Page 126 of New Nebraska Heat

See, that’s your problem. I’m nothuntingSerenity. I’m trying to share my life with her. Life isn’t all cocks and claws, smart ass.

I’m not saying hunt her. She’s your huntress. She makes us stronger. And you keep running away from her to mope. I want to keep growing.I feel good.He said the last word in a low, savage purr that rumbled through me.

What are you saying?

I’m saying you’re not the only one popping out new muscles. Maybe I should force a shift right now? They’re cheering for those women in sparkly costumes, but the screams for me would make headlines.

You do that, and when the shift eventually wears off, I’m gonna put every ounce of my energy into caging you in forever, and I’m going vegetarian for life—no, vegan. Don’t test me.

Vegan? Fuck off! You’re bluffing.

Am I…

Vance strode up beside me, beaming in his sharp black suit and subtly patterned black jaguar tie. He was on the same side of the bar as me, for a change. “Boss, it’s great to see you. How’re things?”

I swept my palm across the bustling club as the music thumped its sinful beat and the waitresses ferried full trays of liquor and champagne bottles back and forth to the booths and tables. “Things are booming in here. Well done, Vance. I don’t know what you’ve been doing but keep it up.”

“Thanks, boss, I—”

“And no more of this boss stuff. As far as everyone in the club should be concerned, you’re the day-to-day boss now. Just call me Hunter, please.”

He smiled broadly, showing fangs I wasn’t in the mood for seeing. He was a good kid though, and more like a friend now, so the sight didn’t put my back up. “Thanks, bo—uh, Hunter. You like the tie? It’s not real jaguar fur, obviously, but I thought in honor of the jaguar spirit, especially with your birthday coming up next Friday—”

“How’d you know my birthday?”

His pale forehead pinched into a frown. “It’s uh, on most of the license paperwork. It’s due for renewal next month. I thought that’s why you were here? You know, to sign stuff for the renewal application?”

I’d come here to sulk, sip beer, and read words of wisdom. “Oh yeah, I did. Just things on my mind, distracting me. Thanks for the reminder.”

Yeah, great. The birthday I never looked forward to. It was Dagger’s too, of course, and was also forever entangled with the grief of our parents’ death. My twin was brash and rowdy as an adult, but in his teens he’d been borderline feral. We all had struggled to keep control of the little shit, which had strongly contributed to me not having a mom and dad now, slicing a wound between me and my brother so deep, I didn’t know if it’d ever fully heal. With that date on the horizon, it’d be even more tense between us.

Pfft! You’re handing over our empire to this little vamp punk? He thinks he can put on a K-mart tie and be a jaguar?

“Would you shut the fuck up!” I blurted, making Vance take a step back, eyes bulging. “No, not you Vance. Sorry. Just forget I said that.”

He nodded with both eyebrows raised high. “Uh, o-of course. So, you going somewhere nice for your birthday? How about the Glasshouse? I worked there for a couple of years as a kitchen hand. That place is tight. The view across the city, and the night sky? Forget about it.”

“I’ve heard of it. Never been much for fine dining…” But if Serenity’d like something different, that might be an idea. “It’s the one on top of the Tolstoy Building, right?”

Vance’s eyes crinkled with a sly smile as he eased against the bar. “Yep. Walls, ceiling, all glass, clear as crystal. They keep the lights low so you can see a bunch of stars. Most romantic restaurant in the whole state, if you’re bringing a date…”

Romantic? To eat tiny plates of food behind glass. Don’t listen to this thumb sucker. If our mate wants stars, we’ll take her out to a pretty field and fuck her under them.

It’s freezing outside.

We’ll keep her plenty warm.

Shut up.

I breathed deeply, ignoring my jaguar’s arrogance and forcing a smile at Vance. “You know, that’s a really good suggestion. I might just do that.” I leaned forward and clasped his shoulder warmly. “You’re a good friend, and you’re doing a great job here. Well done.”

He shrugged. “Thanks. I just took what was already great about the club and tweaked a few things. The girls are more popular than ever.” He jumped his eyebrows. “I had a damn good time sourcing the new talent. Thanks again.”

Course he did,my jaguar interjected with a scoff-like chuff.Picked out bloodsuckers like him.

I ignored him, but I knew he felt my jolt of surprise. Sure enough, one of the three new recruits was on stage in a goth pinup getup, fangs gleaming in flashing blue lights. Well… could I really begrudge the guy a personal preference? And the crowd clearly had no objections. Dollar bills were fluttering around her like confetti.

Still… I leaned back and skewered Vance with a serious, appraising look. “So long as you’re treating them all with the same respect I do, we’ll be good.”