Taken (Sinful Series - book 1)
Chapter 37 - Auditions

Violet

Velvet was a commitment she once enjoyed. But alas, the shortening distance to the club did little to calm her nerves. In uncertain times like these, she was the person who chose to stand by her word. While some considered it admirable, Violet only thought of the trip back to the city as daunting. Tony’s presence was meant to be reassuring. But it wasn’t. It only made her compare the Alpha-born to her Fixer.

“Turn around,” Violet found herself saying as every fiber in her screamed to go back to the safety Landon provided.

“What? Now? We are a block from Velvet,” Antonio questioned then tried to ease her mind, “Pack Order can’t do shit now. You’re mated.”

She was scared, and it wasn’t because of what Pack Order could do. Far from it. She was terrified of losing Landon.

“This is a mistake,” Violet replied as doubt invaded her mind, and regret raged in her heart.

Velvet was as public as it got and no harm could befall her in front of so many human and supernatural eyeballs. Even Pack Order chose their battles where exposure of the supernatural world could not be contained.

It was the irrational fear for Landon’s safety that paralyzed her. The Fixer had claimed her heart and she did not want to lose him. It was ironic how until she met Landon, she failed to understand Jack’s lectures about living, not just passing the time. While work occupied the time, a life dedicated to even the noblest causes was bound to be empty. Only a significant other could fill the void.

Her fingers drummed against the dashboard of the car just as a vibrant tune sounded in the car. If it wasn’t for the vibration coming from her lap, she would have never thought it was the Ipad that rested against her thighs.

“What’s wrong?” Landon’s voice came through the moment she picked the video call through Viber.

“I am fine,” Violet replied looking at Landon’s concerned face and background. Violet wanted to smack her palm against her forehead for not realizing sooner he would feel her panic through the mind link. “I miss you.”

“It feels good to be missed after only fifteen minutes,” Landon replied from what looked like the back of a van. Before Violet could say anything he told her, “You are not alone.”

Although it did feel better knowing he missed her too, it did little to relieve her anxiety.

“Landon, I don’t want to lose you,” Violet whispered lowly not that it mattered as the shifters nearby could easily hear her.

“I have no plans of becoming lost or losing you. Trust me. I’ve got your back.” Landon’s words eased the ball of nerves in her stomach.

“We’re here. Let’s get goin’, Violet.” Antonio said and exited the car, giving them some privacy.

“Vi, I am with you,” Landon told her then rubbed his forehead. “Stay in public and have a good night at work. I will pick you up as soon as possible. Okay?”

“Be safe,” Violet said before the connection was interrupted.

Violet sighed then joined Antonio at the entrance of Velvet.

Violet

Violet’s anxiety decreased as soon as she found herself surrounded by the familiarity of Velvet. She recognized the rowdy group at the bar and their presence also helped her relax. Violet was pretty sure Caleb had slept in Velvet in order not to miss the auditions. The Enforcer was more than excited to meet the candidates. His eagerness for the start of the dance tryouts was shared by many of the patrons and staff. The painted clock on the wall receiving just as many stares as the main stage.

Violet’s eyes fell on to Wayne. There was no need for words to be exchanged. Violet recognized the unease in the grumpy wearbear’s posture, confirming his presence was strictly professional. He was still expecting Pack Order to present their arrest warrant. His stiff posture made Violet anxious.

She dropped off Antonio at the bar, and as Gareth was busy pouring him a drink, Violet snuck into the back to change. Gareth did not need to issue guidelines for proper attire. Tips depended on how good you looked and Violet had a stash of fitted outfits that did the job. Black was her color of attire. Gareth had taken upon himself to wear white, which became transparent under the neon lights. His sculptured torso and the undone buttons were only some of the tricks he had up his sleeves.

When Violet finally emerged, the group was welcoming refills.

“The place just got ten times classier,” Caleb greeted her commenting on the simple black dress and choker necklace she had put on.

“Congratulations,” Gareth’s hand snaked around her waist as he pulled her to his side. The music was louder than before dulling the words to vibrations. “He is a lucky man.”

Violet smiled, nodding.

“So since the gang is here,” Caleb continued over the music, pressing his hands against the bar, “Where is the promised buffet?”

“Which one,” Violet teased.

“The tryouts are in fifteen. Enough time for a light snack. Then head over to the champagne room,” Gareth answered.

“Will do just that, Boss,” Caleb winked at Gareth then walked to the dinner buffet.

“Don’t encourage him,” Wayne cautioned Violet before focusing his attention to his drink. There was an edge to his words that Violet did not like hearing.

“Call me in when you narrow it down to the final three,” Gareth instructed Violet then headed back to a group of girls who were already waving banknotes at him.

Caleb stuffed his face with the remainder of the food in his plate before eagerly leaping over the bar, landing on his feet beside Violet.

“Who’s coming?” Caleb asked then chuckled, elbowing Violet. “Get it? Coming.”

Violet rolled her eyes at his cheekiness.

Karim

Karim was uniquely attuned to the unmistakable scent of his mate. It did not matter what she put on, she looked deliciously sinful. Her body oozed confidence and predatory sex-appeal, which he knew from experience were not an act. If their brief time together had shown him something it was she loved with a full heart and mind. Karim guessed his never-ending attraction was part of the binding connection fated pairs shared. They were opposites which complimented each other. In and Ian. Two faces of the same coin.

Although a lot of things transpired and changed between them, the physical attraction never ceased. If anything it intensified becoming more primal than ever.

There was no reason why they couldn’t follow their original Fate. All he had to do was to reach across the bar and to whisk her away.

