She glanced around the desk to try to get her mind off it for a moment. She was a born investigator just like her brother, though Chad tried to hide that fact. Truth was, Chad would make a great detective. He told everyone he was just a beat cop but that wasnt anywhere near true. He was the leader of the SWAT team.
She finally looked down at the paper she'd absentmindedly picked up. It was a supply receipt. Her gaze trailed across the billing information to see the name at the bottom. She slammed the piece of paper back down on the desk. Devon Santos damn him. He was one of the freaking owners and had let her think he was just a dancer.
At that moment the office door opened and Devon stepped back in. When do you want to start?
*****
Nick rushed across the dance floor and up the stairway leading to the entrance. He pushed open the door with more force than necessary and glared at the man trying to get past security. Since most of the bouncers were shifters, they could smell a vampire even when there were no outward signs.
The fashion sense of a normal vampire around the city seemed to stem from the Goth crowd. In the last few months, however, about ten wearing business suits or just regular club clothes had attempted to get in. Thats the reason they relied so much on scent now rather than appearance. Rule number one no vampires were to pass without one of the owners permission.
Whats your business here? Nick asked, trying to sound professional because of their human audience. The man tilted his head to the side and gave a wicked smile that made Nicks stomach churn.
Id like to go in. Raven said, as his pupils enlarged, using his powers to enthrall anyone that was capable of falling under the vampires compulsion spell.
Nick eyed him up and down. The guy had black hair with dyed neon pink ends that hung low over his face. He was young; probably not even twenty-five, with very pale skin and heavy eyeliner around his eyes. His lips were done up with black lipstick, even his nails were painted black.
Sorry mister Nick stood very still watching the vampires every movement. No matter the size or age, vampires were dangerous and not to be underestimated.
Raven, call me Raven, the man answered, wondering just how far you could push a jaguar.
Sorry Raven, were at capacity. Nick explained, as he wrapped his fingers around his two shot derringer, that was deep within the pocket of his leather jacket. It had hollowed-out silver bullets filled with holy water. The corner of his lip hinted at a sadistic smile, as he felt the wooden blade of the bone handle knife attached to his forearm.
Then why are these people all still standing in line? Raven asked, seeing the golden tint start to override the jaguars irises.
Nick smiled but it felt like he was gnashing his teeth. They have reservations.
Ravens eyes shone in the dim light for a moment looking like they were glowing ominously with inner fire. Nick descended the three steps to street level and placed himself between Raven and the crowd of humans, then he leaned close to Ravens ear.
Leave now, vampire, he whispered with cold calm, as he pressed the point of the wooden dagger against Ravens ribs where no one would see it. Youre not getting in.
Nick straightened up and folded his arms in front of him so it would be but a quick jerk to stab him with the dagger. Im sorry sir, have a good evening.
Raven smiled again, this time almost pleasantly, Oh, I plan to.
He turned away from the door and started walking down the street with his hands buried in the pockets of his black jeans and whistling an ominous-sounding tune. When the jaguar leaned down to whisper in his ear, Raven had seen his master slip past them and into the club. He hadnt seen Kane for some time. In fact, this was the first time in several weeks, even though hed felt his sires eyes on him many times.
What surprised Raven was that Kane would willingly walk into the den of his enemies. The Master had told him the story of being buried alive by the leader of this jaguar clan. Did his master have a plan of his own?
They framed you my master, but this time Im making sure the blood is on their hands. Raven whispered to himself before blending in with the shadows. He knew he wouldnt have to wait long. He could still smell the blood of his latest victim as the scent floated on the breeze toward Moon Dance.
*****
Kat watched as Chad and Jason helped the unfortunate boyfriend out of the club in handcuffs. They always said curiosity killed the cat, but she just had to find out what they planned on doing with him. If nothing else, just to keep her from wondering about it for the rest of the night.
Going out one of the side doors, she stayed in the shadows as she followed them. With her heightened senses, she didnt have to be all that close to hear what they were saying.
Chad and Jason blocked Trevor in between his car and the cop car so the jilted boyfriend couldnt stomp back into the club after Envy. Chad removed the handcuffs knowing he really couldnt arrest him without a legit reason that is unless Trevor pushed him.
I bet it was you who told her I was here! Trevor growled at Jason. Dont think I didnt notice the hard on you carry for her. Just couldnt keep your nose out of it, could you?
Chad threw his arm out when Jason took a threatening step forward. Jason, Ive got it from here. Why dont you go back in and see if you can find Envy? I dont want her out here until Trevor's gone.
You cant stop me from going back in there. Im working! Trevor hissed without thinking.
Yeah, we saw what the hell you were working on, Jasons hands fisted at his sides, but with a pointed look from Chad, he knew hed best go inside before Trevor wasnt the only one in cuffs tonight. Spinning on his heels, he tossed one more remark over his shoulder for Trevor's benefit, Youll find us on the dance floor wrapped around each other.
Trevor shot forward but Chad shoved him back against his car. To Chads surprise, Trevor was a lot stronger than he looked and it was a struggle. I warned you not to be screwing my sister unless you told her who you really were and the real reason you are always hanging out at the clubs. Hell man, Envy thinks you're nothing but a damn frat boy. If you wanted to impress her, then you should have told her the truth. One thing shes never been able to stomach is a liar. Especially if they are lying to her.
Kat narrowed her gaze on Trevor. What was all that supposed to mean?
You know as well as I do that if Id told her I was working under cover, shed have always wondered if I was using her when I hung around the clubs with her. Trevor thundered, as he righted himself but didnt try to go back toward the club again. If he used his real strength then Chad would be a dead man and Trevor would be no better than the people he hunted.
That knowledge did a lot to calm him down long enough to rein in his animal instincts but he couldnt help still being pissed. She fucking tasered me!
You deserved it because youre a lowlife, cheating boyfriend. Hey, it's what you get for not telling her the truth. Youre done for the night unless you want to go haunt one of the other bars. Besides, Envy still has the taser, Chad smirked. Id advise you to leave her alone for the rest of the night or better yet, the rest of her life if you cant come clean with her.