, she just wanted to know why I was back there grabbing water.”

“Why would she want to know that?”

“Because she has absolutely no idea who I am.”

“Oh shit, what did she say when you told her? Fuck, I bet she was mortified,” Aliah laughs.

“I didn’t tell her,” I grin.

“Oh, you’re mean.”

“Well, she didn’t ask, so…”

We’re interrupted by a white piece of paper being slammed onto the table. Looking up, I see Erin, who is standing there scowling. I look at the item she nearly put through the table. It’s a bill for the water. I can’t help the laugh that I release. Reaching into my purse, I pull out a fifty-dollar bill and hand it over. “Keep the change,” I say. Her scowl deepens as does my laugh. She storms away and I lose sight of her.

“You are so mean,” Aliah cackles. That was the first genuine bit of fun I’ve had with a woman in a long time. I don’t have long to mull over what occurred because Dana arrives. She’s wearing a dress that could be classed as a belt and I know it’s for my benefit.

“There you are. Come on, let’s dance.”

We head back into the fray. Our bodies meld together, and I know for certain I will take her to bed tonight, or to the table, possibly on the couch. Wherever we decide, it’s going to be fun. Dana is adventurous, and she’s not afraid to ask for what she desires.

Even though we are surrounded by hundreds of people, I am still acutely aware of Erin. It’s like I can feel her presence, which is strange. Without looking, I can pinpoint her. The memory of her scent clouds my mind. Such a sweet and inviting smell. But that’s not what I’m thinking about. I’m wondering why I have never come across someone with that scent. Vampires and humans all have the same underlying scent that distinguishes us. It doesn’t matter which perfume or cologne is worn; the scent of a species is always the same. But not Erin.

I’m pulled out of my fog by Dana cupping me. She’s tired of dancing and wants to take the party elsewhere. I have a penthouse apartment above the club, which will suffice. Grabbing her hand, I lead her to the back of the dancefloor. A panel conceals a set of stairs. It’s bio locked, so only I have access.

We head upstairs, but before I lose sight of the room, I shoot one last look over at the bar. Erin is busy serving. She’s graceful and efficient. My heart stutters, and then Erin looks up. Our eyes meet and I see the look of confusion on her face. I wink and pull the panel closed.

For now, I need to put Erin to the back of my mind. Dana is ready to help me celebrate my birthday and I need what she’s offering.

Four

Iwake up alone, which isn’t surprising. Dana likes to have her fun and then leave as soon as possible. It doesn’t bother me. I prefer mornings to myself. Normally I sit on my balcony with a cup of coffee, watching the city come alive. Since staying with my parents, I haven’t had the chance to have a morning to myself, not with so many siblings loitering around. I swear none of them, except Lucas, understands the need for peace and quiet.

Thankfully, my apartment above Insomnia is kept fully stocked and cleaned. I never know when I will need to use the place. Not that I stay here regularly. Like I said, it’s been months since I last visited.

Stretching reminds me of all the acrobatic sex I had last night. Dana put me through my paces. My legs ache as much as my pussy. Hell, everything aches.

I make my way over to the kitchen on wobbly legs. The penthouse is an open concept. Everything in the kitchen is top of the line. It came that way when I bought the building. I like new things but the sterile chrome and white isn’t my style, I just haven’t bothered to decorate it to my taste. What’s the point when it’s more like a hotel room than a home?

Once my coffee is brewed, I head to the balcony. I don’t bother with clothes; I’m too far up and frankly, I don’t care who sees me. The morning sun is already hot, showing another glorious day.

Sipping my coffee, I recall yesterday. I replay the conversations with my family over and over. Maybe they are right, and I haven’t been putting in the effort to find my mate. I always believed my mate would find me if I’m honest. I romanticized everything, and when I realized that wasn’t how my story was being written, I…what? Gave up? Have I given up?

The result of not being mated isn’t lost on me. I know my family believe I’m being too laid back but in reality I’m terrified. No vampire wants to end up unmated. My thoughts wander to last night and to Erin. Her mystery scent is still puzzling to me. The way I could track her movements also causes distress, but I’m not sure why.

Insomnia will open at nine this evening. There is a cocktail hour before the DJ arrives. I wonder if Erin will be working again. Maybe I should introduce myself? I’m secretly looking forward to seeing her face when she realizes who I am.

That still leaves me with the rest of the day. I should head back to my parents, but I’m enjoying the solitude. I’ll stay here for a little longer. It would actually be a good idea to go over some work things while I’m here. Claire takes care of everything, but she knows I like to be kept in the loop.

After a satisfying shower, I can walk properly again. Dana really went at it last night. I take the stairs back down to the club and make my way to the office. The silence is inviting. When I first bought the place, I often wandered around the rooms when it was closed. I would make myself a drink and lounge around, taking it all in. Maybe I’ll have myself a drink by the bar after I have gone through the finances.

As usual, Claire has left the office immaculate. She is organized and efficient. I never have any problem finding what I need.

As I thought, the profit margins are excellent. I couldn’t ask for better. Maybe I could look into opening another club. A sister club to Insomnia. New York maybe?

Time has passed quicker than I thought, and I have to get back to my parents. My mother will throw a fit if I just disappear on them. The drive back takes less than fifteen minutes. Like yesterday, the house is full of people and noise. Before I endure the onslaught of questions, I run to my room and change into a bikini. I may as well lounge by the pool for a few hours.

“There you are!” my mother shouts when I stroll over to her lounger.

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