Page 39 of Rafe

“You’re right not to go. These kinds of places...” Are where I eat. An overwhelming sense of guilt overcame him. “You don’t belong in them. But we’ve got to keep you safe until we find the vampire who’s causing all this chaos.”

“What if they try to attack us? Then what?” she whispered.

“I’m going to kill anyone who tries to hurt you.” Rafe caught the shock on her face but didn’t regret his choice of words. He could not let attraction to the human blind them to the truth of the situation. Sugarcoating the reality of the dark side of the blood clubs or the evil that lurked in the shadows, would do her more harm than good.

Rafe swung open the door, his boots crunching onto the gravel parking lot. He looked up to the unassuming building, the dark energy in the air intensifying.

An hour outside of the city, surrounded by desert, the dilapidated strip mall bar looked like it had seen better days. The silent echo of the desert would deceive those who passed to believe it was empty. But the black magick humming in the air warned him of the danger that awaited them.

Rafe pushed open the wooden door and immediately assessed the situation. Ballistic steel walls. Bulletproof. Interesting. Are they expecting humans? Hidden surveillance cameras in the circular sound speakers watched and listened. He took a step inside and spied a singular black button on the wall tempting him to push it.

Alpha, the wolf had called him. There was one way to test the theory.

“Open the door,” he commanded. Every synapse of his mind fired, releasing a powerful wave of his energy.

Within seconds the steel slid open, the screech of metal against metal resounding in the chamber. He glanced at Greyson, who gave him a knowing look.

The stench of blood and smoke hung heavy in the air as Rafe pushed through the large black metal doors. A thumping beat pounded in his ears. The dark bar appeared empty.

The bartender, an older gentleman with a beard down to his stomach, scrubbed a dirty cloth into a beer mug. “What ya needing, Alpha?”

“We’re lookin’ for someone.”

Xavier stepped slowly toward the bar, his eyes darkened as he focused on the bartender. Kenji crossed his arms over his chest, his expression serious.

“Who’s the muscle?” He shot a look of disdain at Rafe, instantly submitting, averting his gaze.

“Name’s Xavier Wellington. We’re looking for a bartender. He goes by the name of Topper.”

Rafe took a protective step, shielding Skylar from his view. “Like the man said, we’re here to see Topper. Is there a problem?”

“We’re a respectable joint. We don’t want no trouble in here.”

“Just friends out lookin’ for a bit of fun,” Rafe told him with a cool smirk. “And Topper of course.”

“I don’t know no Topper. As long as you’re payin’ you’re welcome inside.” The bartender’s gaze settled on Skylar, his fangs dropping. “You’re bringing something to share?” He sniffed. “Hmm. She’s fresh.”

“She’s mine,” Rafe growled. He fought the urge to attack, his fangs aching against his gums.

“Follow the rules. No fucking in the main areas. No trouble.” He resumed scrubbing his glass until it released a tight squeak.

“No trouble here,” Rafe lied. “We’ll be in and out.”

“What about your mate, there?” His eyes narrowed in on Kenji. “He ain’t no vampire, is he now? No wolf either. But he sure is something.”

“None of your business what he is,” Rafe’s glare intensified as his patience waned. “We’ve got cash and that’s all that matters.”

“Show is in the back. No smoking. No vaping either. Boss doesn’t like the blood tainted. No fucking unless you’re paying for a room. Negotiate the deal before you go to the private area. Donors in red don’t leave the establishment. They’re on the clock. Humans with yellow collars are on their own. Pay before you bite. No exceptions. And we don’t do credit here. Break the rules and you’re outta here.” His eyes reddened as he focused on Skylar. “You sure you don’t want to give it a go, lass? I may look like a bastard, but I got the bite of an angel. I’ll make it worth your time.”

“Speak to her again and this will be your last night on earth,” Rafe growled. He released his power, and the vampire cowered. “She’s mine. And I don’t fuckin’ share.”

“Absolutely not.” Skylar recoiled and ducked behind Rafe. “It’s not my thing. Not judging.”

Greyson dropped his fangs, giving the bartender a cold stare. “Stay the fuck away from her.” He glanced at Skylar and quickly retracted them.

“What are you?” The bartender slammed his hand onto a button on the counter and averted his gaze to the sink. “No, no, no. I don’t want to know. Head toward the back. Follow the rules. Don’t want no trouble.”

Rafe spun around to Skylar whose forehead had been pressed against his back. Without speaking she looked up to him and nodded.