Page 31 of The Psychic and the Vampire

Viktor was struggling to relax. He could sense through their bond that Ant thought this dinner was important, but after just having left Tony, admittedly rolling around the floor, but seeing him did bring back all the concerns Viktor had about Ant’s safety. It was tempting to wear the man out in bed, then sneak out and take care of all the problem members of the family once and for all, but despite what Tony believed, Viktor wasn’t a cold-blooded killer. Oftentimes it was the thought that he could kill fast and without mercy that caused people to give him a wide berth.

“I haven’t been to this restaurant before,” Ant said, looking around just after they’d been seated. “It seems very pleasant. What sort of foods do you prefer?”

“I’ll eat anything if I’m hungry,” Viktor said, checking the faces of the few patrons and the staff. Then it clicked what he’d said, or more specifically how he’d said it, and he focused on his mate. “I apologize. That was rude of me. You were attempting to make conversation in an effort to get to know me, and I shut you down. That an asshole move on my part.”

Ant tilted his head, watching him closely. “I’m aware that you didn’t want us to go out, but I will not live in fear of what Tony and his family might do. Honestly, that lot can join a long line of people who’d love to see me dead. It hasn’t happened yet, so we’ll count that as a win.”

“Does your lack of concern about death have anything to do with your powers?” Viktor was genuinely interested.

But Ant was shaking his head. “I mean, yes, I suppose in part, because I know our spirit moves on, but do you know what I think when faced with death?”

I dread to think.But Viktor kept that to himself and shook his head.

“I think about how pissed off all the other people will be - the others who want to kill me. That always puts things into perspective for me.”

Viktor thought about that for a moment and then said, “Nope, that’s not reassuring at all.”

“All right. I need to show you something. Can I take your hand?”

Viktor wasn’t worried about public displays of affection and reached his hand over the table. Ant took it between both of his and looked into his eyes with a small smile. “Now, anyone who was looking at us is going to think we’re just a couple enjoying one of those romantic moments that are supposedly important to dating couples. Incidentally, it is nice. I can see the appeal. However, by using my senses – do not look around – I can tell you that the couple in the table by the door haven’t noticed us at all.”

Ant frowned. “I think they are having an argument, but it’s focused on their lives not ours. The group of four women who are sitting at the table by the bar are talking about us.” He tilted his head, his smile returning as his cheeks flushed pink. “Oh, I think they’ve been drinking since lunch. Let’s just say they are having an interesting discussion on the dynamics of our joining, in particular our disparate physical size.”

Viktor resisted turning, but only just. He leaned over the table. “They’re talking about the size of my dick?” he whispered.

“And my ability to do things with it.” Ant chuckled. “I’ve never had that happen before. This mating business certainly changes things. This is fun. But sorry, you are worried about threats.”

“Actually in this second I’m just hoping those women were fair about my dick size,” Viktor grumbled at Ant’s amusement. “But yes, go on.”

“They were fair, although they still underestimated you. All right, I have to focus. There are two guys in the corner by the bar. They… yeah, that’s not going to end well for the older man. That young one is planning to suck him off and steal his wallet, but that’s life. Hopefully the older man doesn’t carry a lot of cash and enjoys the sucking. The young one did note you when we came in, and will probably offer to get on his knees for you if you go to the bathroom. He thinks you look rich, so expect it to cost you.”

“Mated vampires wouldn’t be interested.” Viktor flashed his fangs. “Even if I wasn’t mated, I still wouldn’t be interested. What about the staff. I’ve been here before. I’m sure they know who I am.”

“Hmm, they do,” Ant agreed. “The two waitstaff and the man behind the bar do, at least. But the sense I’m getting is that they don’t know who I am so they’re unsure how to proceed. I think they’re going to call someone…yes, the man behind the bar has pulled out his phone. Hopefully they’ll take our order quickly, so we get a chance to eat before the backup arrives.”

“Or we can be a little more direct and secure more eating time.” Viktor grinned as he slowly withdrew his hand and stood up. “I’ll just be a moment.”

Striding over to the bar, he nodded at the gossiping women, glared at the young man who was hanging off the older man’s arm, and slapped the bar counter. “I’ll have a pitcher of wine, filled with your best bottles.”

“A pitcher?” The barman was young, and quickly put his phone on the shelf below the counter. “We only sell wine in bottles.”

“I want it in a pitcher – I’ll have those three bottles up there.” Viktor pointed to three of the top shelf wine labels he recognized. “Just open them and tip them all into a pitcher for me – your largest jug.” Reaching into his pocket he pulled out a bundle of notes that made the young opportunist with the older man gasp. “Now.”

“Yes, Mr. Viktor.” Viktor glanced over at Ant who was on his phone, and then focused back on the barman who was all fingers and thumbs. It had to take him at least five minutes before all three bottles were opened and the contents were poured into a huge jug.

“Did you want garnish, Mr. Viktor?” The barman’s Adam’s apple bounced up and down as he swallowed hard.

“Oh, that’s a good idea. I see just the thing.” Quicker than the barman could track his hand, Viktor grabbed the man’s phone and plopped it into the wine, and then picked up the jug. Throwing two hundred dollars onto the bar, he pocketed the rest of his cash and said, “That should cover it. Send the server over would you please. We’re ready to order.”

“My…my…you have my phone, Mr. Viktor,” the barman stuttered, pointing at the jug in horror. “It’ll be ruined.”

“And you’ve just learned a valuable lesson about sticking your nose in business that doesn’t concern you. If you want a decent future, you don’t want anything to do with a gangster or his so-called family. Now, don’t forget the server. My companion is hungry and so am I.” Viktor flashed his fangs again, knowing that his eyes would glow red. “I have to feed him, otherwise his blood will be lacking nutrients, and we can’t have that now, can we?”

“No, Mr. Viktor.” The barman looked as if he was about to cry. Viktor ignored it, heading back to his table.

“I’m not sure that constitutes socially acceptable behavior,” Ant noted as he put his phone in his pocket and offered a smile as Viktor put the jug of wine to the side of the table.

“I would agree.” Sitting down, Viktor took Ant’s hand again. “But the good thing about being with you is that I am free to be myself, the way you are with me, wouldn’t you agree?”

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