by Renee Rose
Armando leans into me and nibbles my earlobe, wiping away my past. “You look good enough to eat.”
“I feel like a princess, even if I can hide a car underneath this skirt.” I lift the mounds of black silk. The heavy layers of wire and fabric should weigh a ton, but it barely registers. One more thing I can thank vampirism for. I reach up to make sure my chestnut-brown hair is still in the careful pile of curls the vampire hairdresser studded with diamonds. It’s not like I can check in the mirror, since I can no longer see myself. Yeah, that’s going to take some getting used to.
Armando insisted on buying the gown to match the mask I’d already picked out. I’d planned on renting something, but he convinced me we could role play if he bought it. His gaze travels across my chest.
My body ignites under his appreciation, like a wildfire spreading through the forest. The bodice fits like one of my corsets, only the dress has tight sleeves that flare just below the elbow. The gold embroidery throughout the corset-style top is the reason I selected the dress. That, and the fact that it matches my Maleficent style mask is a bonus. I fell in love with the black and gold feathers that flare from the eyes and cheeks, and ordered it a month ago.
Knowing Armando, he took my mask and made sure the gold thread in the dress paired with the color of the horns. His hands settle at my waist, where the gown flares wide to create a bell shape for the bottom half, and I kiss his cheek. “I don’t think of food when I look at you.”
“I’m so glad Theo’s blood worked. I didn’t want you to miss this.”
The club has been transformed into a wonderland. Selene has outdone herself with this event.
Club Toxic doesn’t look like the same place where I have worked for six months. Rather than deep colors, we are surrounded by gold, silver, and white—or off-white. There is a harlequin playing a flute, and people in formal silver costumes juggle what look like bowling pins. They’ve also replaced the light fixtures with chandeliers that look like candles. The decorations aren’t as major as the way people are dressed.
The smile on my face is so big, my cheeks hurt. Nothing in my life is the same. No matter what I face in the future, no one will hold sway over me like Phil did. Now that I’m a vampire, I have the power to stand up for myself, and take action to ensure no woman is ever victimized while I stand by helplessly again. And I owe my new strength, life, and freedom to Armando.
My need to be ready to run at the drop of a hat died with Phil. Fancy gowns and balls are my future. Breathing in the sensuality of my new life, I stand on my tiptoes and kiss Armando deeply.
When we break the kiss, I consider if I want to stay in the main club and dance with him, or take him to the dungeon. We are surrounded by people in various styles of costumes. Many are wearing traditional Venetian gowns like I am, but then there are those wearing more modern interpretations. My favorite is a woman in a black-and-white dress with black horns on her head. The bodice of her gown looks like a corset with a ruffled edge. Totally my style.
“Let’s go downstairs.”
I smile up at my Spaniard. He humored me, and is wearing a long-nose mask that’s black with gold embellishments. His short, black cape finishes his look. He is the sexiest guy in the club.
“Are you sure Lucius will accept me?”
Cupping my cheek, he gives me the smile he reserves only for me. “There is no question. You’re the light of my life, and only offer stability to his territory.”
“Yeah, thanks to Theo and his magic blood. Otherwise, I’d be on a killing spree right now.”
Shaking his head, he leads me through the place and to the coatroom. Now that I know what he is, I will never look at his position the same way. I always wondered why they needed two bouncers in the coat check area. Now, I understand they are keeping humans from entering the dungeon where vampires go to hunt.
“How come you allowed me and Zoe down here when we didn’t know what you were?” I follow him into the closet, amazed that I can see so much better in the dim light.
“I can’t deny you anything. Besides, I always hoped you’d join me in my world one day. It was my way of urging you into that realm as safely as possible.”
My nostrils flare when I pick up notes of blood. The scene that accompanies the whoosh is vastly different than I recall. “How did I never see vampires feeding when I was down here before?”
His mouth is at the side of my neck as he pushes me forward. “I made sure you never focused on those details.”
