Feral (Wicked Nights At Lair Book 1)

1. Hale

Fear.

It permeates the air as I stalk my prey. I’ve been chasing this asshole for over an hour, lurking in the dark shadows of downtown New Onyx, dragging it out before I pounce. A heady cocktail of guilt, sweat, and absolute terror practically coats my tongue the closer I get, enticing the monster within me to the surface.

His shoes squeak and scuff the asphalt of the myriad alleyways he ducks down attempting to lose me, his heavy, labored breathing audible above the other sounds of an urban city, drowning out sirens, car engines, and other mortals.

He fucked up and he’s going to pay for it.

My target finally makes a wrong turn, finding himself facing a tall brick wall with barbed wire twisting around the top. I appear at the mouth of the alley, unhurried and seemingly aloof, but I’m far from that. The part of me I keep tucked away most of the time, the most feral essence of who I am, is simmering just beneath my collected surface.

I inhale his scent, my fangs descending in preparation for the kill. Instead of the trash littering the ground and the ubiquitous vague stench of old urine and vomit, all I can smell is sweet, sweet horror. I hum with contentment as I take a measured step toward him. The sky, thick with summer humidity, finally relents, dumping sudden buckets of rain.

The man plasters his back to the brick wall, wildly searching for a nonexistent exit, hands pressed flat against the cool stone. He’s an average man of unremarkable looks and build, probably mid-forties. My target gasps as he’s drenched, but he doesn’t take his eyes off me. I’m pretty sure he hasn’t bothered to blink.

“Look, man. I don’t know why you’re chasing me, but if you want money or something?—”

I raise my hand to stop him, my lip curling in a snarl. “Money?” I scoff. “I’m not robbing you.”

“Then what is this?”

Tilting my head, I squeeze my hands together before cracking my knuckles, smiling when his eyes grow wide as he watches my nails go from normal and short to long and sharp.

“What the fuck?!”

“What’s your name?”

“Uh…Sc-Scott.”

“Scott.” I repeat the word, emphasizing the final ‘t’ as I practically bite out the name. “Well, Scott, two hours ago you did something very bad.”

His face twists in fear. “You saw…”

“Yes, I saw it. Unfortunately, too late to prevent it, but your victim has been cared for.”

“I-I…” He seems unable to provide an explanation.

Doesn’t matter. There’s nothing he could say that would make what I witnessed okay.

“I apologize for my lateness. I had to make sure that poor girl was taken to safety.” I stalk toward him, stopping a few inches from his face. “Do you know she’s only seventeen? Is this a hobby, Scott? Taking advantage of people weaker than you?”

“Sh-she didn’t do what we agreed.”

“Oh, now, Scott, don’t lie to me. It infuriates me when I’m lied to. The way she told the story, you negotiated for a service, then demanded a different one, and when she declined…” I shake my head as disgust rolls through me. “You took it anyway and hit her in the face. Now, who’s lying? You or her?”

He opens his mouth to speak, but I shift forward, gripping the collar of his polo shirt around his neck. “And don’t fucking lie.”

He gulps air, eyes looking anywhere but at me.

“Answer me,” I growl.

“I-I am. I lied.”

“So you ignored her lack of consent and you hit a girl. Is that right, Scott?”

He nods and as he squeezes his eyes shut, I’m fairly certain tears stream down his cheeks, mixing with the warm rain.

“Wh-what are you gonna do to me?”

I fully let go of the restraint it takes to keep my monster at bay. Scott gasps, his heart rate speeding up as the scent of fear pours off him in waves.

Ah yes, feed me.

“I’m going to tear your dick off.” I rub my thumb across his chin as he trembles beneath my touch. “Then I’m going to slash your throat and watch your blood stain the concrete.”

“Please,” he whimpers. “I’ll do anything.”

Studying his face for a second, I lurch forward and sink my fangs into his neck. He screams, the sound piercing through the patter of falling rain, but no one will come to his aid. Not in this part of town.

