Chapter 28
The club pulsed with a low, thrumming bass vibrating through floor.
Tomesha hesitated at the threshold, the memories of working there flooding her.
She was thankful for everything this place had provided her, but it was time to move on.
This had been her world, but no more. It had been a little over two weeks since she’d left Butterbush.
Now she was back to sew up some loose ends so she could start her forever with her mate.
She glanced over at Dru who stood by her side and smiled.
“It’s okay, miere.” Dru gripped her hand and entwined their fingers. “We won’t be here long.”
The moment they stepped inside, the atmosphere shifted.
All eyes turned to them. Tomesha moved closer to Dru and tightened her hold on her hand.
Dru’s presence commanded attention. She was an imposing figure with her weapons on her waist. The woman never went anywhere without them.
She was dressed in all black with her fiery hair flowing around her shoulders.
Anyone who met her gaze immediately looked way.
Tomesha walked a half step behind Dru as she led her farther inside the establishment.
“General, it is good to have you return.” Callidora stepped in front of them.
Dru halted her stride and brought Tomesha to her side.
Callidora’s gaze widened when she saw Tomesha. “Tomesha. Welcome back.”
“Callidora.” Tomesha nodded. She wasn’t sure if word had reached Butterbush about her mating. They were here to inform the mistress that she’d no longer be employed by Madam.
“I want to see Mistress,” Dru announced.
“Mistress Beatrix was not expecting you,” Callidora murmured.
“She will see me,” Dru said. Her tone left no room for debate. The muscle in her jaw tightened, showcasing her agitation.
In the short time Tomesha had known Dru, she’d begun to learn more about her vampire; she’d discovered that Dru had little to no patience when it came to certain things.
With her, Dru had all the patience in the world.
“Of course. Please follow me.” Callidora bowed her head and gestured for them to follow her.
They continued on. The air was heavy with heat, the sounds of pleasure, and the coppery scent from the open feedings. Tomesha held on to Dru. She glanced around and took in a few familiar faces.
Conner currently entertained a client. He glanced over in her direction.
He nodded to her. She smiled softly and waved.
Ava worked the bar as usual with Viessa placing goblets on her tray in preparation for serving them to patrons.
There were no signs of Starla. She must be with a client, or it could be her day off.
This had been Tomesha’s life.
She moved closer to Dru who glanced down at her.
“What is it, miere?” Dru asked.
“Nothing.” Tomesha shook her head. She exhaled, and deep down, she knew this life wasn’t meant for her.
At least, not in the long run. Life as a Madam employee had helped her get her and her family on their feet and in a better financial situation, but it wouldn’t have been something she’d have wanted to do forever.
Eventually, she’d have lost her appeal to the vampires.
No one would want an old donor or an aging woman for sexual release.
They exited the main floor and began the descent down to where Mistress’s office was located. It had seemed as if it were forever ago when she’d been summoned by the mistress.
They arrived at the massive, glossy, black-lacquer double doors etched with golden thorns. Callidora rapped on one of them.
“Mistress,” Callidora called out. “General Moldark is requesting an audience.”
A muffle response was returned. Callidora opened the door and waved for them to enter.
Dru stepped in first, bringing Tomesha behind her.
The door shut behind them with a soft click.
They walked across the room and stopped before the massive desk.
Tomesha came to stand next to Dru and took in the mistress.
The overseer of the feeding club was regal and as beautiful as ever. She sat behind her desk and met Dru’s intense stare without a word. When her gaze shifted and landed on Tomesha, something flickered in her eyes. Her lips curved up in a smirk.
“I would ask to what do I owe the pleasure, but I can see already why you’re here.” Romana settled back and tucked her dark hair behind her ear. She reached for her crystal goblet filled with crimson liquid and took a sip. She licked her ruby-red lips and casually held the goblet between her hands.
“Mistress, I was drafted and matched with the general,” Tomesha said softly.
Romana’s gaze darted back to Dru who met her stare without flinching. Dru appeared to be carved out of ice as she stared down the mistress.
