Page 1 of All Night Long

Chapter One

Gray Strachan watched Key tap away, moving from one camera to another as he watched one of Hutch’s men. Maxim Hutch. A thorn in Gray’s side. Maxim, who led a group of vampires that had broken away from the rest of the vampire society to form their own group. They didn’t follow human or vampire law, deciding they would do whatever they wanted. They hunted, fed, fucked, and killed humans and vampires whenever they wanted.

Because of this, the vampire council had put Gray in charge of a team of enforcers who monitored them, as well as law-abiding vampires, to ensure the safety of everyone and, if possible, handle those who broke the law. Right now, Key was watching one such vampire as he tracked a human female. Gray knew that she would be attacked and then disappear.

Key mumbled something under his breath, and Gray knew he was talking to his mate. They shared a unique mind connection and were able to communicate telepathically. Key was human and his mate, Kelvin, was a vampire. A type of mating that had been forbidden for years.

The law forbidding humans and vampires mating had been altered due to them, but Kelvin had faced punishment for it. Sanitation work for five years, but Gray had managed to pull a few strings and now he was back doing the job he was meant to do. Tracking and capturing rogue vampires.

Key straightened and leaned closer to the monitor. “He’s going to grab her at the next alley. Perfect location away from prying eyes.”

“Kelvin?”

“Close and watching.”

Gray nodded and watched, knowing Key and Kelvin could handle the situation. Working with Key had made Gray face some of his own prejudices where humans were concerned. He saw them as fickle, too emotional, able to hurt each other with ease, and responsible for destroying the one thing that gave them all the life they loved. The planet.

He’d seen humans have what they call a soulmate, seen how they could love, but that was becoming a rarity. Only mates had a true bond, and watching Key and Kelvin together only enhanced that opinion. Even if Key was human. Not his fault.

Gray folded his arms across his chest and continued to monitor the situation, not feeling the need to intervene and send in back up. Kelvin had it under control, and when the woman reached the alley, the rogue vampire did exactly as predicted. He rushed her from behind, slapping his hand over her mouth, picking her up and carrying her into what he would consider the relative safety of a dark, out of the way alley.

He wasn’t aware that Kelvin was mere feet behind him.

“Any cameras in the alley?”

“No.”

Grunting, Gray relaxed, knowing Kelvin could handle one rogue vampire, and sure enough, a couple of minutes after he’dentered the alley, the woman ran out, clutching her bag to her chest, her face showing clear signs of distress.

Not long after, Key nodded. “Clean-up required.”

Gray tapped a few keys alerting clean-up they were needed and the location. “En route now.”

Key leaned back, stretching his arms over his head, and yawned. “What’re you doing later?”

“I’m going to hit some clubs. See if there is anyone worth my attention.” He grinned when he heard Key snort.

“The men will see you and your ego coming and run away from you.”

“I’ve never had that happen yet.”

“There’s time, or you could end up meeting the man of your dreams.”

“My mate won’t be human.” Gray furrowed his brow, ignoring Key’s deep sigh.

“Whatever it is, you need to get over it. We’re not all that bad.”

“I like you.”

“I’m overwhelmed with joy that you do.” Key arched an eyebrow. “I can see it now. You enter some club, the base is thumping, men all grinding together, hands touching, grabbing… And you do the restroom with one to have some fun and wake up mated.”

“Fuck you very much. Never happening. I’ll never have a human as a mate.”

“Yeah, cause we’re so detestable.” Key swung his chair around and glared at Gray. “It’s such a joy to work here. I never feel like I shouldn’t be here. You’re always so warm and welcoming and you never say a bad word about my species. It’s all love and sunshine and unicorns with you.”

“Don’t like it, then you can go. I’m not forcing you to be here.”

“You know what? I might just do that.”

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