Mate's Lore 1(13)

“Are you done?”

Tanya felt her cheeks heat.

“You need to fight fire with fire as the saying goes. You are a smart human. Use your brain.” Stephany smiled deviously and linked her arm with Tanya’s. “About that drink.”

Tanya squeezed the other woman’s arm. She was grateful for the advice even though she didn’t really know what to do with it. As much as she knew she was being silly, she just couldn’t help it.

Tanya gasped. As she got closer, she noticed that the bar looked like it had been sculpted out of ice. She touched its smooth surface realizing it was glass.

Stephany ordered. The bartender went to work and within minutes he placed a pink cocktail in front of her.

“Right. Drink that and make sure you keep your cool. I expect that Brant—”

A really good looking man stepped into their personal space and interrupted, “Who’s the human?”

He spoke to Stephany but kept his crystalline, blue eyes on her. Dark hair, six o’clock shadow. Enough to have the most iron willed virgins clutching at their panties.

“Brant’s chosen so I suggest you back off.”

“Interesting,” he turned his eyes on her, nostrils flaring.

“Hi,” she croaked. Her hand going to the fluttering pulse at her neck. A normal reaction since his gaze had dropped there.

“What’s your name?” he purred.

“Get lost.” Stephany took a step towards them using her body to partially shield Tanya from him.

“It’s a reasonable question. The human will soon mate with the king of this little coven.”

“I would suggest—”

“I’m Tanya.” She put her hand out and he took it. Stephany took a step to the side. His eyes flashed for a second as their hands touched. So quick she almost thought she’d imagined it. Her arm extended as he brought her palm to his lips, lingering longer than what was necessary.

A familiar, feminine laugh snared her attention. It was Alexandra. Somewhere between them arriving at the bar and ordering their drinks, Brant had approached with the annoying vampire in tow. They had stopped ten or so feet away, huddled together in animated conversation.

Alexandra’s dress was even shorter up close. If she so much as sneezed then her girly bits would pop out. Although, with a tight body like that, they would more than likely gracefully slide into view.

The bitch.

Brant noticed her looking and threw her a half smile. He leaned back against the railing behind him and crossed his arms across his massive chest. Dressed in all black, he looked all the more dangerous, and so damned attractive.

Bastard. It irked her that he didn’t come over to greet her.

“I’m Reece.” The vampire in front of her had a deep voice, it made Tanya realize that her hand was still in his, so she snatched it away. He smiled in a way that should’ve had her legs turning to jello. Probably would’ve, if she’d never met Brant.

“Good to meet you, Tanya. I’m surprised you’re still unmated.” Reece cocked his head. “I happen to really enjoy strawberries.”

“Healthy choice.” Tanya risked a glance in Brant’s direction. Alexandra had plastered herself to his side, but his eyes were still fixed on her. The brunette whispered something in his ear but he didn’t react.

“…and cream.”

She looked back at Reece. Tanya wasn’t sure whether Brant minded her talking to another man or not. He didn’t seem to, which irritated her even more. Either way though, she needed to take Stephany’s advice and not react to Alexandra. The best way to do that would be to attempt to maintain at least the semblance of a normal conversation. “Cream is less healthy but quite delicious.”

“Sumptuous. Oh so very tempting.” He took another step towards her. So close that his body was mere inches from hers.

Tanya tried to step back but with the chunk of glass behind her there was nowhere to go.

“You are after all unmated.”

“So you keep saying.”

Stephany tried to step closer but Reece beat her to it by taking another half step which placed him almost against her. Her neck hurt as she craned to keep eye contact. This time there was no denying it, his eyes were glowing. Bright, glazier blue. They were electric, mesmerizing.

“I don’t think…” Tanya wanted to ask him to move away.

“Nonsense,” Reece said.

Was it her imagination or were his fangs way longer than they had been seconds ago? He clasped her hand.

“Please give me some space.” She had a bad feeling about this, but she didn’t want to cause a scene.

Reece pulled her hand up, his eyes landing on the blue veins on the inside of her wrist. He inhaled deeply. Tanya tried to remove her hand from his firm grasp but to no avail.