A WHISPER OF ETERNIT

Page 94



served at a vampire bar, then giggled softly.Bloody Marys , no doubt.
Dominic frowned down at her. "Are you all right?"

"Fine."

The piano fell silent as they moved into the room.

Dominic led her to a small table and she sat down, aware that many pairs of eyes were focused on her. She hadn't been afraid before, but a sudden case of nerves sent a shiver down her spine.

She folded her hands in her lap to still their trembling.

Murmurs and whispers filled her ears.

A pair of women dressed in sparkly black midriff tops, short black skirts, black fishnet stockings, and short black leather boots moved up on either side of Dominic.

The blonde put her hand on his shoulder and smiled up into his eyes."Dom." She trailed her long red fingernails down the length of his arm."Long time, no see."

The brunette took hold of his other arm. "Who's this little mortal you've brought with you?" she asked in a sultry voice. "Have you brought us something sweet?"

With slow deliberation, Dominic lifted their hands from his arms. "This isTracy ." His voice was low, yet it carried to every corner of the room. "She is my woman, under my protection." His gaze rested meaningfully on the face of each person present. "She is not to be harmed, or toyed with in any way."

The blonde and the brunette backed away from him, then turned and disappeared into the shadows at the far end of the bar.

Tension seemed to drain out of the room. The piano player took up where he had left off.

Dominic sat down across fromTracy . He looked relaxed, but she noted the fine lines around his mouth, the wariness in his eyes.

She leaned forward. "Brought them something sweet?" she whispered. "Did they think you'd brought me here to… for… ?"

He nodded. "It is done, from time to time."

Tracyglanced surreptitiously around the room. "Is everyone in here a vampire?" "Just about."

"Just about?"

"There are mortals who bind themselves to vampires.The girl in the red dress at the next table. Her name is Gina. She belongs to Marcus."