ALTHEA
It’s been two weeks since I last came to The Mansion. I got the call from the Dallas precinct that my application for the internship had been approved the next afternoon after that visit. I spent that evening picking out my clothes and double-checking my digital footprint, making sure there was nothing that could be seen as questionable. People are already suspicious when they discover who my father is, but they all seem to buy the story that we became estranged after my brother’s disappearance. My leaving the state for college and rarely returning home keeps the facade up and makes it very difficult for anyone to prove otherwise.
I’ve been working every day since I found out I got the internship. It’s been the longest two weeks filled with orientation programs and learning the department's structure, policies, and procedures. Oh, and the mountains of paperwork that go along with it. I almost expected there to be a form requesting the blood of my firstborn. I still haven’t been given access to the database, but all in due time.
Tonight is Halloween, and I couldn’t wait to get out of there. It was a double blessing when the person responsible fortraining me told me he would be going on vacation, and he’s the only one currently allowed to work with the interns, which means I have the next three days off to relax.
Naturally, I chose to come to The Mansion to celebrate. What better way to treat myself after two very long weeks, than a finding a dominant partner to work out all the tension and stress I’ve been carrying around in my body. I’m a firm believer that the best relief a woman can find is through multiple mind-numbing orgasms.
And maybehewill be here tonight. I already know he can give me what I’m looking for. I saw that with my own eyes the last time I was here. With its annual Halloween Masquerade party tonight, it may be difficult to find him. Hell, he may not even remember locking eyes with me. It could all have been in my head. If there’s one thing I’m certain of, there is no shortage of willing and able-bodied Doms at The Mansion tonight.
I’ll just have to find myself one to play with for the night.
Standing in front of the locker room mirror, I add my final touches to my she-devil costume. It’s a short, red satin halter-style dress. The satin material feels soft against my skin. The front is low-cut all the way down to my navel, and the dress stops a little below my ass. I almost bought the one with the tutu-style skirt that left the bottom of my ass cheeks hanging out, just a peek, but decided the length on this one was better suited for what’s underneath.
I place my mask over my eyes and adjust the strap under my ponytail. My smoky makeup against the shiny red fabric makes my eyes pop. I add the devil horns headband and clip it into place, then touch up my crimson red lipstick followed by the cute little black gem bracelet Jessa left in my locker with a skull and crossbones. It had a note attached welcoming me back to the club. One last spritz of perfume and a pair of three-inch red heels and I’m ready to play.
I find my way to the bar where Liam sits, watching Chloe with a raised brow. If she’s here, he’s here. Which means I’m technically still following my papa’s rules about always keeping at least one of my guards with me. It’s ridiculous that I even must have guards given my training, but keeping Papa happy has its benefits. Like not having to go home and entertain all the idiots and theiradvantages of marriage proposalstalk.
No, thank you.
Since my brother’s disappearance, Papa made sure I was well trained. It’s what brought him peace of mind throughout my teenage years, knowing I could defend myself and he could hide the body after.
I know a hundred ways to kill a man and have done so without hesitation. Anyone who threatens my family doesn’t deserve to breathe. Papa has even used my talents for his benefit many times over the years, sending me into situations that required a moreintimate approachto assassinate our enemies. No one suspects the pretty woman in a tight-fitting dress to be the most dangerous threat in the room.
Yet he still demands that I have a guard.
But Liam will be too busy with Chloe to concern himself with the likes of me.
There’s a Halloween party in full swing tonight, and Chloe took full advantage of the opportunity to wear as little clothing as possible. Her barely-there Snow White costume consists of a shimmery blue crop top, cheeky panties, and a glittery skirt overlay, that looks more like a hula-hoop as thin as it is and the way her ass cheeks are hanging out of the bottom. She topped the outfit off with the gold headband and a small red ball with the words ‘bad apple’ written in glitter. She hit her mark when she chose that outfit. Liam has growled every time she turns around to pour a draft beer for a member. He’s not too keen oneveryone seeing her ass on full display, but if there was ever a place to wear that outfit, it’s here.
Her normal uniform is a strapless, black, faux-leather short dress, but it still covers far more than this costume.
“Got to give our girl credit, Liam. She is rocking the hell out of that outfit.” I can’t resist taunting him.
“Yeah, well, she better hope her ass is prepared to take the punishment for it.” He says it loud enough to catch Chloe’s attention. His raised brow and stern look only serve to make her smile. “You knew my rules about that outfit and what I said would happen if you did it anyway.”
Chloe leans over the bar, resting her breasts right in front of him, eliciting another growl. With the biggest smile and her voice full of sass, Chloe replies, “You say punishment like it’s a bad thing.”
“Fuuuuck.” Liam groans, gripping her neck and kissing her hard.
“And that’s my cue. You two have fun.” I barely hear Chloe telling me to have fun as I slip through the Dungeon doors.
I glance around the room, taking in all the decorations and the beautiful couples done up for Halloween. Some are dressed in costumes that look like they were made to be worn on a stripper stage, not at a public party, but then again, this is a private venue where clothing is optional, so maybe not.
There are fairies, princesses, devils, and angels.
Most of the men took the easy way out and have brought masks or had their faces painted in some way.
Fun, cute Halloween decor adorns the front bar and meeting area. There are little pumpkins and smiling ghosts on the tables, with a few spiderwebs strung about. The fog machine and the dim lighting on the dance floor give it more of a nightclub atmosphere than a kink club.
Walking past the crowd of people in the bar, I notice two men who look very familiar. There’s a third with them, and they are in deep conversation. They’re all wearing leather cuts that say Shadowmancers MC on the back. I remember seeing the same patch at the state fair.
Those are not costumes.
The one with the patch that reads President appears to be barking orders at the other two. I remember him rushing through the fortune teller’s tent just before getting my reading done. I’m still not clear if what I saw and heard were real that day. Chloe still swears nothing happened. She said we sat there holding hands while a fog machine went off from somewhere under the table. According to her, Hex never uttered a word.
But I heard him very clearly.
