A Mate for York(43)

“You haven’t seen them yet?” York asked.

Gideon shook his head. “It’s been hectic out here since early evening. Somehow information about tonight must have leaked despite the heavy confidentiality clauses. I have my hands full.” He shrugged. “Besides, it’s not like any of them are here for me, so what’s the point?”

They arrived at the large double doors of the club. “Why didn’t you try out for the program?” York asked. “You could easily have made the top ten.”

Gideon shrugged again, looking distinctly uncomfortable. “I’m not the settling down type. I don’t particularly want a mate or children for that matter.” His eyes darkened.

It didn’t make sense to York. Most males he knew would give their right testicle to be included. “I can’t say I understand but whatever makes you happy.”

Gideon glanced at the growing crowd. “I need to get back to work.” He clenched his teeth. “If this gets any worse I’m going to have to call for backup. The kings insisted that this whole thing take place at Aorta. They felt the human females would feel more comfortable in a relaxed setting. Fucking crazy if you ask me.”

York nodded. “Especially with the recent attempt on Zane’s life.” His chopper had been shot down by a group of fascist humans with a vendetta against the vampires. Particularly the kings. The group was not thrilled at the prospect of human women being taken as mates by vampire males. They had managed to capture one of the members that had shot Zane but in a fit of rage, Brant had killed the male before he could give up much information. It left them in the dark as to how many of them there were? How organized and skilled they were? More importantly, as to whom they were and what their futures plans were.

The threat could be nothing and it could be very real. They were treating it as the latter.

York nodded. “Thanks for seeing Cassidy off the other day and for the advice.”

“For the record, I know you didn’t use her like Brant thinks you did. You need to know that it doesn’t help to go against the system. Our rules are in place for a reason.” He sighed heavily. “We may not like them, but we have to obey them.” Gideon smiled. “Now…go inside and find your future mate.”

York nodded back. “I’ll see you later.”

“Sure thing.” Gideon turned and walked away, he already had a phone to his ear within two strides. All business.

York turned back to the entrance. The guards at the door greeted him with big smiles.

“You are so fucking lucky.” One said as he walked past.

“They are just as sweet as we have been told.” Another remarked.

He ignored the male. Ignored them all as he walked inside.

An upbeat song played. The club was not very big as it was specially designed for vampire patrons only. The interior was distinctly modern and highly tasteful. It was Brant’s club, and that meant that no expense had been spared. Marble, crystal and silver were the main finishes. Light, clean and elegant with a minimalistic flair. He’d always enjoyed coming here. He’d always picked up a vampire female on the few times he’d been here during leisure time. Would he get so lucky tonight? Did he even want to? Thing was, he really needed to move on. Once and for all. One night with Cassidy was hardly a relationship. They had both been clear that it was a one-time thing.

Fuck!

Why was he even thinking about her again? She had probably already left town like she said she wanted to. York was sure that she had moved on without another thought. No more dwelling on what could never be.

There were a lot of females in attendance. Delicious scents tantalized his senses. A quick count brought the total number of females, he could see, to twenty-two. Ten males and at least twenty-two females. Brant was obviously fucking useless at math.

Griffin had his arm around one of the females. She pressed her body against him and whispered something in his ear. Some of the guys were talking with more than one female. Lance had three females surrounding him. A pretty boy fucking player regardless of whether the female was human or vampire. It seemed that his whole brooding, intense thing worked on all females. It turned out, that despite a foul temper, Lance didn’t have bloodlust. Only one of the males was afflicted. A quiet, reserved male. Go fucking figure.

“About damned time.” Lazarus appeared from nowhere. His friend wore a tank top exposing thick, well muscled arms that would surely scare away the timid humans.

“It doesn’t look like I’ve missed much.” York folded his arms across his chest.

Lazarus made a groaning noise. “Just heaven…they are so damned pretty.”