Blood Moon Box Set

by Natalie Aejaz

  “Fancy some fun?” He turned when someone placed a hand low on his hip. A human female in a tight black dress designed to show off her every curve. She stared up at him, blue eyes wide and blond hair silky.

  “No, thanks.” He stood back, finding her interest annoying rather than something to be pleased about. He’d stopped being flattered by attention from guests soon after joining Eclipse. His dark looks and supernatural qualities, along with his indifference, appeared to be an attraction to customers, but he was always the professional. He tilted his head at the dance floor. “You know you’re beautiful. You’ll get plenty of attention from others.”

  Cavorting with customers was against the rules, and in any case, he’d never been tempted.

  “How about meeting when you get off work?” She bit her bottom lip as she brought a hand to his face, running it over his goatee.

  He stepped back. “You’re wasting your time here.”

  The woman pouted as she ran her gaze over his two-piece, her eyes intent as if she could see through it. “What can I do to convince you?”

  “Nothing.”

  A scowled marred her pretty face before she turned for the dance floor. She swayed her ample butt as she walked, giving him a view of that backless dress that exposed more than it covered. She glanced over her shoulder at him, but he looked away. Lucky for him, he’d always found it easy to resist the regular attention he received in the venue. It wasn’t as if he hadn’t had his fair share of fun over the years, but right now, he was enjoying a toned-down lifestyle—one that suited a line of work where he was surrounded by, and needed to resist, temptation.

  Not long before he finished for the night. He was itching to get out of the black two-piece and tie. A bit of admin work, some accounting, and then he’d get into bed before sunrise. A nocturnal existence was a side effect of a job such as this, but one got used to it. There was a buzzing at his waist, and he pulled his mobile from his jacket pocket. A message from Blade. Mate. If you’ve got time before you leave, can I pop by to see you in your office?

  The demon might be his boss, but he treated him with the same respect he gave his business partners. Junaid messaged him back. Sure. I’ll be there in ten.

  He made his way back to the upper landing and pushed through the crowds, approaching the far end. Stepping behind a curtain, he placed his hand on the security panel before him, and the door unlocked. It was a staff area, but it was rarely used by anyone other than Junaid. The corridor, done up in LED lighting and red deco, had offices on either side of it. Blade was already waiting outside his office, dressed in a gray two-piece and burgundy shirt. As always, he cut an imposing figure, his broad shoulders filling out that suit to the max.

  Junaid pulled his keys from his jacket pocket and opened the door to his office, a spacious number with customized oak furniture and a leather sofa suite in one corner. There was also a small gym, kitchen and bathroom attached. Hell, he could live here if he wanted to, but he liked getting off the premises and being in his own apartment. As much as he loved the job, a break from it did him good.

  “Would you like a drink?” asked Junaid. A stocked mini bar was another perk that came with this office.

  “No thanks. Got to get back soon. Alyssa’s waiting in the villa.”

  Junaid couldn’t help but smile. Not long ago, the demon wouldn’t let anyone near that place, spending his nights alone and craving isolation. But ever since he met that human, his life had changed. To everyone’s surprise, after they got together, Blade insisted on her moving into his villa with him, and the situation had gone from nobody getting a look-see at his home to regular get-togethers there. Junaid had been to a fair few dinners and barbecues at the place, and it was always good to see Blade blissed out with Alyssa…after all, the demon had been on his own long enough. And after the crap Alyssa had been through, if anyone deserved happiness, it was her.

  “You’re here about work, I presume?”

  Blade nodded. “I’ve got a job for you. Obviously, you’ll get paid for this separately from your salary for Freefall.”

  “You know money’s never been a thing between us.”

  “Still, I’ll see you right.”

  Junaid had no doubt about that. The Eclipse owners gave him regular bonuses as well as a generous salary. “What’s the job?”

  “You know my new hotel venture?”

