September Moon (Alexa O'Brien, Huntress #8)(61)

“I dated a chick who works for a travel agency. We parted on good terms. I’m sure I could get you guys a deal.” Jez’s offer was met with a gleeful squeal from Ky who clapped her hands together excitedly.

When the waitress came and Ky ordered another virgin drink, my suspicions were confirmed. She knew. So why hadn’t she told us?

My phone vibrated, rattling against the tabletop. I grabbed for it quickly, hoping it was Dayne responding to the message I’d left him earlier. Before leaving the house I’d called him to say I was ready to do the job whenever he sent me the information I needed. Securing that alliance with Doghead was not an option. It had to be done.

It was Juliet. I ignored it, not wanting to disrupt this evening with FPA bullshit.

I sat there tapping my fingers on the side of my beer bottle, watching the people file in through the entrance. No hard booze for me tonight. Or maybe ever again. I needed to stay as alert as possible. Jez was doing a good job pacing herself. I pretended not to scrutinize her too hard, and she pretended not to notice I was doing it.

My phone alerted me to a voicemail, and I rolled my eyes. As much as I loved my sister, she still drove me as nuts as she ever did. I considered listening to it but was distracted when Arrow walked in.

Jez saw him too and held up a hand before I could spout obscenities. “Chill, Lex,” she said. “We leave him alone, and he’ll leave us alone. Trust me. It’s best that way.”

“Is that so?” I questioned. “Is that why he’s headed over here?”

The tall, dark-haired nephilim was dead set on our table. Mischief lit up his hazel eyes. He wore a knit cap that hung off the back of his head, leaving some of his black hair falling free in the front. Dressed all in black, he moved through the room like a shadow. I made a mental note to learn all I could about nephilims. Surely Willow would have some valid information.

Arrow all but slithered up to our table, angling for Jez. My wolf rose up protectively, ready to rip his face off, and I had to force her back down.

“Hey, Jez. I called you last night. Did you get my message? I got my hands on some really primo shit.” Arrow grinned and leaned in closer to whisper something the loud music prevented me from hearing. His gaze met mine, and he smirked.

I gripped the beer bottle so hard I heard the glass crack. Didn’t he realize he was seconds away from taking it in the face? Deep calming breaths did little to convince my wolf to settle down.

“Oh yeah?” Jez replied, shooting me a warning glance. “Thanks but I’m not looking for anything.”

“Are you sure? You know I’m good for free samples. Care to join me upstairs?” Arrow’s delivery was smooth. The only thing working against him was the fact that he was male. Jez had to see right through him.

“No, thanks. I’m fine. Really.” With a shake of her golden head, Jez waved him away as if aware I was about to snap all over him. “Have a good night, Arrow.”

He studied Kylarai briefly before dismissing her. His gaze landed on me, and his eyes narrowed. “What about you? You look like you could use a pick me up.”

“You don’t say.” The bottle was airborne, flying out of my hand across the table before I could decide to actually throw it. Oops.

Arrow reacted fast. Throwing a hand up, he stopped the bottle inches from hitting him. To make the feat even more remarkable, it hung there, suspended. After a few seconds that felt like a lot longer, the bottle felt straight to the floor where it rolled under the table.

I was out of my seat and rounding the table before anyone could speak. I grabbed Arrow by the throat and squeezed while reaching aggressively into him metaphysically, seeking out his heart in my mind. I’d never done it to a mortal.

“Feel that?” I growled, eyes flashing with the beast within. “That’s me about to overload your fragile human heart.”

Fearless and angry, Arrow glared viciously into my face. “You won’t kill me.”

“Oh no?” I held up my arm to show him the demon mark I bore. “Don’t think for a second that your parlor tricks impress me. I know angels and demons. You don’t come close to what they are.”

“I am not part of your world, vampire bitch. Let’s keep it that way.”

“Call me that again, and you get my knee in the groin and a fist in the face. Now I’m going to say this just once. If you supply Jez with drugs again, I will know what it feels like to hold your heart in my hands.”

He met the eyes of my wolf unflinching. His resolve was admirable. Good for him. He was also smart enough to know vacating the situation was safer than antagonizing me.

“Fine. No drugs for Jez. Got it. Now get your hands off me.”

I let him go with a shove, ready to make him keep moving if he tried anything. He didn’t. Arrow beat a hasty retreat across the room to disappear to the second floor. If I never dealt with the slimy, little wretch again, it would be too soon.

I turned to Jez, expecting her to be pissed. Instead I found her smiling.

“Wow, look at you defending my honor,” she laughed. “I feel so loved.”

I couldn’t share her enthusiasm. “If you ever feel like you’re slipping, if you’re tempted to do something self-destructive, call me. Any time. I will drop everything and come to you. Promise me.”

Jez’s smile faded. “Geez, Lex. Way to really bring down the happy vibe here. What happened to it being a night of celebration?”