Page 5 of The Vampire’s Prey

When I open my eyes, he is still locked on to me. My cheeks turn crimson as his gaze leisurely wanders down my body like he owns me. No man has ever dared ogle me in such a fashion! Not with me watching anyway. Nodding curtly, I turn back around to face Green. “May I have an apron please?” The calmness in my voice takes me by surprise. I know I’m good. But even this is pro level.

“You still haven’t given me your name,” he growls behind me. The goosebumps return. He cannot affect you. You are stronger than this. Oh, who am I kidding?

I whirl back around, my smile set firmly in place. “I’m not interested.” Liar. “But if you want an intoxicating beverage, I would be more than happy to serve you.” Or service you. Same thing. Shut up! Oh this is aggravating. What is it about him that’s getting under my skin? And he’s a vampire. Why the hell am I lusting after a fanger? What is wrong with me? Pheromones. That has to be it. He’s putting something out there in the air. Do vampires do that? They must! All these thoughts swirl through my head as I stare at the demon before me.

His breathing quickens. Is it possible that he’s just as affected by me? I turn off that line of thinking as quickly as it pops in. There’s nothing good that can come out of that line of query. “Well sir? What will it be?”

“You’re name.”

Wow. Persistent much? “And what would you do if you had it?”

He slowly eases his way closer until my back is pressed against the bar. I have nowhere else to go. I suck in a deep breath, trying to pull myself inward, straining for just another inch of space.

His laugh washes over my skin. “I would at least know what to call you. Or would you prefer I come up with something?”

He taps those long, beautiful fingers against his mesmerizing mouth. Again, I find myself drawn to the movement. They curl up into wicked slash.

“I know,” he reaches for me, his fingers reaching past to slide down my braid. “What about Rapunzel?”

“How original.” I throw up my arm to block his movements and shove him away from me. Big mistake. His arms are strong like iron. How could I possibly forget about a vampire’s super strength? Get it together, Evangeline. Pulling back, I try to secretly rub my arm, but of course, he notices. His tsking as he extends my arm and rubs it makes me feel even more childish.

His eyes again lock onto mine. If there were any doubt, it’s gone when I feel the insistent probing. His penetrating gaze pushes against my brain demanding entrance. A mild ache starts up, but I try to ignore it. I can’t tip my hand just yet.

“Your name,” he demands, his voice sliding over me in a soft caress.

“Evangeline,” I whisper, trying to pull my arm out of his grasp. It’s better to lose these small battles to keep him unaware. It will serve me much better in the end. Besides, there’s not really anything he can do with my name.

Thankfully, he lets me go. I have no clue what I would do if he kept touching me. My nerves feel so frayed and raw right now.

“Evangeline.” His eyes close as he says it. As if to savour my name.

But why? There’s nothing special about me or my name.

“Would you care to join me?”

I gesture to the bar behind me. “First day, remember? I kinda need to make a good first impression.” I start heading back towards the bar when his voice calls out to me.

“Wouldn’t you like to know my name?”

“Nah. I want to keep the mystery alive.”

* * *

Adrian

If that wasn’t a sucker punch to the gut. I watch Evangeline walk away, my hunger demanding I grab her and feed. What is it about her that makes me want to dive deep and keep her for more than just one night of feeding? It has to be the hunger. I have been letting myself get too picky. I definitely haven’t been feeding enough. Resolved to make her mine and end this, I start to stalk towards her before a hand pulls me back.

“You remember the rules I gave you, yes?”

Lucius. I take in a deep breath and close my eyes until the hunger fades. “Yes. I remember.”

“Consensual. Always consensual.”

I whirl around. “You think I wouldn’t respect that? Respect her? Besides Lucius, it’s just a one-time meal. You know me.”

“Yes. I know you. That’s why I’m warning you.”

I watch Evangeline walk away. The churning in my gut doesn’t let up. I should be feeding, should be hunting. But I'm not. Instead, I’m watching my geisha flit about and flirt with every man coming up to the bar. Every man who approaches her, I want dead. However, I’m constrained by not only the law of the land but my own honor. Never would I stoop this low for a meal.