Oh fuck, now she was dancing on top of the bar. Earlier, he saw one of them—the brunette with familiar green eyes from the rescue op—order a bottle of tequila, along with the wine she had already drunk. They were probably celebrating—likely a bachelorette party, based on the tiara and sash on the redhead. As Jade danced to the beat of the music, his eyes trailed from her delicate ankles, up slim legs, over the delectable swell of her hips that nipped into a tiny waist, to the curves of her breasts. Her soft tits weren’t overly large, just right, and he imagined his hands could cover them entirely. Fucking hell, his dick was so hard, his zipper was practically imprinting on it. Despite his best efforts, he couldn’t turn away, and his gaze continued up to her neck and to her face.
That goddamn pretty face that got him into this mess in the first place. She was even more beautiful than in that picture Liam Henney had shown him. And when he saw her lying on the dirty floor of that basement, rage burned through him and he wanted to kill something. Jade had looked so fragile and beautiful, despite the healing bruise on her jaw.
Finally, the song ended, and Jade hopped off the bar with her friend. The strobe lights in the dim room blinded him for a moment, and he lost her again. Tamping down the urge to look for her, he poured himself some more bourbon, watching as the golden-brown liquid spilled out of the bottle and into his glass.
Maybe he should call the waitress over. She was just his type, not that he had one, exactly. If he did, it certainly wasn’t brainy little geniuses with juicy, blowjob lips. It had been weeks since he’d had his dick stroked, and the waitress would be a much easier catch than the women at Luxe. She’d appreciate the attention from a man like him, and she probably wouldn’t be too clingy. But the thought of sleeping with any other women left a bad taste in his mouth.
The mental clock in his head ticked the minutes away. His head shot up and he scanned the room again. Jade wasn’t anywhere in the room, and it had been too long since he saw her last. Looking towards their table, he saw the redhead, the blonde, and that cocky kid, but not Jade. The redhead stood up, waving her hands and looking around them.
A bad feeling in his gut hit him instantly. Jade was gone, he could feel it. He shot to his feet, slapped a couple of bills on the table, and quickly slid out of the booth. He remained calm, years of training teaching him that in emergency situations, he had to keep his head on straight or he’d risk losing it. His heartbeat slowed, and his breathing evened. Think. Out of habit, he staked out all the exits and entrances as soon as he entered the club earlier that evening.
Sebastian wasn’t sure where it was leading him, but he followed that feeling in his gut. He remembered seeing an exit near the back. He stalked towards the hidden hallway behind the stage, which led to the dimly-lit alleyway behind Blood Moon. Opening the door slowly, he sharpened his ears, listening for any strange sounds as he quietly slipped out.
“You’re so beautiful, baby,” a voice said. “And so sexy.”
There was a soft groan. “No, don’t…I’m not feeling well…can we go back to my friends, please?”
He wasn’t familiar with Jade’s voice, but something told him that was her.
“C’mon, baby, don’t be like that,” the male voice replied. “Just one kiss…”
White hot fury filled his veins and Sebastian stalked towards where the voices were coming from. His vision sharpened as he approached them.
The man had one hand braced against the wall, his body leaning forward. He was blocking Sebastian’s view, but he didn’t need to see her to know she was there. The scent of her perfume was unmistakable.
“What are you doing?” he asked, trying to keep his voice even.
“Nothing that concerns you, buddy,” the man said, turning his head to face him, his features obscured by shadows. “The lady and me were just looking for some privacy. Move along, now.”
“Are you sure she wants to be alone with you, buddy?” He shot back. “I don’t think she’s sober enough to be making decisions like that.”
The other man turned around, leaving Jade behind him. He swayed slightly as he stretched up to full height, though he was still at least half a foot shorter than Sebastian’s. “Look,” the man said. “Why don’t you just be a bro and leave us alone.” He fished his wallet clumsily from his pocket, opening it to take out some bills. “Now, how much will it take to—”
“I suggest you choose your next words carefully,” Sebastian warned, crossing his arms over his chest.
“Aw, c’mon—”
“Hey! What’s going on here?”
