Chapter Nine

Juliana

M y mate is a distraction. I loved his possession when he met Bram. Several women have been looking at him, and it’s taken all my control not to jump over the bar and tackle them. Something is pulling me closer to him every second I am with him.

His friends are beautiful. Saphira is sweet, but I hated seeing her next to Heath. Sally introduced the dragons as Saphira’s mates, which should have reassured me. Still, the sick feeling in my stomach won’t go away. How am I supposed to work? My smile is plastered on my face while I fill drink orders and make conversation when all I want to do is press against Heath.

The table of shifters is gaining attention. The humans don’t know what they are, but feel something different about them. The waitresses are fighting over who gets to check on them.

“Robin,” I say, gaining their attention. “You go.” Tiff glares at me. “Why her?” Tiff asks, tapping her nails on the bar. She flirts with all the customers, and Grace is jumpy around hot men. The vampire would scare the shit out of her if he spoke to her.

“She has fewer tables assigned to her,” I explain, which is true.

“Fine,” Tiff snaps. “I’ll serve the hot mystery man at the end of the bar.” I slap my palm in front of her hand, and she jumps.

“He’s sitting at the bar,” I grit out. “I am the only one who serves him.”

“He’s clearly with the people at that table,” she points out, and I want to rip her nails off.

“Do what I say,” I instruct.

“Shit, alright,” she says. “You aren’t the boss.”

“I work the bar,” I remind her. “I am your manager when I do.”

“You don’t have to be a bitch,” she says, twirling away. Usually, I wouldn’t have said it, but Heath has worked his magic on me.

“She’ll get over it,” Robin says. She’s in her forties, works hard, and the customers love her.

“Probably not for a while,” I say.

“Grace is doing better around the men here,” she says, looking toward the table where Grace stands.

“I know. She’s making progress.” Grace is sweet. She had a boyfriend who beat her and is working hard to gain her confidence back. Heath’s friends would never hurt her, but she’s not ready for them. Her ex was very handsome.

“Do you think they’ll tip well?” she asks.

“Yes.” I watch Sally and Roxanne laugh.

“Thanks, Jules,” she whispers. Robin is raising her grandchild; money is tight.

“Anytime,” I say. She nods and starts to walk toward Sally. I slowly move down toward Heath. I’m halted when someone wants a refill, and I try not to rush. I’m grateful he ordered a beer so I don’t have to take more time and can quickly give him his change. Health watches my progress. “Heath,” I whisper, and he leans his arm on the bar. I press my forearms to the bar and meet him in the middle, speaking into his ear. “If your friends like to tip, it would be appreciated.” He smells so good. He moves his head, and I turn away as he presses his cheek to mine.

“They do,” he says, his breath hitting my ear. “She in need?” I turn my head and our faces are close. His lips are close.

“Yes. She’s a good person. Her daughter ran away and left her kid with her.” I usually wouldn’t share such personal things with anyone, but Heath isn’t just anyone. “I gave her the table.” I bite my lip, and his eyes drop to it.

“We’ll take care of her,” he says, meeting my eyes. “You’re a good person.”

“Anyone would want to help.”

“No, they wouldn’t,” he says. He brushes his knuckles over my cheek. “The more I learn about you, the more I admire you.” His hand moves to my shoulder and then down my arm to stop on my hand.

“Admire?” I ask weakly. I can feel the heat on my cheeks.

“Jules,” a customer yells over the music and the frantic beating of my heart.

“I have to go.” I back away. “I’ll be back.” I force my body to move. The customer, Justin, is a regular and someone I don’t like much. He is flirty, and I don’t think Heath will brush it off like I do. He brings his two friends with him every time he comes in, and they are no better at respecting boundaries. I saw them come in and could feel his stare as he greeted others. He hasn’t crossed the line by touching, but I can tell he wants to. “Hey, what can I get you?” As a bartender, flirting a bit is expected, but he gives me a creepy feeling. The older gentleman who always comes in every Saturday night and sits at the end of the bar flirts. He isn’t a threat, just lonely.

“As long as you get it, I don’t care,” Justin smirks. I smile just enough to be polite. “Do you want the usual?” He does this every time, and I want to smack him over the head with the specialty beer he orders.

“Please,” he says silkily, and I turn to get it. “How are you doing tonight, Jules?”

“Great. Do your friends want the same?” I ask over my shoulder.

“Sure. I’m buying, so they’ll drink what I give them.” He flashes his cash as if that will impress me.

“Alright.” I grab two more and turn. Setting them down, I watch his hand lift. Fuck. Don’t touch me, don’t touch me. His fingertips graze my hand, and I begin to jerk away. Suddenly, Heath leans beside Justin, his elbow propped on the bar, as he gently lifts my hand. He tangles his fingers with mine.

