My date with Jax couldn’t come soon enough.
From across the room,Ravi fixes me with an unwavering, deliberate gaze. Seeing I’m alone, he approaches. I watch him through slitted lids. He told me about Tanith yet conveniently left out the fact that she was dead. It’s almost as if he’s deliberately trying to stir up trouble, but to what end? Is it to give Alden and me a reason to fight, creating an opportunity for the wolves to invade, or are his motives far more selfish and personal?
Just as Ravi is about to reach me, Bennett appears, his face paling as he takes in the drunken revelry surrounding us. Alden’s entourage howls with delight, laughter bouncing off the walls as they recklessly dance on tables. It’s not just Alden’s crew acting foolishly. The few Council members I invited are falling prey to the intoxicating atmosphere. For some, it’s the first time here, and it shows. They succumb to the Allure just as I did back in October.
The Allure ambushed me like a thief, immediately stealing my inhibitions when I stepped through the club’s giant steel door. My plans to find Vane and discuss the letters evaporated instantly, replaced by the carnal hunger burning inside me. All I wanted was to shed my clothes, and Wilder’s as well.
“Fucking finally,” I say when Bennett sits beside me, the cushions barely sinking under his weight. Ravi’s expressiontightens suddenly, and he retreats to his corner. “How was the luncheon? Did you speak to Janus?”
“She was pissed you weren’t there,” he says, loosening his tie.
“That doesn’t surprise me. What else did she say?”
“Nothing.” He watches the redheaded server saunter over.
I frown. “Did you not ask her about the black?—”
“Hi, handsome,” the redhead vampire working alongside Desiree purrs in a voice resembling a lullaby. Bennett’s pupils dilate. “Can I get you anything to drink?”
“Bennett,” he answers with a slight slur.
The pretty redhead laughs. “I’m sorry?”
He shakes his head, as if trying to clear the fog from his mind. “My name is Bennett.”
Oh, no.
“Misty.” The vampire places a hand on her chest. “Now, do you want anything?”
He nods. “You.”
Misty cackles. “I’m not on the menu.”
I roll my eyes, leaning into Bennett. “Tone it down. Don’t you have a girlfriend?”
Bennett’s gaze meets mine. His eyes are unfocused. “N-no?”
“No?” I ask, thinking of Corvina. If they aren’t dating, why are they texting?
He blinks again.
“Well?” Misty flips her hair. The cherry strands tumble like yards of silk.
“It’s the Allure,” I say, grabbing Bennett’s arm. His pupils are already twice their normal size. “The vampires are seducing you with it, but if you focus, you can snap out of it. Breathe through your nose.”
Bennett leans closer, his lips parting slightly. “Like this?”
I nod, even as I scoot back. The faux leather of the couch creaks. Bennett has not made any advances toward me since Iturned down his proposal, but he isn’t himself, so I had better make this fast.
“What did Janus say when you asked about the blackout?” I ask.
“Other than how terrible it is? Nothing,” Bennett says. To Misty, he says, “I’ll have a glass of whatever this is.” Bennett moves to pour himself a drink, but Misty playfully slaps his hand away.
“Allow me.” The vampire winks. Bennett smiles, his eyes following her every move.
The vampire maintains heavy eye contact with Bennett as she pours him a fresh glass of sparkling wine. The bubbles fizz and pop between them. Their fingers brush when she hands it to him. Bennett shivers from the contact, a bead of sweat trickling down his temple.
“You have a beautiful smile,” he tells her.