“Jade!” a female voice cried out, followed by the clacking of heels across the concrete.
While he was distracted by the newcomers, Sebastian took the wallet out of the other man’s hand. Of course, the man was so drunk and probably high, he could hardly protest.
“Let me repeat my question. What the fuck is going on here?” It was the cocky bastard who was cozying up to Jade earlier. The young man was almost as tall as him, but built on the slim side. Deep brown eyes narrowed at Sebastian. “Who are you?”
“The name’s Sebastian Creed,” he said, then took out a plastic card from the other man’s wallet. “And this is…Mr. David Ronson. 235 West 75th Street, Apartment 4B.” He gave the other man a feral smile. “Mr. Ronson was taking your friend out for some fresh air and I think he got a little carried away.”
David’s face paled and he slunk back. “Hey, it was all a bit of fun. And she wanted it—”
“Remember what I told you about choosing your words carefully, David?”
“Y—y—yes,” he choked out. “I mean…shit…fuck this shit! She’s not worth the trouble anyway.” David shook his head, and looked over towards Jade’s direction.
“Don’t look at her,” Sebastian said, his voice scarily even and cold. “Don’t think about her, don’t even dream about her. Got that?” Sebastian flashed him an angry look.
“Jesus!” David jumped back, his face twisting in fear. “What’s wrong with your…never mind! I knew that new stuff I got from my dealer was shit! It’s making me see things!” He rubbed at his eyes and blinked several times.
“Go,” Sebastian commanded. “And never show your face here again.”
David backed away slowly, and then turned around, picking up his pace as he disappeared down the alley.
Sebastian watched him leave, calmed himself, and then turned around. The redhead and the young man were helping Jade up, as she had slunk down to the ground. Her eyes were half closed, and she was tripping over the ridiculously high heels.
“I’m fine,” she muttered. “Just fine.” She blinked several times.
“Jade, you’re not fine!” The redhead shook her head, pulling at her friend’s arms. “If it wasn’t for…” She swung her gaze over to Sebastian. Green eyes widened in recognition. “Mr. Creed! What are you doing here?”
“I—uh.” He cleared his throat. “I was inside the club and I saw your friend go outside with that man,” he quickly explained.
“You guys know this man, Lara?” the tall guy said.
“Yeah, he’s…uh…” Lara stammered.
“I’m a contractor with Fenrir,” Sebastian said. “I’ve worked alongside Miss…”
“Chatraine,” the redhead said. “Lara Chatraine.”
“Yes, sorry. We didn’t have time for an introduction that night.”
“Yes, we were all quite busy with work,” Lara said.
“I’m Enzo. Enzo Moretti,” the younger man held out his hand. Sebastian shook it. “Thanks, man. If you hadn’t thought to come out here, who knows what would have happened?”
“She and that guy were dancing and then they just disappeared,” Lara explained as she wrapped one of Jade’s arms over shoulders. “Sorry, she’s never been drunk.”
“I’m not drunk!” Jade slurred, her head popping up. She blinked a few times at Sebastian. “Hey…” Luminous light green eyes peered at him. Even in the dim light, he could see the flecks of gol
d in the middle. “Who are you?” she asked, disentangling herself from Lara. Jade slowly lumbered towards him. “Do I know you?”
Her voice was sexy and low, with a slight English accent he found irresistible. It sent blood straight to his cock, and Sebastian was glad the alley was dim. “We haven’t been formally introduced yet, darlin’,” he drawled.
“Too bad. Because you are…hot,” she said, poking her finger at his chest. “Like, ridiculously hot. And you make me feel all tingly. And you smell good, too. Say,” she said, tracing her fingers along his left forearm. “How far do those tattoos go?” Her touch sent shivers over his skin. He didn’t think his dick could possibly get harder, but he was proven wrong.
“Uhm, Jade,” Lara warned.
“And you are hot, too!” She turned to Enzo, who was standing behind her.
Enzo gave an amused smile. “Oh yeah?”
Sebastian’s eyes narrowed at the younger man, his fists clenching.
