Page 2 of Hunting for Acceptance

“What do you mean?”

I reach out, putting my hands over his eyes. I slowly push my magic into his mind, putting him into a peaceful dream. He slumps against his seat, letting out a tiny snore.

I look around, making sure no one’s seen me before getting into the driver’s seat and setting off on my way. Next time I’ll make sure to keep them awake until we’re in the hotel room because carrying a sleeping human through a hotel is going to be a fucking nightmare.

This is one step closer, I remind myself. I’ll only do this until I can think of some way to trick Stewart. I’ll figure something out.

I hate myself for this, but for now, I don’t know what else to do.

CHAPTER ONE

MARTIN

The barI step into is a bit on the dingy side. Music rings out from the jukebox in the corner, a couple of people standing near it, picking out the next song. There’s an undertone of smoke and booze that makes me wrinkle my nose. My eyes dart around the room, taking everyone in and noting any and all possible exits and where the bathrooms are located.

This isn’t my first rodeo, far from it actually. Not only have I been on the same case for a solid month, but I’ve been a supernatural hunter for a few years now.

I’m part of a team of hunters who do their best to stop the supernatural from hurting innocent humans, whether that’s stopping rogue vampires, helping cure a curse, stopping a lonely old mage from casting spells, or something else entirely. Thankfully, I don’t have to do this shit alone, I’ve got a whole team behind me. One of which should be stepping into the bar in a few minutes, making sure my back is watched.

This case has thwarted us so far. People leaving a bar along the coast and waking up in a hotel room all alone. They say they have the most peaceful dreams during the weekend. They’re not drained of blood, they’re not hurt, and nothing’s been stolen from them. A couple of people even mention feeling better after waking up. It doesn’t make sense, and our crew want to get to the bottom of it before it has time to escalate further.

I find a spot at the end of the bar. Some might look at me and see a big dude in a leather jacket trying to be tall, dark, and mysterious, but that couldn’t be further from the truth. Despite my size, I’d much rather be completely unseen. I want to be just another bar fly.

As I wait for Cooper, I order myself a beer. My fingers tap a random rhythm against my thigh as I look around the bar. No one here really pings my radar. Even if this was for pleasure instead of business, no one really stands out.

A little voice inside my head whispers that no one stands out becauseCooperisn’t here but I kindly tell that little voice to fuck right off.

Cooper is one of the very first people we added to our crew. It was me and Jeff, our fearless leader, for a while. Jeff was born into a hunting family but I came into this life the hard way, the way a lot of hunters get into it; something bad happened involving the supernatural. That shit changes a person.

I run my fingers over my closely cut hair, pulling my leather jacket around myself. I remember a time before my shoulders weren’t this broad and my arms fit into regular tee shirts. It’s not vanity or wanting to look good, though I know my body is toned in a way a lot of people enjoy. No. These muscles aren’t for show.

Before the memories threaten to rise again, someone sits down beside me. I look over, expecting glasses and a familiar smile but instead I’m met with long blue hair and sparkling eyes. My stomach practically vibrates when our eyes meet.

The thing is, I don’t get this way about anyone. Well, other than Cooper. The man is smart and beautiful and kind. I would be lucky for him to look at me and see someone worthwhile.

“Hello,” the man beside me says, his voice the most gorgeous melody. I feel my cheeks heat up which is absolutely ridiculous. I’m a grown man not some blushing virgin. His voice though. It pulls at something deep within me.

“Hi there,” I say back, clearing my throat when my voice comes out strangled at first. My eyes run over this man’s face, taking in his blue eyes, his defined cheekbones, and full lips. He’sbeautiful. I can’t help but wonder why the hell he’s decided to strike up a conversation with me.

“You look out of place here,” the stranger says with a soft smile. His eyes seem to come alive as he reaches over, running his hand over the back of my hand. A shiver runs through me.

“What do you mean?”

He shrugs, squeezing my hand. I pointedly ignore the way my stomach flutters at that. “Everyone here looks like they know everyone’s story. I’m just passing through and I had a feeling you are as well.”

There are warning bells playing at the back of my mind. This man is a stranger to this area. He doesn’t know anyone in the bar. He’s just passing through. Can I put this man on my list of possible suspects just because he’sbeautiful? This type of beauty could so easily draw people in. Hell, he’s doing a good job of drawingmein.

“You’re right,” I say, gently pulling my hand away and picking up my beer instead. A look flashes over his features, like he wasn’t expecting me to pull away. Is this guy so gorgeous he doesn’t get told no? That wouldn’t surprise me. “I’m not from around here.”

“So are you here for business or pleasure?”

“Business,” I tell him gruffly. “I’m actually meeting someone here.”

“Boyfriend? Girlfriend? Business partner?”

“You’re nosy, aren’t you?”

The guy’s brows wrinkle. He stares at me for a long moment before he finally looks away. Something close to surprise flashes across his eyes. Maybe I was right, maybe he’s just not used to people not immediately being into him.

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