As I drink, images of his memories and actions rush through me, tainting the taste of the blood. I feel the dark thoughts that live in his mind, see how he hunts the vulnerable of New Onyx, luring them to his car only to assault them and leave them without payment. A river of guilt runs through him, but he’s powerless against his urges to hurt women.

Seems like I’m doing him and the city a favor.

I slide my hand down his chest and torso, stopping between his legs before using my nails to rip through the denim of his jeans and tear his offending appendage straight off his body, tossing it to the ground with a splat. He screams again, his pitch higher and more frantic, but this time the sound is cut off by me tearing through the flesh of his neck.

His skin gives way easily, the blood thick and dark, staining his shirt and my chin. His eyes widen, shocked and horrified as the realization sinks in that I meant what I said.

Once the guilt and darkness have been bled from him, his blood turns sweet, and I smile as I drink down the last remnants before I release him and watch his body slump to the ground.

He’s still alive, twitching and trying to grab his throat or his crotch, but he’s too weak to do either. Blood pours in pretty rivers from his injuries, pooling beneath him. I wipe my chin with the back of my hand before I kneel.

“Does it hurt?”

He grunts in an attempt to speak, but only gurgling comes out.

“Yes, I imagine it does.” I swipe his messy blond hair from his wet brow. Even through the rain, I can smell the sour sweat he produced. “As you die, I want you to think about all the women you hurt, Scott. Think about all the women who cried after an interaction with you.”

“Wh…wh…” He struggles to speak through the blood and pain.

I lean closer. “What’s that?”

His brow creases with pain and he chokes, but manages to creak, “Wh-wh-why?”

“Why did I do this?”

His nod is subtle.

“Oh, because I hate men like you. Because I need to feed the monster inside me, and who better than a piece of shit who thinks he’s a big man? I rid the city of a little trash and let off some steam. Win-win, no?”

He opens his mouth, but it fills with blood.

“They’ll find you in the morning and tell your loved ones. Do you have a wife? Kids too, I bet.”

His eyelids flutter in response.

“Tut, tut.” I shake my head. “Shame. I’m sure they’re better off without you.”

I drag my finger through the blood, tasting more of his memories but instantly wishing I hadn’t. A pretty child with blond ringlets, likely around nine or ten, is curled up in her bed, sniffling quietly as this man, her father, stands in her doorway rubbing his erection through his boxers.

“Gods,” I whisper. “Your own child. You’re a sick man, Scott.” I grip his chin, forcing him to look at my face. “The city is a little better off tonight. Now hurry up and die. I have other things to do.”

It only takes a few more minutes before death stills his body, leaving him lifeless, eyes open to the sky above. Satisfied with my work, I lift my face to the rain, letting it wash away any remnants of what just occurred.

The monster inside me is sated. For now.

I slip out the rooftop door of Lair, the vampire nightclub I help run, just for a few moments of peace. As I tilt my head back and gaze up at the sky, my mind drifts to the events that brought me here, as it always does when it’s quiet enough.

I’ve adjusted to the structured order that keeps everything in harmony, aided by our new relaxed outlook on killing in the city, and I’ve done such a good job complying that unless provoked, I could almost forget I’m a vampire sometimes. Though last night’s kill went a long way to keeping the beast at bay for a while.

As grateful as I am that Yves and his coven found me, I didn’t know it would be such a transition to acclimate to a city as big and busy as New Onyx and a close-knit coven like his. I love it, I really do, but I still long for the wildness of my old life. Nights like these, the city feels like a shirt that’s too tight.

But the stars are beautiful tonight, and summer is in the air, teasing us with warm breezes and the scent of flowers. Perhaps my lingering humanity allows me to enjoy the change of seasons when most vampires seem oblivious. My brethren in the club downstairs are driven purely by lust, both for blood and flesh, but I’m still very much seduced by the world around me.