  “Phoenix?” The demon had refurbished the place in partnership with his wolf shifter friend Shaun. Blade and Eclipse’s owners had had their eyes on a larger hotel on the other side of the river, but things had been kicking off between the mob and supernaturals recently, which meant enough enterprises owned by non-humans suffered. So Blade and his business partners had turned their attention to supporting those whose ventures weren’t doing as well as their own. Phoenix belonged to a couple of supernaturals who were struggling to get by, and local thugs had forced them into a position where they’d have to auction it at a loss. It would have gone straight to criminal elements if Blade and the wolf didn’t step in and make an offer to buy it at a fair price.

  It was almost as if they’d made an effort to go in the opposite direction of their current business interests. Shaun had an investment firm and also owned a couple of lounge bars, and before his human mate came along, he’d been involved with the mob, just like Blade. But Phoenix was a fantasy palace set in landscaped gardens with water shows and ice sculptures. The theme worked, because it was being heralded as the ultimate event and wedding venue in Manhattan. Hardly surprising when the place screamed of decadence and romance.

  “I read an online article about Phoenix this morning, Blade. You’re being featured on wedding and event sites all over the place.”

  “Yes. We’ve got plenty of corporate events and weddings coming through…but there’s a problem with a booking we’ve just taken on.”

  “What kind of problem?”

  “It’s been made by John Ryder, the leader of the Manhattan branch of the Association…get this, his son is marrying Harrison Smith’s daughter.”

  “Harrison Smith…who was murdered years ago?”

  Blade nodded. The case was a notorious one, because the Association had tried to pin the murder on non-humans, and had even called on the government to bring in anti-supernatural measures, which would mean they were constantly under surveillance. But before that could happen, it emerged that Harrison had been involved in criminal elements and was taken out by them so they could take control of the firm they’d help him build.

  “So you understand why I’m concerned?”

  Junaid released a low whistle. “Why they hell are they booking your place?” When supernaturals were first exposed years ago, the Association spoke the loudest against them and campaigned the hardest for their incarceration. And it used the threat of non-humans to its advantage, spreading fear among humans and gaining more of them as members. Shame that those members, so scared of supernaturals, didn’t seem to mind that the organization they followed was involved with criminal elements. In fact, most of them denied any such partnerships or were brainwashed into believing that the rumors were spread by those jealous of their religious unity. “What do you reckon, Blade? Why is the organization booking a hotel owned by supernaturals?”

  “That’s what concerns me,” said Blade. “After what went down with the mob and the fact that our kind stole secret documents from the Association, things have been threatening to kick off for a while.” It made little difference that the recent attack on a mobster was to save Blade’s girlfriend Alyssa. And the Association also did not give a toss if the state had hired supernaturals to steal its files. “The government’s been pressuring all of us to maintain harmony, and I think this is the Association’s way of putting on a show of being the reasonable party.”

  “You’re probably right, Blade.”

  “Anyway, I didn’t want to turn down the booking and get the government on our backs…but I was hoping you’d oversee its management.”

&
nbsp; “You want me to take care of a wedding?”

  “You know how I trust you.” Blade’s eyes narrowed. “I’ve checked it out, and the marriage is legit. But those fuckers hate our kind, and they’re also involved with the mob…and you know how shitty our relations with them have been.” Junaid didn’t need reminding about that. Both Blade and Shaun had pissed off the mob for the sake of their females. “I want you to make sure that this wedding goes smoothly, and that as soon as the ceremony is over, the Association members get the hell out of there with no trouble. What do you think?”

  “I’ll do it, Blade.”

  Taking care of a wedding booking was not Junaid’s idea of fun, but the demon was right. There had been a lot of shit going down, and they needed to keep relations between humans and supernaturals as smooth as was possible. Extend the harmony for as long as they could.

  CHAPTER THREE

  * * *

  IVY HAD MADE IT CLEAR that it was to be a low-key event, and what did her friends do? They turned up outside the house in a pink stretch limo. Luckily, her mother’s bedroom was on the other side of their home.

