by Claire Marta
“Fine. I was merely trying to get the girl-”
“What girl?”
Enrico huffs at being interrupted. “The Layla girl. I was merely trying to get her to go to my private room and do a better cleaning job. Really the child had missed some very important pieces I wanted to play with tonight, I was just taking her there to correct her mistake and then dole out the appropriate punishment.”
My dragon growls at the threat. If I wasn’t as old as I am I’d have a hard time controlling him. The thought of this asshole doing anything to my little nymph has me itching to set him on fire.
“You know the system, Enrico. You know how I run things. That particular girl is off-limits. She is not a submissive. And even if she were this concern should have been brought to me. I am in charge of the Doms and subs here at the club. If for some reason I am unavailable I have a second in command. Jonah,” Adam waves to a man that stands slightly to his left. “I have an assistant.” He motions to another man next to Jonah. “Or you could talk to Eli, he’s my head bartender and has a direct line to me. There are always options.
“You have no authority outside of a scene and your own submissive’s consent.”
“That girl is a temptation. She walks around here teasing us all. She needs a firm hand.”
The vampire moves so fast that even my dragon doesn’t see it. He grabs the shifter by the throat.
His voice is low and menacing, “you do not talk about my employees like that. I will be going to the Mistress with this issue. For now, a two-week ban. If you even try to step through those doors before the ban is lifted I will make sure you don’t step foot in any club in the country.”
The shifter struggles, but the vamp proves who is superior when he squeezes his fingers. “The next time I see you, you’ll be on probation. One wrong move and it’s over.” He releases Enrico. “Someone take him to the lobby. Someone else needs to go through his private room and gather all personal effects. As of now he no longer can keep a permanent one here. I don’t care how much money he tries to throw at the Mistress. We all know she’ll do far worse.”
Others move in and do as Adam commands. The other club members jump out of the way and let everything go smoothly.
Adam turns to me, “find the girl. The two of you seem to cross paths often. I want to see her in my office before the night is out.”
He stalks aways before I can say anything.
The last thing I want to do is run after the girl, again. But I know how important it is to make sure she’s safe.
I might not like chasing this girl down, but I’m interested enough to do so without orders, anyway.
Letting my dragon have some control, I search for her scent, then begin my hunt.
Layla
Curling in a ball on the floor, my palm against my mouth it muffles my sobs. The small space is in a cubby hole hidden in a closet where no one but the cleaning crew goes.
Shaking uncontrollably, unable to stop the fear pounding through my head, I attempt to make myself smaller.
I don’t understand why this keeps happening to me. I’ve always been friendly and helpful. The last few weeks something seems to have changed. Enrico’s ruthlessness has left me feeling ill at ease to be around the Doms. I know it’s their nature to be bossy and dominant, but even I know this is different. It was if something else was driving him.
“Layla?”
The soft, deep voice has me holding a breath. Thomas. Freezing in place, I bite down into the fleshy part of my palm to stifle my tears.
“I know you’re there. I would rather not have a repeat of the last time you made us do this.”
I don’t want to face him but I know I can’t hide there forever. If it’s not him someone else will sniff me out. Part of me wishes it was Eli. My friend, although he teases me, has always been understanding.
Slowly, I uncoil myself. Taking a second to wipe the tears from my eyes, I take several deep breaths. I’m making him wait but I know he can hear me moving. Nausea rolls in my stomach at what I might have to deal with once I leave the safety of my dark little nook. With a resigned sigh, I finally crawl out into the stark bright light of the larger part of the closet.
Thomas is waiting for me. Down on his haunches, his head is cocked to one side as he watches me emerge. Gaze flicking to his, I wonder if he came after me of his own accord or if he was sent.
“We have got to stop meeting like this. Are you okay?”
“No.” My voice comes out croaky. “Am I in trouble?”
“Why would you be in trouble?” He frowns.
Bowing my head I stare at the floor, fresh tears swimming in my eyes. “I should have told Master Adam earlier Enrico was bothering me, but I thought I could handle it. I swear to the goddess I never once encouraged him.
