Vampire Lane (10 page)

Natasha nodded and took a deep breath. The last thing she wanted was gross bloody tears. “He said he loved me then took it back. I love him and I just couldn’t deal with it, so I broke it off.”

“That’s major. I had no idea.”

“It just hurt. That one day I thought I was loved then he tore it away. I realize now I want love, and if he won’t let himself love me, I will find someone who will. I deserve that."

“Good for you. I also heard your sire came back and you’re thinking about going off with him. You think you can find love with him?”

Natasha couldn’t help but laugh. Godfryd was her sire, but she didn’t love him, not even a little. “He came and said he missed me and wants me to be with him as a partner. I know I said he was horrible, but if he’s really changed, it might not be a bad idea, to get away from Tanek.”

“Natasha, I know we never really talked about my powers, but I think a reading might be a good idea.”

“What kind of reading?”

“Tarot reading. I'm good at reading people generally, but the cards amplify it more clearly."

"You have those here?"

"Yes Ma'am. My Granny always says don’t leave home without your Tarot cards, and a flask of tequila."

"I think I like your Granny."

"She will love you. She's coming to the shower. She always had a knack for finding those who needed her most and helping them. Especially the paranormals. She says we weirdos need to stick together."

Laya dug into her purse and took out her Tarot cards, and then she shuffled them. Natasha never put much faith into things like that, but it would be fun.

Laya shuffled her cards again, and then spread them out face down. “Take 3 cards and leave then faced down.”

Natasha did as she was asked and chose three random cards. Laya put the rest away, and then she flipped the first card, The World. “Things in your personal life are going quite well. You are making friends and getting out more; keep doing what you are doing, it’s working.”

Natasha smiled. She did think that part of things was finally working. She had made some great friends and loved them dearly.

“The next card is Judgment. This is most likely related to Tanek. You must make it clear to him about what you want. Men can be very black and white. Sometimes you need to just spell it out for him. If he loves you, he will come to you. If not, then it’s better you know now.”

Natasha couldn’t agree more. She should just spell it out and see what happens.

“The next card is Wheel of Fortune. This is more like a reminder card, a reminder whatever is going on in life will pass and to stick it out, the end is near.”

Natasha thought about the cards. She didn’t know if they were right or not. But it gave her some perspective and something to think about. “Thank you, Laya, this was very helpful.”

Laya smiled up at her. “Really?”

“Yeah, I don’t know if I really believe in this stuff, but it made me think.”

“Awesome-sauce. Now we both have time before our shift, so let’s go do something fun.”

***

Natasha sat in a pedicure chair with her feet in some bubbling water. Laya wanted to get manicure and pedicures, and since she didn’t have a better suggestion, Natasha went along with it. Laya invited Gretchen on the way, and she was already busy getting her nails done. She said she was too ticklish to get her feet done. Natasha was beginning to wish she thought of that excuse. The water was surprisingly soothing and the Asian woman working on her was very gentle.

“So Natasha, I can’t believe you have never gotten your nails done,” Laya commented as she picked out her nail polish.

“When I was human, it wasn’t very common, and after I was turned, I lived in a cave most of the time.”

Natasha could see Laya cringe at that description. She was happy they knew about her past, however she thought maybe she’d refrain from mentioning it any further. “Sorry, Laya, It’s not something I should be talking about.”

Gretchen, listening to the exchange, spoke up. “Natasha, what you went through wasn’t easy, and it’s good to talk about it. We both want to help. We will listen and support you.”

Natasha listened to Gretchen. She was still considering what Godfryd offered, but she honestly didn’t want to leave her new friends. The Asian woman, who called herself Denise, was now polishing Natasha’s toenails a very pretty sparkly red color. When she finished, Natasha had to admit she was excited to show them off at work. Denise then moved on to her nails, and she asked for the same color to match her toes. Denise painted them and put her nails under the UV lamp to harden up the gel polish. As soon as her fingers touched the UV light Natasha yelped and pulled her hand back. She knew she didn’t like the sun, but didn’t expect the UV light to burn.

“What’s happened?!” Laya yelled, rushing over to her.

“It’s nothing. I’m a vampire … the whole UV light thing.

“Oh, well, they can just do regular polish. I didn’t think about that. I’m surprised someone here didn’t ask,” Laya said, looking at the manicurist accusingly. Suddenly, all the women pretended not to understand English. Natasha didn’t think they would do this on purpose. They seemed so nice.

“It’s fine, Laya. I will have her redo it in regular polish.”

Gretchen’s nails were finished and she was sitting with Natasha while her nails dried. “I have to say, I’m jealous. That red looks so hot on you with your pale, perfect complexion.”

“Believe me, it’s not worth the price … being dead and all.”

Chapter 21

Natasha and Laya arrived to work late after getting their nails done. Tanek was waiting for them, and looked less than happy.

“You’re both late,” he grumbled.

“Yes, we are,” Natasha and Laya said together, and then laughed.

“Well, tonight I need Natasha to help on the floor with the tables. Maude quit. It seems she got another job and didn’t bother giving me notice. Natasha, I put a uniform in the locker room. Get changed, and I will see you in a few minutes.”

Natasha followed Laya to the ladies locker room. There was a pair of black, very short, shorts and a
Bite Me
t-shirt. It wasn’t a bad uniform, but kind of revealing. She changed quickly then realized she had on black high heel, open toe shoes. Her feet were going to kill her, but on the plus side, she looked hot. The shirt was fitted and enhanced her already generous cleavage. She also put her hair up in a ponytail to keep it out of her face.

