September Moon (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #8)

We arrived at The Spirit Room after dark, early enough that we were able to find a table near the stage but not so early that the place was empty. Now that the sun had set, I was anxiously anticipating an appearance by my crazed vampire. Which one? A nasty voice in the back of my mind taunted.

Arys hadn’t tried to contact me mentally or by phone. I wasn’t sure if I should be worried or relieved by that. Leaving the house without Jenner had been simple enough thanks to the afternoon sun. Now that darkness had fallen, I expected one of my self-appointed protectors to show up.

The first band of the evening took the stage. They were hard rock with a lot of growling and screaming. Not quite my kind of rock, but it sure beat Top 40 crap.

“I just can’t decide where we should go for our honeymoon,” Kylarai was saying. “Coby wants to lie on the beach in Hawaii, but I’d much rather go somewhere romantic like Paris or Vienna.”

“I vote Europe, for sure. Why not visit both Paris and Vienna? Walking through those cities would be a dream.” I leaned forward, resting my face on my hands, and imagined strolling through the stone streets of Paris.

“I dated a chick who works for a travel agency. We parted on good terms. I’m sure I could get you guys a deal.” Jez’s offer was met with a gleeful squeal from Ky who clapped her hands together excitedly.

When the waitress came and Ky ordered another virgin drink, my suspicions were confirmed. She knew. So why hadn’t she told us?

My phone vibrated, rattling against the tabletop. I grabbed for it quickly, hoping it was Dayne responding to the message I’d left him earlier. Before leaving the house I’d called him to say I was ready to do the job whenever he sent me the information I needed. Securing that alliance with Doghead was not an option. It had to be done.

It was Juliet. I ignored it, not wanting to disrupt this evening with FPA bullshit.

I sat there tapping my fingers on the side of my beer bottle, watching the people file in through the entrance. No hard booze for me tonight. Or maybe ever again. I needed to stay as alert as possible. Jez was doing a good job pacing herself. I pretended not to scrutinize her too hard, and she pretended not to notice I was doing it.

My phone alerted me to a voicemail, and I rolled my eyes. As much as I loved my sister, she still drove me as nuts as she ever did. I considered listening to it but was distracted when Arrow walked in.

Jez saw him too and held up a hand before I could spout obscenities. “Chill, Lex,” she said. “We leave him alone, and he’ll leave us alone. Trust me. It’s best that way.”

“Is that so?” I questioned. “Is that why he’s headed over here?”

The tall, dark-haired nephilim was dead set on our table. Mischief lit up his hazel eyes. He wore a knit cap that hung off the back of his head, leaving some of his black hair falling free in the front. Dressed all in black, he moved through the room like a shadow. I made a mental note to learn all I could about nephilims. Surely Willow would have some valid information.

Arrow all but slithered up to our table, angling for Jez. My wolf rose up protectively, ready to rip his face off, and I had to force her back down.

“Hey, Jez. I called you last night. Did you get my message? I got my hands on some really primo shit.” Arrow grinned and leaned in closer to whisper something the loud music prevented me from hearing. His gaze met mine, and he smirked.

I gripped the beer bottle so hard I heard the glass crack. Didn’t he realize he was seconds away from taking it in the face? Deep calming breaths did little to convince my wolf to settle down.

“Oh yeah?” Jez replied, shooting me a warning glance. “Thanks but I’m not looking for anything.”

“Are you sure? You know I’m good for free samples. Care to join me upstairs?” Arrow’s delivery was smooth. The only thing working against him was the fact that he was male. Jez had to see right through him.

“No, thanks. I’m fine. Really.” With a shake of her golden head, Jez waved him away as if aware I was about to snap all over him. “Have a good night, Arrow.”

He studied Kylarai briefly before dismissing her. His gaze landed on me, and his eyes narrowed. “What about you? You look like you could use a pick me up.”

“You don’t say.” The bottle was airborne, flying out of my hand across the table before I could decide to actually throw it. Oops.

Arrow reacted fast. Throwing a hand up, he stopped the bottle inches from hitting him. To make the feat even more remarkable, it hung there, suspended. After a few seconds that felt like a lot longer, the bottle felt straight to the floor where it rolled under the table.

I was out of my seat and rounding the table before anyone could speak. I grabbed Arrow by the throat and squeezed while reaching aggressively into him metaphysically, seeking out his heart in my mind. I’d never done it to a mortal.

“Feel that?” I growled, eyes flashing with the beast within. “That’s me about to overload your fragile human heart.”