Chapter 2
“My name is Romana Beatrix, and you may call me Mistress,” the vampire announced. She stood tall as she paced in front of the line of humans she’d handpicked. She stopped in front of the lady in pink and eyed the entire line. “I run this establishment under Madam Rice. You will answer to me.”
Tomesha’s heart had yet to slow down. She was still in shock that Mistress had chosen her out of the lineup of humans vying to get in. Now that she’d made it this far, what was next? Was she automatically hired?
“Consider yourselves very lucky. As you saw, competition for new positions is very stiff,” Mistress continued.
They had been escorted into a fancy receiving room. With the decor, Tomesha felt as if they had been thrust back in time: a large fireplace, high-backed chairs, thick drapes covering the windows, and even sconces on the wall burning bright with fire.
The four of them were lined up before the fireplace. A guard stood at the door, and Mistress spoke with them. Tomesha took a quick glance down the row. The others appeared to be in the same state of shock she was in.
“Madam Rice’s is an establishment that began hundreds of years ago.
I’m sure you’re surprised to hear this, but humans have been donors for vampires since the beginning of time.
We’ve lived amongst each other in harmony.
Humans providing vampires something they need to survive while being compensated handsomely.
” Mistress paced in front of the group again with her hands collapsed behind her back, an air of superiority to her.
She held power.
Tomesha had seen it immediately the way she’d exited the building to make her choices. Mistress held Tomesha’s new career choice in her hand. To secure a financial future for herself and her family, she’d have to do as this woman said.
“This is not the type of establishment that forces a human to do anything they don’t want to do or are not comfortable with.” Mistress stopped in front of the woman in pink again. She eyed her for a moment before gazing down the row.
Her focus landed on Tomesha whose breath caught in her throat.
Yes, the vampire held power.
“We’re not savages. You’ll be highly paid for your services. In order to prepare you for your new career, you’ll be paired with an experienced associate who will train you well.”
At that moment, two men and two women entered.
They were all beautiful and dressed in a provocative manner.
Black sheer dresses draped along the females’ bodies and did nothing to hide their figures.
The men were dressed in similar fashion with black pants that rested low on their waists.
They stood behind Mistress without saying a word.
“Have no worries. Each of these men and women have worked for me for some time, and I trust their insight on whether you’ll make it here or not.”
Tomesha blinked.
She hadn’t thought that she’d get the job but then not succeed at it. How could one not succeed at being a donor? Vampires needed blood. She had blood. Where in this process could she fail?
Tomesha swallowed hard. She couldn’t afford to lose this opportunity. Her family needed this money. There was no way she’d be released from another employment. Determination settled inside her.
She’d do what she must to secure this job.
“Ah, I see it has dawned on some of you that this isn’t a guaranteed employment.” Mistress moved down the line and stood in front of Tomesha.
She met the vampire’s bright-blue eyes. Tomesha tried to not tremble as she came under the eye of the powerful woman.
“But I’m sure you’ll prosper. This job is not easy and will demand a lot from you physically and mentally.
My one piece of advice to you is not to get attached to any of your clients.
They’re just that—paying clients. They provide your salary.
They provide the food you’ll purchase with your monies earned here.
Make them returning clients and you’ll be successful. ”
There was an icy note in her words. Tomesha didn’t plan to get involved with the vampires. She understood what Mistress had said. Tomesha nodded gently to confirm she’d got the message.
The vampires were her ticket out of poverty.
“Yes, ma’am,” Tomesha murmured.
There was an approving glint in Mistress’s eyes. Tomesha breathed a sigh of relief. The others followed, expressing the same sentiment. A smirk appeared on the vampire’s lips.
“Good.” She spun around and moved over to the men and women who’d entered. “Mortan, you’ll be paired with him.” She pointed to the male who Tomesha hadn’t caught the name of.
Mortan walked over to the taller guy who stood next to Connor. She matched each person up before she turned and pointed to Tomesha.
“Starla, I want you with her.”
“Yes, Mistress.” The woman was a tall leggy blonde with makeup as flawless as her body. Starla walked over to Tomesha with a welcoming smile on her lips.
Tomesha began to feel uncertain. She didn’t look anything like this woman. Yes, she’d tried to keep herself together and worked out when she could, but this woman was a knockout.
