Shards: Book One of the Anderian Series

Chapter 4: Indulgence

We didn't have any trouble getting inside. The bouncer sniffed me once, frowned, and then shrugged when June vouched for me. Humans weren't forbidden here, but we required someone from the community to enter with us. She was gone from my side within two minutes. One second, we hovered at the top of the stairs, surveying the club while music pulsed through us, and the next minute, a man and woman dragged her off to the shadows. The man had hesitated, flashing a bit of fang at me and extending his hand in invitation, but as soon as I shook my head in the negative, he followed the women, leaving me to explore on my own.

Indulgence lived up to its name in every capacity. From the floor to ceiling satin drapes of twilight and champagne that twinkled faintly when they shifted, to the plush white couches filled with entwined figures, and the mirrored ceiling that twisted and reflected everything back at you, it was a place where it felt like anything had the green light.

Strolling to the bar, I tried my best to act like I'd been here before, but it was difficult to not gape at some of the sights. Like the woman pinned against one of the couches, a man drinking from her neck while another bent between her legs. From my count, she came four times in the time it took me to come down the stairs and reach the bar. The music swallowed A fifth scream of pleasure as I leaned over the polished mercury glass surface of the bar and ordered a vodka tonic with lime.

"First time here, little human?" The bartender asked as he handed me my drink. He threw a towel over his shoulder and raked his eyes across my body as I settled myself on the barstool.

"What gave me away?" I asked, sipping on the drink. It wouldn't do to lie. Some creatures could smell a lie, and I needed to gain trust, not lose it.

"Regulars don't look twice at Liza there anymore," he replied, jutting his jaw at the woman on the couch. "She comes as often her body allows her."

"Pun intended?" I quipped back.

He barked a laugh. "I like you, but where is your escort? It's not safe to wander far without them."

Turning my long hair in one hand, I lifted a shoulder in a shrug, careful to keep my scarf from riding up and and exposing my breast. "She got an invitation she couldn't refuse, and I think I'll be okay without her. I'm tougher than I look."

"I can see that." He leaned in closer and trailed a finger over the top of my hand. "What's with the gloves?"

"They're part of the outfit." I drew my hands away from him and folded them in my lap.

"Or you're Bria Smith. Thought you stayed away from us."

His casual use of my name made my mouth fall open. "I wasn't aware I had a reputation."

"It pays to be knowledgeable, and everyone is curious about the little human girl who can't really be a human. There are some who have bets going on what you are exactly."

"And how do you know all this?" Every hair on my body stood on edge, and instinct told me to run.

"Bartender, love. People talk."

"So do you, it seems."

"I told you I like you." He tapped his nose and let his eyes glow amber. Shifter. They could smell lies and emotions. "I'm a fairly excellent judge of character."

"Marcus," a rumbling voice said to my left. I startled and looked at the newcomer. He was over six feet tall with autumn red hair tied with a leather cord at the nape of his neck. The hook in his nose kept him from being beautiful, but most people wouldn't mind the imperfection—not when his body filled out his white t-shirt and jeans so perfectly. And no mask covered his face.