Page 27 of Wicked Allure
“General. Our transportation is ready,” the postmaster said.
Dru spun on her heel and smiled. “Lead the way, Postmaster.”
They stalked through the building and exited through the front doors. Awaiting them were a few dark military vehicles. A warrior opened the door to the one in the center for her. She entered and took her seat. Talbot and the postmaster joined her. Their door shut behind them, sealing them inside.
“These are a new sunproof armored vehicle,” Alexander said.
Dru took in the sleek appearance of the interior and nodded. The latest technology was rolling out on vehicles to allow the vampires to travel during the brightest of days.
“These are nice. I remember seeing the specs on the first few test vehicles,” Dru noted.
“Less than one percent of UV rays pass through this glass,” Alexander said.
The vehicle rocked as the driver began following the one in the front.
The ride to town didn’t take long. Dru tried to keep her features from displaying her boredom. Alexander had moved on to speak about the town of Butterbush. Dru’s patience was wearing thin, but she kept a small smile while he shared some history of the town.
“It would appear we’re here,” Alexander said.
With the multitude of businesses in the area, Dru assumed they were at the center of town. The club stood like a dark jewel in the heart of the city’s business district. Its sleek structure was crafted from black slate, the surface gleaming beneath the moon’s rays. Tall panes of glass framed in gold reflected the world outside, while deep-onyx awnings hung over the windows, casting shadows that hinted at what awaited them within. The entrance, two massive doors, lavishly painted in gold, gleamed bright against the stark darkness of the building.
Dru’s fangs pushed at her gums. She inhaled sharply, a little disturbed that she couldn’t control her body’s reactions. She eyed the tall muscular vampire guard who made his way to the vehicles.
“Greetings,” his deep baritone voice greeted them. His dark shades hid his eyes from her.
She took his extended hand and allowed him to assist her from the vehicle.
“Good evening,” she murmured.
Postmaster Alexander and Talbot exited. She took in the street and the few figures ambling around. The businesses in the area were still open, alluding to the notation that they either catered to vampires or they were owned by vampires. From listening to tales from Alima, Dru knew that most humans avoided walking around at night.
Dru frowned at the thought. Vampires should be able to control themselves, but she knew Alima spoke of the rogue vampires who’d been a thorn in her side for years. Rogues did not align with the laws set for vampires. They felt they were above the laws and could do what they wished. Before the lycans began attacking, it had been the rogue vampires they had been dealing with. Not that the rogues had gone away and become law-abiding citizens. Dru and the others had to deal with both rogues and lycans. Dru had come up with special teams of warriors to focus just policing the rogues while the lycans became top priority.
“Welcome to Madam Rice’s, General.” The security guard gave a bow. He spun on his heel and walked over to the doorway. He opened one of the massive doors and bowed his head again. “My name is Dommick. If I can be of service, please don’t hesitate to call on me. Enjoy everything Madam has to offer you tonight.”
“Thank you, Dommick,” Dru murmured. A thrill zipped through her. She pushed down the excitement. She wouldn’t drink from a live donor. She knew where that would lead while being in Madam’s. She needed a clear mind tonight, and the extracurricular activities that would be available with a live feeding would be distracting.
They entered the building. The moment the door closed behind them, the outside world ceased to exist. The faint thrum of music carried through the air which mingled with the sweet floral scent of roses and the delicious hint of copper—blood. The low pulse of the beat caused Dru’s heart to skip a beat as anticipation filled her.
The dark marble walls were painted with gold veins which shimmered in the soft light of the crystal sconces. White marble floors carried the echo of their footsteps as they strode deeper into the building. Velvet crimson benches lined the space, creating a seating area near the entrance for patrons who either needed to wait their turn to enter the lower domain, or for those who needed to wait for their transportation.
At the center of the foyer, a winding staircase would carry them to the lower level, the heart of the club. The iron banister continued the decor of obsidian and gold. Something urged Dru to hurry and descend the alluring staircase. She inhaled again, and that sense of urgency grew.
When was the last time she’d fed?
Was that why she was feeling this way?
They went down the winding staircase and arrived at a welcoming area just before the club’s entrance where a small female with extremely long blonde hair and bright-blue eyes waited for them. Her tight leather dress stopped mid-calf, and heels added about six inches to her height.
“General. Postmaster. Welcome to Madam Rice’s,” she said. Her fangs peeked from underneath her ruby-red lips. She offered them a warm smile. “My name is Callidora. I am tonight’s hostess. Come. I already have your tables ready for you.”
“You shall enjoy tonight, General. Even if it’s just a drink from prepared blood. This establishment has the most unique of blood types.” The postmaster chuckled and followed Callidora.
Dru stayed behind and motioned to the club to Talbot and Orenda. “Enjoy yourselves. I do not plan to stay long.”
“When you leave, we leave,” Talbot said.
Orenda gave him a sharp look. Dru bit back a chuckle at her warriors. She respected Talbot’s loyalty to the mission, but tonight he could relax a little.