Gripping the railing, I lean over the edge, watching men and women enter the club, some mortal, most not, ready for a night of debauchery. Honestly, the idea of a vampire nightclub is a brilliant one, but then, everything Yves thinks of is. That man has saved my life in more ways than one.

After all the shit that went down a couple of years ago, things are different again, but the changes have been good. We lifted the veil that hid Lair from the public, but our powerful coven witch, Vivienne, created a ward to ensure that only those with a true taste for adventure and openness to the supernatural world will be attracted to find it.

I was nervous about the changes, but I have to admit it’s been good for me. The increased interaction with mortals has given me the confidence to immerse myself in society more, and with my newest proposal in the final stages of approval, I might soon have a new outlet for my bloodlust that doesn’t require me to use abilities I don’t want to use. A city as big and busy as New Onyx needs a donor program.

Feeling centered again, I slip back down to the main club, strutting through the space and checking on the clientele. Everywhere one looks is a hedonistic dream come true. Adventurous and often clueless mortals cling to dangerous vampires biding their time until they’re ready to bite. The inner workings of the club took a bit of time to understand, but it works well. Yves does his best to enforce the ‘no kill’ rule, but unfortunately it doesn’t always work. There are too many bloodlings who haven’t learned to control their intake, but better to learn here than out in the world. The last thing anyone needs is a renewed interest in vampire hunting. Been there. Not interested in a repeat.

“There you are, sexy.”

I turn to the owner of the voice behind me—a vampire named Ellis who’s been lurking around here the last few months.

“Hello, Ellis. Are you enjoying the evening?”

“I am now that I’ve found you.”

“Such a charmer. Do you have a drink?”

Ellis lifts his glass, his glowing green eyes focused on my face. “When are you going to give me what I really want?”

“Depends on what it is.”

Ellis, a small, petite man, practically wraps himself around me as he presses his chest to mine. I have to tilt my head down to keep eye contact now that he’s so close. He really is adorable with his light brown skin, curly blondish-brown hair, and full lips, but there’s something about his energy that is off-putting to me. He was only turned two years ago too, leaving us with nothing in common.

“You know the answer to that, Hale. Just a little romp with you.”

Chuckling, I tickle his chin. “Wouldn’t you rather indulge with a mortal who can feed you?”

“Oh, I’m sure you can feed me.” He drags his hand down my chest where my shirt opens. “I have a thing for older men.”

“That so? I’m not really sure you can handle me, little man.”

He pops his bottom lip at me, giving me puppy dog eyes before baring his fangs. “Only one way to find out.”

“You’re very cute, Ellis. Alluring too.”

He sighs. “But?”

“I’m working.”

“Very lame blow off. Try again.”

“The truth is I’m not ready. I have a lot of other things I’m working on.”

“Okay, but couldn’t you use a blow job?”

I chuckle again, carefully extricating myself from his grip. “Tell you what, when I’m ready, you’ll be the first to know.”

“Yeah, yeah.” Ellis rises on his toes and kisses my cheek. “I get it. I’m not your type.”

“I promise that’s not it. No one is my type right now.”

“Okay, sexy vampire. If you change your mind, you know where to find me.”

“I do.”

“Guess I’ll go fuck around with a mortal.”

He bounces off, swaying his hips in a way that does stir my libido just a bit, but not enough to pursue him. Besides, I am working.

I head to the bar to check in with Tiago. The guy works his ass off, and he’s damn serious all the time, but he’s also been an amazing friend and mentor, taking me under his wing to teach me how to blend in with the mortals. Between him and Yves, I feel close to normal. The years I spent in captivity are almost a distant memory. But not quite.

The doors opening draw my attention, and a smile spreads across my lips when I see who it is. Eros and his love, Justice, enter, heading straight for me at the bar. Since finding their mates, the Orpheus boys don’t come around much anymore, but Eros, Thorn, and Raphael do. Their mates seem to love the nightclub ambiance.

Eros nods, extending his hand to me when they reach me. “Hale. How are you, brother?”

Every time one of them utters the word ‘brother’ my heart flutters in my chest. Belonging to a coven again is amazing.

