Chapter Eight

Heath

I want to bend her over the bar and claim her. I had to leave her apartment. Sitting in the small place while she soaped up in the shower was more than my control could take. I’ve thought about slipping my finger through one of the holes in her jeans and shredding them. Meeting her boss made my skin itch. Thinking about him being close to her before I met her makes me want to kill him.

I realize it’s not a rational thought.

Once my mark is on her body, I may be more reasonable. Slightly. As I watch her work behind the bar, my need for her rises. I hate the men who are lined up at the bar. My mate is gorgeous, and it’s natural to look. I get it, but I don’t like it. She doesn’t encourage them in any way, but she doesn’t have to. They gravitate toward her, hoping she aims her sultry smile their way.

She finishes with one customer and looks at me at the end of the bar. Before she can come over, someone else wants a drink. I’m selfish. I want her all to myself. Meeting her has narrowed everything that matters to me to Juliana. Bram disappeared into his office, and I’m glad. He might be a good guy, but I don’t care. I want him to be as far away from Juliana as possible.

It’s difficult for any shifter or vampire to control themselves when their mate is in the presence of an unmated male. Especially when they haven’t marked each other. I can’t wait to slide my fangs into her delicate neck. Much like vampires, a snake shifter has fangs, except mine are my front two teeth. A vampire’s are further apart.

The front door opens, and I’m not surprised when a large group, larger than I thought would show up, waltz in. Bram is not going to like this.

Sally and Roxanne are arm in arm, strutting across the floor. Sally is wearing her signature short skirt and a ripped T-shirt tied at her waist. Roxanne reminds me of a gypsy in her long flowing dress, numerous bracelets clanking around her wrists. Bram won’t like the attention they are going to garner. Gabby looks suitably lectured by her sister, Stephanie, and walks close to her side. Quinn has his hand resting on the back of his mate's neck, and she looks perfectly happy to have it there. Kingston and Maverick are behind Quinn, Saphira between them, holding her hands.

I did not expect Micah and his mate, Daisy, to arrive with them. He has spotted me and smirks as he flows through the crowd.

Bram will also hate the presence of Micah. He is a six-hundred-year-old vampire. His power is always ready, and he won’t hesitate to use it with Daisy next to him. I’m sure The Night Wolf has never had so many powerful shifters in it.

“Hey, Heath,” Sally says, her voice raised. Everyone in the vicinity looks up, their attention transferring from me to the sexy rabbit. Micah’s grin widens.

“Sally,” I greet when she is next to me.

“Jules,” Sally says, and my mate holds up a finger.

“You found your mate,” Kingston says, and I nod. “Congratulations.”

“Thank you,” I say softly to Kingston and turn to Micah. “I wasn’t expecting you.” I stare at the dangerous vampire.

He lifts a shoulder. “I heard there was trouble.”

“It’s taken care of,” I say.

“Still,” he says.

“You couldn’t resist,” I grumble.

“Sally.” Juliana stops across from us. “How are you?”

“I’m fine as ever.” Sally grins, tucking her hair behind her ear.

“You were tied up not long ago,” Juliana says dryly.

“It wasn’t my first time,” Sally retorts, and humor escapes all of us. Sally takes over before I can do the introductions, rapidly saying names and pointing to them. I pay no attention to Sally and instead watch my mate.

I can feel her uneasiness. She is overwhelmed with the crew, and I don’t blame her. As much as they can be intrusive, they are a good group to have on your side. As Juliana takes orders, I look away and see Saphira watching me. She smiles softly and pushes through the crowd to stand by my side.

“How are you?” she asks softly.

“It’s been interesting.” I look at her mates. They have recently mated, and their bond was not complete when I met them. Our first meeting was tense because of my snake, and they didn’t like me near Saphira. They aren’t as leery of me, but still don’t like her close to me. “I would advise you to step back,” I whisper. “Your mates are still possessive.”

“They aren’t the only ones,” she says, nodding at my mate, and I follow her gaze to Juliana. She is filling glasses, but her gaze flicks over. “She’s feeling the bond, too.”

“I told her a little about you. She didn’t like my fondness,” I say. I shouldn’t enjoy her jealousy.

“Should I tell her she has nothing to worry about?” Saphira asks.