“And you’re always flirting with me,” Jade giggled. “You do it on purpose, to make me blush. But I think your twin brother is hotter if that makes sense. But you,” she swung back to Sebastian. “You are one sexy son of bucket and I want to climb—”
“Jade!” Lara grabbed her friend and slapped a palm over her mouth. “I think it’s time you went home. Before you say anything you’ll regret in the morning.”
“I’ll take her home,” Sebastian offered.
“Are you crazy? I’m not letting my friend go home with a stranger!”
“I meant I would take her to her apartment, of course,” Sebastian said. “And I’m hardly a stranger.”
“But you don’t know where she lives.”
Sebastian bit his tongue before he could answer, Yes, I do.
“And you won’t know how to take care of her, either.” Lara let out a long sigh. “I’m going to call my fiancé and have him pick us up. I’ll stay with her tonight. Enzo, take care of her for a minute. And where is Meredith? If we lost her, Grant will have—” She stopped short as her eyes flickered towards Sebastian. “Um, I’m gonna make that call now,” she said, taking her phone out of her purse and turning around as she spoke softly into the receiver.
“C’mon, Jade,” Enzo said, putting an arm around the petite woman and guiding her towards the door that led back into Blood Moon.
“Enzooooo…” She blinked at him and then giggled. “Filet mignon. Your DNA is the same as filet mignon,” she hiccupped.
Enzo rolled his eyes. “No more tequila for you, young lady.”
“But it’s sooooo good. That’s why I finished the bottle!”
“She finished the whole bottle?” Sebastian roared at the other man. “How is she not dead?”
“Um…good genetics?” Enzo offered. “C’mon, Jade, let’s go back inside and find Meredith. Maybe get you some water.”
Sebastian frowned as he watched the other man take Jade away. Enzo was way too close to her, and it sent an unfamiliar, tight feeling into his chest, like a fist squeezing around his heart.
“Mr. Creed.” Lara caught his attention. “Thank you again for your help.”
“Nothing to it. I was just at the right place, at the right time.”
“Yes, lucky us, then,” she narrowed her eyes at him. “Well, I guess I’ll see you around.” She turned to walk away.
“Will she be okay?”
Lara gave a small laugh. “She’ll sleep it off. My fiancé’s on the way, and I’ll stay with her tonight so she’s not alone.”
“She’s got good friends,” Sebastian remarked. “Especially considering what happened to her.”
“Indeed.” Lara shrugged and walked away. He detected a hint of hesitation in her voice. Or was she hiding something else?
“Wait,” he called and Lara stopped in her tracks. “I know something’s going on here.” There was the gut feeling again, and he was listening to it this time.
A gust of wind blew through the alley, ruffling Lara’s hair. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“Since this began…all of this…it’s been fishy. And I’m going to get to the bottom of it. I always find the truth.”
Lara huffed and turned around. “Really, now, Mr. Creed?” She crossed her arms over her chest. “Tell me, do you like your life now? The way it is? The reality you live in?”
He shrugged.
“Because, if you do and you don’t want things to change, I’m warning you now—stay away from Jade. Stop trying to look at what’s beneath the surface.” There was a chill in her voice and another gust of wind blew his way. “If you knew the truth, then your world would never be the same.”
Chapter Three
Jade opened her eyes slowly as she began to wake up. She was having an amazing dream, but she couldn’t remember what it was now. What time was it? She yawned and stretched her arm out.
“Ouch!”
Jade was startled by the presence of another body next to her. “Lara?” She blinked twice. Her best friend was on the other side of her bed. “What are you doing here?”
The young witch was rubbing her arm. “Jeez, Jade, you don’t remember? Wait, aren’t you even hung over?”
She frowned. “Hmm…my head feels kinda…light.” She shrugged. “Was I drinking last night?”
“Argh!” Lara sat up, brushing her reddish-gold curls out of her face. “Must be that Lycan metabolism. You drank the rest of the tequila, got stupid drunk, and started dancing on top of the bar with Meredith.”
“I…what?” Jade’s eyes went wide. “I did not!”
Lara laughed. “Yes, you did! How far back do you remember?”
Jade searched her memories. “Well, we went to Blood Moon for your party…Meredith had me wearing ridiculous heels…and then there were shots…”
“And you told us wanted to lose your V-card.”
