Free Chronicles of the Uprising (Trilogy 1): Trilogy 1 by Katie Salidas, K.A. Salidas Page A

before answering. “I want her showered, plucked, shaved, trimmed, and for the love of god, do something with those nails. She has a wealthy Patron to impress.”
    “You heard the client. Get this leech ready to be presented to her Patron.” She snapped her fingers, and two other humans, females in matching black body suits, appeared seemingly out of thin air and rushed forward.
    A shiver of fear raced down Mira’s spine. Torture she could endure, even if that meant more time in the lightbox, but this “works” treatment her Owner had ordered — waxing, plucking, nails, and whatever else it entailed — scared the hell out of her.
    Without another word, her dirty tunic was ripped from her body and tossed aside like the garbage it was.
    Mira had to fight the instinct to lash out at the trio of women stripping her down and scrutinizing her naked body. She’d love to wipe their smug expressions right off their pretty little faces. Perhaps rip out their tightly braided ponytails and strangle them; but she knew she’d never get away with it. She’d just have to ignore their taunts and whispered comments about her filthy condition.
    Once the trio was done inspecting her, they ushered her toward the strange tile room. “We’ll have her washed and ready by seven this evening,” Mira heard one say as the glass door opened and she was pushed inside.
    A low clicking sound ran up the walls seconds before the jets began. Hot water and steam assaulted her from every angle. The initial shock and hot sting subsided and Mira relaxed, letting the water wash away the grime. Showers were a luxury only afforded to vampires with additional funding, something she’d never earned. Until now, bathing for her had consisted of a lukewarm bucket of water and a rag.
    Another set of clicks ran up the wall behind the tiles and the spray turned soapy. It foamed on her skin, carrying a subtle hint of orange blossom and citrus, a smell that reminded her of the orange groves that had grown near her home as a human. The foam seemed to expand on her skin, growing as it if it were feeding on the dirt clinging to her body. The sensation was shocking and intriguing at the same time. She could see why George enjoyed coming to this place. They might have been rude, but this shower alone made up for it. Never before had she felt so pampered.
    Another click, and the deliciously hot water returned and melted away the foamy bubbles encasing her body. The water not only took with it the dirt and grime, but melted away some of the stress and tension in her body. Try as she might, it was hard to remain alert and on edge while the heat and pressure of the water worked its magic on her muscles. 
    When the shower finished, hot air filled the chamber, blowing like a cyclone in the small room. Shocking and sudden, it startled Mira, but just like with the water, the heat of the wind had a soothing effect that made it hard for her to remain on edge. She took a breath and let the warm air do its thing and dry the beads of water from her body.
    Just when she thought she was finished in the shower, one final jet gently spritzed some kind of citrus-scented oil on her.
    The clicks behind the tile stopped, and the glass door opened by itself. Mira turned and stepped out of the box, making no attempt to cover herself, and awaited her next instruction.
    A wicked smile played in her Owner’s sharp features. “Well, now, at least you don’t stink. But you’re far from ready to present to your Patron.” She turned to the trio of women. “I’ll be back at seven to retrieve her.” Not waiting for confirmation, she and the two handlers walked out through the steel doors.
    The shower had been quite refreshing, Mira thought. She hoped the rest of these treatments would be just as pleasant. George had spoken highly of this place. Perhaps it was not as bad as she feared.
    “What’s next?” Mira asked.
    One of the trio of women held up a jar of melted wax. “Hair