He placed his palm on the metal disc on the table in front of us. A few seconds later, a brunette siren appeared.
This one was tall, slender, and drop-dead gorgeous. And also naked. It was very hard not to ogle her perfect body, but I did my best. Not that she paid me any attention.
“Alaric Vane. What an unexpected pleasure!” My chin snapped up in time to catch the siren making sexy eyes at my mage. “It’s been a while, sugar.”
“Tamzin, fetch us a bottle of elkwine and two glasses. Put it on my father’s tab.”
“Please,” I muttered. Manners cost nothing. Sure, the siren was a flirty bitch who had no right to make heart eyes at my mate, but since it was in a siren’s nature to be seductive, I ignored her blatant sex-eyes.
A female had to earn a living somehow.
Tamzin smirked. “Of course, sugar. And would you like me to join you?” She leaned in, causing her breasts to sway uncomfortably close to my face. I’d never been attracted to females before, but stars be damned, this siren’s sexual allure was intoxicating.
Alaric frowned when he realized the effect the siren was having on me.
“Quit it, Tamzin. It’s about time you learned the meaning of consent!”
The siren pouted and sniffed. “I’m a siren. It’s in my nature.” With one last smolder, she left us. The minute she disappeared, the intense sexual arousal fogging my senses faded. I rubbed my face and stared down in embarrassment, cross with myself for not being able to withstand her magic.
Alaric had been right all along: I was a useless witch.
“It’s not your fault,” he said with a sigh. “Siren magic is extremely potent. The sirens working at this club earn bonuses for upselling additional services. I’m sorry, I should have warned you.”
“Were you not affected by her magic?”
“No, I learned my lesson the first time. I cast a protection spell before we entered the club to block siren magic.”
“The first time?”
His expression shuttered.
“Never mind that. I’m not in the mood to dredge up unpleasant memories. It won’t be long before the fucking incubus comes and drags you away.”
It was a miracle Zane hadn’t appeared already.
“I expect all three of them will be here shortly, so what did you want to say?”
He rubbed his temple as if it pained him. Had the music given him a headache? It was loud. Or it had been downstairs. In this booth, I could barely hear anything, which was good because I didn’t want to listen to other people fucking.
Since the siren hadn’t returned with our drinks, I reached for the jug of water in front of me and poured myself a glass. Only Alaric slapped my hand away, causing me to spill the liquid all over my dress.
“Why did you do that?” I glared at him, conscious that my dress was now nearly translucent. And I wasn’t wearing a bra.
“Fuck, I’m sorry.” He scrubbed his hand across his jaw while doing his best not to stare at my breasts. “The water is enchanted with siren magic. Drink one glass and you’ll be a horny mess.”
I nearly choked. Thank the goddess he wasn’t a shifter, or he’d know it was too late for my underwear—enchanted water wasn’t the only reason for my fidgeting.
There had to be something in the air here. Perhaps the air-conditioning system was enchanted too? I looked up and squinted at the wall vents.
“The air is safe.” He rolled his eyes, correctly reading my mind.
“I should get back to the others.” My patience had already worn thin. Despite claiming he wanted to talk, he’d said nothing of note so far.
I shuffled toward the edge of my seat, intending to go, but he grabbed my wrist.
“I’m sorry. My head feels fucked up this evening, and I’m not sure why.” He shook his head and focused on my face, being careful not to ogle my see-through dress, which I appreciated.
“What Montgomery did was wrong, but more than that, he could have discovered the secrets you’ve been hiding.”