“I did not!” Jade’s face turned crimson as if someone had set fire to her cheeks. The conversation was slowly starting to come back to her.
“Don’t worry. It was just Meredith and me!” Lara assured her. “And how come you never told me about that before, huh?”
“Well, it’s not something I bring up in casual conversation!” She tossed a pillow at the other woman, who blocked it with a wave of her hand.
“Don’t be embarrassed, Jade. We were all virgins once!”
“Yeah, but to be one for over 24 years is pathetic!” She sighed, then looked over to her bedside table. “Mother Fluffer! It’s almost 10 a.m.!” She got to her feet. “Why didn’t you wake me up earlier? We’re late!”
“Relax, Jade,” Lara said, lounging backward on the bed. “You’re the boss of the lab, right? And you don’t exactly have any other assistants working for you.”
“But I have too much work to do!” Jade exclaimed as she rushed into the bathroom. She came out 15 minutes later, a towel wrapped around her. Lara had left her room, so Jade quickly dressed, putting on a long-sleeved white shirt and a khaki skirt and swept her hair up into a neat bun. Grabbing her glasses from her nightstand, she put them on and went out to the living room.
“I borrowed a dress,” Lara said as Jade came out. She was wearing one of Jade’s long-sleeved floral dresses that came down below her knees. “And I’m meeting Liam at Fenrir.”
“Why aren’t you with your fiancé by the way?” Jade asked as they left her apartment.
“Well, you could hardly walk home. Liam came to Blood Moon and then brought us here. I told him I would stay here and take care of you.”
“I couldn’t walk?” Jade said incredulously.
“Yeah, you lush!” Lara laughed. “Don’t you remember what else happened last night? And Sebastian Creed?”
“Who?” Jade blinked in confusion. The name sounded familiar. Was he a famous rock star or something?
“Jesus, Jade!” The witch let out a sigh of exasperation. “Let me refresh your memory.” As they left Jade’s apartment building and walked to the Fenrir Corporation headquarters, Lara recoun
ted the story of what happened the night before, including their run-in with Sebastian Creed.
“Wait,” Jade stopped and faced Lara, adjusting her glasses. “So, I’ve met this Mr. Creed twice now? And I don’t remember?”
Lara’s jaw dropped. “Jade, he literally saved you twice.”
“Well, apparently, I was drugged the first time and then drunk the second.” Jade shook her head. “Anyway, it doesn’t matter. I probably won’t be running into him. Can you imagine how embarrassing that would be? I don’t even remember what he looks like!”
They walked into the Fenrir Corporation lobby and headed straight to the private elevators that would take them to Jade’s lab on the 33rd floor. The doors were about to close as they approached the elevator.
“Hold the elevator!” Jade cried as she sprinted forward.
“Jade, we can wait!” Lara called after her friend.
But the Lycan scientist didn’t want to wait. She was already three hours late and was eager to get back to work. She slapped her palms against the doors to stop them from closing. Unfortunately, she tripped on the gap and went flying into the elevator. In vain, she tried to regain her balance, but ended up on the floor, her ass sticking up. As if it couldn’t get any worse, she saw two sets of shoes inches from her nose.
“Jade!” Lara gasped as she saw her friend flat on the floor. “What the he—llo, Mr. Creed. Liam?”
Jade kept her head down, banging her forehead once on the floor.
“Um, sweetie?” Lara bent down to check on Jade.
Jade closed her eyes. “Dear Lord,” she muttered. “If you strike me dead now, I promise in my next life I’ll devote myself to you. I’ll become a nun and do good deeds…”
“What are you doing?” Lara whispered.
“Shhh…I’m praying.”
Lara rolled her eyes. “Are you going to get up?”
Jade cracked an eye to see her friend. “No, thanks, I’m fine down here. Hey!” A large pair of hands settled on her waist and picked her up. “Put me down! Stop manhandling me, you brute!” She stumbled away from her attacker as soon as she steadied herself, and then brushed the dust off her outfit. Liam and Lara were standing to her right, their faces a mix of shock and amusement.
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