  It wasn’t as if she didn’t have enough to worry about. Michael had phoned her earlier to let her know the venue for the marriage ceremony was booked. Phoenix. A hotel owned by supernaturals…but why? John delivered long sermons at their church, lecturing members on how unholy those creatures were…and yet he was to hold a sacred ceremony in a venue owned by the abominations?

  As she pulled on her jacket, another call came through from Rehana. “I’ll be down in a minute.” She moved to the window to glance outside, looking down on the luxury vehicle. What on Earth had possessed her friends? And now Rehana got out of the car, dressed in a skin-tight leopard dress, a tinseled pink party hat atop her head. That whistle in her mouth rounded off the whole look.

  “Get your ass down here, Ivy!”

  Don’t, Rehana, please. The sight of that vehicle was terrifying enough. Ivy toyed with the idea of not going down at all, but lights were switching on in some nearby houses. It was a quiet neighborhood, an exclusive residential compound where other Association members lived, and she didn’t want to risk any of them knowing she was going for a night out. She whispered into the mobile. “I’m coming down, but please could you get back in the car before any of the neighbors see you?”

  “You’re unbelievable. What bloody century are you from?”

  “Please, Rehana. Just do it.” Before leaving, she checked her appearance in the full-length mirror. The floral dress had a high neckline but was sleeveless, more than adequate for a dinner with her friends. She pulled on a knee-length jacket and fastened its buttons as she left her room and went to the other side of the corridor. She opened the door and stuck her head through it, into mother’s bedroom. Pearl was already in bed after taking her sleeping pills, sat with the duvet drawn over her knees and a book in her hand. “Good night, mother.”

  “Come in, dear. Let me look at you.” Ivy entered the room and did a little twirl for the benefit of mother, receiving a smile in return. “You look lovely. Good night, and be safe. Should I stay awake until you return?”

  No, please no. “I’ll be fine. You rest, mother.” In any case, she doubted Pearl could stay awake after that nightly dose of sleeping pills.

  “As you wish. But remember to message me when you get there. And remember—”

  “I won’t have more than one drink.”

  Ivy made her way back through the corridor and down the spacious stairway. Wherever her gaze fell, the walls and units were filled with items that mother had collected over the years, almost as if to compensate for the loneliness. Ivy left the house through large oak doors and hurried across landscaped gardens. The electronic gate reacted to her approach and slid open, locking behind her once she’d passed through it. This residential area was so safe that no security guards were needed. Just in front of the gate, five of her friends sat inside the limo, with its door open.

  At least they were quiet…

  “Get your ass in here!” Rehana shouted.

  Ivy already regretted agreeing to this as she sat in the car.

  “What the fuck are you wearing?” asked Sandra, shaking back her black hair, set off beautifully by blue highlights. Ivy wished she had the guts to carry off such a look, instead of sticking to her natural blond color. As for Rehana, she wore a low-plunging glittery dress that complemented her dark skin. Deep burgundy lipstick was all the makeup she needed with those full lips and large brown eyes. “We’re not off to a tea party, you know.”

  Ivy’s floral dress was an exclusive vintage piece, purchased just for tonight. “There’s nothing wrong with this,” she said.

  Rehana reached into the large shopping bag by her feet. “I had the feeling you’d turn up in something my gran would wear. So I picked something up for you.” She pulled out a black dress that fit in her palm.

  Ivy’s eyes opened wide in horror. In a dress like that, she could be mistaken for a hooker…she instantly chastised herself for allowing such a dirty word to come to her mind. “I won’t wear that. Never.” And Rehana should have known better—after all, the risque red dress she gifted her on her birthday last year still sat in the back of Ivy’s wardrobe, untouched.

  Her friend shrugged. “All right. I’ll keep it in my bag though, in case you change your mind later.” The dress was so skimpy, it fit inside her friend’s shoulder bag.

  Finally, the limo moved to the sounds of whoops and cheers. But it hadn’t even turned the corner before Sandra took a bottle of vodka out of that shopping bag. “Take a shot.”

  Ivy shook her head. “I’ll have a glass of wine with my meal when we get there.”