Starla stopped next to Tomesha and faced Mistress along with everyone else.
“Each person you’re paired with will be the ones responsible for your training. It is not their responsibility to make sure you succeed. That is on you.” Mistress clasped her hands in front of her and nodded. “You’re all dismissed.”
Tomesha’s heart skipped a beat. It was time for her to learn what she needed. She glanced over at Starla who smiled.
“Hello. I’m Tomesha.” She reached out her hand to the woman.
Starla took it in a light shake.
“That is a beautiful name. Unique. I love it,” Starla replied in a husky voice. She motioned for Tomesha to follow the others leaving the room.
“You two wait. I want a word with the both of you,” Mistress said.
Tomesha panicked and watched Connor leave with the others. He glanced over his shoulder with a worried look in his eyes. Once the security guard closed the door, it left Tomesha alone with Mistress and Starla.
“Have I done something wrong?” Tomesha asked warily. Whatever it was, she’d apologize profusely for it. She clutched her hands together and waited as Mistress approached her.
“Not at all, my dear.” She stopped in front of Starla and Tomesha. Her gaze perused Tomesha again before meeting her eyes. “You, my dear, I feel are a special one. You will not be a donor until I say so.”
“I don’t get it. I thought that was the real reason I was hired.” Tomesha swallowed hard. She hoped she wasn’t going to get kicked out already for defending her position. Being a donor paid well, and she needed that money.
“Don’t worry. You’ll still be paid handsomely.
” Mistress reached out a finger and caressed the side of Tomesha’s face.
“You, my dear, I can scent that your blood is special. Many will want to taste it, but we’ll reserve it for only special guests.
The first bite of someone like you should be reserved. ”
Tomesha relaxed but still didn’t understand. How could Mistress scent her blood? She didn’t have any cuts on her. What was special about her blood?
“Okay,” Tomesha replied shakily. “Then what will I be trained to do?”
“You’ll work the blood bar and be a server. You may also indulge in any sexual acts you desire and be rewarded for them. What the vampires pay you, you keep aside for a small tax that we impose to provide for you.”
“This is an amazing offer, Tomesha.” Starla turned to Tomesha and took her hand.
“You’ll get used to being paid for your sexual favors.
Having a stipulation that vamps can’t drink from you will make you even more desirable to them.
They’ll pay more just because you’re something that they can’t have fully. ”
“She’s correct.” Mistress raised an eyebrow.
“Believe me. I know what I am doing. Work the bar, turn your tricks, and you’ll be a wealthy woman soon.
When the time is right, I’ll allow you to become a donor.
The vampires will be practically fighting to have you. Starla here started the same as you.”
Starla nodded, tightening her grip on Tomesha’s hand.
“I trust that you would know best,” Tomesha murmured.
A pleasing glint passed through Mistress’s eyes.
Tomesha was a fish out of water. She had no choice but to do as Mistress had suggested.
If she felt that this would lead to Tomesha being wealthy, then she’d do what she must. She was tired of living in poverty, living a life fearful of being put out on the street or going without necessities.
So she’d work the blood bar, serve, sell her body…she’d expected all of that. But to hear that she was special, this was a first for her.
“You honor me with your trust. Starla, show Tomesha around and get her outfitted.” Mistress paused and ran a hand along Tomesha’s shoulder, caressing the material of her dress. “Who made this dress?”
“I did.” Tomesha fought hard to keep from glancing down at her outfit.
“Hmmm…talented. I’ll keep this in mind.” Mistress stepped away and jerked her head toward the door.
“Yes, Mistress.” Starla smiled at Tomesha and led her from the room. She released Tomesha’s hand and walked beside her. She guided them down a long hallway and through a door that led them to a lower level. “Come. Let’s get you measured for your uniform.”
* * *
Tomesha stared at herself in the mirror and had to keep her jaw from touching the floor.
Uniform was a loose term for the sheer material draped over her body.
The way it caressed her skin sent a shiver down her spine.
The white dress had a single tie on the side.
One tug and the outfit would fall to the floor.
Her tawny skin appeared soft and supple, her dark areolas visible through the fabric.
This person staring back at her was beautiful.
Sexy.
A siren.
Starla had done her makeup and promised to teach her how to do it herself.