“I’m well. And the both of you?”

“Super,” Justice says, glancing around. “Busy night?”

“Tourist season is upon us, and the vampires plan to take full advantage.”

Eros nods, also glancing around. “Should keep you busy.”

I chuckle. “Definitely. Can I get you both a drink?”

“Please,” Eros answers. “We’re going to work on Justice’s seduction skills a bit.”

Justice pops his bottom lip. “Oh goody.”

“You don’t enjoy feeding?”

He shrugs. “I mean, I like the nourishment, but I hate being fake to people.”

“That’s the attitude we’re tackling,” Eros explains. “You have to see it differently, darling. It’s like fishing. You drop the bait, the fish takes it, you get a meal. No harm done.”

“Except for the fish,” Justice mumbles.

“Consider it catch and release,” I add, drawing a smile to Justice’s face.

“Well put,” Eros says, rubbing his mate’s back. “You’ll get the hang of it.”

“I’d rather just feed from you.”

“It’s not enough,” I say. “You need mortal blood.”

“Did you put Hale up to this?” Justice asks Eros, who raises his hands in surrender.

“Absolutely not. It’s just true. Mature vampires know this.”

“Ugh. Fine. Let’s go fuck with a mortal.”

“Cocktails first,” I say, turning to Tiago. “Two house cocktails please?”

“Coming right up,” he says.

“Why does Tiago still work the bar?” Eros asks.

Shrugging, I glance at him and the patrons at the bar. “He says he loves it, and it helps him stay aware of everything. He works less now that I’m here though.”

“How does he keep people off him all night?” Justice asks. “He’s so hot.”

Eros growls slightly, but Justice just laughs.

“Calm down, lover. You know I’m only into you, but seriously, Tiago has that older man, silver fox, Daddy vibe the gays love.”

“How do you know what the gays love?” Eros asks, now amused.

“Forums. I’ve learned so much.”

Amused, I say, “Tiago focuses on the job while he’s here. Just like I do.”

“As long as he enjoys it,” Eros says.

“I do.” Tiago places two glasses of our vampire’s kiss cocktail on the bar. “I get to interact with every person who walks in here and get a read on their energy and intentions.”

“Ah, that’s your sensitivity,” Eros says.

“Yep.” Tiago leans on the bar. “Besides, with Hale here now, we make a good team. He’s the face of the club and I stand back here making sure things stay cool.” He shifts his gaze to Justice. “And who says I don’t have to kick people off me to get my work done all night?” Then he winks, and we all laugh.

“Good crowd tonight,” Tiago continues. “No troublemakers.”

“The energy feels great,” Eros says. “Any loose mortals?”

Tiago nods toward the back. “Twins visiting all the way from California. Rhett found them and gave them tickets and bracelets.”

“Excellent,” Eros says. “Come on, darling. Twins will be fun for us.”

Justice slams his drink back. “Let’s do this.”

I watch them walk off and sigh as the familiar longing spreads through me. That’s the real reason I said no to Ellis. He’s just a fling, and I’m not looking for that. I want what the Orpheus guys have found. A mate. A forever love of my own.

How I’ll find that is anyone’s guess, but I don’t plan to give up. I can feel it in my bones that there’s someone out there just for me. Until then, I have plenty to keep me busy. The club takes up a lot of time, and outside of that, I’m still adjusting to modern life. I don’t plan to waste energy on flings. My one true love is out there, and someday, when fate is ready, our paths will cross.

Having lost Nathan still stings, but I now believe he wasn’t my mate. He couldn’t have been if he was killed. Fate isn’t that unkind. At least, I don’t think so. My chest is heavy with sad memories of the night I lost him. Perhaps that’s my other reason for not falling into bed with another. A part of my heart still grieves for the love I lost. An innocent mortal who died because of his association with me. I won’t let that happen again.

I’m not sure whether my mate will be mortal or supernatural, but I know he’ll be worth the wait.