Chapter 19
Tomesha fingered the soft fabric of the dress that had been gifted to her.
When she’d awoken from her nap, a light breakfast had been waiting for her along with a cup of ifalla tea.
She’d scarfed down the food, working out that she’d last eaten an early dinner yesterday.
She’d taken a shower, and when she’d returned to the bedroom had found an outfit waiting for her on Dru’s bed.
A smile formed on her lips. Dru had thought of everything. Tomesha wondered where her vampire had gone and if she’d see her again.
But Dru had said she’d call for her, but Tomesha just didn’t know what that had meant.
She’d at first thought about staying at the inn until Dru returned but knew she couldn’t.
Tarek would lose his mind if she didn’t come home.
She couldn’t just lie around at the inn and wait for Dru.
She had responsibilities at home she had to attend to.
But the moment Dru called on her, she’d go.
She glanced out the car window. She took in the passing scenery and realized they’d be at her home shortly. Her driver hadn’t really said a word since escorting her to the car. She tried to study him from the back seat, but he kept his head forward and his lips sealed.
“Have you worked for the general long?” Tomesha asked in an attempt to break the silence.
She was curious of everything about Dru.
When she’d walked through the inn when it was time for her to leave, she’d noticed a good amount of the warriors were absent.
They must have gone with Dru. That comforted Tomesha.
Whatever Dru was hunting, at least she wasn’t alone.
“I have,” he said.
Welp, she guessed he wasn’t going to elaborate. She fell back against seat and sighed. She’d hoped he’d share a little tidbit about working for Dru. She’d have loved to have a sense of the person the vampire was.
He took a turn that put them on her street.
She gathered her bag into her lap and waited for him to pull up to the curb in front of the home.
A few moments later, he parked the car and exited the vehicle.
She glanced at the gloomy sky as he made his way around to her door.
Fat drops of rain splatted against the windows.
“Just great. Rain.” She’d hoped it would have blown over, but by the looks of the sky, they were due for another storm.
Normally she wouldn’t mind. She liked cuddling on the couch near the front window and watching the clouds unload everything they had to offer.
Lightning and thunder never scared her. She lived for a good storm.
She always felt relaxed while Mother Nature handled her business.
Even as a child, she’d have her face pressed to the windows so she could watch for the streaks of electricity across the sky.
She just hoped that Dru wouldn’t change her mind about calling for her if the storm raged on.
Maybe she should have stayed at the inn. That way she could have waited. She could have sent a message to her brother and grandmother so they’d know she was working and safe.
“Thank you,” she said.
The driver stood with the door open and a hand outstretched, waiting for her. She slipped hers into his and allowed him to assist her. She settled the strap of her bag on her shoulder and smiled at him.
“If the general calls for me again, will you be the one to come pick me up?”
“I’m unsure, ma’am.” He stepped away from her and closed the door. He turned and folded his hands together, again dismissing her attempt at a conversation.
“Thanks again.” She made her way to the house.
The front door swung open, and Tarek stepped out onto the small porch. It was early afternoon, and she was shocked to see him home so soon.
“What are you doing here?”
“Not much work today. They sent practically everyone home.” Tarek eyed the vampire waiting by the vehicle. “Where are you coming from?”
“Work,” she replied.
“You fed another one of them?”
“Not now, Tarek.” She didn’t want to start another argument with her brother.
He folded his arms and eyed the man who’d driven her home.
She paused at the bottom of the stairs. “And if you must know, it was the same one as the other day.”
His gaze swung to her. He scowled then jogged down to the stairs. Questions lined his face, and she already knew what he was about to stay. She held up her hand.
“Not now, Tarek,” she repeated. She didn’t want the vampire listening and going back to report anything to Dru. She glanced back at him and nodded.
He bowed his head, walked around the car, and got in. The car pulled out of its spot and drove off.
“Who was that?” Tarek sniffed.
“Just the driver who brought me safely home.” She rested a hand on his forearm.
His expression softened.
She smiled at him. “I’m okay. Where’s Gran?”
“In the kitchen. She wanted to start supper a little early.”
“Well, I guess I’ll go help her.” Tomesha laughed.
Her grandmother was a wonderful cook, and now that their pantry was always full, the woman was a cooking machine.
