into surge protectors whose cords ran across the floor to outlets in the wall. The bar was little more than plywood on top of concrete blocks with shelves full of liquor and blood. There were no taps, and she would bet the beer came from coolers stashed behind the bar.
Probably due to a vampire’s sensitive hearing, the music was quieter than it would be in a human club, but the bass still vibrated the glasses on the tables and booths set up throughout the cavernous room. Red candles, set in red glass jars, flickered on the tables. There weren’t any flashing lights, but vampires wouldn’t want them.
Inside, the smell of blood was more potent, and when she inspected a few of the glasses some of the vampire patrons were sipping, she saw they held red liquid. Her gaze went to the glass jugs set up behind the bar, and her stomach rumbled in response. She fed two days ago, but the scent of all the blood in this place was pricking her hunger.
About half the occupants were vamps and the other half humans. She didn’t know if any of the humans had been here before, but she doubted they would remember the events of this night. She hated that they were using them in such a way, but she suspected many of them came here willingly. However, she doubted any of them had truly believed in vampires.
Because of that, they were now dinner. Goose bumps broke out on her skin. She glanced over at Dante, who studied the room with cool detachment. Annoyingly, he didn’t seem as affected by the heat, despite still wearing his leather jacket. She was starting to feel like a wilting flower, and he didn’t have a drop of sweat on him.
“Do you want to leave?” he asked.
“No.”
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, it’s just—” She glanced around the room. “—it’s all so weird.”
Dante couldn’t help but agree. This was not something he would enjoy, but these humans put themselves here, and who was he to knock how others survived? At least these were willing victims and the vamps weren’t killing them.
“Where do we start?” Cassidy asked.
“The bartenders. Bartenders always know everything.”
Dante realized he was still holding her wrist, but he couldn’t bring himself to release it, especially not when there were already men turning to look at her. Instead, he drew her closer and his hand clasped hers.
He waited for her to release his hand, but her fingers entwined in his, and the little squeeze she gave it made his heart soar. After drawing her closer, they made their way through the patrons and toward the bar. He searched the crowd as they walked, but he didn’t see Julie anywhere.
When men and a few women turned to look at her, he shot them warning looks that caused most of them to turn away. However, a few braver and stupid souls didn’t bother.
Dante ground his teeth as he resisted punching one of the men in the face. Getting into a fight in here would only put her in danger, but the blood and his growing jealousy were causing the vampire part of him to be more on edge than ever before. Never had he contemplated killing someone because they couldn’t keep their eyes to themselves, but he’d gladly tear the throats out of more than a few vamps in this place.
Chapter Eleven
“What can I get you?” a pretty vamp with spiked blue hair inquired when they stepped up to the bar. They were the only customers at the bar as the rest of the crowd utilized the waiters and waitresses gliding through the tables.
Dante reluctantly released Cassidy’s hand, and she rested them on the bar as he turned to survey the crowd. No one was paying attention to them anymore as they focused on their prey for the night.
“What do you have?” Cassidy asked as she eyed the jugs of blood lining the wood-paneled wall.
“We have every blood type,” the woman said.
“But they all taste the same.”
“But AB is more difficult to come by.” When Cassidy continued to stare at her, the woman shrugged. “It’s a status thing. Do you want something or not?”
Though she was hungry, Cassidy couldn’t stomach the idea of standing here and sipping blood. “I’m good.”
“What about you, handsome?” the woman asked as she shifted her attention to Dante.
Cassidy buried her impulse to slap the woman. She was standing right here, and the woman was flirting with him like she didn’t exist.
“I’ll take a whiskey