Page 32 of Claiming Her Vampire

I look back, concerned, and see one of the other girls pick up my filled tray. Harmony keeps her hand on my arm as we go up to the second floor and through several hallways. I haven’t been on this floor yet.

She opens the door to a cozy room. I see several couches, a small bar in the corner, and a seriously hot man sitting in the middle.

“I thought this was a girls’ night?” I ask with a raised brow.

“It is. He’s the muscle. Don’t mind him; he can gossip like a woman.” She leans down to kiss him. “This is my other mate, James.”

He has the muscles to qualify for security. “Nice to meet you. I’m Serenity.”

“Oh, I know. Harmony hasn’t stopped talking about Ryker and his mate, Serenity. She’s very happy for both of you.” He gives Harmony an indulgent smile.

“Thanks, I think. Nothing is settled yet.” They share a telling look. “We are just getting to know each other.”

“Of course, but the mating bond is a powerful thing,” Harmony says on her way over to the bar. “Drink?”

“I probably shouldn’t. What if they need me back at the bar?” I ask. I don’t want to lose this job.

“You officially have the rest of the night off.” She picks up a glass and shakes it. “What do you want?”

“I don't drink,” I say weakly. Maybe I can get away with siping one all night.

“So, how do you like working here?” James pulls my attention.

“Good, the money is excellent,” I answered. Harmony plops a glass down in front of me.

“Try it,” she urges, sitting next to James.

I take a sip and am pleasantly surprised. It’s sweet and fruity, and I can’t taste the alcohol at all. “Thanks.”

“Where’s your friend Ava?” Harmony asks.

“She’s with Bash at his place.”

“Oh, shit, are they together?” James asks.

“No, not at all. She is staying with him, at least until the person killing all those people is caught. Ryker thought it would be better for us to be separated. He said something about him learning his lesson about friends.”

They both burst out laughing.

“He would say that,” Harmony says.

“He got the situation worked out how he wanted,” James says dryly.

I frown. “What do you mean?”

“I would love to meet Ava sometime. What does she do?” Harmony asks.

“She works in a doctor’s office. She’s the receptionist.” I let her distract me.

“I bet she’s having fun with Bash.”

“If you mean fun as in driving Bash crazy, then yes.”

“They don’t get along?” Harmony asks.

“Not at all. Ava was lecturing Bash when we dropped her at his door. I saw her earlier. She was camped on the couch, eating everything she could, watching vampire shows.” I chuckle, “Bash was sitting in his office with headphones in, glaring at her.”

“Stone-cold Bash. He’s never going to let Ryker forget this,” James says, shaking his head.

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