Page 5 of Wicked Allure
“You’re going to get the job, my dear.” The wrinkles in the corners of Delonda’s eyes deepened with her smile.
Tomesha moved closer to her and bent down to press a kiss to her cheek. Her grandmother may not know where exactly Tomesha was going to get a job, but it felt good to know she had confidence in her.
Tomesha eyed the neighborhood of the club and took in the prosperity the community certainly held. It was much different than hers. The homes where she lived may not scream wealth, but they at least showed some kind of pride. The humans were hard workers. Many jobs had become available as of late. For some strange reason, Tomesha just couldn’t snag one. That was why her brother wanted her to continue to apply for more, but she couldn’t wait. She wasn’t one to sit around and let someone take care of her. She had to contribute to their household.
If they didn’t pay their bills, they were at risk of the collectors coming to pillage anything of value from their home to make up the payments missed, or if rent wasn’t paid…become homeless.
Tomesha didn’t want to put that type of pressure on her brother. If she landed it—no, when she landed it—the money she’d bring in would do much for them. Her lips curved up into a smile at the thought of having extra money. She didn’t know what that felt like. They’d always been poor and barely making it.
The vampires were now helping humans in ways they’d never seen before, and it had to be because of their new mates—human mates. Everyone had heard that Princess Lethia, who was the warden, had mated with a beautiful human, Alima.
Rumors had it that Alima had been a member of the human group, the Rebels. It had been an organization that was supposed to be for human rights and assisting humans who wanted to escape the mating draft.
But that appeared to not be the case.
It had been all over the news that the Rebels’ leader had betrayed those he’d been helping. Humans had been disappearing at record numbers, and it seemed he was at the center of it. Now it was he who was missing, and speculations were that the princess had dealt with him.
Tomesha swallowed hard at the thought.
Had the princess tortured him? Drained him dry? No one knew or at least was talking about it.
Anyone who tried to go against the royal vampire family would be an idiot. The princesses, Velika, Lethia, and Hegna, were all known as vicious vampire warriors. Vampires were just now fighting the lycans, and they had so far defeated them. These wolf shifters were enemies of the vampires and desired to wipe them out.
But so far they’d failed in their attempt.
How had the humans thought they’d win against a race as strong as the vampires? Tomesha snorted. Humans were arrogant in thinking they were the stronger race. The number of vampires existing on the planet along with humans was staggering.
And now they had to worry about the wolf shifters. Who knew how many different races were truly out there. Who would be next to come out? Earth was a large planet, and it would be ignorant to assume there wasn’t anyone else calling it home.
Princess Lethia and Alima were very up front on how they’d rule together. Tomesha didn’t miss a broadcast when the two were on television. She was infatuated with the couple. She’d ensure she was at the local diner where she could catch them onscreen. The women were absolutely breathtaking. Anyone with eyes could see they were in love with each other. The heat in Lethia’s eyes when her gaze landed on Alima was enough for Tomesha to fan herself. She loved a good romance story. She was sure there was a hot one between the princess and her mate. Two women from different sides of a coin had fallen in love. It hadn’t mattered that they’d been matched in the draft.
They were made for each other.
Tomesha sighed.
Is there anyone out there for me?
Someone like Princess Lethia? A badass woman who wanted to protect her and provide for her? Not that she needed anyone to provide for her; Tomesha would do what she must to ensure she had what she needed, but it would feel damn good to have a partner she could go through life with.
Tomesha came to a stop. She stood on the corner of the street and took in the fancy structure. It was located in the center of town near the business district. It was made of black slate, with big glass windows outlined in what appeared to be pure gold. The awnings were even black and hung over the windows. Two large doors dripped in gold paint and stood out against the dark colors of the building. There were no markings; it didn’t need any signage.
A guard stood well over six feet tall, muscular in a dark suit and sunglasses. It was hard to tell if he were human or vampire. Tomesha glanced up. There wasn’t any sun out today. Clouds filled the sky, keeping any rays from reaching through. It may be dreary, but the temperature was nice in the low seventies. Thankfully, it wasn’t too hot, otherwise she’d worry about sweating and trying to stay fresh for her appointment.
“Now or never,” Tomesha muttered. She stood to her full height and pulled out a welcoming smile. The butterflies in her stomach began to freak out and flutter hard. She waited for the few cars to pass before walking across the street. With her head held high, she approached the building.
A few people strode along the sidewalk going about their business. She arrived in front of the guard and widened her smile. She had to tilt her head back to look him in the face. His dark glasses hid his eyes from her.
“Hello, sir. I’m here for?—”
“Go around to the back,” he interjected.
“I’m here for an interview,” she announced, confused. Maybe he thought she was someone else.
“The human interviewees need to enter through the back. This door is for paying customers.” He leveled her with his gaze.
She could feel his eyes on her through the dark shades. She jerked her head in a nod and pointed down the street. “Around that corner?”
“Take a left, and then you’ll see an alleyway. That’s the door.” He turned his attention from her, apparently done with their conversation.