“She is mine,” he states roughly. “I don’t like it when others touch what is mine.”

“Dude—” Justin freezes as he looks into Heath’s eyes.

“Have you touched her before?” Heath asks.

“No,” Justin replies, somehow trapped by Heath’s gaze.

“That’s good. I promised the owner we wouldn’t have problems. He wouldn’t like it if I ripped your heart out or maybe your eyes. I’m possessive, and I have anger issues. I don’t claim many people, but Juliana is claimed.” My mouth goes dry as I stare at Heath. “I think you should take your friends and find another bar.”

“Okay.” Justin bobs his head.

“Good. I knew you would.” Heath leans close to him. “Don’t come back. Leave now.” I watch as Justin blinks and runs away. His friends are confused, but Justin yells at them to follow. The door slams after them and I look from the door back to Heath. “He won’t bother you again.”

“How?” I ask, and then I remember he mentioned hypnotizing humans. “That’s—”

“Scary,” he says, his hand tightening.

“Fascinating,” I say, and he brings our joined hands to his mouth.

“Perfect for me,” he mumbles, kissing my wrist. He gently places my hand down and walks back to his seat.

Soaking. Wet. I exhale harshly and meet the eyes of a woman sitting on the stool close by.

“I wouldn’t pass up that opportunity,” she says, shaking her head. “If I had the attention of a man like him.”

“I don’t think I could if I wanted to,” I reply. Robin stops at the bar and rattles off a list of drinks. I focus on doing my job, but my mind is consumed with Heath. I haven’t given myself time to think about what being mated to him means. Since we met, the time has been a blur, and I’ve been living moment to moment. He’s sexy as fuck. He makes my body tingle in new and wonderful ways. His life is alluring. I’ve never been powerful, and having his gift would give me powers I never expected to have. I know there is much more about the life of shifters than I know. He needs to tell me precisely what mating means and what it entails. Do I want to be a snake? What does that even mean?

My phone buzzes, and I set down the drink and slide it out of my back pocket. Mom. Fuck. It would be hilarious if I transformed into a snake in front of her. I can picture the look on her face. I hit ignore and put my phone back. I turn back and freeze. I don’t want her to meet Heath. Her eyes would fill with greed and lust. I’ve seen it before. She loved to freak out the few boyfriends I had. I don’t doubt Heath’s ability to resist her, but he shouldn’t have to fend off the advances of my mother. She knows where I work. If I don’t call her back, she may show up.

“Jules?” Robin is watching me with concern.

“Sorry, my mind wandered.” I set the drink on her tray.

“They are very nice,” she says.

“Good.” I wipe my hands with a towel.

“Was your mind on the sexy guy at the end of the bar?” she asks.

“How could it not be?” I ask, and she picks up the tray.

“Don’t lose that chance.” She winks and walks away.

“Do you need a break?” Bram asks, appearing beside me.

“Yes.” I throw down the rag and move around him.

“Jules,” he says.

“We’ll talk later,” I say, not bothering to turn around.

“What’s wrong?” Heath asks when I pause across from him.

“I’m taking a break. I need to use the bathroom first.” I’m sure he can tell I’m lying by my tight smile. I don’t want to delve more into my relationship with my mom right now.

“Come to me when you are done,” he demands softly.

“I will.” I walk toward the hallway. The bathrooms next to Bram’s office are for the staff only. I lock the door and lean against it, preparing for a conversation with my mother. I hover over the button, close my eyes, and hit it.

“Baby, did I catch you at a bad time?” she asks softly. I know every tone she uses to get what she wants.

“I’m at work.” I cringe and open my eyes. “At the hotel.” Several times, she has tracked me down and caused a scene. She knows I will give in to her demands to shut her up. I didn’t talk to Levi for weeks when he told her where I worked.

“That’s too bad,” she sighs. “I was hoping to take you out to eat.”

“Sorry.” Sometimes, I feel like a little girl again. My heart jumps with hope. I hate it. She does this all the time, pretending that she wants to spend time with me as any mother would do. Unfortunately, I usually fall for it, and then I’m disappointed when I have to pay for the meal. She always has an ulterior motive. “Did you need something?”

“Have you heard from your brother? I can’t reach him.” He tries to ignore her calls, too.

“Not today.” Which isn’t a lie. I don’t disclose any information about Levi.

“I thought he could join us.”

“Sorry.” I roll my eyes. Why should I apologize to her? “What did you want to talk about?” I need to get to the point; I know she has an angle. Heath will look for me if I take too long.

