A Werewolf, A Vampire, and A Fae Walk Into A Bar (Book 1 of The Last Witch Series) novel Chapter 34

You’ll pay for this, Bernie.

It’s not an empty threat, but he doesn’t scare me like he used to. I send a thought back his way.

Maybe I just want to see you naked, Darius. And this is the best way I can think of to make my dreams come true.

A little of the anger leaves his face, replaced by a slight trace of intrigue. I turn away, proud of myself for the sly reply, and also wondering how much truth there is to it.

I join AJ behind the bar, surveying the scene I’ve created: a few girls swarmed around Darius, all of them sipping magical cocktails whipped up by Rune, Joe scratching a man-turned-wolf behind the ears. Also, we’ve got five guys lined up at the bar staring at AJ, ready to order a tenth beer if it means she’ll give even the slightest smile. Not a bad night at Morgan’s, I’d say.

“I’m sneaking upstairs to feed and change Rain,” I tell AJ. “You keep everyone happy and drinking.”

“Try this before you go.” AJ hands me a cocktail that fizzes with magic. “It’s called a Sexy Runedezvous,” she says, unable to hold in her giggling. “Get it? Runedezvous, like rendezvous but--”

“I get it,” I say with a laugh, 100% sure Rune did not name or approve of the name for his concoction. That’s all AJ.  I sip on the drink and the flavors burst on my tongue, then the magic and alcohol mix in my body to create a nice mellow buzz. “Damn. No wonder this is such a hit.”

I hand the drink back to AJ and duck over to the back exit, hoping to make a discreet getaway since I know the Sexies get nervous if I’m out of sight. Once I get up the stairs and into my bedroom, I quickly change Rain and then start to feed her. When she’s got a good latch and a steady gulp going, I head into the living room--

--And run smack into Darius.

“Jesus!” I yell, causing Rain’s eyes to flare open before going back to a contented half-mast. “What the hell are you doing up here?”

He stands very close to me, closer than he’s ever been, aside from the times he was showing his teeth and hissing some kind of threat.

“We don’t want you and the child alone, Bernie. Under no circumstances, no matter how quickly you think you’ll be back.”

He’s serious but sweet, a tone I’ve never heard in his voice. Then he does something even more unexpected.

“I was very upset I had to follow you. I was about to start dancing.”

Oh my God. Darius made a joke. I’m too surprised to laugh. His lips twitch into something close to a smile, and that’s about as much of a reaction to humor as I can expect from him.

“Right, sorry,” I say. “I thought maybe the pledge would have mellowed that protectiveness.”

Darius shakes his head. “We aren’t worried about each other. We worry about whoever else might be out there.”