Natasha rushed out to the bar to find Tanek still waiting. He was helping out with the tables, and he seemed relieved that Natasha and Laya were back. “I’m sorry, Natasha, but training will be brief. I hope you catch on fast. It’s a Saturday, and we are already getting slammed. Okay, so just take the order, come back, and give the ticket with the table number written on it to the bartender. Keep checking for your orders and return the drinks to the customer. If they want to run a tab, you have to run the card for an initial $50 to hold. And then they run the rest at the end of the night. Got it?” Tanek asked.

“Easy, got it.”

“Oh, by the way, you look hot in the uniform, especially those shoes.”

Natasha took an order ticket book and tray. She went to her tables she was assigned. She was giving half the regular floor and half the vampire section.

Natasha rushed off to her first table. Two men with business suites sat and look exhausted, but seemed to perk up when they saw her.

“Hello, I’m Natasha. I will be helping you tonight. What can I get for you?” Natasha said nervously.

“Your number would be great,” one of the men joked.

Natasha laughed. She knew this would be part of the job, so she did her best just to go with it. The other man, a bit older, ordered a gin and tonic, and the younger man finally ordered a beer. She wrote down the table number and took it to Maureen, who was working the bar with Josh. Natasha rushed back out to get a few more orders before returning this time. Her first order with the two drinks was ready, and she returned to the table with the two men in suits.

“I have two drinks for you guys. A gin and tonic and a beer. Is there anything else I can get for you?”

“Thank you, sweetheart. I think we are all set,” said the older man. Then the younger man gave her a slap on the behind as she walked away. Natasha was trying very hard not to bite the asshole. She saw Laya and stopped her.

“Hey, I need to talk to you.”

“What’s up?”

“That guy just slapped me on the butt.”

“I’m sorry, but it happens. I tell the guys $5.00 for every butt slap, and I actually give them a bill at the end. And most actually pay it.”

Natasha decided not to take it personally and follow Laya’s lead. She went back to the table and put down a bill for $5.00.

“What is this for?”

“The butt slap. It’s $5.00 for every time you slap it.”

Natasha walked away. This time there was no butt slapping, and she noticed the older man laughing at the younger one. She had a feeling he would keep his hands to himself from now on.

Natasha was finally getting the hang of things. The customers orders were going good, and she was making really good tips. She stopped for a quick break to sip some synthetic blood drink. She looked over and saw Tanek watching her. He looked at her the same way he looked when he saw her naked, a hunger in his eyes, blazing with passion.

Damn him for looking so freaking sexy

Natasha walked over to Tanek. She decided to get it out once and for all. He needed to know her terms, what she wanted. That way he would either meet those terms, or they both could move on and that would be the final end to it.

“We need to talk.”

“Now?” he asked, surprised.

“Yes, it will only take a minute.”

Tanek followed her to the employee break room, and she locked the door behind them. “I need you to know what I want from you. If it’s something you can accommodate, fine. If not, we can part ways as friends. I want to be loved. I love you, and if you think that will never happen that is a deal breaker for me. I also want to be married and maybe even have children in some way. I guess you could say I want a vampire happily ever after. All I need is you to complete it for me.”

Tanek looked at Natasha, and he didn’t even answer. He kissed her passionately, and her body and fangs immediately came alive. All she wanted was to have him inside her again. Natasha bent over the table in the employee lounge. She felt
Felt what?
exhilarated as Tanek pulled down her shorts and panties in one quick motion. She would be surprised if he hadn’t torn them, at least a little bit.

“I’m going to fuck you, Natasha. You will like it, and you will scream my name as you come.”

“Please don’t stop,” she moaned, barely able to speak.

Tanek pulled up her shirt and bra and caressed her breasts. Her nipples hardened at his touch, and she could feel her panties getting wet. She could hear him unzipping his pants. The anticipation of what he was about to do, turning her on even more. Suddenly, without warning, he buried his cock inside her. She screamed with pleasure and she didn’t care how loud it was or who could hear her. He pumped his cock inside her, and he moved quickly and without any regard for taking it gentle or slow. Natasha loved it. She moved her bottom back toward him, urging him to slam his thick cock into her harder and harder. Natasha could feel her body getting closer and closer. Her breathing became heavy, her body heating up and igniting. Her body finally exploded, her orgasm taking over her body, pulsating. She screamed his name.

“Tanek! Oh, yes, yes, yes.”

Tanek stopped pumping as she could feel his seed filling her, so wet and slick. When he finally pulled out, she couldn’t help but reach down to feel what he left behind. Natasha pulled up her pants and pulled her shirt and bra down. Tanek never gave her an answer, but she couldn’t resist him.

***

Natasha finished her shift at 4:00 am, and she went into the bathroom to fix her hair. But instead, she froze as she came face to face with a dead body. She had seen plenty of dead bodies, but didn’t know what to do. It was here in the bar, where she worked. This was the last thing she wanted for Tanek.

She ran out and found Tanek in his new office.

“Quick, I need to show you something.”

Tanek followed Natasha to the women's bathroom. He looked down at the body of a buxom blonde woman in a skimpy outfit. She had vampire bites all over her neck and body. He knew he would have to call the police, and he knew this would not be good for business.

Chapter 22

San Francisco, California 1851

A year had past, a year of one bad thing after another. Natasha’s mother had caught small pox the winter before and had passed away. Her father now lived in a tent near the mine where he panned for gold every day, sun up to sun down. She brought him meals where he worked, but they never really spoke much. She was now nineteen, and had been catching the attention of several miners, as well as some of the wealthier business men. But she didn’t meet anyone that she was the least bit interested in. The only thing she feared was for the health of her beloved father. He never properly grieved for her mother, he just worked, ate the food she brought him, drank vodka, and went to bed. It never changed. He wouldn’t even go to church with her. He said if God was real, he would not have taken a mother from her only daughter.