“It started off with him asking me if I wanted to be his sub. I thought he’d accepted my no, but...but the last few weeks he’s been pushing…” I swallow down the thickness in my throat as everything continues to spill out. “He’s been cornering me...touching me…I said no but he just wouldn’t stop.
“Then I got scared of what he might do if I told someone. He was so nice before. I don’t understand why he changed…and he’s not the only one. Some of the other male members have started looking at me the same way Enrico does…and I’m scared.”
“We need to go see Adam. You’re not in trouble, but this situation is...troubling. Before we go though, I need you to promise me that you’ll stop running. I would have a much easier time helping you if I didn’t have to keep tracking you down. Adam as well. There are people who will help, you just need to ask, Layla.”
Swiping the dampness away I nod. “It was instinct...big ass scary predator and I run...my abilities aren’t land-based and my mother always told me to run when faced with something dangerous when I’m without my tail.”
“Your...no, we’re going to talk to Adam. He needs to be aware of how deep the situation runs. And we need to have a more in-depth conversation about your abilities.”
Reaching out tentatively, I touch Thomas’s hand. “Thank you...I would appreciate that...you coming with me to see Adam. I’m sure he’ll end up firing me.”
Whatever happens, I won’t mention Eli knows about Enrico. I’m the one who made him promise not to tell. This all lays on my shoulders. Shifting, I wince as cramps streak through my legs. I might be able to get into tiny places, but after a while it’s uncomfortable.
“Why would he fire you for something that isn’t your fault?” Helping me up he motions for me to walk ahead of him. “You have a poor opinion of the club manager it seems.”
“No...I...well he has to keep his members happy and I’m just the girl who cleans up. It’s not like I’m a submissive. I can understand him being concerned for them, but I’m just someone easily replaceable.” I glance up into his unreadable expression. “I’m just being realistic.”
Thomas looks like he wants to say something but holds back. “Is there anything else I need to know before we go up there? I don’t like surprises and you seem to be full of them.”
“No.” I stare at the stairs ascending to Adam’s office as if it’s an electric eel about to strike.
The urge to run and hide hits me again. Pace slowing, it’s only Thomas’s firm hand suddenly pressed to the small of my back that keeps me moving. I’m sure he’s sensed my reluctance.
Each step up has my heart beating faster in my chest until I feel dizzy.
“Easy, nothing’s going to happen to you. We’re just going to talk. If you freak out now we’ll have to wait until tomorrow. Really, the sooner this is dealt with the better.”
“I know..I know...it’s just...he can be really terrifying.” Inhaling a deep breath, I release it through my mouth.
I will not faint. Goddess, fainting will only make this situation worse.
Reaching the door, I raise my hand to knock but Thomas beats me to it.
The door opens to reveal Adam’s submissive. I
haven’t spoken to him in all the time I’ve been here. He’s either following Adam around or being punished.
“Come in, Layla. No one here is going to hurt you.” Adam calls out from deeper in the office.
I sense Thomas behind me. His presence preventing me from bolting. Hesitantly, I move into the room.
The sub gives me a sympathetic look. “Relax he’s not going to bite you, sweetheart.”
Biting on my lip, I inch towards a chair he gestures to.
“Sit before you fall down,” Adam advises from across his desk. “You're as pale as a ghost, my dear.”
Taking his advice, I sink into the plush leather. Thomas drops into the seat beside me. Padding to his dog bed beside Adam’s desk, the vampire’s sub curls up on the cushion to watch us.
“Now, why don’t you tell me what happened downstairs.”
Linking and unlinking my fingers in my lap, my gaze darts nervously around the room. “I...I’ve been having trouble with Master Enrico.” I admit in a tiny voice, knowing I have to tell him everything. Thomas already knows the truth. “He...he’s been asking me to sub for him but I’ve always told him no. I thought he’d accepted it. He had...until a few weeks ago. He...he started making inappropriate advances.”
