“It’s okay. I have a backup.”
“You are so ridiculous—” she cut off and pulled me aside as a burly man stepped in our path.
“Sorry.” I twisted around to apologize since we’d barely avoided a collision, but he was gone.“That was weird.” I turned again and jumped—he was right beside us.
“You’re exactly what I’ve been looking for,” he said, eyeing us both. “How old are you?”
It was clear this wasn’t a bouncer based on his demeanor. We made to step around him, but he once again appeared in our path. Ari glanced at me in growing concern. I felt it too, but made sure not to let mine show. It was best to panic internally but keep exuding confidence.
“Twenty-two.” I gave a short response while Ari shot him a fleeting smile—a reflexive attempt to placate and escape—but he snatched her arm before we could leave. “Let go!” I caught her other arm as she struggled to break free.
Even with our combined force it was useless. He chortled and pressed a palm against me—I was knocked back by its sheer force. I’d barely fallen when he snatched my shirt and lifted me with one hand.
“I’m taking her with me. And you,” his grip tightened on my top,“can go.”
Ari cried out in pain as he squeezed her arm. I was trying to wrench us both free but we weren’t budging. His strength was impossible. Inhuman. He was like a brick wall. He threw me full force—Ari screamed as I slammed against a car. He took a tight hold on her neck, turning her scream to a strained whimper.
“What do you want with her?” I pushed away from the car and took a firmstance, ready to fight. It may be hopeless, but he sure as hell wasn’t taking Ari while I was still conscious. I pulled out the switchblade and flipped it open, then hurtled forward as he threw her aside.
He caught my arm mid-stab and flipped me into a chokehold while she staggered to the ground. I tried to scream but he clamped a hand over my mouth. I bit hard enough to draw blood but it made no difference—his grip turned my forceful scream to a muffled cry. My blade clattered to the ground and Ari scrambled to snatch it up.
“What do you think that’s gonna do?” He struck it from her hands.“I’m a vampire, babe. Most of us here are.”
He tossed me forward and I collided with her, knocking us both to the ground. I shrieked Dennis’ name before the man covered my face again, one hand over my mouth and nose while the other squeezed my neck. He laughed while Ari pried at the hand blocking my airways. A few seconds of struggling passed. My breathing was getting desperate. Ari was sobbing.
“What do you think you’re doing?”Dennisappeared behind us.
“Claiming a human.” The man let go and Ari dove to my side. I sucked a deep breath, thankful to be alive. “Why do you care?”
“These two are protected.” Dennis grabbed my arm and Ari’s, lifting us both in one effortless motion.
“One is yours, I can smell it. But this one isn’t.” The man took a step toward Ari.
“She’s off limits,” Dennis snarled, instantly between them.
“She has no binding,” the man said. Ari clenched my arm as his eyes snapped to her. “You’re not off limits, are you?” She took a death grip when his cruel smile returned.“Once I bind you, you’ll be mine.”
A loud thud sounded and I twisted to see the bar’s door had slammed open—Sean pushed past the security guard who’d finally appeared at the entrance.
“Take them in back,” Dennis said as Sean reached us.
Sean nodded and ushered us toward the bar. I stole a glance over my shoulder to see Dennis approaching the man, but my view was obstructed when we were taken inside. I looked around in a daze. It was as crowded and noisy as ever.
A few people turned to watch as Sean nudged us past the bar itself and through the employee door. It led to a dark room. He flicked on a light to reveal countless boxes, bottles of alcohol, a few crates and barrels, a mini kitchen area, and a couch off to the side. In the very back was a door leading to what I assumed was the backalley.
“Whatjust happened?” Ari was the first to speak.
I adjusted my skirt, then brushed dirt off the back of her jeans while Sean watched us thoughtfully.
“A vampire tried to enslave you. That’s starting to happen lately. Ever since our politics went up for debate. We told you, remember?”
“He tried to enslave me?” Her voice was caught between a yelp and the verge of tears.
“Are you okay?” I asked.
“Me? What aboutyou? Your neck is so red.” She gingerly touched it, frowning when I held back a grimace.
“It’s not that bad. I’m stillso confused. Why did he say—”