“No. I will reassure her.” I don’t need anyone informing her of anything. I want to be the only one she comes to for answers.

“She’s beautiful,” she whispers.

“She’s everything,” I state, and she smiles softly.

“I’m glad you found her.” Maverick decided I had enough time with his mate and slides his arm around her waist.

“Maverick,” I say, nodding slightly.

“I never thought you would have a mate,” he says.

“I didn’t either.” Juliana places drinks for the group on the bar.

“Heath, do you want something?” she asks, stopping across from me and placing her palm flat on the bar.

“No, darling.” Her face flushes, and Saphira sighs. I trace Juliana’s finger, and her shiver satisfies me. “Ignore them. I do.” My comment makes her smile, and her nervousness eases.

“Are you sure you want to be mated to him?” Micah asks, and I hiss.

“Don’t be mean to him,” Juliana growls, her eyes narrowed. “I don’t care what you are. I fight dirty.” Everyone stops talking. I know Micah meant nothing from the comment but to mess with me. Her quick defense pleases me.

“Fuck, she’s perfect for you,” he says, smiling wide.

“I knew I would love you,” Sally says. “She’s got fire inside her, too.”

“Of course she does,” Saphira says.

“Let’s not set fire to anyone here,” Maverick says. “Ryker still bitches about it.”

“It was only two people,” Saphira says.

“You set someone’s hair on fire?” Juliana asks. I wrap a finger around two of hers.

“They weren’t nice guys,” Saphira says. “I still think Ryker misses me.”

“He probably does,” Maverick says dryly.

“He probably doesn’t miss the hairless customers,” Kingston says.

“You were responsible for one of those,” Saphira reminds him.

“Ryker doesn’t miss me,” he states firmly.

“You are going to freak her out,” Gabby hisses.

“I don’t think so,” Roxanne says.

“She has to get used to it with this crew,” Sally says. “She’s meant to be Heath’s mate. We won’t freak her out.”

“Are we?” Quinn asks Juliana.

“No,” Juliana says firmly. “But I should get back to work. I’ll swing back.” She smiles at me, and I reluctantly remove my hand.

“She’s taking everything well,” Sally mumbles.

“Did you tell her what your animal is?” Kingston asks.

“Yes.”

“Are you going to tell me?” Saphira asks. I feel bad that I haven’t, but I feared her reaction. She is a friend, the first I made since Quinn and Micah, and I would hate to lose her. She has accepted me for the man I am.

“I will, but not tonight,” I say, and her nose wrinkles.

“Let’s bring a table over,” Roxanne suggests, and I’m grateful for her distraction. I stay in my seat and watch Micah talk to a table full of people. They smile and get up, moving across the room.

A vampire can influence humans and some shifters to do anything they want. I’ve never seen Micah use his power to empty a table. The bar has filled up quickly, and the only empty seats are at the front of the bar. Micah could have moved the piece of wood with one finger, but Kingson grabs the other side to appear as normal as possible. They stop four feet from me, and the ladies bring the chairs, arranging them around it.

I shake my head and glance at my mate. Her lips are curved as she works, her attention bouncing from the customers to me and the table filling with dangerous shifters. I should be more annoyed with their presence than I am. Having them meet Juliana, I hope, makes her trust me more. She can see that they aren’t afraid of me, and even though they are similar to me, they act like regular people.

“It’s going well,” Quinn says, leaning beside me.

“Better than I expected,” I mumble.

“She watches you,” he says.

“Luckily, she let me come to work with her.”

“Would it have stopped you if she said no?” he asks.

“No.” I smile. “I would have come, anyway.”

“I know.” He smiles.

“She’s been through some shit,” I say.

“Most of us have,” he says, looking over his shoulder. “All of us have experienced shit. You will help her.”

“You think I can?” I ask, and he meets my eyes.

“You don’t give yourself enough credit,” he rumbles.

“Perhaps.” I will do everything possible to make her happy.

“I will try to keep the crew from interfering too much. They plan to stay a few days.” He turns his back to the bar. All of them have the ability to hear our conversation, but they seem to be giving us privacy. Sally is entertaining them with the story of their time in captivity. “Thank you for taking care of Gabby.”

“I killed them. I didn’t do much as it didn’t take much effort.” I don’t need gratitude for something that was a pleasure to do.