“And you thought it best to keep quiet?” Adam growls. “You didn’t think I would want to know?”
I cringe. “I thought I could handle it myself. I know that was wrong...I’m sorry, Master Adam...I was going to but...but things because physical and I was frightened then to tell anyone…” Blinking rapidly, tears leak from the corners of my eyes. “He wouldn’t stop.”
“And you didn’t tell anyone? Or even hint to anyone that something was wrong?” Adam speaks in a slow measured tone.
Hunching my shoulders, I keep my attention fixed on the desk. I don’t want to give up Eli. He isn’t part of this mess, but I hate lying to this vampire who’s boring a hole in my head with his intense disapproving stare.
“I…”
“I do so hate liars, Layla. Please don’t try to tell me that while Thomas was fishing you out of your hiding space I wasn’t up here discussing that very thing with my head bartender.”
Shock has my attention snapping up to Adam’s cold expression. “Eli told you?”
“Of course. It was admirable of him to keep your secret when you led him to believe it was just an annoyance, but as tonight proved this is bigger than that. I need you to tell me everything, Layla. I’m glad you have someone looking out for you, but in order to better take care of this situation I need to know every single detail.”
I feel Thomas watching me from where he’s sitting. His golden regard steady on my profile.
“Things...seemed to change about two weeks ago.” I take a second to recall. “It was like a switch had been flipped. Enrico… Master Enrico wasn’t his usual joking self. He was aggressive and pushy. From there it just got worse...and I’ve noticed a similar attitude towards me the last few evenings with other men...not just Doms but subs too.”
It’s Thomas who speaks this time. “You brought up your abilities earlier. What are mermaids empowered with? I’m afraid I never cared to look too closely at your kind before.”
Of course, he wouldn’t, not many people do.
Shifting in my chair I meet his gaze. “We have dominion over the seas and all its creatures. Within our natural environment, a mermaid has the same strength and healing ability as a vampire does. With age comes more potent powers, but I’m young and those wouldn’t come for centuries...although my tail has changed color...” I frown. It’s something I haven’t connected with what’s been happening.
“Do you have anyone to talk to about your abilities?” Thomas asks.
“No, my mother...isn’t around. And my father and his family don’t speak to me.”
“Interesting. I haven’t dealt with your kind before. Truthfully before you, I have never seen a mer-creature before. It seems Carnal Pleasures is collecting unique employees.” Adam muses.
“Are you wearing perfume?” The comment comes out of nowhere from the forgotten sub.
Confused at his question, I give him an odd look. “Me? No.”
Nose in the air, he sniffs several times. “Hmm...fuck me something does smell good though.” Hazel eyes dilating, they focus on me with a heated look.
“You seem to be wrong about when your abilities will emerge,” Adam says, voice low. “You appear to be doing a very good job at seducing my pet.”
Heat racing into my cheeks I shake my head. “What? No...I’m not doing anything.”
“Unwittingly or not you’re doing it. Bane, either stop breathing or learn to ignore it. If you move from that bed I will punish you for trying to touch an untouchable girl.”
Adam’s sub rises onto all fours, ignoring his Master command. “Just a taste...” he mutters.
Muscles rippling he crawls from his bed in fluid motions that are more animal than human.
“For every step you take, pet, that’s twenty minutes in your kennel.”
The sub’s movements falter. “You're telling me you can’t smell that? Fuck Adam, I need this. Don’t fucking deny me. I won’t hurt her. I promise it will be good and you can watch me fuck her.”
“Language, pet. Do you really want to test me while I’m in this mood? If you come back like a good pup I’ll fuck you hard enough that you’ll need more than your shifter healing to get rid of the ache.”
Breathing heavily, the sub stills. I can see him battling for control over whatever has him bewitched. Fingernails digging into the floor, his extending claws leave gouges in their wake.
“I need to go.” There’s a note of pleading in his tone. “If I don’t leave this room now I won’t be responsible for what happens and I can’t go through that...you know I can’t.”
