Page 64 of Of Mercury and Mist

My friend grinned as I tucked my arms into the outstretched sleeves. “Limber could be coming in handy,” my friend said and winked.

TWENTY-ONE

Ashley

“Jesus how much perfume did you use?” Andy wrinkled his nose.

“I just came from a bunch of spa treatments, calm down.” I flopped onto the sofa, my limbs feeling like cooked spaghetti. “I even had a massage,” I sighed.

Andy stood leaning against the wall. “When did you start that?”

“Today. Work sent me.” I sat up. “I got a sponsor, or a patron, rather. Someone chose me.”

His eyes grew big. “You got trafficked?”

Rolling my eyes, I said, “It's not like that, c’mon. I have a choice.”

“If you say so.”

I stood up, intent on heading to my room. “I do say so. Its only for a month, to start, and it's a great opportunity. Don’t worry, everyone is thoroughly vetted, and I’ll have a security team and all that.” I wasn’t positive on the latter but everyone at the club had some type of protection.

He pursed his lips. “I guess you’ve spent enough time around these people to kinda know what you’re doing. If you need anything, let me know. I have people who can help.”

I could only imagine. “I’m sure you do. Don’t worry, it’ll be fine.” My words were braver than I felt as I patted him on the shoulder walking past.

Once again, I found myself hoping and praying I’d run into Micha in my dreams as I laid down to go to sleep. I almost found myself hoping he’d come crashing into Angels and tear me away.

There was no way he’d get away with it; he’d never make it past the bouncers and Matthew if he did something so reckless. But it didn’t stop me from fantasizing.

Remembering the woman sitting behind us in the booth at Fleur de Luna, I thought about the ecstasy written all over her face as the man drank from her neck. Did Micha want to drink like that from me? He must, being a vampire, and it was hard to not get caught up in the scene while working there. It’d gotten to the point I wanted to participate.

He was always touching me; he had to want me. The time he bit my chest in my dream told me he did. He found me irresistible. When he’d sank his teeth into my skin it was like dying from an orgasm, my whole body had lit up, straining for him, wanting more. The feeling of bliss was mind blowing, and all I’d wanted was to get him inside me.

The man was a black hole, sucking me in and devasting me, leaving nothing behind. I hated what he did to me and the effect he had on me. Leaving me longing for him while wanting to run away. What was I so scared of? A rational person would say he was a monster, a beast. Tomorrow, when I went to meet my vampire patron, I’d have to forget about Micha forever.

Living in the past, in a dream world, wouldn’t be fair to the man who was going to secure my future.

The worst part was, that night at Fleur de Luna, Micha just stood there refusing to answer or look at me. I shouldn’t still want him. He’d instantly erased me at Josiah’s order, and I could never forgive him for throwing me away like trash.

Waste.

My turbulent thoughts kept me tossing and turning for over an hour before I fell asleep.

With a start, I woke up back in the beautiful bedroom in the place Samuel had called the Second Realm. After what Samuel told me, I knew someone had brought me here. My heart skipped a beat—was it Samuel or was it Micha?

As I slid off the bed, I peeked around the curtains and surveyed the space. A roaring fire crackled in the hearth, and a bottle of wine sat with a singular glass on a shallow silver tray beside the sofa. My feet hit the floor, and I made my way across the room.

A folded sheet of cream-colored paper laid on the platter beside the bottle, but I poured myself a glass of the white wine before touching it, my hand trembling lightly. The liquid was crisp and dry, tasting faintly like apples. I topped off my drink before settling on the couch, very much enjoying the refreshing beverage.

The note on the tray could only be for me and I stared at it while I sipped, knowing deep down inside whatever it contained would disrupt my peace and contentment. When I couldn’t bear it any longer, I snatched it from the tray.

Embrace my absence, for I will hurt you again and again. Mark my words, study them, let them sink into your very being for I will own you, break you, and leave you begging for more.

Do you hear the whispers of the stars in the night sky? Their message is eternal and equals the length of time I will watch over and protect you; listen to them.

I fear you have destroyed me, and it is all I can do but return the favor.

The sheet of paper floated down to the floor as my wine dribbled over the rim of the glass. The note sent a shot of fear down my spine, and I quickly glanced around the room, searching. Searching for what, I wasn’t sure. A hidden figure, a shadow, someone peeking through the window. Someone who both threatened me and left me fascinated through the power of their elegant words.

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