Page 11 of The Vampire’s Prey

“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

She rolls her eyes and leans back against the drink rack. “Really? Usually when you come back from a trip, you’re spouting some nonsense that no one really cares about. Artifact this, translation that. Now, you’re straight to business.” She leans towards me and squints her eyes. “Have you eaten?”

“What type of question is that,” I growl, leaning in even closer. She doesn’t back down. Red never backs down. “Of course, I’ve eaten.”

“Then why this desperation? Unless you’re willing to admit you’ve fallen for her.”

“Fallen for whom?”

Fuck. Lucius. Just what I need.

Red gestures to me. “I think someone has a crush on our on-call bartender.”

“Oh really?” His face lights up as he turns his smile onto me.

I grind my teeth together. “No crush. We just have some unfinished business.”

Lucius’ smile gets even bigger. “Is that why you were moping around the bar last week? Well come on man, invite her downstairs. What’s holding you back?”

I run my fingers through my hair. “She was working.”

“Don’t lie now, Adrian.” Red smirks as she leans in to talk to Lucius. “She shot him down flat.”

I growl and push away from the bar. “I’ll be in the back if you need me.”

“Japanese artifacts won’t keep you warm at night my friend,” Lucius calls out from behind me.

I resist the urge to flip off the king of the vampires as I make my way to my usual booth.

“Hey sexy! It’s been a bit!”

Barbara. “My usual,” I bite out. Looking up, I see her face fall. “Please,” I add, trying to smooth her rumpled feathers. “Sorry love. It’s been a rough night.”

“I feel you. I’ll be right back with your drink.”

She winks, and I feel a touch better. I may be out of sorts, but that doesn’t give me the right to take it out on her. Food that she is, she still has feelings.

“Here you go! Red told me she put a little something special in it.” Setting my drink down, she leans in and whispers. “Pretty sure she added another shot. Promise me you’ll eat before driving home.”

Oh yes. I fully plan on eating before the night is over. “Sure thing, doll.” I grab her arm as she turns and walks away. “By the way, I haven’t seen your friend around, is she okay?”

“Oh, yeah.” She looks over at the clock behind the bar. “I think she’s supposed to be here in about thirty minutes.”

Excellent. My cock twitches at the thought of finally having my fix. My brain has been on fire since the moment I saw her. Tonight, I was finally going to put her behind me and finally live my life.

“Ahhh. So she’s the one you dumped me for.”

Her smirk tells me that she’s not actually hurt. For some reason, that makes me feel a little better. I guess I’m getting soft in my old age. “I’d never leave you doll.”

She laughs and playfully pushes my shoulder with her hand. “Whatever, you flirt. Just tread carefully. I don’t think she likes anyone. You may have your work cut out for you.”

Oh, I’m anticipating it.

I keep downing drinks, waiting for my elusive princess to arrive. Anticipation keeps sliding its way up my spine and into my brain. I feel on fire. I feel alive. Now, I understand the desire and need for the hunt.

Looking at the clock, my irritation grows with every passing minute. She should be here by now. Just as I get up to leave, I catch it. The scent that’s completely hers. I narrow my eyes and peer around the club. I smell her but can’t see her. If I didn’t know better, that little minx is playing hard to get. My fangs lengthen as I scope out the room. Where are you little minx? Oh yes, I’m definitely enjoying the hunt.

There she is. Her hair sways along her back, drawing my eyes to her ample charms. My mouth begins to water as I take in her curves. Oh yes, a delicious dinner indeed.