“Thank you for telling me what you need, pet. Go wait for me downstairs. Do not move from the bar.”
He’s off the floor so quickly and through the door it’s slam makes me jump.
Wide-eyed and speechless, I stare at the two remaining men in trepidation. “What just happened?”
“That my dear,” Adam says slowly, “was you seducing my pet. It’s rather fascinating.”
“But I didn’t do anything. I’m sitting here.”
“Which is why it’s so fascinating. Don’t worry, we’ll figure it out. Though I am curious why it didn’t affect Thomas. I can proudly say I have the utmost control over everything I do. Plus, I’ve never fancied women, so that could help.”
Adam shifts his gaze from me to Thomas. “I’m a nine hundred and fifty-year-old dragon, Adam. It’ll take more than a nice smelling girl to entice me.”
Dragon? My heart stops for a beat. Thomas is a dragon. Dread spirals through me as the room spins.
Deadly, dangerous. One of the most powerful shifters to exist and I’m sitting next to him. They’ve been known to eat my kind. Feast on the flesh and bones of unwitting mermaids. Terrorize the seas in centuries past.
Adam says something but it’s muffled. As everything slides from color to grey I’m aware of falling before everything goes black.
Thomas
I manage to catch Layla before she falls out of the chair. Her body is slight and petite against mine.
“Sit with her on the sofa. Can’t say I’ve ever seen someone faint like that before.” There’s humor in Adam’s voice.
As I carry Layla across the office I study her features. Her eyelashes are long and think, her lips are full and pink and I wonder how they’d look kiss swollen, or wrapped around my cock.
Sitting, I lay the girl across my lap. She stirs a bit but doesn’t open her eyes. “Layla, it’s time to wake up now,” I say, voice soft yet commanding.
Brushing her soft hair away from her face, I skim my fingers across her cheek. She looks like jailbait. Sweet and innocent, holding her in my arms gives me wicked ideas.
“I’m assuming she didn’t know what you were.”
“No. I do
n’t think she’s strong enough to determine what people are. It’s kind of adorable how innocent she is.”
“I’d be annoyed. You must have the patience of a saint.”
I snort and look up at the vampire. “Hardly. But I don’t want to scare her away. Hell, I don’t even like the girl, much.”
“Yes, well, I think you’ll both have to learn to do more than tolerate each other. After what happened tonight I don’t want her alone in the club if she’s not working.”
“Agreed.”
Layla shifts in my arms and I hold her tighter to me. “Are you ready to wake up, little nymph?”
She groans and her eyes flutter before opening. As she comes to she goes from lax to stiff in my arms.
“Are you okay?” I ask, voice soft.
“Are you going to eat me?” She whispers staring up at me with fright.
“Depends on what you mean by eat you.” It’s hard holding in my laughter.
A flash of pink warm her cheeks. “I...erm...oh goddess.”
Adam snorts. “I’m sure we can arrange something if you want, girl. But that didn’t answer Thomas’s question.”
Her attention bounces to the vampire. “Yes, Master Adam. Sorry...Yes, I’m okay...it was just a shock finding out he’s a...a.” The color ebbs in and out of her cheeks and she can’t seem to say the word.
“A what? An old man? I can assure you, my age only means I know plenty of ways to pleasure you.”
Layla blinks her expression a mix of confusion and lingering fear. “No...I…”
“Neither one of us reads minds, girl.” Adam says. “If you have something to say then please say it.”
“I think this evening has been a bit too much.” She admits. “My head is a mess and I really need some water.”
Adam moves from the desk to the small bar in the corner. “That wasn’t what you were going to say. You’re not getting out of this, Layla.” My hands hold her just a little tighter.
She takes the water from Adam and I wait patiently as she drinks it.
“What are you going to do with me. Now we know my abilities are out of control?” She finally whispers, wiping her lips clean of the residue with the back of her hand. “And no, Master Thomas, I don’t think you're old.” She tells me earnestly with a serious look.