Page 36 of The Vampire's Thirst
His chest puffed out, and he was ready to take on the whole fucking world.What to do?He was loaded with aggression and no outlet in sight.
When Roark strode out to the noisy, crowded bar, he sought the biggest mutherfucker he could find. He tapped a muscle-bound demon on the shoulder. “Hey, asshole, you want a piece of me?”
“Nah, go away.” With a brush-off, the male returned to his beer.
“Hard way, huh?” This time, Roark latched onto the demon’s arm and yanked him off the wooden seat.
Stools clattered to the floor while Aeternals shoved tables aside to clear a path for the fight.
Roark pointed to his own chin. “In the name of fairness, you first.”
The demon obliged with an uppercut that hurt like a bitch. They exchanged punches until the other male stayed ass-planted on the floor.
That was the definition of winning, wasn’t it? Just push off the ground one more time than the other guy.
Roark sauntered across the bar and out the back door again.
Pumped, he located Karth still in the alley. He had an urge to tell the Gold-Dust-dealing shifter how he felt. Taking deep breaths to control his surging chest, he snatched the guy’s arm. “I want in. Ya hear me? Let’s do this. Power to Scath and all that shit.”
Karth must have liked Roark’s blood-stained shirt and happy face, because he said, “Come with me.”
****
Twohours into the trip, Chiara’s chin bobbed onto her chest. She stretched, breathing in extra oxygen to stay awake. “I’m starving and tired. It’s late. Can’t we stop someplace with a bed and food?”
“No. You sleep right there. I can keep going.”
“I know. You’re Superfang the Vampire. I, on the other hand, am a human who needs food anda nap.”
“Got bad news for you, witch. You’re not entirely human.”
“Say what?”
“I just said it.”
“Newsflash. I have a nasty temper and will zap you with a spell. Now, tell me what you meant.” She rubbed a fist across her heavy-lidded, gritty eyes.
Dax glanced at Chiara’s face. “Okay. We’ll stop for food and a few hours’ rest, but I want to reach Missoula early morning while it’s still dark. Look for a motel with a restaurant.”
“Aye, aye, captain.” She saluted.
Dax groaned, muttering again.
“You know, you talk to yourself a lot.” Chiara sat straighter as she faced the window.
“Only since I met you.”
“There,” she shouted, pointing to a sign on the right. “Two miles ahead. Home-cooked food with reasonably priced rooms. What could be better?”
“A few ideas pop to mind. Getting rid of your ass. A hit of O blud. Being alone.” But Dax pulled into the parking lot when he saw the motel on the right. “You register. Get a room in the back. Only one.”
Grabbing her purse, she slipped out of the car and entered the office, stretching her legs, shaking her skirt. “Hey,” she said to the clerk, pasting on a smile as she walked inside. Sudden concern for the safety of her dogs made her sad. Had they made it to Ernest’s? Did they miss her? “One room, please. My brother would like the back ’cause he has trouble sleeping. Road traffic.”
“Sure thing.” The guy handed her a key card once she signed in and paid. “Is the one enough?” He leaned forward on his elbows, flashing a flirtatious, dimpled grin.
“It is. What do you recommend at the restaurant?”
“The hamburgers. Also, I recommend you meet me there at about midnight when I get off work.I’ll put a coin in the jukebox so we can dance.”