Rather than upsetting me, the sight reminds me how lucky I truly am. I’m no longer the foster kid begging for a hug or a smile. I’m a grown woman with a man who loves me, and a best friend who risked her escape for me. This ball is the perfect beginning to the next phase.
My curious gaze darts over the activities. The cross, cage and chains are all familiar. I’ve seen the thrones on the dais before, but they seem so much more like a symbol of power now. Of course, it could also be the vampire sitting there with his mate sitting by his side.
There is no mistaking Lucius and Selene. Both are stunning, but she is something more I can’t put my finger on. She looks like many others in the room. Her long, silver hair complements her gown. The diamond collar and fierce eyes set her apart.
Armando tugs my hand and I follow alongside him. When we reach the couple, he bows and says, “Lucius.”
The vampire king runs his gaze over me, as does Selene. “So, it’s true. Theo’s blood can temper the bloodlust of transition.”
“Yes. Zoe has had little problem since Theo paid us a visit.”
I half-listen to their exchange as I let my eyes roam around the room. It’s as if I’ve stepped back in time and walked onto the set of the ball for the movie Ever After or Van Helsing. Everyone is wearing gowns similar to mine in style, while their masks feature anything from horns, to lace, to feathers.
It isn’t until Armando is leading me away that I realize I missed their entire conversation. As we head to a semi-private alcove, I see Karina enter with Alex. I squeal and blur to her side then throw my arms around her waist.
Karina gasps and hugs me back. “Oh, my God!”
My best friend is gorgeous. Her silver and gold mask has wide, twisted horns that flare out on the sides of her head. There’s a dark diamond in the center of the mask, and ribbons hanging from each ear. There are cream ribbons flowing down her back over her long auburn curls.
Her gown is topped with a crimson and gold corset and there’s a wide, flaring skirt around her tiny waist. Long red gloves cover her hands and arms. What makes my heart clench is the smile on her face. I’ve never seen her happier.
I still can’t believe that Karina found not one, but two hunky vampires to love and care for her. After everything she’s suffered in her life, she deserves that, and so much more.
Karina grabs my shoulders and beams at me. “You look so happy.”
“I am.” My eyes find Armando and I melt at the heat I see in them. I want him with a stunning passion.
“That’s all I’ve ever wanted.” Karina leans close to my ear. “How’s the hunger? Still under control?”
“Yes. One dose of Theo’s blood really did the trick.”
“I’m so glad. I’ve heard all the other new vampires are feeling the same way.”
“How’s Theo?”
Karina waves one elegant hand. “He’s fine. He didn’t pass around his blood all at once. He visited one or two people a night, and putting his blood in a cup was a great way to keep the dom vamps from getting territorial.”
We both laugh.
“You look beautiful, Rina.” I look up and meet Alex’s gaze. “You and Theo take good care of her, or I’ll hunt you down myself.”
Alex places his hand on Karina’s back, claiming her. “There will never be a need. Theo and I would die for her.”
Karina’s expression turns dreamy. “See? No need to worry.” She kisses my cheek. “You two have fun. We have to meet up with Theo.”
&n
bsp; “I’m glad you’re happy. Have fun.” The way she wiggles her eyebrows tells me she knows where I’m taking Armando.
“She’s as incorrigible as you are,” Armando says.
I laugh at his exasperation. As if he’s unhappy about what I want from him. “You love me.”
He stops me and pulls me into his arms. “I will love you, always and forever.”
With my heart full to bursting, I sneak behind the curtain and grab hold of my future with both hands. Life hasn’t been easy, but every moment was worth it to have Armando and Karina in my life… now and forever.
The End
Want more Midnight Doms romance by Brenda Trim? Click here to read Her Vampire Bad Boy.
Click here to read Her Vampire Suspect.