“We would have been devastated if something happened to her.” He stares at his mate. “Gabby has a light inside that I would hate to dim. Stephanie would kill to keep her whole.”

“I’m glad I was here to do it. Sally and Roxanne were outnumbered.” I look around Quinn, checking on Juliana. My eye twitches as I see a man smile at my mate. Fuck, I have to stop obsessing.

“Sally and Roxanne are trouble.”

I look away from Juliana.

“Yes,” I smirk. I have a soft spot for Sally. She can be overwhelming. She is filled with love to give, which she heaps on the family she found.

“Fuck, no,” Bram growls, and I swivel.

“Damn, hello, big bad wolf,” Sally says, twirling her hair.

“Are you serious?” he asks, stopping between me and the table.

“It’s going to be fine,” I assure him, almost wanting to laugh at his expression. “Everyone, this is Bram, the owner. He doesn’t think we can behave.”

“Perceptive,” Roxanne snorts. “Also, very hot.”

“Mom,” Maverick scolds.

“What? I may be your mom, but I’m still a woman,” she replies, leaning back in her chair. She props her elbow on the back, biting the tip of her finger as she stares at Bram.

“A vampire,” Bram hisses. “You brought a vampire into my bar.”

“No one brings me anywhere,” Micah drawls. “Calm down, wolf. We came to visit our family. We are going to have a nice night: drink a few drinks, and maybe eat some food. We will leave your bar just as we found it.”

“I don’t believe you,” Bram says, narrowing his eyes as he looks from one powerful creature to the next. His gaze settles on Micah, and I can sense his distrust of vampires.

“That’s your choice.” Micah plays with Daisy’s hair.

“Bram,” Sally calls. When he focuses on her, she continues, “I promise we will be on our best behavior.” Bram stares at her, seeing her for the bold, beautiful woman she is, and almost loses his anger. “Anytime you want to have a drink, let me know.” Her smile turns wicked.

“That is a tempting offer, sexy rabbit.” He shakes his head and looks at me. “I’ll blame you if something happens.”

“I would expect nothing less,” I say, and he growls as he walks away. Once he disappears into his office, Sally sighs.

“He looks even better walking away.” She wiggles her eyebrows at me. “I don’t know what he’s worried about. We almost never cause trouble.” Quinn and I share a look.

“The bear at the pool table is staring at Gabby,” he growls.

“I know.” I noticed his stare as soon as she got here. “He can sense Micah. It’s probably the only reason he hasn’t made a move.”

“I don’t think he is her mate,” he guesses.

“No.” If he were, nothing would stop him from approaching her. The bear is massive. His brown eyes are focused on the young bear but skip to Micah and me. He can’t place my scent. Most of the time, I enjoy the confusion when a shifter meets me, but it would be helpful if he knew what I was; he wouldn’t try approaching. The female wolf has been slowly moving closer. She must be a regular as she stops to talk to several other customers. She is very aware of our presence. She’s cautious but interested.

“The wolf has eyes for you,” Quinn whispers, too soft for her to hear.

“Yes,” I reply. I am used to the fascination. Her interest isn’t for my species. I can tell the difference between curiosity and sexual attraction.

“Be careful with that,” he advises, lifting a brow. “Your mate is human, but she is already territorial.” My lips twitch. “Don’t look so pleased.”

“Why the fuck not?” The wolf stopped halfway through the room, sitting to chat.

“You’re thrilled with the idea.”

“Of course,” I scoff, spreading my legs and crossing my arms. My cane curves over my folded arm. “I want her to be territorial all over me.”

“Shit,” he laughs. “Most people wouldn’t get your humor.” I laugh slightly.

“I like to keep them guessing.”

“I don’t think we are going to keep that promise to Bram,” he says.

“No?”

“The wolf is on the hunt. Sally and Roxanne are, too. The dragons will defend them both, so fire is imminent. Daisy is itching to steal something, and Micah will kill anyone who fucks with her,” he says.

“And you?” I ask.

“I’m going to kill the bear,” he grumbles, watching the bear leave the tables.

I hate to admit it, but I missed all of them.

Quinn forgot to mention my name. Once I’m done teaching the asshole at the bar a lesson for flirting with my mate, I’ll help defend the family.

I resisted, but they are my family, too.