When Kale glanced my way again, the shame was evident in his eyes. Maybe there was a really good reason he chose this way. I knew he’d been forced into a lot of things in the past, things that were beyond evil. I was clearly getting the feeling that there was much more to Kale’s preferences than I wanted to know. He was pushing it with this binging. It was junkie behavior and not at all healthy.
The angry sounds coming from the washroom filled the strange silence. Kale stood staring at the door as if he really didn’t know what to do with himself. He seemed to be fighting a battle within himself, one he was bound to lose, again. Perhaps that was it right there; he enjoyed the pleasure that came with giving in.
I could relate to that. After Arys and I had bonded our energy, we’d ended up sharing both our strengths and weaknesses. I’d slaughtered a man during a moment of uncontrollable bloodlust. There hadn’t been much left of him when I was done. Of all the things I’ve ever had to deal with, the affliction of the vampire’s hunger was the most terrifying.
Feeling odd, I cleared my throat. “Look Kale, just get dressed, and I’ll drive you home.”
He banged on the bathroom door, avoiding direct eye contact. “What about my car?”
As an afterthought he added, “It’s still out there, right?”
“Yeah, we’ll deal with it.”
The door to the bathroom swung open, and Jennifer strode out, a small overnight bag in her hand. “Have fun with your newest flavor, Kale. Don’t call me anymore. You’re much too back and forth for me. That’s not what I’m here for.”
Kale sighed but only muttered, “Good riddance.” I couldn’t help but wonder about the tension between them. I thought this was supposed to be some sort of business arrangement, like high-class prostitution.
The glare that Jennifer shot me was pure venom, and she even dared to go so far as to shoulder her way past me. I grabbed her elbow, reacting without thinking about it.
Before she could reach the door, I had her pressed up against it.
In one blink my brown eyes went from human to wolf and four sharp incisors filled my mouth, two on the top and bottom. I growled into her face, a jolt of excitement filling me as the fear rolled off her skin.
“I am not whoever or whatever you think I am. And, the next time you step out of line with me, consider yourself dead.” I smiled as I spoke. “Because I don’t stop at just a little.”
The color drained out of her face, and she nodded her head vigorously. Her eyes were wide with horror as she stared at my fangs. They were twice as long as any vampire’s, a good two inches or more. Vampire fangs are sharp and extend an inch or so longer than the rest of their teeth all the time. Mine only show up when the wolf comes out.
Jennifer didn’t dare squeak a word. Though I felt Kale’s high-strung energy behind me, he never moved to intervene. Smart vampire.
When I decided she knew I meant business, I let her go and stepped back. She stunk like wounded prey, and I wanted her to leave before any of Arys’ temptations got the better of me.
The door slammed in my face upon her hasty exit, and I physically had to resist the instinctual urge to follow her. My body hummed with energy that was quickly growing.
I’d need a release soon, like the impact of a good chase, or risk the consequences of building up too much, too fast. Ten deep breaths didn’t make me feel much better.
“I am not prey in this place. Don’t ever compare me to humans that ask for it again.”
My voice shook slightly as I rode a wave of adrenaline.
Kale seemed to think before speaking, choosing his words carefully. “Alexa, you know I never meant that. This place can be dangerous to anyone.”
“Obviously, Kale,” I replied, the words flying off my tongue. “Look at what it’s done to you.”
Was that a low blow? Maybe just a little bit. But, I was ticked that all of the crazy-ass power in this place was tempting me and his weakness had brought me here in the first place. That, and my concern for both him and Kylarai. I was there because I cared, but that didn’t mean that I had to be happy about it.
Without another word, Kale slipped soundlessly into the bathroom and closed the door. I felt like a jerk, but someone had to say it. I’m pretty well known for being the one to say what we’re all thinking when everyone else chickens out. True, it didn’t earn me many friends, but I’m not the type to fake nice when something needs to be said.
While Kale was busy dressing, I tapped out a fast text message to Ky to let her know I was with him. Then, I placed a call to have Kale’s car towed safely back to his house.
No way was I letting him out of my sight. Not until he was home and the sun was up.
There was a squeak as the bathroom door opened and Kale stepped out. Fully dressed, hair smoothed into place, he almost looked like the version of himself that I was used to dealing with.
I was painfully aware of the new and strange tension between us. It was both foreign and unwelcome. I had to say something.
“I’m sorry, Kale. I shouldn’t have said anything. It’s not my place.” My apology sounded forced. At least, it did to me.
He waved it away and began to gather his wallet from where it lay open on the table.