Things had gotten disturbingly twisted between me and my wolf mate in recent weeks. We had both made mistakes that apologies and regrets would not fix. Shaz and I had been through a lot together. We had known each other for years, since we were new wolves adjusting to life with a dual nature. So much had changed since then.
Nausea caused my stomach to turn at the thought of Shaz offering himself to a vampire. He got off on the rush. I knew firsthand how powerful it was. Most certainly addictive. One look around the place made that obvious. Because it was Shaz, his obsession was that much harder to swallow. I was the only reason that he’d ever experienced the wild ride of the vampire’s thrall, and I blamed myself.
Jez leaned across the table to touch the back of my hand lightly. “Don’t go getting all drunk on me now. I need you to fight Kale off if he’s developed a taste for leopard.”
Her gentle touch was a friendly gesture of support. I didn’t have to give words to my emotions. I appreciated her attempt at humor and forced a strained smile.
I stared into the golden whiskey. Lovely poison. I drank more often than I should, and though it didn’t affect me the way it did humans, it was still a source of escape. Of course, I’d much rather be losing myself in the promise of ecstasy found only in the kill. Tonight, whiskey would have to do.
Minutes before midnight, Kale swept through the front entry. With the grace and presence that five centuries had gifted him, he sauntered toward us. Dressed head to toe in black, complete with his trademark leather duster, he was painfully alluring. More than one human female sought his company as he made his way through the club.
I struggled not to choke on my whiskey when his sugary sweet energy reached me. “See, Jez. I told you he wouldn’t be late.”
Kale reached our booth and immediately slid onto my side, across from Jez. I pressed myself farther into the corner than was necessary, feeling awkward and nervous.
“Hello, ladies.” Kale’s gaze slid over me, lingering for just a moment before turning to Jez. No matter how many times I looked into his mismatched eyes, I was always enamored. The right one brown and the left a startling blue, heterochromia had endowed him with an eerily beautiful feature.
“You’re anxious tonight, Alexa.” Kale observed. “It’s enticing.”
Enticing was the last thing I wanted to be to a vampire whose control was precarious at best. “I just found out there’s a price on my head and my dead sister is actually alive.”
A frown creased Kale’s brow. “Seriously? That’s intense. Who would be stupid enough to think they can take you out?”
“Ahem,” Jez loudly cleared her throat, drawing our attention. “Can we play ‘Who wants to kill Lex’ later? This little shindig is supposed to be about me.”
Kale turned his attention to her, and I released the breath I’d been holding. They stared at one another, Jez with fire in her eyes. She was going to be stubborn about this.
“Jez,” Kale began, speaking loud enough to be heard over the music but keeping his tone gentle. “Thank you for agreeing to see me. I wanted to apologize to you, face to face. I have no excuses. I’m sorry. I wish I had never hurt you.”
There was a dramatic pause as Jez considered his apology. She tossed her curls and twirled the little umbrella in her drink, all the while staring him down with that haughty cat gaze. I struggled to keep from rolling my eyes, but it wouldn’t be Jez without a little drama.
“That’s the best you can do? You almost killed me, Kale. You know, like dead. I trusted you.” Leaning back in her seat, she dropped the umbrella and crossed her arms. “And, you should know I don’t trust very many people.”
Unaffected by her attitude, Kale nodded. “I know. I’m honored to have had your trust, and I fully understand that I’ve destroyed it. But, I am sorry. You know you mean a lot to me.”
“Prove it.”
I sat in amused silence, a half-empty glass in my hand. Poor Kale. She was really intent on putting him through the ringer.
In part, he was humoring her, giving her what she wanted so this whole thing would blow over. But, I knew Kale, and if he didn’t genuinely care about their friendship, he wouldn’t be here. Being the amazing guy that he was, he was willing to do anything it took.
“What do you want from me, Jez?” His expression was playful, but his manner was serious. “Want me to get on my knees and beg your forgiveness?”
A slow grin spread across her lips. “Knock it off, Kale.”
However, he was already standing up. I was shocked. “Jez. Isn’t that a little much? You’re not going to make him do that, are you?”
“No, that’s fine.” Kale rose and went to her side of the table. “If Jez wants me to beg, then begging she’ll get.”
“Hey now,” she protested with a giggle. “I did not ask you to beg. Don’t be ridiculous.”
He gestured for her to stand, and I cringed. I couldn’t believe he was doing this. Despite Jez’s protests, I could see the flash of pleasure in her eyes.