Total pages in book: 54
Estimated words: 49961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 49961 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 250(@200wpm)___ 200(@250wpm)___ 167(@300wpm)
The tension inside Marcus eased, and Alaric responded, That is all I can expect. Carry on, Marcus. I will re-familiarize myself with the components of Nightfall.
Left staring at the space where Alaric had stood, Marcus shook his head to clear his thoughts. Titus stiffened to stand tall behind the bar. The usually boisterous hospitality coordinator’s gaze focused on an empty spot in the middle of the raised dance floor. Alaric’s attention had shifted somewhere else.
Not allowing himself a relieved exhale, Marcus continued down his checklist. As he stared at the cell phone in his hand, Marcus appreciated and detested the technology that made his job simultaneously easier and more treacherous.
Tracking anyone’s life took only a couple of clicks. Disguising any abnormalities required skill. Marcus was glad he wasn’t Bram as Alaric did his rounds of contact. The social media storm brewing had created a flurry of computer activity for their IT expert as the construction of Nightfall had taken shape. Shielded in secrecy, Nightfall had caused a torrent of speculation and rumors. Thankfully, Bram was as skilled at his job as Marcus was at security.
His phone buzzed with a request for him to go to the ceremonial welcome area. All first-time guests would proceed through this contained room at the entrance of the nightclub. There, some would be chosen and others rejected as visitors to the Nightfall experience. Security would be integrally entwined in the process. There could be no mistakes in this vital spot when the club opened.
Marcus headed that way immediately.
Chapter
Two
Glowering, Marcus stood at the top of the steps leading into Nightfall on the opening weekend. Influencers had flooded the news of the club’s opening after Alaric had given an elite group a private tour of select public spaces two weeks ago. Whether the nightclub’s elaborate party spaces or the Elder’s magnetic personality had mesmerized them, the social media creators had showcased Nightfall on all the platforms, creating a fevered need to experience it. The entry line wrapped around the building. The security forces worked overtime to prevent a mass incident.
Something teased his senses. A delightful scent that wasn’t strong or close enough for him to track from his position. He forced himself to concentrate on the crowd.
Marcus had anticipated people would rush the doors, trying to overwhelm the staff. He’d put his most intimidating guys and ladies at key points and created a roped-off aisle that prevented a mob from gathering. Sensing that poor choices would be unwise here, the crowd remained orderly.
As the head of those tasked with protecting the visitors and the staff, Marcus had trained his crew thoroughly. He checked in regularly with those in crucial positions. A whisper of trouble reached his ears. Marcus headed down the stairs, laser-focused on a group of young men who discussed sneaking past those in front of them.
As he passed those waiting to get in, a gorgeous young woman struck an alluring pose as she whispered to her friends, “Fuck! That guy is massive.”
Glimpsing the luscious curves of the blonde who’d complimented him, Marcus licked his lips. Her heart beat faster. Even better. She was responsive. Unfortunately, he was on duty.
His focus remained on the troublemakers. His oath to Alaric surpassed any temptation he might feel for the attractive attendee. Marcus opened the velvet barrier and stationed himself a short distance before them. Instantly, the crowd between him and the troublemakers burst into protests.
“Hey, what are you doing?”
“You can’t just push past us. We’ve been here for four hours.”
“Jerks! I’m going to report you.”
Uff! The breath rushed out of the leader’s lungs as he ran into Marcus. Had he been off duty, Marcus would have laughed as the man’s gaze started at Marcus’s belly button and rose to meet his eyes.
“Tony, go on past him. We can get farther,” one of his buddies suggested bravely from where he stood a distance from Marcus.
“I’m afraid your invitation to tonight’s spectacle is now revoked,” Marcus told him.
“No way, man. We’re eager to check out all the ladies,” Tony said.
Marcus wondered if Tony imagined the two of them would have any bond together because of their attraction to women and owning a cock. “Follow directions, and you’ll be able to attend another night.” He opened the barrier and lifted his arm to direct them into the street.
“I’m not going anywhere,” said another of the guys. “Who do you think you are? Jesus?”
The group whooped, approving of their friend’s bravado.
These would-be tough guys had no idea who they were challenging. Marcus stood up straight, showcasing his 6’6” frame. He weighed the equivalent of at least two youngsters Tony’s size.
“A lifetime ban it is,” Marcus pronounced and waved his hands over his head to signal those that monitored from above to capture the men’s images.
“Are you calling for help?” Tony sneered, puffing up his chest to appear bigger.