“Is it wrong to have a meal with my kids?” The soft voice is gone.

“Not at all.” I wrap my arm around my stomach. How can she make me feel guilty after so many years?

“I was telling my friend the other night that I don’t get enough time with both of you. He thought it was a shame. He advised me to reach out.”

“What’s his name?” Great, another Dad.

“Len. Baby, you are going to love him,” she gushes. “We met two weeks ago. He’s so nice and wants to get to know you. His kids have children of their own and live in a different state. The other night, he cooked me dinner. He’s an amazing cook and so good to me. I just wish I had the clothes that suited a rich man like him. He asked me out to a fancy restaurant, and I had to turn him down. I feel ashamed. How could I show up looking like I do?” she says. I walk to the sink, gripping the edge and bowing my head. “Baby, he is the one. This is who I will be with for the rest of my life. Isn’t that exciting? I don’t want to let him down. His friends are sophisticated. I can’t socialize with them, looking like an average person. I need the good stuff. I can’t shop at just any store. I can’t wait until you find the kind of love he gives me. Are you seeing anyone? What is Stanly up to? Is he dating someone? He makes good money.”

“How much?” I ask, swallowing my hurt.

“Baby, it’s not about the money. Don’t you want me to be happy?”

“I have always wished for that,” I snap.

“Don’t talk to me that way. Show respect. I dedicated my life to raising you. Staying home when my boyfriends asked me out. Taking care of ungrateful children. Is it wrong to want some happiness now? Your dad left me. No money. No support. You should be mad at him,” she huffs. “I just need a little for clothes. I’m not asking you to buy me a house. I'll pay you back when he asks me to marry him.”

“You’ve known him for two weeks,” I state.

“So? When love hits, it hits. Time doesn’t matter. I’m happy, and you always have to bring me down.”

I lift my head.

“I don’t do that,” I deny. What choice do I have? Who else is going to have a level head?

“You do nothing but that,” she snarls. “Just because you don’t have a man doesn’t mean I shouldn’t. You are jealous. At least let me have some happiness, finally. Do you want to be the reason I don’t?”

I gasp as Heath appears in the mirror and takes my phone from my shaking hand. He puts on the speaker and stares into my shocked eyes.

“You can stop speaking now,” he commands.

“What? Who are you?” Mom screeches.

“I am the man you don’t think your daughter can get,” he says.

“Excuse me? This is a private conversation.”

“Not anymore. You will text Juliana your bank information.”

“She already has it,” she snaps. My instinct is to lower my eyes, but for some reason, I want him to see the pain I can’t hide.

“There will be a deposit. The money I put in there will be on behalf of your daughter. When you see the amount, know it is a parting gift. The only reason you will receive it is because you gave birth to my woman. I am grateful she is in the world. You will get no more from me or her. If you push her, ask her for money, or show up at her place of work again, I won’t be so nice. You have no idea who I am or what I can do. I hope you find the happiness you have been looking for, but if this isn’t it, don’t come crawling to her. Her money is hers. She is mine. I protect those who belong to me, and you upset her.” He glides his thumb over my cheek, wiping my tears gently.

“You can’t keep me away from her,” she thunders.

“I can and I will. If she wants to call you, she will, but she won’t give you any more money.” He drops his hand, wraps his arm around my waist, and pulls. I fall into his chest, gratefully leaning on him. “Let me remind you; you don’t know what I’m capable of. Push me. I dare you. I thrive on those who underestimate me.” He ends the call. “Darling,” he whispers, putting the phone on the sink.

“How much did you hear?” I ask as he drags his finger over my other cheek.

“Enough to know.”

“How did you get in? I locked the door.”

“Darling.” Right, a silly lock won’t keep him out.

“Why do I want to believe her?”

“Because you should be able to believe your mom. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case.” He cups my face. “It’s okay not to believe.”

“I’ve been hoping,” I whisper. Heath is giving me permission to give up. I’ve held on for too long.

“Put your hope in a different direction,” he whispers.

“Your direction?” I ask, wanting to believe in him.

“Yes, I won’t let you down,” he says, and I nod.

“You don’t have to give her money.” It makes me nauseous thinking about it.

“Yes, I do. She won’t be easily swayed. The amount will make her pause in reaching out.”

“What if she does?”

“I will be there to encourage her to stop.”

I shake my head. “I can’t make you deal with that.”

“I don’t do anything I don’t want to.” He kisses me lightly. “We’re leaving.”

“Because of me.”

