“So, how can we help Bliss?” Tory asked.
“Look, I know this is going to sound like I broke the most important paranormal rule of all, but I had to…”
The others waited for him to say whatever he had to say. Shit. I did break the most important paranormal law of all.
Drake leaned in and lowered his voice as he confessed, “I told Bliss about dragons. I even had to show her my transformation before she’d believe me.”
Kurt gasped. In a whisper he asked, “What made you do that?”
Nick held up one hand. “I understand. I had to do the same thing with Brandee. My brother had to tell his human wife, Roz. As long as you and she never tell anyone else, and I assume you swore her to secrecy, I think you’ll be okay.”
“I did. And she promised not to tell a soul. She knows no one would believe her anyway. Hell, she almost had me committed.”
Nick cleared his throat. “It’s a little early though, Drake. I thought I jumped the gun with my wife. But Brandee and I knew each other as friends for a long time before we ever dated. Are you sure you can trust Bliss?”
“She had to know about Zina. If something happened to Bliss because I kept her—well, blissfully ignorant, I’d never forgive myself. I got her to agree to stay out of sight. If the dragon bitch sees her as a threat to a relationship she wants to have with me…”
“Then she’s toast… literally,” Kurt said.
Tory scratched his head. “What makes you think Zina still wants you even after you rejected her?”
“Because I’m the only one left to breed with—other than her brother, that is, and I don’t think she’s desperate enough to consider that idea. Can you imagine inbred dragons?”
“God, no,” Anthony said. He rubbed the stubble on his chin and appeared thoughtful. “It looks like you’re right. Bliss needs our constant protection. I’ll escort her home and keep an eye on her until she’s safely locked in. Someone else will have to escort her to work because of my daylight limitations.”
“I’ll be glad to do it,” Nick said.
Anthony thanked him with a nod. “If this Zina is anything like Ruxandra, your girl will probably be in danger the minute she’s alone.”
Nick folded his arms. “Remember when Ruxandra tried to harpoon Brandee?”
Drake’s jaw dropped. “She threw a harpoon at your wife?”
“Yeah. That was back when she thought there was something going on between her and Anthony.”
“There wasn’t,” Anthony said with finality. “I never even smile at my staff, if I can help it. I know how jealous Ruxandra is.”
Nick sighed. “We pretty much had to prove to her that Brandee was with me, not Anthony. Even after that, Anthony had to be careful not to even look at her. A human stands no chance against most paranormals. Add to that female jealousy…”
Drake groaned and dropped his head into his cupped hands. “But if Ruxandra comes back, Anthony won’t be able to help.”
Kurt, who was sitting next to him, patted his back. “Don’t worry, buddy. We’re all capable of protecting her and willing to step in. Anthony can handle Ruxandra if necessary.”
“But won’t that put your staff at risk?”
Anthony lifted his chin and frowned. “I’ll have you know I’ve always protected my staff. I don’t care if they’re being threatened by another vampire or an ordinary bully. I’d put my undead life on the line for any one of them, and Ruxandra can go to hell if she doesn’t like it. I think she understands that now.”
“Let’s hope so,” Nick said. “Because here she is.”
As predicted, Ruxandra waltzed into the bar arm in arm with a handsome stranger.
Crap, Drake thought. I don’t think I can take much more drama.
***
The next day as Bliss opened the office door to drop off her purse before work, she spotted Claudia bent over an open drawer. Unable to stifle an irresistible tease, she wolf-whistled.
Claudia snapped to attention and swiveled to see Bliss grinning at her.
“Oh, it’s you. Thank goodness. I thought I was going to have to kick one of the customers out of the inner sanctum.”
“Nope. It’s just little ol’ me.” She hung her purse on a hook in the closet provided for the employees.
“Didn’t you wear a coat? It’s still raining, isn’t it?”
“No, sweetie. It’s just a light mist and it takes two seconds to walk from my home to work. Gotta love the commute.” She didn’t mention having a big ex-cop escort her the few steps between her apartment and the bar.