Bloodbound Desires

Nocturna

Tonight was different. A prickling sense of something off rode the raw energy of Nocturna, my second home, quickening my heartbeat with a strange blend of excitement and nervousness.

As always, the club an explosion of the senses, a world where thrumming music, dazzling lights, and energy collided. The dimly lit space was adorned with neon lights that bathed the walls with a ray of colors, casting an enchanting glow on the sea of bodies swaying to the pulsating beat. The air was thick with the intoxicating scent of perfumes, alcohol, and a hint of sweat—a heady cocktail that added to the allure of the place.As I weaved through the crowd, navigating past groups of friends immersed in laughter and couples lost in their own worlds, the raw energy of the club surged through me. The anticipation built up within me as I approached the bar, my sanctuary, my stage where I would become the life of the party. The polished counter stretched out before me, gleaming under the glow of the overhead lights. It was where I shone, where I mixed drinks with flair and charm.

Behind the bar, Des was spinning bottles like a circus juggler while Sebastian was busy charming a group of giggly women. And Scarlett was ruling the cash register with her usual sass, whipping out a customer's change before the machine could finish displaying the amount.We were a well-oiled machine, passing bottles and glasses to one another seamlessly, never missing a beat. The synchronization of our movements was a sight to behold, drawing the attention and admiration of the clients.

Taking my position behind the bar, I stole a glance across the room at Nora, my partner in crime and best friend. Nora was a force to be reckoned with, exuding a magnetic aura that caught the eye of everyone around her. With her flowing dark hair and legs that seemed to go on forever, she was a sight to behold.

Two guys stared at her instead of where they were going and tripped. One spilling his beer on his shirt.

She winked at me and I blew her a kiss.

“I’m dying it blonde tomorrow,” she said as she held on to a handful of hair.

I knew her better than she knew herself because she was always saying she would color her hair but never purchased a box.

Nora's voice soared above the music, cutting through the lively atmosphere. "Time for our special dance, guys!"

The crowd erupted into cheers and applause, eagerly awaiting the performance they had come to love.

The familiar opening notes of Burlesque's "Show Me How You Burlesque" filled the air, and without hesitation, the three of us leaped onto the bar tops with confidence as we’d done so many previous nights. The crowd roared in excitement, their anticipation reaching its peak. My heart pounded in my chest as I moved to the rhythm, my body fluid and sensual, a testament to years of practice and passion.

We had rehearsed our routine countless times, perfecting every sway, every twist, and every kick. It was a seductive fusion of burlesque and modern dance, a celebration of femininity and empowerment. As we danced, the crowd became spellbound, their eyes fixed on the mesmerizing spectacle before them. It was a performance that transcended the boundaries of a mere nightclub, captivating hearts and igniting fantasies. Yet, a stranger shiver ran down my spine like someone unseen was trying to crash the dance party.

I pushed aside the feeling, kicking my moves up another notch. If someone was lusting after me then all the better tips.The music swelled to its crescendo, and we struck a final pose, our bodies glistening with sweat. The club erupted into thunderous applause and cheers, the crowd showing their appreciation for the electrifying show. The dance always left me breathless, but the adrenaline rush made it all worthwhile.

Still buzzing with energy, I hopped off the bar when a cold hand suddenly seized my arm. Startled, I turned to chew out the owner of the ice-cold grip.

"Darkthorn."

It took me half a second before his name registered and my eyes widened. The new boss. I gawked at not just the sexiness vibrating off him in waves, but the unnerving paleness of his skin, the sharpness of his gaze, and an intensity that seemed beyond human. A shiver trickled down my spine from his hand lingering on my arm.

"Mine will be a G&T," he whispered into my ear, his voice low and magnetic. My breath hitched, caught off guard by his proximity and the intensity of his gaze. His eyes, seemingly devoid of color, held a depth that hinted at hidden mysteries. For a moment, I found myself frozen, unable to move, torn between a strange desire to tell this guy off even if he was the boss and ripping his button-up shirt off.

I jerked my arm out of his grip and corner of his mouth twitched in an invitation. As his dark eyes stared at mine, and his pale complexion was as if it hadn’t seen the sun every in it’s life.

His confidence and boldness took me by suprise.

I struggled to keep my head and not have my hormones ruining the night or my life. Relationships and I were like oil and water, especially when the guy had an aura of danger clinging to him like a second skin. No matter how into a guy I was, he always seemed to be hooked into another woman, leaving me stranded.

Warning bells from past disappointments were blaring, but something about him felt different. I was attracted and terrified of him in equal measure. My body hummed under his gaze sliding down my body and back up to my face. My face flushed and it was suddenly hotter than when I was dancing. What was he doing to me?

"Well?" He rubbed a thumb across his lower lip and my s*x tightened as though in anticipation.

Wait. He just asked for a drink!

Here I was getting carried away. This was another downfall that Nora said I possessed which led to my heartbreaks.

I tore my gaze away from his captivating eyes and focused on the task at hand. With a determined smile, I freed myself from his personal space and swiftly prepared his G&T, my hands moving with the precision of a seasoned mixologist.

"Looks like you've met the boss, or rather, the stand-in boss," she teased, her voice brimming with playful delight. I couldn't help but feel a mixture of excitement and trepidation.