Page 17 of A Love Bite

Kathy has made herself comfy on the couch. “I’m spending the night. You don’t have to.”

I eye Opal who nods. “You can go, Alex. I’ll be fine.”

“All right. I’ll check in on you tomorrow.”

Opal yawns. “Goodnight, Alex.”

“Goodnight, Opal,” I say, watching as she closes the door behind her.

I leave the apartment complex. Almost immediately, my thoughts drift to Jake. There was something about him tonight—something more than just his kindness and willingness to help. I can’t quite put my finger on it, but I feel drawn to him in a way that I haven’t felt in a long time.

I don’t really want to go to my place. I doubt I’ll be able to sleep, and I figure Luna’s Moon will still be open, so I head back that way. Soon enough, the neon sign of Luna’s Moon comes into view. The sounds of laughter and clinking glasses greet me as I step inside.

The bar is still busy, though not as packed as it was earlier. I spot Jake behind the bar, still helping out Lila. The sight of him brings a sense of comfort, and I make my way over to an empty stool at the bar.

Jake looks up as I approach, surprise and concern flickering in his eyes. “Alex? I thought you’d be getting some rest.”

I offer a tired smile. “I’m too wired to sleep. Thought I’d come back here for a bit.”

He nods, understanding. “Do you want a drink? Something to help you relax?”

“That sounds great,” I reply, taking a seat. “Surprise me.”

Jake moves with practiced ease, mixing a drink while keeping an eye on me. When he sets the glass in front of me, I take a sip, grateful for the distraction. The drink is perfect, a balance of flavors that calms my racing thoughts.

“How’s Opal?” Jake asks, his voice soft.

“She’s safe,” I say, feeling a wave of relief wash over me. “I called the police and let them know she’s been found. They want to talk to her in the morning, but for now, she’s resting. Kathy’s with her.”

“That’s good to hear,” he says, leaning against the bar. “I’m glad she’s okay.”

I take another sip of my drink, the tension slowly easing from my shoulders. “Thank you, Jake. I don’t think I could have gotten through today without your help.”

He smiles, a hint of shyness in his expression. “I’m just glad I could be there for you.”

We lapse into a comfortable silence, the buzz of the bar around us providing a soothing backdrop. As I sit there, I can’t help but feel a growing connection to Jake, something deeper than just the events of the day.

“So, tell me more about yourself, Jake,” I say, genuinely curious. “What’s your story?”

He chuckles softly, rubbing the back of his neck. “Not much to tell, really. I grew up around here, been working at Luna’s Moon for a few years now. It’s a good place, good people.”

I nod, intrigued. “You seem really close with everyone here. It’s nice to see such a tight-knit community.”

“Yeah,” he agrees, his gaze meeting mine. “It’s like a big family. We look out for each other.”

As we continue to talk, I find myself relaxing more and more, the events of the day fading into the background. Jake’s presence is comforting, and I can’t help but feel that maybe, just maybe, this unexpected connection is something worth exploring.

15

Jake

As the nightwears on and the bar hums with activity, I find myself glancing at the door more often than I’d like to admit. I’m hoping to see Alex walk back in, even though I know she and Opal left to meet Kathy. The rumors of the nearby fight keep my nerves on edge, and I can’t help but worry about their safety.

Then, just as I’m beginning to think I won’t see her again tonight, the door swings open, and there she is. Alex steps inside, scanning the room until her eyes land on me. Relief and something else—something warmer—flood through me.

I can’t help the smile that spreads across my face as I make my way over to her, my heart pounding in my chest. We fall into an easy conversation, but I feel a bit awkward. The connection between us is undeniable, and I know that all it would take is a single bite, a love bite, to claim her as my mate, but I can’t do that without her understanding who and what I really am.

We head over to the bar, and I motion for Lila to cover for me as I pour Alex a drink. As I hand it to her, our fingers brush again, sending a familiar jolt through me. I know that all it would take is a bite—a love bite—to claim her as my mate, to solidify the bond I feel so strongly, but I can’t do that. Not with her being unaware of what I truly am and the dangers that come with it.