Tomesha loved seeing her so happy while doing something she loved.
Delonda always spoke fondly of her youth and spending time in the kitchen with her grandmother who’d taught her everything she knew.
The sound of heavy engines filled the air. She swung around and took in two large vehicles barreling down their street. They came to a halt in front of her home. Tomesha’s heart raced at the sight of large armed men exiting the vehicles. Tarek pushed her behind him as the men strode forward.
“Tomesha Clay?” the first one barked out.
Tomesha peeked around her brother’s form and eyed the men. These were definitely vampires and wore the royal crest on their uniforms. She doubted that Dru would send this amount of men after her to bring her back to the inn after she’d just left.
“Who wants to know?” Tarek demanded.
She tried to move from behind him, but he kept his body between her and the men. She rested a hand on his back while still trying to see around him.
“We’re here by royal decree. Tomesha Clay has been identified as a human who will need to report for the draft,” a deep voice snapped.
Tomesha’s eyes widened. She’d been drafted?
She shook her head. She couldn’t believe that her name had come up.
The vampire king’s scientists had devised a simple blood test that allowed them to identify a vampire’s fated mate.
She’d been a kid when the draft rolled out.
Tomesha didn’t know how she felt about being matched with some random vampire.
There were plenty of humans who protested the draft and even some vampires who objected to it as well. Each of the vampire princesses had been enrolled and even mated as a result of it. All of them to a human. The media had been taken by storm when the heir to the throne had been matched and mated.
Dru’s pale skin and bright-blue eyes came to mind.
Was she registered as a vampire in the matching system?
Was she in search of her mate? A twinge of pain lanced Tomesha’s heart at the thought of Dru belonging to another.
Or that her vampire would no longer desire her because her attention was on another—one who was meant to be with her.
“If that is Tomesha Clay, you mustn’t stand in the way. It is a direct violation of penal code—”
“I’m Tomesha Clay!” She flew from behind Tarek and stood by his side. She already knew he’d try to stand in the way in order to try to protect her.
He scowled at her, but she shook her head. The last thing they needed was for him to be arrested.
She took a step forward. “Please forgive my brother. He’s very protective of me, but I’m Tomesha Clay.”
“Ma’am, the Sampson County Draft office has been unable to get a hold of you.” The first warrior motioned for her to come forward. “You are to come with us.”
“She’s not going anywhere,” Tarek snapped.
The warriors’ hands dropped to their weapons on their waists in a very threatening manner. Tomesha spun toward her brother, wanting to squash a confrontation before it began. He’d be no match for the six tall, muscular warriors who had enough weapons on their body to take on a small army.
“Tarek. It’s going to be okay,” she said. There was no way for her to get out of the draft. There were repercussions for dodging it. She attempted to offer him a smile to get him to calm down, but it wasn’t going to work.
His gaze was locked on the vampire warriors.
“Gran will need you, Tarek. I’m sure I won’t be gone long.”
Not that she knew every detail registering for the draft entailed. She knew there was a blood sample that needed to be submitted. That was how the test was performed. She’d then be notified if she matched to a vampire.
“They can’t do this,” he rasped, his dark-eyed gaze falling to her.
“But they can. You know it’s the law. It would be no different than if they were here for you. Please, don’t cause an issue. Go back in the house. Hopefully I shall be home for dinner. Tell Gran I love her and I’ll be home soon.” Tomesha reached out and stroked his face.
His scowl deepened, but he jerked his head in a nod.
“Fine,” he exhaled.
She patted him on the chest then took a step toward the warriors.
“She’d better come back unharmed.”
Tomesha rolled her eyes at him but couldn’t keep her lips from curling up into a smile. Only Tarek would be demanding of vampire warriors.
“No harm shall come to the human female while in our custody,” the second warrior proclaimed.
That made her feel better. At least they’d get her safely to the government lab and then home.
She was escorted to the back of one of the SUVs and assisted in. The door slammed shut, and she glanced out the window. Tarek’s dark expression remained as he stood watching. The warriors climbed into the vehicle with her, and soon they were off. She sent up a prayer that she hadn’t lied to him.
Hopefully, she’d be home for supper.
* * *