by Claire Marta
That was six months ago and I haven't gotten the courage to seek her out. I know I hurt her with what I did, but figured she'd come around like the first time my hand was forced.
I never thought she'd resign and never come back to the club. I promised myself that I would let her go if that's what she really wanted. Dropping off the face of the earth for weeks and then not even showing up to quit in person is a pretty damn good sign of what she wants.
I'm not a fucking psychopathic stalker like the fucking tiger.
I had thought that she'd show back up. Running away is her M.O. after all.
The plan was to wait for her to show up at the club, reassuring everyone that she was fine and then we'd hash it out.
As much as I know we need to talk, I'm not going to force her to do anything. No matter how take charge I am, forcing myself on someone in any capacity, is a no.
Sighing, I take a seat at the bar and Eli is there instantly, even though I know he probably has people ahead of me. Saturday nights are always busy.
"You might want to go see Adam." He says.
"Why?"
"Just trust me, it's important."
I examine his face, but he gives nothing away, I've never been able to get a read on him. He's too good at hiding from the world.
Spinning around on the stool, I face the room. I don't see anything that would cause concern. My lips curl up in distaste at the sight of Enrico's groupies, but unless they actually do something there's nothing the Mistress or Adam can do about their presence. They stand around each other with smug smiles on their faces.
A few people keep glancing over at them, some look worried, others disgusted. That's how it's been the past few months. With Enrico banned for after the photo in the locker stunt—further proof that he's a fucking wannabe rapist—and Layla gone, any potential rumors have been shut down. I'm sure there's still gossip, but none where the staff could hear.
Unlike Enrico and his band of merry fucks, almost everyone else who comes to the club are mature adults and act like it.
"Thomas," Eli snaps. "Go upstairs."
I glance at the elf and find that he's staring in the direction of the group.
Getting to my feet, I walk down the bar and slip through the pass. Eli wouldn't be this insistent I barge into Adam's space if it wasn't something I needed to do. Everyone knows not to go up there unless invited.
The outer office where his assistant's desk is, is empty, so I knock once on the door before opening it.
Marius sits across from Adam, a grim expression on his face. Adam glances at me, but says nothing. His face is blank, so whatever he feels for the discussion they were having doesn't show.
"I was wondering how long it would take to get back to you." Adam says, voice as cool as his icy eyes. "Marius leave us. Unless it's Bane don't let anyone enter. Make sure you keep an ear out for Eli. Let me know if there's any trouble downstairs."
The assistant stands and I move from the doorway so he can pass.
"Eli said I needed to come up." I explain.
"I'm sure he did. Since you're not ranting and raving, I'm assuming you don't know?"
"Don't know what?" I growl.
It's so easy to lose my patience with the vampire. His cool attitude might do him well when it comes to business, but all it does is piss me off.
"About this."
He shoves something across his desk and I take measured strides across the room to see what it is.
The photo makes my stomach turn. Not because of the implication, I know the wolf isn't that stupid, but the fact that he apparently knows where the nymph is, doesn't sit well with me.
"Did you know?" I ask.
"That my pet knew where the girl was? No. I am rather displeased with that myself. You're telling me you didn't go looking for her?"
"I just made sure she was back in the city and was somewhere safe."
Not that I asked the investigator exactly where Layla was staying. He assured me it was safe. He knows what would have happened if he lied to me.
Obviously it wasn't safe enough.
"I wonder how long he was having her followed." Adam muses. "I'm having my staff do as much damage control as possible, all my heads of staff are making sure their people know the situation.
“The implication is clear, but those who know us will know it's bullshit."
"I don't care about my reputation, or yours. What I care about is the fact that Enrico is obviously stalking her. Still. And that your pet knows her whereabouts." I snap.
I wonder what tiger tastes like after it's been burned alive.
The flames dance under my skin, there's a quiver in my abdomen that feels like the start of a fast and hard shift. Even magical shifting can get painful if you're not fully prepared. I haven't felt like this in centuries, since the one I loved was snatched from me so carelessly.
And here I am again. After making a vow to never care that deeply for another person.
I don't even like the stupid girl. Too naïve, too immature emotionally. Yet so intriguing I could spend hours, days, years watching her experience the world and find joy in teaching her new things.
"I'll deal with Bane. He doesn't particularly care for you. You'll only make him clam up. Let me talk to him. We'll deal with this one step at a time."
Growling like some pre-pubescent fledgling, I pace the spacious office. I know Adam is right, I need to keep my cool and let him work on getting the facts from Bane. But sitting and doing nothing has never been my forte. I did it the past six months because I wanted to give Layla space.
The image of her and Bane sitting at dinner, holding hands is burned into my mind and every time it surfaces a pulse of flame shoots through my body. I know logically that it's bullshit. But logic and rationality aren't always easy to grasp. Especially when I lost what was mine.
Yes. I can admit that Layla is mine. Somehow, she wormed herself into my life and while I might not always like her, I do want her. Safe, sound, happy.
I pace for what feels like hours, but a glance at the clock on the wall says it's only been thirty minutes. Finally the door to Adam's office opens and the wolf we've been waiting for steps in.
