Freak Show (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #7)(21)

He gave both vampires a shove, creating more distance between them. I stayed close to Arys, ready to slap him with a psi ball if necessary. I couldn’t let him start a war that would have every vampire in the building on our asses. We’d never make it out alive.

“There’s gotta be a better way to handle this,” Roscoe insisted. A rough edge to his tone made me think he was more than just a yes man. “I’m not going to stand by while the two of you throw down. Be reasonable.”

Roscoe shared a look with Jenner, and something passed between the two of them. Jenner appeared reluctant, glancing uncertainly around the room. His vehemence was palpable. Vengeance guided him now. Such a demanding force wouldn’t often be denied.

Holding my breath, I waited anxiously to see where this was going. I was dying to shout an, “I told you so,” at Arys. Coming here had been idiocy.

“Alright, fine,” Jenner finally relented, oozing self-satisfaction. “No violent display of power. Let’s make it a little more interesting. Cards. You and me, Arys. Let’s play some poker. It is Vegas after all.”

The intrigue, which lit up Arys’s eyes with a devilish blue spark, set off warning bells in my head. “What are the stakes?” he asked, and I knew then he was going for it.

My stomach clenched. This wasn’t exactly a better alternative to beating the hell out of one another. Meeting the eyes of my white wolf, I saw my concern reflected back at me.

“If you win, you and your companions can walk out of here unharmed. You’ll be free to go about the city as you please.” Jenner beamed as if his offer was too good to refuse. Then he gleefully dropped the bomb that stole my voice. “If I win, I make your wolves part of the entertainment.”

Chapter Six

“Is that the best you can do?” Arys raised a dark brow and shook his head. He was going to give it to Jenner now, or so I thought. Imagine my surprise when instead he added, “Let’s revise that somewhat. If I win, not only do I walk free and clear of here, but I take control of the club.”

I gaped at him, trying to process the total lunacy coming out of his mouth. “Are you serious?”

“Come on, Arys. What the f**k?” Shaz was on his feet, having reached his limit.

Arys shushed us both with a hand, never taking his eyes off Jenner. I had a sinking feeling that Arys’s ego was about to make a deal I’d regret. Jenner’s stony silence had all of us fixed on him, waiting. Roscoe shrugged as if to say Arys had every right to make his own demands.

“Deal.” Jenner extended a hand to Arys. “You must be awfully confident in your abilities to so easily agree to a bet that puts your precious Alexa on the line.”

“I never say no to a good poker game. Especially one I know I can win.” With a smile that oozed conceit, Arys grasped the other vampire’s hand. They shook, so simply sealing a deal that put Shaz and me on the line.

I wanted to be stunned, but I knew my twin flame well. This was very much in his nature. The fact that I didn’t agree with his choice meant nothing. It was just another conflict of many that we would have.

“Is this for real?” Jez piped up, regarding the vampires present with the wary distrust of a cat feeling cornered.

“Selfish f**king vampire,” Shaz muttered, his fists clenched and knuckles white. “I’m not even surprised anymore by your willingness to sell us out.”

“Settle down, pup. Everything is under control. I’ve got this.” Arys dismissed Shaz with a look, but in my mind he pleaded, ‘Trust me.’

I didn’t. Not this time. Too much was left to chance, this could go all wrong too many ways. And far too much delight danced on Jenner’s smug face. I had no response. What could I say to the man who had just gambled with my life?

“Oh God, do I ever need a drink,” I muttered. Running a hand through my hair in exasperation, I headed for the door with every intention of appeasing that need.

Jez was quick to join me in my escape. “Right there with ya.”

“Wonderful idea,” said Jenner. “Why don’t we all take a few minutes to do that? I could go for a drink myself. Roscoe, get a private table ready for us. Keep the blood and booze flowing.” Crooking his finger in invitation, he added, “You’re here now, Arys. You made that choice. So you might as well enjoy the place.”

Arys caught up to me, taking my hand in his and holding tight when I attempted to shake him off. It was growing increasingly hard to rein in my temper. Showing Jenner a united front was going to be tough when all I wanted to do was bitch slap Arys upside the head.

“Let’s go upstairs,” he whispered in my ear. “No matter what happens here tonight, we both need to be at full strength. No arguments.”

“We? I didn’t hear anything about you being forced into this circus of maniacs.” I was bitter, and he knew it. It was evident in the way he gripped my hand tighter, silently pleading with me to give him the benefit of the doubt.

His voice in my head was soft, a gentle touch that conveyed more than words spoken aloud. ‘You killed the one vampire who was stronger than every vampire in this city. I trust that you will be able to handle Jenner, whether I win or lose.’

‘Losing is an option? What the hell were you thinking?’

‘I can’t walk away from his challenge, Alexa. I hope you understand. You know I’d never let anything happen to you.’