Moon Kissed Read Free Page B

prepare.
    Her fingers drifted over daggers attached to harnesses on each of her legs. The Berettas slung beneath each of her arms were securely in place. She went through the weapons with a familiar, lingering caress. Clips were arranged along the back of her belt, ensuring ammunition wouldn’t be a problem.
    With a deft motion, she removed the gun beneath her right arm and popped the magazine free to inspect the rounds. Once done, she returned the Beretta to the holster and reached for her back pocket. Her fingers glided over metal and plastic. There they were, ready for action.  
    Pliers—the poor man’s dental device—her favorite tool of the trade.
    She drew a deep breath and released it slowly, savoring the moment and what it meant.
    The time was at hand. A vow would soon be settled and a life would be avenged. She’d been patient this long—a little longer wasn’t asking for much. She’d done far worse in her life. Right now, she wasn’t tracking down evil beings and killing them for money. She was doing something with importance.
      Soon, Portia.
    Wistful, she perched her shoulder against the brisk brick wall. Optimism merged with hope. Once this was done, she was taking a vacation from all things violent. Only Mai Tais, lone beaches and all the relaxation she could stand.
    After all—this time around—she’d earned it.
    Soon.

Chapter Two
    Wolfe squeezed out of the booth, growling as his knees hit the bottom of the table. It was a blessing and a curse being so large. On one hand, it meant a heated glance got the job done in most cases. On the other, it meant low ceilings and too-small furniture were a common occurrence. Once free, he tossed money on the table and followed Taylor and his men from the pub.
    Along the way, he glanced at the corner. The girl was gone.
    Damn it to hell.
    His lack of a sex life hadn’t bothered him before, but it did now. It had been decades since he’d been interested in any female and even longer since he’d had a decent fuck. He hated dredging up memories of Deidre Varmour, but he couldn’t always control his mind or emotions. His hackles rose in disgust. The bitch had used magic to bewitch him, wanting him as a pawn in her personal fucking vendetta.
    The experience had almost ruined him.
    People had talked and he’d been a laughingstock. Worse? His wolf had been duped by magic, believing it had found its mate. Once the cobwebs had cleared, he’d felt like a total tool. He hadn’t had much use for females after that, swearing them off permanently. Perhaps it was best the mystery woman was gone. He’d likely take his contempt for one female out on another who’d done nothing wrong.
    “We’ll take the lead,” one of the vampyren announced, moving in front of Taylor and striding to the entrance. The human exited the building with the remaining leeches directly on his heels. They were all business, scanning the area as they opened the door.
    The crisp autumn air swept into the building, the delectable scent of jambalaya and red beans making Wolfe’s stomach rumble. Dinner was next on the agenda. Most definitely. Nothing took care of a werewolf’s hunger like fresh biscuits, refried beans and rice and a side of gumbo. He hadn’t had the opportunity to enjoy a proper meal prior to his journey to the pub.
    Alcohol on an empty stomach was just asking for trouble.
    The vampyren in front of him came to an abrupt halt. Wolfe stopped thinking about his ravenous appetite and peered over the heads of the guards. A small black shape appeared, blocking the progressionof the group.
    “I suggest you move,” a soft feminine voice warned.
    Her request was met by the threatening baritone of the vampyren in front. “Move me.”
    A wet gurgle, bubbly and out of place, followed. Wolfe watched in disbelief as the vampyren’s head wobbled and detached from its shoulders. Taylor pressed against Wolfe as the remaining guards flew from the building and went on the offensive.
    Growling