"Sorry I'm late, sir. I got caught up in something."
"That's fine, pet. Come here."
Bane looks between me and his Master before doing as he's told.
Adam pulls him down onto his lap and hands Bane the photograph.
Bane pales and his eyes snap up to Adam's. "I-I...it's not..."
"Hush. I know you better than that, pet."
He relaxes some but casts me a wary glance. "How did you get this?" He asks, voice low.
"Seems our little vermin problem hasn't been fixed quite yet. Don't worry, we'll find a solution. What I need from you, Bane, is to answer a very simple question."
"Which is what?"
"When were you going to tell me you know where the girl is?" Adam's voice goes from soft and soothing to hard and lethal.
Bane tried to get up but Adam grabs his waist with both hands.
"Did you not trust me to keep her secret? You know me better than that, pet. Unless she was in danger I wouldn't have interfered. You know I've been worried. You kept it from me. Why?
“After everything we've been through over the past year?
“Have I done something to lose your trust in me?"
"No! Let me go, Adam. Now."
"Answer me and maybe I will."
"I was protecting her. It had nothing to do with you or us. I trust you. You know that. But I needed her to trust me.
“I had to make sure she was okay. I'm sorry for keeping it from you, but I didn't know what else to do."
"Very well."
Adam drops Bane onto the floor where the wolf stays for a few seconds, trying to catch his breath.
"You'll be punished at a time and place I see fit. Now, stand up and tell Thomas everything you know."
Bane shoots me a dark look but does as commanded.
<
br /> "She's fine. Or at least getting there. I won't tell you where she is. But if you try to find her it won't be that hard.
“We didn't know they were taking pictures, but something felt off, so I took her home. That's why I was late tonight. So don't worry, she's safe from Enrico for now."
I don't fully agree with that, but considering he pulled a stunt tonight I'm reassured that she'll be safe-ish from him for now.
"She...she's been taking her life back after everything that happened to her. It's been good for her. I've enjoyed seeing her flourish.
“But..." he hesitates.
"Bane," Adam warns.
"She misses you. She's even thinking about taking some bullshit bondage lessons at another club."
"What?" Adam and I both sneer.
"Yeah, I questioned that idea as well. I told her I'd go with her." He turns to Adam. "I was going to talk to you tonight anyway. Tell you the truth and ask you to look into the classes she found. I wouldn't trust someone not vetted by you or the Mistress. I know better than that."
"Glad to hear that." Adam says. He turns to me. "That should stave you for a little while. Bane is going to set up a meeting, either here at the club or somewhere neutral so you two can hash it out.
“Either fuck or fight, I don't care. Then we'll figure out how to get rid of that damn Spaniard for good."
It's not perfect, but it'll have to do for now.
"Thank you, Bane, for telling me."
"If you hurt her I will hurt you."
"Quiet now." Adam says. "You're already in a lot of shit. Don't think I can't smell the alcohol on your breath, even under the mint. Keep that smart mouth shut and try not to make it worse for yourself."
"May I leave for the night?" I ask. "I don't think I can stand to be here without ripping one of those bastards to shreds."
"Please, leave. You're no good to anyone this volatile. Plus, the Mistress would be upset if you got blood on the floor."
I leave as fast as I can.
I catch Eli's eye briefly as I rush out and wonder if he also knows where the girl was. But I don't stop to ask. I have more important things to worry about.
I leave the club and step out into the street to shift. Layla's scent is fresh in my senses after smelling it on Bane's clothes. It makes it easy to locate after I fly slowly across the city.
Landing on the building, I curl around myself so I can fit. I wonder if anyone heard the thump when I landed and will come to investigate. Not that I really care. I might set them on fire if they do.
I want to go follow the scent and find which apartment is hers, but I won't. Not yet. Just knowing she's there is enough for now.
Layla
“Night, Layla.”
Turning to the unison of voices I wave at my staff as they leave. “Goodnight. See you tomorrow.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?” Sadie questions beside me, looping her bag over her slim shoulder. A crystal hangs around her neck, her street clothes black and tight fitting.
Giving her a smile I shake my head. “No it’s fine. I just have to get the alarm set up and then I’m done. You go on home.”
“Alright, if your sure.” Sauntering across the room towards the door, she throws me a shy glance before slipping out onto the darkened street.
It’s been another successful, hectic day. Satisfied customers have come and gone. Business is booming and I couldn't be happier with all my hard work, time,and effort to pull this all off. Thank the goddess I’m used to late night. Midnight has become our usual closing time with all the cleaning and prep we need to do for the next evening.
Turning my attention to the panel in the wall, I tap in the code to set the alarm. Hearing the beep, I step away, hurrying to grab my bag off a table. It gives me a few minutes to get out into the side alley, lock the doors and pull the metal shutter into place.
It’s been two days since I met up with Bane. Usually he texts me, but he’s been quiet which has me worried. I know his time at the club and with Adam keeps him busy, but i’ts not like him not to check in. Shoving my keys into my bag, I fish out my phone checking the screen.
Bane: Lay, something’s happened and I need to meet. Can you come to Carnal Pleasure tonight? It’s urgent. You know I wouldn’t ask if it wasn’t important. We can meet out back, away from the entrance.
