Excited cheers rang throughout the room, only to stop abruptly when Alaric disappeared from the screen. A video replaced him. Graphic shapes writhed through sensual motions, capturing the attention of the group. Words wove into the music. A chant of some kind grew louder with each repetition as the crowd recited together.
We arethe children of the Night.
Seeking darkness, revelry, and fright.
We pledge our life’s essence to all.
Nightfall! Nightfall! Nightfall!
Bless you,Betsy!Thanks to the kind woman, she knew what to do.
Alessia said the words along with the bodiless voice. Those around her joined in. The sound ricocheted around the room.Adrenaline coursed through her veins, and she realized she’d almost forgotten why she was there.
Alaric reappeared on the screen. “To enter, you must take this vow, becoming one of the Nightfall elite. Read the words on the screen.”
Their voices rose to a deafening roar that filled the gathering room. Out of the corner of her eye, Alessia noted Marcus scanning the crowd. Was he checking for any who had not surrendered to Alaric’s influence? The elevated excitement swept her along with it as she glanced to her left and right without moving her head. Everyone stared with rapt fascination at the screen. Realizing she wasn’t as carried away as others, Alessia quickly stopped glancing around.
“You are worthy. Join us.” Alaric’s voice resounded over the group. His deep tone wrapped around Alessia, seeming to single her out again as a sensual heat filled her.
The inner doors opened. The group surged toward the staff standing at several entry points. As Alessia approached, a female staff member smiled and guided her arm into a device. Did something prick her? When she pulled her arm back, Alessia stared at the glowing moon on her inner wrist. Her new one matched Betsy’s exactly. The other woman’s hadn’t faded at all.
Alessia followed the eager crowd into the already filled nightclub. She checked out the interior of Nightfall, searching for an unobtrusive spot to check everything out. She had to look like a mess, but Alessia pushed that concern away to dive into the job Enzo had assigned her. The vast space contained a sea of people but still seemed welcoming. Alessia smiled at those boogying on the elevated dance floor with brilliant flashing lights before she scanned the gorgeous interior. This wasn’t simply a bar. Nightfall was an experience.
Someone yelled her name. “Alessia! You made it! Come join me!”
She turned to her right and saw Betsy seated at the bar. An empty stool sat next to her. Without thinking, Alessia limped toward her new acquaintance. Her traitorous shoes hurt her feet every step of the way. At least she wouldn’t have to dance.
The gorgeous male bartender paused on the other side of the counter as Alessia settled onto the padded stool. “Hey. Glad you made it. What can I get you?”
Did they only hire super attractive people here?
She opened her mouth to request a soft drink. The bartender looked over her shoulder, and Alessia swiveled, expecting to see him talking to someone behind her. That would explain his friendly manner. No one stood close.
Turning back to him, she realized he must have another of those earpieces like the security guard.
“Sorry, ladies. Titus is taking over my station. The ladies are demanding my presence over there,” the bartender said.
“Oh, no, Luke. We’ve had so much fun together,” Betsy said.
Luke winked. “Just wait. Titus puts all of us to shame. You’lllovehim.”
A roar of dismay sounded from the other side of the space. Alessia rotated to see a mob of ladies streaming along the curve of the bar that wrapped around the room. She spotted an incredibly well-built man juggling bottles as he walked behind the bar. He was totally her type with dark hair and a close-cropped beard. Were the women following him? Alessia could understand the attraction.
“Yeah. That’s Titus,” Luke said. “He makes me hot too. Unfortunately, he’s on the prowl for a special woman. Just my luck.”
Shaking his head, Luke headed toward the performing barman. Titus stopped when he approached and said something to Luke. Alessia couldn’t hear their conversation from where she was but figured it was an invitation like “catch this”. Titus shared the spotlight with Luke as they launched the bottles back and forth between them in a flurry of spinning height. She could see the grin on Titus’s handsome face. His green eyes sparkled with delight. He obviously loved his job.
For a moment, she forgot why she was there, how miserable she was in her wet clothes, and the painful heels. Alessia glanced at Betsy and stiffened, noting the other woman’s appreciative stare. She couldn’t be jealous over a stranger, right? Scolding herself for such a visceral reaction, Alessia forced herself to study the interior of Nightfall. What could she find that would satisfy Enzo?
“Hello, ladies!” A deep, velvety voice greeted them, drawing her attention back to the bar. “What are you drinking?”
“I’ll take another margarita,” Betsy said.
Alessia gasped as her gaze met Titus’s. An electric connection sizzled between them—unlike anything she’d experienced before. Titus focused on her. He didn’t glance at the other women who had followed his path along the bar or even at Betsy. His attention centered on Alessia.
She swallowed hard and reached out to the edge of the counter to hold on with all her strength. Inside, her body demanded that she jump over the bar to get to him. She didn’t dare release her iron control over her actions, or she’d plaster herself to him. Alessia couldn’t tear her eyes from his.
“Have you two met before?” Betsy asked. Her words sounded as if it came from miles away. “Alessia? Titus?”