“She’s mine,” Dru announced.
“Well, it’s a shame. Tomesha was one of my best humans.” Romana shrugged. She crossed her legs and grinned widely. She tilted her goblet in Tomesha’s direction. “I, for one, would never get in the way of fate. I honestly knew it before you probably did, General.”
“Is that so?” Dru arched an eyebrow.
“I’ve been doing this a long time. Even before we decided to place this establishment here.
I’ve seen many vampires fall for their donors, be it love or fate.
You, I knew instantly the moment you came to me.
It was the possessiveness for a human you’d only been around once.
The expression in your eyes when you negotiated for her.
I could have asked from you a much higher price and you would have paid it. ”
Tomesha’s eyes widened. She didn’t know how much exactly Dru had spent to have her as a private donor, but she was sure it was astronomical. She only knew what was given to her by Mistress.
“I do want to thank you for everything,” Tomesha said.
Even though she was leaving her employment, she didn’t want Mistress thinking she was ungrateful.
It was because of her that Tomesha had been given a chance.
She thought of all the money she’d earned and saved and how it had helped her family.
She’d never forget this place and what it had done for her family.
Mistress waved and snorted a very unladylike snort.
“What did I do for you? Offer you a way to sell your body? Help you get out of poverty? You would have figured that out on your own.” Her smile disappeared, and she became serious again.
“Not many humans who cross these doors are as lucky as you are. Thank the fates that they’ve destined you to be with someone like the general. ”
“I do. I am thankful for every moment we have together.” Tomesha glanced up at Dru who’d been watching her.
Dru lowered her head and placed a chaste kiss to her lips.
“Your contract with Madam’s is now null and void. You’re no longer a Madam employee, Tomesha. Go. Live your life.”
Those words held more meaning than Mistress would know. A door was closing on Tomesha’s past while the one that led to her future stood wide open. Tomesha was so happy in this moment she felt as if she’d burst.
“I will.” She backed away and turned on her heel with Dru beside her as they walked back to the doors.
“Will you be wanting any of your belongings from your room?” Mistress called out.
Tomesha paused and glanced over her shoulder. There was nothing there that she’d want to take with her. She had everything she’d ever need.
“No. I won’t need any of it.”
Dru opened the door, and they stepped out of Mistress’s office. A weight had been lifted from Tomesha’s shoulders. She’d thought Romana would have put up a fight in letting her go, but it would appear that beneath the brothel mistress’s hard demeanor, she was a romantic at heart.
* * *
“Are you okay?”
Dru sidled up to stand beside Tomesha who stared at the home she’d grown up in.
This had been the only home she’d ever known.
It held so many memories for her that she was a little sad to be leaving.
Memories of her father sitting on this very porch.
Her mother and grandmother cooking in the kitchen when she was younger.
She and her brother playing out in the yard as children.
This had been a center point for her family.
It had taken much effort to convince Tarek to move to Crystal Cove.
Tomesha didn’t want to leave him or her grandmother behind.
Dru was able to arrange for housing for them and even a few job opportunities for Tarek to choose from.
As for Delonda, she’d receive the best medical care money could buy.
“Yeah, I’m good. It’s just bittersweet, you know.”
Dru wrapped an arm around her shoulders and placed a kiss on the top of her head. She leaned into her and sighed. Dru had arranged for a company to help pack up their belongings they’d be taking with them. Everything they owned was now packed away in a moving truck parked out on the street.
Tarek and Delonda stepped out of the house. Her brother helped their grandmother down the stairs. Tomesha stepped forward and took Delonda’s hands in hers.
“Are you ready, Gran?” Tomesha asked softly.
Delonda turned her bright eyes to Tomesha and smiled.
“This has been a long time in the making. We’ve needed a fresh start. Both of you,” Delonda said. She reached for Tarek and pulled him close to her and Tomesha. “And, boy, stop the scowling. Everything will be fine.”
“I know, Gran.” He tugged them into his arms and squeezed them tight.