  Loud groans went around the limo as Rehana frowned. “Don’t you want to live a little?”

  “I am living.”

  Her friend rolled her eyes. “You’re nearly twenty-five and still in the same house as your mother. You call that living?”

  “I like living with my mother.” And she’d never considered any other option, because the Association discouraged individuality, emphasizing that families stay together and be a source of support for each other. It brought stability while ensuring that youngsters remained under the watchful eyes of their parents during a stage of life when they may be tempted to stray.

  “Sure you do,” said Sandra. “Anyway, let’s forget about that. Have a shot. This might be your last party ever.”

  Her last party ever…not that she’d had many…even at university, she’d been the first to leave any gatherings, before the real fun started. In fact, she’d never really partied, had she? Not the way others did. It was a miracle she’d picked up even this many friends at university.

  “As I said, I’ll enjoy some wine with my meal later.” She’d never drank in the back of a car before and was not about to start now, even if it was a luxury limo. Nearly half an hour later, the car approached a river crossing and drove onto a large ferry, entering an area that resembled a small car park. “What’s happening?” she asked.

  She didn’t like that grin on Rehana’s face. “You’ll find out soon.”

  The ferry moved…they were traveling over the river? “Where are we going?”

  “It’s a surprise.”

  They soon reached the other side, and the chauffeur drove the limo off the ferry, following other vehicles up a road. After a few more minutes, they stopped inside a set of large black gates. There was a building ahead with a crowd of people in front of it, waiting to get in.

  “We’re here!”

  There was excitement and chatter among the girls as they piled out of the car. To Ivy’s dismay, Rehana picked up the shopping bag, twinkly bits sticking out of it. What were they up to? Ivy got out of the limo, took one look at the building and froze. Looming above the building entrance was a huge sign in LED: Freefall by Eclipse. Eclipse...

  “That’s a sex club,” she squeaked.

  “Oh, God, don’t say sex as if it’s a swear word,”
said Rehana. “And Freefall isn’t one of the pleasure zones, so your innocent eyes won’t be exposed to anything shocking. It’s a dance venue with places to eat. You did say you wanted dinner, didn’t you?”

  “Yes, but I didn’t—well, this isn’t what I was thinking of.”

  “Aaw, come on. You’re going to spend the rest of your life attending stuffy gatherings with Michael. This might be your only chance to try something like this. You do know that Eclipse has some of the best restaurants in Manhattan?” Yes, the place had gourmet restaurants and received glowing reviews for its cuisine, but it didn’t mean it was a place for her. “Come on, Ivy. We’re here now. Let’s make the most of it.”

  “But I’ve heard this place is full of non-humans…it could be dangerous—”

  “There will be a few supernatural customers, but only humans work here, so don’t worry—you’ll be looked after.”

  Her friends stood before her, their expressions ranging from pleas to glares. At least if all the staff was human, it meant they would be safe. Ivy smiled. “All right, then. But we eat dinner and leave.”

  Her friends’ cheers lightened her mood, but when they joined the queue, she felt like hiding before someone saw her. The only saving grace was that in a place like this, nobody from the Association would see her. She had wanted to go somewhere with the option of foods that had been blessed according to Association rituals, and she was willing to bet the cooks here didn’t pray over the ingredients as they cooked. Well, she could have a bite to make her friends happy and then eat properly at home...

  A woman bumped into her. “Sorry, love,” she said, her eyes flashing red. A supernatural.

  And there was another one. In fact, as Ivy cast her eyes over the crowd, it was obvious that unlike university, where there were a few of the abnormal beings to contend with, they were surrounded by them. And now a male with glowing eyes responded to her stare with a smile. She looked away, flustered. Eclipse was known for being a place where humans and supernaturals got together for…well, things she had no experience of. And this male thought she was interested in something like that with him…she felt nauseous and wanted to get out of there, but her friends now huddled together as Rehana pulled out the bottle of alcohol. “Quick. Gotta finish this before we get in there!”