September Moon (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #8)(24)

He kissed me again, on the lips and then the forehead. He lingered, breathing in my scent. I held tight to him, allowing myself a brief moment of helpless clinging.

“I missed you,” he murmured, stroking a hand through my hair.

“I missed you more.” I smiled, reveling in the comfort I found in his presence. “But do me a favor? Get Jenner out of my club.”

Arys followed my gaze to where Jenner stood by the bar, eyeing up the women on the dance floor. “Why? I thought he could stay here in Harley’s old room.”

“No way,” I said before I could stop myself. “I don’t want him lurking around here making everyone uncomfortable.”

“Or you don’t want him here where Sinclair will run into him.” Arys nodded knowingly, a frown creasing his brow.

“Yeah, or that.” Might as well be honest. “Kale’s not exactly the most mentally stable person I know. Anything could set him off. If he finds out about Jenner…” I trailed off, unable to finish that thought.

Arys’s jaw clenched, and he spoke through gritted teeth. “You don’t belong to Kale.”

“No, but he belongs to me in the same twisted way that Jenner does. I have enough shit to deal with now, Arys.”

“Nobody belongs to you like Sinclair does,” Arys repeated, a claim I’d heard before and still hated, his tone harsh and angry. “He’s dangerous, and you need to stay away from him. I love you, sweet wolf, but it’s getting harder and harder to keep myself from getting rid of him altogether.”

My temper went from simmer to boiling in two seconds flat. “Don’t you f*cking dare. You got to call the shots in Vegas. Your city. Your business. This is my city, Arys, and Kale is mine. Back off.”

I loved Arys in ways I couldn’t begin to describe. And at times, I loathed him just as much. It was the clash of light and dark, the constant conflict we would always face. Unless our bond was destroyed. Upon my death the darkness would claim me; the balance would shift. I didn’t really know what that meant for us. I was scared to find out.

I held up my hand. “I don’t want to fight with you.” I touched his face, needing to absolve the tension between us. “Let’s talk later. It’s ruining the reunion bliss.”

“Can we talk after we screw?” Arys’s wicked laughter sent a rush of heat to my loins. He pressed a kiss into my palm before teasingly dragging a fang across my sensitive skin.

“Whatever you want, baby.” I laughed. “But seriously, can you get Jenner out of here? I don’t want any vampire drama.”

Me and my big mouth. To accompany my words, Kale walked through the door. Right on cue. Shit.

Chapter Seven

“You’ve got to be kidding me,” I muttered beneath my breath. There was no disguising the sudden increase in my heart rate.

Kale didn’t pause or hesitate. He strode right over to me, ignoring Arys like he wasn’t even there.

“Have you talked to Jez recently?” Kale asked though his gaze was quickly drawn to the newcomer among us.

He stared at Jenner, analyzing him with a look. When Jenner suddenly looked our way, I knew Kale had felt him out. I held my breath, wondering if Kale could sense Jenner’s tie to me. God, I hoped not.

“I’ve been calling Jez all night. She’s not answering. Why? What’s up?” Did I sound nervous? I must have reeked of fear, but having Kale and Arys in such close proximity was nerve wracking.

“She was supposed to meet me over an hour ago. She’s not answering for me either.” Kale managed to drag his gaze back to me. He nodded toward Jenner. “Who’s your friend?”

“He’s not my friend. He’s one of Harley’s vampires. From Vegas.” I cleared my throat and did my best to maintain eye contact. “Anyway, it’s not like Jez to bail. Do you think something is wrong?”

“I was hoping you could tell me. I’ve been calling your phone.”

I dug through my shoulder bag to find my phone buried in the bottom. There were several missed calls from Kale but still no return call or text from Jez. That wasn’t like her.

“Sorry. I didn’t hear it. We should probably look for her.”

“We?” Arys interrupted, unable to stay quiet any longer. “You’re not going off with him.”

I stared at him in disbelief. “Really? Jez could be in trouble, and you want to start round two already? Give me a break, Arys.”

The two vampires exchanged a dark look. I had to give them some credit. They had done a good job of avoiding a confrontation since their last one. I had no desire to witness another.

“Kale can look for Jez without you,” Arys insisted. “You and I need to talk. We should head home.”

“You take Jenner home. I’ll meet you later. Jez has been on a reckless streak, and I’m afraid it’s catching up to her.” I was prepared to stand my ground. Jez needed me.

Arys shook his head. He had a determined set to his jaw. “I’m not letting you go anywhere alone with him.”

“What are you so afraid of, Arys?” Kale asked, a challenge in his words. “I’m not the one destined to kill her. She’s safer with me than she is with you.”

Arys didn’t hold back. He threw a punch that knocked Kale back a few steps. I gasped and covered my mouth in shock, expecting the worst.