Tomesha’s heart swelled with love for her brother. He hadn’t wanted to leave, but he was doing what was best for them. There was truly nothing left in Butterbush for them. They were the only family each other had. “You know, moving isn’t a bad idea.”
“Oh, it isn’t?” Tomesha chuckled.
The argument he’d put up a week ago would beg to differ, but he’d finally caved in and agreed. She leaned back and took in the teasing glint in his eyes. She loved when he was in his playful moods. They’d all been stressed about surviving for too long.
“I just wish Mom and Dad was here to go with us,” he said.
Their smiles died off at the mention of Maynard and Maggie. Tomesha inhaled. Neither of their parents had any reason being dead and gone. Life was unfair, but she was sure the two of them were reconnected in the afterlife.
“Your parents will always be with you. Right in your hearts.” Delonda released the two of them and stepped back, her big brown eyes bright and loving. “Now right those faces and let’s go. We can’t keep these people waiting long.”
Delonda turned and ambled over to the waiting car. One of the drivers opened the door for her and helped her inside. Tomesha faced her brother.
“Are you ready?” she asked.
He stared at their childhood home and sighed. He wrapped an arm around her shoulders and squeezed. “I’m actually looking forward to this. It’ll be good for us.”
Tomesha sensed a presence on the other side of her. She glanced over and found Dru standing next to her.
He looked over at Dru and nodded to her. “Thank you. For everything.”
“There’s no need to thank me. You’re my mate’s family, therefore, you’re my family.” Dru motioned to the house. “There will be cleaners who’ll come and make sure the house is in good shape once we’re gone.”
“Well, my grandmother will have my hide if I don’t give my thanks,” Tarek said. He pressed a kiss to Tomesha’s forehead. He jerked his chin toward the car where their grandmother was. “I’d better go get in with Gran before she talks their ears off.”
Tomesha chuckled and took in their grandmother just chatting away with the vampire guard who stood outside of the vehicle. Tarek jogged over to the car and slipped in beside her. Tomesha spun back to Dru who took her hand in hers. She entwined their fingers and squeezed.
“Thank you,” Tomesha murmured.
Dru shook her head and brought Tomesha’s hand up to her lips. She kissed the back of it and gave a rare fangy smile.
“You don’t need to thank me for anything,” Dru said. “I wish I had answers about your father’s disappearance.”
“We have accepted that he is lost to us. I just pray that if he died, his death was swift. I wouldn’t want to imagine that he is one of those beasts.
” Tomesha shuddered. She truly did miss her father and prayed every day that he was in Heaven with her mother.
This was not the time to become sad. She glanced back at their home one last time. “But seriously, thank you.”
“Again, no need for gratitude.”
“You heard my brother. Our grandmother will have our hides if we don’t thank you, and believe me, you don’t want to get her upset,” Tomesha teased.
Their grandmother had always been a firm believer in ensuring her grandchildren grew up respectful and with manners.
She stepped closer to Dru and wrapped her arms around her waist. “I love everything about you and how you’re willing to step in to help my family. ”
“And I love you,” Dru said softly.
Tomesha froze. She hadn’t thought she’d ever hear those words. She knew that they were mated, and it was fate and Dru was following her vampiric instincts when it came to discovering the one person she was supposed to be with forever, but nowhere had Tomesha assumed Dru loved her.
“You love me?” Tomesha whispered. She reached up and placed her hands either side of Dru’s face. She studied her vampire and saw the truth in her eyes. How could she not know that Dru loved her? Everything this woman did was love.
“If you have to question my love for you, then I need to work much harder where you can sense it,” Dru replied.
Tomesha brought her head down and covered her lips with hers. The kiss was soft, sweet, and short. Dru rested her forehead against Tomesha’s.
“I love you, too,” Tomesha said. She grinned and couldn’t help but tease her intense vampire general. “Work harder? You’ve done so much already. What more could you do to show me you love me?”
“Miere, this is only just the beginning. I have forever to prove how much I love you.”