I pull my arm out of Wyatt’s grasp. “I won’t make a snap judgment just because he’s a vamp. People have been doing that to us our whole lives. You think that because some groupies want to fuck you, add you to a notch on their belt, that any of that has changed for you?” I snort. “Don’t be stupid. Just because they want your dick doesn’t mean they accept you.”
“We know that,” Wyatt growls. “I’m not asking you to make a snap judgement. Markus is Trex’s friend and mine too. I’m asking you to be polite to him and not be scared just because he’s powerful. Be nice.” He snorts. “I realize it’s a stretch for you, but give it a try.”
I narrow my eyes at my asshole brother. Wyatt may be the most level-headed and mellow, but he can piss me off in a heartbeat. “Me being nice is more authentic than your taste in women.” I stick my tongue out at him, spin around and walk away before his smart ass can say something back. I don’t even slosh a drop of beer or even so much as tilt a bottle. It is nice to hear that Wyatt and Trex have a vamp friend. I can’t believe Trex would actually hire Laci considering he has a Vampire friend.
I do have to admit one small stereotype I have. For some reason, a very stupid reason admittedly, but when I think of a Vampire house, I always think of those old Victorian houses. Two or three stories, lots of windows, velvet drapes, rickety wrap around porch and all around creepy gothic vibe like something out of the Adams Family. They preferred candlelight and loved velvet, well … anything. Staring at Markus, and his hot, mountain attire, I feel like an idiot. Not just feel like one, but know I’m one. I guess we all have stereotypes and sometimes we don’t even know it until we’re introduced to someone and have to stare those stereotypes right in the face.
Despite my resolve to not stereotype him because he’s a vamp, I can’t help the negative thoughts going through my head. I’ve never met a vamp before and honestly don’t know if he’s dangerous or not. I doubt it. I mean really, Trex wouldn’t allow him in this bar if he was dangerous. Not to mention that Wyatt wouldn’t be calling a dangerous vamp a friend, and neither would Trex. They don’t believe in putting anyone at risk because they are big dominant shifters, they have a deep instinct to protect those weaker than them and that includes humans. He’s safe and I’m stupid for thinking for a second that he isn’t.
I wonder what he’s doing up here, living in this small town up in the mountains. Sure, most everyone here is a sup or related to someone who is, but it still isn’t the type of place I imagine a Vampire calling home. Aside from tacky velvet furniture and ghastly turn of the century homes, I really did figure that a vamp would prefer the city. More people, more opportunity to get people to donate. Vampire allure isn’t just a gift from the gods but a survival trait. Think about it, if a Vampire didn’t have the ability to lure and entice people, then they would’ve died out a long time ago.
I look back over my shoulder at Trex. He stands with his arms braced on the bar. A group of women walk in all dolled up with short, tight dresses and one has a sash across her chest that says bride. A huge, devilish grin spreads across Trex’s lips as he makes eye contact with three of the women. Putting a little more pressure on his hands, he makes his biceps pop, and he winks at them. They giggle, pressing their hands to their chests and whispering to each other as they stare at him.
Oh, barf.
It’s disgusting the way human women throw themselves at any male supernatural within smelling distance. At this bar, it’s always one of my brothers. One thing I learned being up here these past two weeks and working here is that bachelorette parties always make this bar one of their stops. Seems like fucking a shifter is on some kind of ‘fuck before I get married and commit to the person I love’, bucket list.
“Trade me.” Leanna switches trays with me. “I’ve divided the tables up for both of us and a few of your normal tables are on my half. That’s your table over there.” Leanna nods her head behind me, the rhythmic popping of her gum getting on the last nerve I’ve got.
“What?” I look over my shoulder. A group of five burly, broad, bearded, jean wearing, scuffed work boot wearing, rowdy ass shifters, looking to stir up some trouble. I know their type all too well. “My table?” I look back at her arching a brow. “That’s Lacie’s table.”
Leanna shakes her head, sympathy awash in her gaze. “Little ditz ran to the bathroom in tears after five minutes with them.”
I swear under my breath. “So, why do I get them?”
“They’re in the middle of the other section. I saw the way you were looking at the vamp in the corner and figured you would want that section. Unfortunately, they come with it.” A contrite look pulls at her features. “I’m sorry.” Shaking her head, she looks at the bar over my shoulder. “I don’t think Trex is gonna be much help tonight, so it has to be you and me.”
I don’t even have to look over my shoulder to know what’s going on. “Damn, he’s already got one on the hook?”
“Wait.” A perfectly sculptured eyebrow nearly hits her hairline. “Make that two.”
I roll my eyes, cursing again. “I wish he would keep it in his fucking pants.” Leanna’s right there with me, we both know what’s going to happen tonight. We’ll end up closing the bar while my manwhore brother takes both women back to his place. A typical Friday night.
“Watch them. They’re handsy and perverted.”
I nod. I’m not worried about not being able to handle these guys, I’m worried about being able to control my tiger.
“You got this girl.” Her smile encourages me, “You’ve handled rowdy men before. Take them a few shots, some Coors, and get away from them until their next round. When you linger that’s when trouble happens.”
She’s right. It’s one of the first things she taught me. Don’t linger. If they want to talk to you, they’ll have to order more drinks. It will save you from being insulted, pawed at, or propositioned. God, this is not my night. I draw a deep breath into my lungs and blow it out to slow my heart rate. I wish it were possible to go back in time and start the day over again. If such a thing were possible, I would’ve called in sick.
Pasting a big, fake smile on my face, I head over to the table vowing to get this over with as quickly and painlessly as possible. I glance back at the big sexy vamp. I’m not sure why. Maybe just to make sure he hadn’t left. Mysterious, alluring, compelling all describe him perfectly. Intriguing to say the least. Heat flashes through my body, landing in the pit of my stomach and warming me from the inside out. Attraction. And even though I shouldn’t be, I’m relieved the sexy vamp didn’t leave before I had a chance to see him up close.
Tearing my gaze off the tall drink of water in the corner, I steel my spine, roll my shoulders and mentally prepare myself to deal with douchebags.
“Hi.” I smile brightly. “Here’s your drinks.”
“Hey there darlin,” one of the big burly men slurs. “You new here?”
“Been here about two weeks,” I say, the fake smile starting to make my lips twitch and my cheeks ache as I set a beer and shot in front of each of them. They stare at me. A prickling sensation runs across the back of my neck, moving up my neck and spreading across my scalp, tingling. I catch a whiff of male pheromones in the air. The sour scent tickles my nostrils and it’s freaking weird because it makes me want to hurl. I’ve been turned off by men who were interested in me before, but my senses have never reacted like this. Their interest is making me cringe, my stomach quivers and revolts.