About the Author
Brenda loves everything paranormal. She written over thirty-five titles and working on more! She creates worlds that feature dangerously handsome heroes and feisty heroines. With the help of popcorn and candy, she takes dragons, fairies, witches, vampires, and so much more, and brings them to life. She lives in Texas with her husband and three kids, who fuel not only her heart but her life. If she's not writing, she's reading, traveling, or knee-deep in projects with her husband and five sisters. She encourages readers to Dream Big. If your dreams don't terrify and electrify you then they aren't big enough!
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Chapter 1
“Wonderful.” Sarcasm drips from the word.
In my hand, I hold a note from Lucius Frangelico, my liege and King of the Tucson Vampire Nest, royal pain in my ass at times…like right now. Unfortunately, based on the date, it was left on his desk just prior to him and Selene leaving four days ago, destination unknown.
We need to talk.
Though scrawled in Lucius’s elegant handwriting on his monogrammed note card, complete with embossed edging, I can’t fight the dread creeping into my gut. If there are more ominous words in the English language than these four, I cannot recall them now. Coming from Lucius, these words could mean a lot of things…and I fear they may mean ill tidings for me.
Maximus pokes his head into the office. “There’s a vampire here to see you.”
“Me or Lucius?” I tuck the notecard into its envelope and slip it into my suit breast pocket.
“He specifically asked for you. Alexander Clay. Ring any bells?”
My heart stutters. Alex? What in creation’s name is he doing here? Bad timing. The last thing I need is the reopening of an old wound.
“Theo?” Maximus snaps me out of my shock.
I sigh, dreading this encounter. “Yes, I know him. Please—”
“Coming through!” Augustus moves Maximus out of the way, trailed by…
“Alex.” I jump to my feet. His handsome face hits me like a wrecking ball, but I recover enough to notice the woman in his arms and the familiar scent of her blood. I know that blood all too well. As he turns to examine the space, I inhale sharply at the sight of my sub. “Karina.”
Our bartender Zoe scampers into the room, understandably upset and clutching what I recognize as Karina’s shoulder bag. Zoe hovers around her wounded best friend, tears threatening to spill over her lashes. “What happened? Is she going to be okay?”
I snap my fingers at Augustus. “Will you please take Miss Wilson downstairs? We’ll take care of Karina, Zoe, and keep you posted.”
Zoe nods and allows Augustus to escort her out of the office, taking Karina’s bag with her.
“She stumbled right into my arms at the entrance.” Alex nods toward the couch. “Can I lay her down?”
“Here.” I empty my pockets, dropping the few items to the desk, but tucking Lucius’s note into my pants pocket. I remove my suit coat. “Use this.”
Maximus takes it and lays it on the couch for Alex. Lucius would kill me if we got blood on his furniture. I can replace a suit a lot easier than my head.
“Do we need to call an ambulance?” Maximus pulls out his smartphone.
Alex shakes his head. “I’m a doctor. Can I get a towel?”
Rounding the desk, I do a dodge dance with Maximus on my way to the admin office. I grab his shoulders to still him. “I’ve got this.”
Maximus frowns, but I ignore him.
Augustus returns as I open the first aid cabinet. I return to Alex’s side and lay the medical supplies on the couch at Karina’s head.
Maximus and Augustus exchange uncertain glances, then direct their attention to me.
“It’s all right, gentlemen. You can both return to your stations. I’ll handle this.”
Maximus shrugs and Augustus nods. They close the door behind them as they leave.
I peer over Alex’s broad shoulders. His biceps stretch the sleeves of his navy-blue Polo shirt as he works. He’s opened Karina’s blouse and uses the gauze to blot the deep laceration just above her hip, which seeps every time he pulls the dressing away.
“Looks like a knife wound, but I need to see how far back it goes. Can you help me turn her on her side?”
With trembling hands, I lift her by her shoulder while Alex pulls on her hip.
He peels her blouse away and pats the weeping wound. “Not far at all.” He sighs. “Good. But she’ll need stitches.”