“Not entirely,” he says, grabbing my phone. “The wolf hit on me.” I narrow my eyes as he places it in my palm. “The bear in the corner made his move. Quinn got into a fight when he tried to hit on Gabby. The bear's friends decided to defend their friend, and the others had to step in. The table is in pieces. One of them touched Sally; another got too close to Daisy. Fucking with either of them isn’t acceptable to Micah or any of us. There was some fire when someone grabbed Roxanne’s hair.” He guides me into the hallway and I hear the yelling. “Bram isn’t happy.”

“What did you do?” How long was I in the bathroom? We stop at the entrance of the bar. The room is in shambles. Heath’s friends are in a line, facing several people groaning on the ground.

“I broke the arm of the man who picked up Sally,” he says, and my eyes widen.

Bram is growling, standing in between his customers and Heath’s friends. All the humans who wanted to come in to relax and have a drink were gathered together near the front door. Sally is nudging one of the men on the ground with her foot, glaring. Micah has his arm draped around Daisy’s shoulders, his expression bored. Kingston is glaring at Bram, standing in front of Saphira, and Maverick is holding his mate's hand. Quinn is snarling at the shifter on the ground, and Stephanie has her hand pressed to his chest. Gabby’s eyes are wide, standing behind everyone. Roxanne must find the ceiling fascinating, and I follow her gaze. Oh, shit. There is a burn mark on the wood. Looking back, one of the men’s pants is singed.

“I can change their memories if you like,” Micah drawls.

“Fuck you. All of you,” Bram grits out. “Yes, that would be helpful. After you’re done, I would appreciate never seeing any of you again.” Micah kisses Daisy and moves to the crowd.

“What is he doing?” I whisper.

“Vampires can change the memories of humans,” Heath says.

“Like you did?” I tip my head back.

“Yes.”

“It won’t hurt them?” I ask.

“No.” He kisses my head, and I smile. I turn back to the room, and Bram is glaring at me. I clear my expression.

“You need to take a few days off,” he says.

“Bram—”

“No,” he snaps. “Take them and leave.”

“I understand you are upset,” Heath says softly. “Do not take your anger out on Juliana. I won’t like it.” The threat hangs in the air, and Bram sucks in a breath.

“Jules, I’m sorry. None of this is your fault.” He moves toward us, and Heath taps his cane. Bram glances at it and relaxes his shoulders. “I think it would be best if you took a couple of weeks off. You need time with your mate.”

“Bram, I need this job,” I whisper, and Heath’s hand tenses.

“I know. I’ll give you vacation pay,” he offers.

“I don’t have that.”

“You do now,” he says. Bram is a nice guy. He’s worked hard to build a steady business.

“Thanks.”

“Sorry about the ceiling,” Saphira says, and Bram turns. “We’ll pay for the damages. I get riled up. I guess I have a problem using my fire in public.” She grimaces.

“I will take you up on the offer.” Bram walks away and crouches by the man holding his arm.

“Your work?” Bram asks Heath, looking over his shoulder.

“Yes. He shouldn’t have touched Sally,” Heath says.

“No.” Bram looks at Sally. “He shouldn’t have.” I’m shocked when Bram twists his arm severely. “I don’t want you at The Night Wolf again.”

“Alright,” the man whimpers.

“I’m done,” Micah states, stopping close to Bram.

“Good. Change theirs, too.” Bram points down the line of bodies on the floor.

“I’ll get creative with them,” Micah grins.

“It won’t work on the bear,” Bram says.

“When I do it,” Micah leans over the shifter. “It will.”

“I don’t see Robin,” I mutter.

“She went on a break,” Heath says. “She’s fine. I hear her down the hall.”

“You heard her?” I ask. He mentioned his sensitive ears, but I didn’t quite believe it.

“Yes,” he chuckles.

“These parties are getting better and better,” Sally exclaims, looping her arm through Roxanne’s. “Where should we go next?”“No,” Quinn growls.

“Come on, bear,” Sally whines. “The night is young.”

“Time to go,” Heath says, pulling me forward. I let him, and look around in wonder. Everyone is sitting back in their seats, and conversations are starting. It’s amazing.

“Heath,” Sally says.

“No,” Heath says.

“Don’t be like that,” she says.

“Stay out of trouble,” he instructs as we reach the front door.

“You're no fun,” she says. I wave over my shoulder before Heath pulls me outside.

“Sally is funny,” I say.

“She is a magnet for trouble,” he says.

“You’ll protect her if she does get into trouble,” I say, leaning close as I walk to the car.

“Of course. She’s my friend. I’m loyal to my friends.” We reach the car, and he opens my door. “I will protect the people I love until the end.” He glides his cupped hand under my jaw before I sit. He leans over me and buckles my seatbelt. “Imagine what I’ll do for my mate,” he whispers. He retreats and shuts the door.

The idea of his love and dedication is intoxicating.