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Still shaken, I decided on a quick detour before heading home. Mickey’s, a local bar two streets down from my apartment, offered a quaint atmosphere where humans came to relax. I visited Mickey’s at least once or twice a week and even had my own designated barstool.
Tonight, a one-man band played his guitar and sang classic rock songs. With his wavy brown hair and sinew build, there were more women than men here tonight.Ah…groupies.
“What’s with the music, Mickey?” I asked as he slid me a shot of whiskey down the bar.
“Thought I’d try something different and hopefully draw in more customers.” Mickey, an older guy, maybe forty-five, with salt and pepper hair, had kept his body in good shape. It probably helped to take care of mean drunks.
“Looks like you’re drawing in more women.”
His hazel eyes lit with his grin. “And that will draw more men.”
I tipped my shot glass in his direction. “Touché.” I downed my drink in one swallow. Mickey replaced it with my usual Guinness.
The music was decent, but the women seemed to like it. Or they lusted after the singer. It still helped me relax a little, especially with the scent of humans surrounding me with their easy-going vibe and laughter. The smell of alcohol, lust, and humans meant I could let my guard down.
“Well, hey there, beautiful.”
I glanced over just in time to see Tony slide onto the stool beside me. “Hey, Tony.”
He was a decent-looking guy in his late twenties with auburn hair and full lips. He constantly flirted with me whenever I came to Mickey’s.
He reached over and took my hand like he usually does when he innocently flirts. My wolf growled inside my head this time. What the hell?
“When will you let me take you out on a proper date?”
I smiled, trying to hide my wolf snapping and growling inside my head, and casually pulled my hand away from his. “Aw, Tony, I’m flattered. But…”
“I know. I know,” he said, sighing. “For some strange reason you think you’re not good enough for me.”
I chuckled. “That’s exactly right. You deserve better.”
He didn’t believe me, but I didn’t care. It was easier than saying he wasn’t wolf enough for me. Dominant enough to fight and pin me down. Being human, there was no way Tony could make my wolf submit. And he deserved a nice girl to settle down and raise babies with. But unfortunately, I wasn’t that person.
The air shifted, putting me on alert. Another supernatural had just entered the bar. I looked up in time to seehimwalk in. His eyes connected with mine and a wave of familiarity slammed into me. I wanted to run but stayed glued to the barstool. He had platinum hair that hung straight on his shoulders. Ice blue eyes reminded me of a warm sunny day and a solid muscled body that walked with confidence. He stood tall at six feet two, and I would guess him to be around twenty-one, maybe twenty-two years old. And he was heading straight for me.
“Mind if I sit down?” he asked, then purposely looked at Tony.
“Ah…no man. It’s cool. See ya later, Ivy.”
When Tony left, the new guy took his place. “Ivy, that’s a very nice name.”
My insides warmed and a smile spread across my face. “Yeah, well, if you say so.”
Mickey came strolling over. “What can I get you?” he asked, throwing a hand towel over his shoulder.
“Water. Thanks,” the new guy said. I raised an eyebrow but didn’t say anything. Who was I to judge if he wanted to walk into a bar and order a glass of water?
After the new guy thanked Mickey for the drink, he turned his attention to me. “I’m Eric. Thanks for asking.”
What?I took a long slow covert sniff and determined a few things:
He wasn’t a shifter.
He really was that confident.
My wolf growled a warning inside my head.
She didn’t like anyone encroaching on Luca’s territory.