“What can I get you?” The bartender approached him. The tag on his shirt said “Gareth”. Karim huffed replaceing the club’s use of the old-fashioned metal name tags beyond amusing. Here they were in a very modern club, only to be greeted by things from the past. It was a certain charm only Velvet possessed.

“Gareth, my man. How do I get a private dance with Violet?” Karim asked once Gareth passed him the requested drink. The bartender’s eyes held Karim’s eyes longer than proper, eventually submitting to the authority of the Beta.

“That would depend whether she would want to see you, Beta Lazuli,” Gareth replied, confirming he had felt his power.

“I can pay double,” Karim offered.

Money was not an issue as they bribed sealed lips faster than compliments could. Violet needed the money or else she would not be here. Karim saw it as investing in their relationship and his health.

“No offense, but I don’t care if you pay quadruple. Considering your history, it’s Violet’s choice.”

“Could you put in a good word for me?” Karim asked passing a hundred over the counter. Gareth pocked the banknote.

“It doesn’t mean she would agree,” Gareth cautioned him.

Karim wanted to roll his eyes at him, reached out for another fifty and passed it over.

“Give it your best try,” Karim replied then headed to the VIP section.

Violet

When she had first agreed to help with the auditions, Violet envisioned giving personality tests to the candidates. She never even thought for a second Gareth would leave the “hands-on” part in her lap. Pun intended. Although there was no lack of female volunteers to sit through the auditions, Violet was the person in charge, thus expected to participate. Violet looked at it as a learning experience. There was no harm in getting inspired by other performers. Regulars greatly enjoyed a fresh routine and rewarded the initiative with banknotes. Having her “groupies” made her income predictable, whereas counseling was on and off again gig. Entertainment was good for everyone.

More drinks, more food, more dances.

Twenty seconds in the routines of the prospects, Violet knew this set of interviewees clearly had no idea of what a proper dance entailed. Instead of creating a feeling of intimacy and seduction by show-casing the plasticity of their bodies, they narrow-mindedly focused on humping her leg, resulting in friction burns and her regret of not wearing pants. Velvet was classier than these amateurs. Violet bit her tongue as it would be rude to stop them mid-dance. Besides Caleb would have been devastated. He was the only one who seemed to enjoy himself.

“Well, this was depressing,” Candy commented as the second group of dancers left.

“Don’t be hard on the boys,” Caleb defended the dismissed interviewees.

“And hard they were,” Candice continued Caleb’s jesting, making them chuckle.

“After all they did their best,” Ruby joined in.

“They sure did,” Caleb replied. “Only one more batch is left.”

“I revoke myself from the jury. Boy, those moves are certifiable. We’d have to train ’em in, so Violet chose someone who can take our honest feedback without much drama,” Candice informed them.

“I am out, too. More for you to enjoy,” Ruby winked at Caleb.

“Well I actually like the last one, so I will give him a pity lap dance,” Crystal announced her plans then winked at Ruby, “So he knows how it is done.”

“He was giving you the eye,” Ruby wiggled her eyebrows suggestively at her friend before adding, “Maybe he could should you all of his moves.”

The girls erupted in fits of laughter as they made their way to the door, leaving Wayne and Caleb alone with Violet and inviting the final group.

The end is near, Violet thought hoping her skin would not get too irritated by the night’s end. She was deep in her thoughts, so she did not immediately recognize him until his scent carried over. Her eyes immediately snapped to the bulky figure, making its way towards her.

“Ah, hell no,” Wayne shot up from his seat moving into Karim’s way before he reached Violet. The growl from the Beta’s chest did little to intimidate the werebear.

“I’m here for you,” Karim told Violet, ignoring the mountain of muscle in front of him.

“She is two lapdances away from you, big fellow,” Caleb told Karim indicating himself and Wayne.

“Intimidation by humiliation,” Karim read the situation correctly then shrugged directing his attention to Violet, “I’ve learned my lesson. So be it. Who is first?”

Caleb’s megawatt smile answered.

Violet could not think of something more disturbing than seeing your ex grind against another man. When Caleb called out the Beta’s presence in the room, Violet thought it was the end of it. Little did she know the prideful man she once met was also a stubborn mule. She almost felt sorry for Caleb and Wayne, as Karim plowed through his performance for them with choppy moves, while his eyes never left hers. His unblinking stare unnerved her. The whole situation was beyond awkward, and Violet knew it would only get worse once he actually reached her for his lapdance.

Violet didn’t want to encourage Karim in any shape, way or form, so she kept her eyes on the gyrating body over her. This candidate was the most promising of the lot tonight, but she couldn’t enjoy his performance. Karim’s demeanor was flammable at best even without the added competition. Not only was he no longer her one and only, she knew better than to prioritize him over her own happiness.

Landon.

He was the source of all joy in her life.

Suddenly she felt self-conscious about her hiking dress. It wasn’t so much for modesty sake or for the developing irritation burns. No. Allowing Karim to see her skin felt like betraying Landon. Loyalty was her second nature and Violet’s being belonged with Landon. He was her partner, her defender, her man. While Karim always made sure she knew her place, which was always lower than his; Landon made her feel taken care of, appreciated.

Violet and Landon never really discussed her work in Velvet in details after his claim. Violet didn’t want any drama, but here she was, about to stir one with epic proportions. She suspected Karim’s plan was to provoke Landon’s jealousy to the point where it either became overbearing or there was a challenge. What continued to evade her was his motivation. Surely, there was more than just reminiscing about their past and status.

“We meet again,” Karim smiled at her as he neared her.

“Unfortunately,” Violet mentally added.

She held his gaze. If Karim expected her submission he was going to be disappointed. He no longer held any string to her heart not control over her body.

The song could not end soon enough.