Page 65 of Blood Owed (Blood Mafia 1)
“Here you go, doll. Little fet and a basket of fresh breadsticks.” She sets the plate in front of me and places the basket near the friendly one’s elbow, making him take a step away.
“Thanks.” I breathe a sigh of relief.
“Need anything else?” She tilts her head and raises an eyebrow.
I shake my head, letting her know I’m okay for now.
“All right, sugar. Let me know when you need help.”
Twirling my pasta around my fork, I ignore the guys. I eat peacefully for a few minutes, enjoying how much flavor is in the creamy sauce. I hate getting fettuccine only to be disappointed when it ends up being bland. This could be my new favorite restaurant, and considering this dish was around thirty dollars, I plan on making Mateo pay. I’m not entirely sure my plan will work, but if all else fails, I can stab the bartender.
I’m joking, I won’t stab the bartender. Well... if she takes my wine or food before I’m done with them, I might.
“So, lovely, what do you say? Want to come to Twisted Helix? I’m sure I can make it worth your while.”
Internally cringing at what he’s implying, I swallow the bite I’m chewing. “I’m not interested.”
The asshole grunts again.
“Are you okay?” I turn and ask him, raising my eyebrows.
He glares at me and leans closer. “If I were you, I’d say yes.”
The noise in the restaurant dulls and I feel myself leaning forward, being pulled into his thrall, except I’m aware of it. Which is strange in itself because most humans can’t resist a vampire’s compulsion, but then again, I’m not so sure I’m human anymore. Either way, this asshole has crossed a line.
I continue to lean toward him, letting him think whatever he’s done is working. His lips twitch, and he looks over my head at his friend.
“I told you to stop wasting time and just compel them; you never listen.”
While he’s busy lecturing his friend, I slip my hand in between my breasts and pull out the knife, opening it in one swift motion. Then I stab the asshole in the neck. He roars and back hands me.
The impact of his hit has me airborne, flying across the room and crashing into a table.
“Mother fucking cock sucker,” I say on a groan when the corner digs in the small of my back. I collapse to the floor as the couple eating at the table scream and jump out of their chairs. The plates and glasses shatter on the hard floor.
“What is going on?” the guy asks.
The woman stares at the bar, horrified by how far I’ve flown.
Trust me, sweetie, I’m just as freaked out.
I don’t have time to worry about what’s happened because the knife is still jammed in the vampire’s neck and he prowls toward me. My eyes flick to the bartender for one panicked moment. She’s frantically talking into the phone at the bar, and I can only hope it’s someone that can help me.
Turning over and crawling toward the broken remains of the couple’s dinner, I search for something lethal. I grab a broken wine glass right before he snatches my ankle.
I scream and swing the jagged weapon at his outstretched arm. He hisses when I draw blood but doesn’t loosen his grip. Before he can break my ankle, I kick my freed foot up and into his nuts.
Nothing takes down a man—of any species—like a good old kick to the nads.
His face turns bright red, and he howls in pain. When he lets go of my foot, I scramble to rise to my feet, keeping my measly weapon in one hand. I slip on the black tablecloth and crash to my knees.
“Damn it,” I say, shoving it away and standing.
“You’re going to pay for that, you little bitch.” The vampire’s already recovered and starts toward me again. I duck, but I’m not fast enough to dodge his hand. He grabs me around the neck in a painful grip.
I whimper and stab his arm with the broken glass.
“Demi, what have you done?”
