Page 9 of Feral

I nod, practically vibrating with the need to touch him somewhere. Up close, he’s fucking gorgeous, but it’s more than his face. It’s that intangible something Tiago was talking about.

“There are things about Lair that are…” I tilt my head back and forth for a second. “Outside the norm. If you spend more time here, you’ll be exposed to those things.”

Yannis nods, holding my gaze. “The other guy told me I had a vibe that suited Lair.”

Anything Willow had detected would have been about his sexual energy. “I would agree with that statement.”

He sways toward me slightly before catching himself. Laughing softly, he looks down at his empty glass. “That drink must have gotten to me.”

“I can make sure you get home safely.”

Yannis nods, glancing over his shoulder. “I like it here. Do I have to have a card or something to come back?”

“No. You’ll find us again.”

A pretty smile spreads across his lips. “Okay, good.” He holds my gaze before letting out another laugh and turning away. “I think I’ll go. When do you work again?”

“I’m always here.” I take his empty glass. “Let me walk you out and get you into a car.”

“Oh, uh, yeah. A car is good. I don’t…” He pauses, tilting his head. “I don’t exactly remember how I got here.”

“That happens.” I place my hand around his bicep and the contact stirs my insides, sending heat through me. It’s been a long time since I’ve reacted to another this way. How intriguing. “Where do you live?”

“Midtown. Not the nicest place, but it’s clean and the neighborhood is decent.”

I walk us toward the door. “Midtown is nice.”

“I saved all my money I earned last year by moving back in with my folks.” He scoffs a laugh. “That sucked, but it was worth it so I could get out.”

“Out of…?”

“Ohio. I needed more in life, you know?”

“Well, you’ll certainly find it in New Onyx.”

I detect a shiver moving down his spine. “I hope so.”

Rhett and Hemsley open the doors for us. “Summon a car, please,” I say to Rhett.

Rhett nods, raising a hand. We have a few vamps on standby waiting to drive special mortals home from the club. A minute later, a black sedan pulls up to the curb, startling Yannis, who was still looking back into the club.

“Are you sure you’re ready to leave?” I ask.

“Oh.” He chuckles, dragging a hand through his thick hair. “I am. I don’t want to overdo it the first time.”

“Wise. We’ll be here when you’re ready.”

He nods, smiling as he exhales. “Thanks for the ride. I’ll see you again?”

“Whenever you like.”

“Okay. Cool.” He glances at the car. “Okay,” he says again. “See you.”

“See you.”

Yannis slips into the back seat and waves at me as the car drives off. When I finally drag my gaze away, I find Rhett and Hemsley grinning at me.

“Yes?”

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