Page 7 of Heroes & Hitmen
“Positive.”
From the looks of his apartment, money’s a lot tighter for Will than it is for me. I’ve always had more than I need, and I’m happy to spread it around.
“Let’s find somewhere to post up,” he suggests, turning to scan the room.
The two of us push away from the bar and weave past the sweat-drenched mob undulating to the shitty music playing from the jukebox, making our way to a high-top table in the corner. I lean against it, scoping out the buffet of women spread around the room.
Will doesn’t waste any time in beckoning a couple of them over. “Yo, Jess! Lily!” he calls, catching the attention of two girls laughing and sipping their drinks nearby.
They stop mid-giggle, heads swiveling toward him. They’re a cute pair– all long legs and glossy hair– and they immediately abandon their own table in favor of joining us at ours.
“Who’s your friend, Will?” the redhead purrs as she comes closer, eyeing me with interest.
I may be a redhead myself, but I just can’t with red-haired women. Reminds me too much of mymom and sister.
“This is Ares,” he supplies, nodding toward me. “Just moved here from Colorado.”
“A new guy in town, huh?” the brunette remarks, resting a hand on my bicep and leaning in closer. “Exciting. You liking Chicago so far?”
“Seems alright,” I reply, flashing her a roguish grin. “Maybe you could show me around?”
“Anytime,” she replies, batting her lashes. “I’m Lily.”
“Pretty name for a pretty girl,” I drawl, winking.
She blushes furiously, trying to hide it behind her glass as she raises it to her lips for a sip. This chick seems like a sure thing, but my eyes are already starting to wander.
Too easy.
Not that I’m above easy pussy, but I don’t want to jump the gun on deciding how I’ll end my night when it’s barely even begun.
As the four of us fall into easy conversation, I find myself only half paying attention, continually scanning the room as I acclimate to my new surroundings.
Then I seeher, and it’s like everything else instantly fades away.
She’s sitting at the bar all alone, swirling the swizzle straw around in her drink and looking bored out of her mind. The top half of her dark blonde hair is tied back neatly with a white satin bow, the rest falling down her back in soft waves, and her eyes–fuck, hereyes. They’re unlike any I’ve ever seen before, a cool hue of grey that almost looks violet, framed by thick, dark lashes.
I raise my beer to my lips and toss it back, deciding I’d better go over there and introduce myself before some other asshole in here beats me to the punch.
“Will,” I mumble, interrupting whatever he’s laughing about with Jess and Lily and holding up my empty bottle. “You want another beer?”
“Sure, man,” he replies, oblivious to my attention shift. “Maybe a round of shots, too?”
I nod, tipping my head to Lily and Jess. “Back in a minute, ladies.”
They giggle in response as I turn toward the bar, homing in on the beauty with the captivating violet eyes again. My pulse pounds harder with each determined step in her direction, eyes drinking in every detail of her appearance– slim build, heart-shaped face, highcheekbones, and full, kissable lips. She’s got a deep, golden tan, and her tits almost look too big for her slender frame.Not that I’d ever complain about that. I’m definitely a boob guy, and I’m already fantasizing about how hot hers would look spilling out from beneath my palms.
I step up to the bar, claiming the stool next to her and throwing a hand up to get the bartender’s attention. I’m playing it cool, like I’ve just happened to take a seat, but my entire focus is on the girl beside me as I order two more beers. She looks up when the bartender drops them off, and I finally turn my attention her way, flashing my best charming grin.
“Hey there, beautiful,” I drawl, leaning in just enough for her to hear me over the noise.
Her eyes flick over me suspiciously. From the purse of her lips, she seems more annoyed than flattered. “You an Alpha?” she asks, catching me off guard.
“How’d you know?” I chuckle as I pick up one of the beers.
“Your aura,” she murmurs, tilting her head as she appraises me with that stunning violet-grey gaze. “Are you registered?”
I’d almost forgotten about that odd little requirement of being a shifter in this city. The Chicago pack requires anyone with Alpha blood toregisterso they can keep tabs on us, like we’re a bunch of fucking sex offenders or something. I’m not sure whether it’s brilliant or just paranoid on their Alpha’s part, but either way, it’ll be part of my intake tomorrow morning.
