He shrugged. “It’s a vampire thing. He can get information where I can’t.”
“What is that supposed to mean?”
He stood up and searched my kitchen cabinets for a travel mug. As he was transferring his coffee into one, he said, “I need to take this to go. I have to get to the station to gather some more information. My new partner will be in at nine.”
“New partner?”
He nodded. “Yeah, her name’s Tara. She just transferred here from North Carolina.”
“Since when do you need a partner?”
“Since this town has been going to hell,” he replied. “Well, more so than usual anyway. We’re expanding the preternatural cases department. I met her last week when she first came to town. It’s been funny watching all the guys at the station fawn all over her.”
“Why would they do that? Is she pretty?” Okay, there may have been a hint of jealousy in my tone.
He smirked. “Yeah, she’s pretty. A hot little brunette. But she’s happily married so they’re making fools out of themselves for nothing. Besides, I already have a hottie that I have my eyes on.” He wagged his eyebrows and grabbed his keys out of his pocket. “Anyway, like I said before, I have to go.”
“What?” I asked. “You can’t just leave me hanging like that.”
He bent down to kiss me softly on the lips before heading towards my front door. Before leaving he replied, “I’m not leaving you hanging, Karli. We’ll talk about this later. I’ll call you.” Damn him.
*****
Erica followed me to the back room as I arrived to work later that day. “Hey, Eri,” I said. “How was San Diego?”
“It was incredible!” she replied. “My family loves Jake and they’re so happy for us!” She lowered her voice before continuing. “Karli, I completed the bonding ritual with my sisters. I can’t even tell you how amazing I feel! I never knew how powerful I could be. It’s like I’m tuned into everything around me now! I’m part of everything! ”
The ritual she was referring to was held in a very high regard in the world of witchcraft. It could only be performed by thirteen siblings of the same sex blessed with magical genes. Since having that many children in one family these days was rare, let alone all of the same gender, it was virtually unheard of. From what Erica’s told me, the ritual would make all of their powers increase exponentially and it would pass down to their children, creating a much stronger magical bloodline.
I hugged her and offered a smile as I pulled back. “I’m really happy for you, honey. I truly hope that you and Jake never lose the magic between you.”
Her eyes started to water. “Thank you, K. That really means a lot to me. I don’t know how I got so lucky to be blessed with such a great guy who also has such a magnificent cock! And he a
ctually knows what to do with it!!! I mean, what are the odds?”
“Uh…”
Just then, Laney saved me from having to come up with an appropriate reply. As she tapped Erica on the shoulder she said, “Hey, ladies. Sorry to break up your convo, but Erica’s tables are starting to get restless.”
Erica looked over her shoulder and blushed. “Oops! Sorry, I’ll get right on them.”
“Crap, sorry.” I looked at Laney. “I’ll be right out.”
She smiled sweetly. “Take your time. I’ll cover up front.”
“Thanks, Laney,” I replied.
Around ten o’clock, Maria sauntered in and, unfortunately, sat down right in front of me.
She smiled. “Hello again, Karli. How’s your evening going?”
Okay, calm down. She hasn’t technically done anything wrong. “Hello, Maria,” I replied. “Can I get you a drink?”
She trailed her finger lovingly along the edge of the bar. “Yes, I’d adore one. I think I’ll have another Bloody Mary. But this time, please make it with Gray Goose. Chad tells me it’s one of your favorites so I thought I’d give it a try.” What the hell?
I narrowed my eyes at her. “And why would you and Chad be discussing my drink of choice?” I asked, suspicion heavy in my voice.
She winked. “Oh you know, pillow talk, that’s all.”