“Am I? Some demion shows up and the next thing I know you’re telling me we can’t hang out anymore because your feelings are all confused. Why shouldn’t I kill him? He’s a nobody…a nuisance…and he’s got you all messed up in the head.”
I roll my eyes and take several long swallows. The way Bones is acting, I know I’m in for a long night. At least he’s speaking to me again, although listening to him plot Kieron’s demise isn’t much of an improvement.
“Trust me, it’s not his fault, it’s hers. Like I told you before. You wanna kill someone, kill Liora. Be my guest.” I swish my hand like I’m swatting away a fly, and spin my chair around to check out the rest of the room. Same as always. And no Kieron in sight.
Where is he, anyway? I haven’t seen him in a few nights…
“You know I can’t do that,” Bones says and chugs his whiskey.
I press my lips together and start tapping my feet to the loud music. I’m glad Bones stopped me at the Bridge tonight so we could come to the Bar together. But his attitude is testing my patience. I don’t even know what I’m feeling. How am I supposed to explain it to him?
“Is it because he’s part human and I’m not…is that why you like being around him so much?” he asks a few minutes later.
I sigh again, and twist a long lock of hair around my finger. If only Bones could understand. But he’ll come around eventually…he has to. I’m sure it’s just his precious ego being hurt that’s pissing him off. He’s not accustomed to having any competition for my affections; he’s used to having anyone he wants throw themselves at his feet.
“Partly…I think. But that doesn’t change the fact that I still need you…he’s not replacing you. You’re my very best friend, and I don’t know what I’d do if that ever stopped. I just want to be friends with him, too.”
His eyes meet mine. Despite my growing feelings for Kieron, Bones can still melt my insides when he wants to. “Yeah well, just remember, I’ve been around longer and I’m not leaving. No outsider’s gonna change that.” He sets down his drink and wraps his strong arms around me.
I get the familiar flutters I always feel when Bones holds me close. This time, though, it’s my relief that things are okay between us again. I hug him tight, giving him a kiss on his warm cheek.
“Thanks,” I whisper. “You don’t know how much it means to me to hear you say that.”
Bones pulls away and looks me up and down. “But I’m telling you now…if he steps outta line…if he does anything, even one thing to hurt you,” he holds up his finger before gliding it across his neck, “then all bets are off. I’m gonna let the whole pack loose on his pretty-boy punk-ass and scatter his limbs to the furthest corners of the territory. I don’t care who he thinks he is, nobody messes with my girl.”
I roll my eyes again. Bones can be so dramatic sometimes. But the sentiment is sweet. “Everything will be fine…”
Bones’ magnanimous mood ends abruptly as Kieron enters the Bar. He stiffens and clenches his jaw. I focus on remaining stoic, cool. Now is not the time for me to make it obvious how happy I am to see Kieron again. It has only been a few nights, but I’d been growing increasingly concerned…
As Kieron casually makes his way toward us, I hear Bones growling softly under his breath. “Play nice,” I whisper. He turns back to his drink.
I’d made the effort to look especially hot for Kieron tonight, hoping I’d see him. Even though I’m planning on tormenting later this evening, no long dresses here. The low-cut, teal-colored cat suit hugs my curves perfectly, and leaves little to the imagination. Although Liora certainly doesn’t have even the slightest clue how to be sexy, I don’t want there to be any doubt in his mind which of us is more desirable. I’m the one who’ll rock his world and blow his mind. Not her.
“Good evening, Lucky, Bones,” Kieron says, taking the seat beside mine. Bones just grunts, but Kieron is unfazed by the rude greeting. “Bones, I heard there was another incident along the western border…do you know anything about it?”
Bones takes several long, deliberate gulps of his drink before acknowledging Kieron’s presence.
“Do I look like I’m on patrol right now? Why don’t you bug someone who doesn’t have the night off,” he says.
“Bones…” I place my hand on his arm.
“No, its fine, Lucky. I just thought he may have heard something. If he doesn’t know anything…”