My stomach twists with tension at his message. Mind spinning different directions, scenarios play out in my head. Something’s happened to Thomas. Bane is in trouble. Eli.
Sucking in a steadying breath, I quickly type a reply.
I’ll be there in an hour.
The thought of going back there has an unwanted tornado of emotions whirling within me. I’m not ready for this. My life isn’t as secure yet as I need it to be, but I don’t have a choice. I’d walk through fire for Bane and I know he’d do the same for me.
Distracted, it takes a second for the frisson of uneasiness ghosting along my spine to register. I become aware of a presence behind me. I barely have the chance to turn before a hand lands on the back of my neck, propelling me forward into the cold metal of the shutter.
For a moment I feel nothing. Then pain explodes through my cheek and jaw, stars dancing before my eyes with the force of the blow.
A male form presses into my back, a growing erection sandwiched between us.
“Did you think you could just slip away from me, little ghost?” Enrico rumbles in the shell of my ear.
The sound of his voice sends primal fear, entwined with the ever present anger at his treatment, coursing through me. It’s late. Not many people will be around and with the rear exit to the restaurant situated in an alleyway it makes it even more deserted.
“Get off me.” Snarling, I struggle only to be slammed into the metal a second time. The coppery taste of blood meets my tongue. From the cut on my lip and the soreness of my cheek I know I’ll be wearing bruises tomorrow.
“It took me a while to find you again.” He mutters, fingers flexing restlessly over the material of the blouse covering my biceps. “But I’ve been watching you. I know where you live. What you do. Who you talk to. That you see that fucking wolf once a week.
“Do you fuck him as well? Friends with benefits? Does his Master know? If he didn’t before he does by now. They all know.
“You're mine. You’ll always be mine and I’m going to teach you that you can never belong to anyone else.”
“What are you talking about?” Teeth scrape the delicate side of my neck, causing a sting, which makes me wish I’d never worn my hair up in a ponytail.
He uses his superior shifter strength to subdue me. Lips fasten on my neck, sucking hard on the skin.
He’s marking me. The realization only sends my volatile emotions raging.
Magic builds within me. Letting my powers rise, I feel its seductive force settling through my vocal cords.
“Enrico, you’ve always been the one I want. The only man to make me wet with need.” I purr relaxing into him, rubbing and wiggling playfully. “None of the other Doms can give me what you do.”
The tiger’s mouth doesn’t leave my skin, but I feel the vibration of his groan. “We’re meant to be together.”
“I see that now.”
The grips he has on my arms loosen, his fingertips dancing up them sending goosebumps in their wake.“I knew you would. I have a place tucked away. A dungeon just for you so secluded no one will ever find us.” He grinds his hips suggestively into my jean clad ass, the length of his cock a blatant reminder of what he intends to do with me.
“We can stay there forever. You’ll come to love the pain. I know you will. I’ve had things built especially for you. A sound proof tank. Toys. A collar. Cuffs and a metal throne. Special things that will make you scream, but I promise to kiss it better when I’m done.”
Disgust has nausea churning in my stomach. Is he insane? It sounds more like torture. Does he think I’ll really enjoy whatever he has planned for me? He isn’t a real Dom
. He’s twisted it in a sick, sadistic way and I’ll never submit to him freely.
“You don’t have to keep me pinned anymore.” I tell him, tone heavy with persuasion. “I promise I won’t run away.”
With a gentleness that surprises me, he turns me to face him. Chest aligned with mine, his breath strokes my bruised cheek. The emotions I see burning brightly in his eyes has me shaking in fright. Goddess he is mad. Obsessed. Possessive.
Forcing a smile onto my mouth my hands caress upwards to clutch his shoulders. “That sounds wonderful.”
Enrico takes my face in his large hands. “I love you.”
I know that’s a lie. Love isn’t repulsive.
Even before the last word is fully out of his mouth, I bring my knee up between his legs. My well aimed, hard blow sends him staggering and falling to his knees.
“Why can’t you leave me alone you psycho?” I holler, clutching my bag to my breasts, thankful I haven’t dropped it. “No means no. How many more times do I have to tell you I’m not interested in you. I’d rather go live in the Sahara desert than become your plaything.”
Baring sharpening teeth, his head rises. “You fucking bitch. This is how you treat me after I express my love for you? You don’t deserve my niceness. My gifts and affections. It's obvious now you need a firm hand to teach you how to obey. I’ll show you what happens when you disrespect me.”
I watch in horror as his body twists, reshaping with a speed that's startling. One moment he’s a man, the next he’s a tiger. Glaring eyes stare up at me, from s where he’s crouched in the shredded remains of his clothing.
Eyes wide and glued to the predator, my breath comes out in stuttering gasps. I’m fully aware he could rip me apart. Kill me. Eat me.
In one fluid movement he rises, tail flicking. Feet moving, I backaway attention darting to the mouth of the alley. I’m not sure I can out run him. I feel like some unwitting gazelle who’s about to be devoured. Deep down I know this can’t continue. He thinks I’m weak. The same girl from the club who he hurt and abused.