My heart constricts for two conflicting reasons. My poor little Karina, who—thank the gods—is unconscious during all this, and Alex, who ripped my heart out of my chest and stomped on it over a hundred-and-thirty years ago.
He glances at me, concern in his eyes. “You know her?”
I nod.
“Is she a troublemaker?”
“Karina?” I scoff at the idea. “Not at all. She’s the sweetest little sub I’ve ever had the pleasure of fucking.”
He glances at me, pain in his eyes.
Good. Although I can’t fathom why. He’s the one who ended our relationship—all the more reason to question why he’s here.
“Why do you ask if she’s a troublemaker?”
He shrugs. “Knife wound. Maybe she got mugged.”
I frown.
“I guess we’ll have to ask her when she awakens. And just so you know, she specifically asked for you.”
An unexpected warmth covers my heart and the sensation is not unwanted. However, it’s both comforting and unnerving. She’s human. I adore the girl, but that’s the reason I’ve tried to stay away from her. She’s damned addictive. Just like Alex was.
He lays the last piece of tape across her skin. “This will have to do for the moment. I need to clean her wound properly, though. Is there some antibiotic ointment in your first aid supplies?”
“I’m certain there is. I’ll get you anything you need.”
Alex stands. “Is there a bathroom up here? I’d like to wash my hands.”
“Yes.” I point to the private powder room in the corner of Lucius’s office.
Alex dips his head in acknowledgment and strides his long muscular legs across the room.
I clench my jaw, bracing against the heartache his presence stirs, like a kicked hornet’s nest. Of all the times for him to come crashing back into my life. And with my sub. I stalk the to the bathroom door and cross my arms. “Why are you here?”
He frowns as he lathers his hands, a hint of anguish in his face.
My pulse hikes. “No. You don’t get to do this. You can’t end it the way you did and then come waltzing in here like you’re the one who got hurt.”
Alex grabs the hand towel. “It hurt me, too, Theo. I didn’t want to let you go.”
“Then why did you?”
“I had a contract to fulfill.” He slaps the towel to the vanity. “Bartholomew owned me.”
“I could have worked something out with him. Hell, we could have kept in touch with each other through the years.”
“I was young and selfish, and trying to make it easier to…” He sighs. “I thought if you hated me, it would be easier for me to say go
odbye. Bart wasn’t letting me go, and I didn’t know how to make the best of it.”
How could I be so stupid? “You were sleeping with him while we were together?”
Alex shoves past me and puts distance between us.
“Answer me.”
“Yes!” He rakes his fingers through his dark hair. “That was part of the contract, Theo. The king of the London Nest doesn’t dole out immortality without asking for something in return. I went from one sex slave situation to another. But he saved my life. I owed him.”
I understand that. Many sires don’t just demand loyalty. Some demand servitude. But that doesn’t erase the hurtful way Alex ended our relationship. “Why didn’t you just tell me what was going on?”
“And have you demand my release? Because that’s exactly what you would have done.”
“Not necessarily. Lucius and I could have negotiated with Bartholomew.”
“And then you would have owed him, and I wasn’t putting you in that position. If you knew the truth about my circumstances, you wouldn’t have settled for a negotiation. You would have gone to Lucius and there would have been a war or conflict of some kind.”
“You didn’t even give us a chance.”
A rapping at the office door interrupts us and Maximus pokes his head into the room. “We have an incident that needs your attention.”
Damn. “All right. Give me few moments.”
Maximus nods and shuts the door.
“Come with me,” I say to Alex, and cross the room into the admin office. “There’s the first aid cabinet. Please take what you need, and I’ll get Karina.” I grab a key for one of the private rooms, then hand Alex a spare plastic bag to carry the medical supplies.
With Karina in my arms and wrapped in my jacket, I head down the stairs with Alex close behind. Vampire heads turn, surely responding to the sweet scent of Karina’s blood, and a twinge of possessiveness rears its head. I don’t why, though. Although I’ve had a few private scenes with Karina, I don’t have time for a relationship.
