Page 34 of Feral

Hale exhales slowly, his eyes hardening. “I knew you’d be popular. You’re really okay?”

“Promise. I was about to call for you if kneeing him didn’t work.”

“Are you okay with Henri returning if he apologizes?”

“That’s up to you.”

“No, it’s up to you. We respect our employees.”

Smiling, I nod. “Yeah, I’m okay with it.”

“Okay. He won’t return tonight. He’s barred for a week to cool down.”

“Sounds good. I need to check on my tables. Thanks for the help though.”

“You’ll always have it.”

As I head off, I glance over my shoulder to find Hale still watching me. My stomach flutters and a mixture of emotions ripples through me. I’m not sure what’s going to happen between us, but I’m sure something is.

Chapter 12

Hale

Watching Yannis work for another few minutes, I find myself torn between pride that he has a fighting instinct and the desire to lock him away in my apartment, far from ravenous vampires. I need a moment to calm the raging beast in my veins that constantly craves the handsome mortal.

With a smile on his face, Yannis moves easily around his tables, checking in and keeping the drinks flowing. He’s a natural, and doesn’t seem to be bothered by our less-than-human clientele.

The club thrums with activity, the lust of vampires permeating the air, with hints of fae magic, demon pheromones, and the wild energy of shifters adding to the intoxicating scent. Above it all though, the scent of Yannis seduces me.

Ready to get back to work, I spot Willow, the perky demon who loves sprinkling his incubus dust on unsuspecting victims like a horny cupid. He’s lean like a dancer, and has the ability to shift his height taller when he chooses. I’ve also noticed his skin tone and eye color tend to change depending on who he’s interacting with. Right now, it’s a pale pink color. When he hides behind glamour he looks like any young, gorgeous twink, but right now he’s in demon mode, from the pointy tips of his ears to the claw-like nails on his fingertips. He’s dancing on a pole a few feet above the heads of our patrons, his slinky body moving in perfect time to the music and drawing many hungry eyes to him.

The lights dim further before the small stage we have to the left of the bar is lit up. Our regular siren, Sebastian, sits under a spotlight on a velvet bench, singing a song that lures women and men alike to gather around him. Fortunately, his music has no effect on me, but even based on looks alone, he’s stunning. He’s built like a tree, all thick and muscled, with long black hair, tan skin, and eyes the color of the Mediterranean Sea. I’ve heard whispers that his attractiveness is all smoke and mirrors and that his true form is the stuff of nightmares, but we’ll never see it unless we happen to be swimming in the ocean when he is.

I make my way to the front to check with the doormen on activity. The club seems fuller than usual, but it could just be my imagination.

“Hey, guys. How are things tonight?” I ask. “It feels busier than usual.”

“It’s the siren drawing people in,” Rhett says, shaking his shoulders out. “Can’t you feel it?”

“No. Hemsley?”

He shakes his head. “Can’t feel it either. Must be a you thing, Rhett.”

He huffs. “Sirens aren’t my thing. It’s just been a while since I’ve worked off some energy, know what I’m saying?”

I nod, studying him for a moment. “Are you distracted?”

“Nope.” He folds his muscular arms across his chest, straining the seams of his black dress shirt. “Just aware of him.”

“Maybe you should just fuck him and get it over with,” the younger vampire says with a giggle. “Does that work with a siren or make it worse?”

“No experience with the subject,” I answer.

“I’m alright,” Rhett says with his drawl. “Anyway, I think he might be attracting people. Or hell, maybe it’s the incubus on the pole.”

“Possibly.” I turn and glance at Willow again before returning my attention to the guys. “Any trouble after Henri?”

“Nah,” Rhett says. “He apologized and said he’d respect the ban for a week. Everyone else who’s turned up is cool. Whatever the witch put in that veil, it works like a charm.”

---