Page 8 of Thorn Evermore
“Perfect. I’ll let Hale know. What’s her name?”
“Jade. Pretty blonde, very petite and pale, but hopefully she’ll improve after a feeding.”
“Excellent. Thanks for the update. Do you need company tonight?”
His question tugs at the soft spot I’ve always had for my maker. He cares so deeply about all of us. “Nah, I’m good. Just blowing off a little steam.”
“See you when you get back.”
I end the call just as I zero in on a perfect morsel for Jade’s meal. A tall, beefy man with dark skin, thick thighs, and a delicious scent. He’s ideal for lots of pleasant activities, but I promised the woman a meal, so I focus on that.
The man is alone, leaning on the bar with a bored expression.I sidle up beside him, tapping his muscular bicep. He turns to me, but his face remains impassive.
“You here alone, big guy?” I ask.
“Yeah. No offense but you’re not my type.”
“You like pretty blonde women?”
He nods, showing more interest. “Hell yeah.”
“Cool. I’m wingman for my sister tonight. Can you meet out back in about five minutes?”
“Uhhh…” He looks around nervously. Smart man. I could be a serial killer for all he knows. Wait. Scratch that.
I put my hand on his shoulder and squeeze gently, holding his gaze. “We’re both safe. She’s working so she has to take a break to talk to you. You won’t be harmed.”
The man nods, staring into my eyes. It’s just too easy sometimes. I twist him around and point him toward the door, watching as he dutifully walks toward it. Once he’s safely outside, I whisper for Jade, knowing she’ll hear me across the crowded room.
Sure enough, seconds later, she appears, the desperate need for nourishment pouring off her. “You’re the best.”
“Come on.”
I lead Jade outside where we find her meal leaning against the brick wall. He smiles, standing up straight when he sees her. She has zero chill, however, launching her tiny body at the man and biting into his neck with wild abandon.
He screams, trying to pull the woman off him, but it’s like trying to remove an octopus.
“What the fuck, man?” he yells. “She’s biting me.”
Shaking my head, I step up and focus on his face, calming him with my compulsion. “Relax, man. She’s not hurting you.” I tap Jade. “Not much more or you’ll go too far.”
She pulls back, her eyes wild and mouth covered in blood. “He’s so delicious. I need more.”
“We don’t drain innocents in New Onyx. Go to Lair after work tonight. You’ll get more there.”
She nods, taking one more gulp from the man before she licks his wound and neck clean. She steps away, and I watch as her color improves.
My attention is on the man, whispering to him. “You want to go home now,” I say. “Tomorrow this will all seem like a strange dream.”
“Dream,” he repeats, his face slack.
“Did you drive here?” I ask.
“No. Taxi.”
“Good. Out front they’ll get you a ride home.”
He nods, swaying slightly as he turns and walks toward the front of the building. Once he’s gone, I find Jade wiggling her fingers.