Free An Angel Among Vampires by M. Cheykota Page A

well beyond the crowd’s view, but still coming towards me. Hoping that I can get lost in the crowds of people barhopping before he gets close enough to keep track of me, I duck and weave through the patrons partying on the sidewalk until I see a door open. Inside the bar, I glimpse a thick crowd of people so I slip inside, just as the door is closing. Crouching low, I work my way to the women’s restroom in the back of the bar.
    Standing over a sink, I unnecessarily wash my hands a couple of times to have an excuse to linger. I pick up a non-human scent from a small woman standing in front of the mirror next to me, primping. My nostrils flare to take in her scent as I stare at the woman through the mirror.
    Her eyes catch mine. She gives me a quick once over and returns to her primping. “You look pretty young to be a vampire. Someone was a very naughty vampire for turning you at such an early age.”
    My eyes must be glowing vampire silver and she knows about my kind. Her eyes flash more of a golden color before returning to a more human shade of light brown. I don’t think she is a vampire because she doesn’t have a silver glow in her eyes.
    I smirk at her, using my attitude to hide my concern. “I am not as young as I look.”
    She chuckles. “If you say so.”
    “You are not human or a vampire. What are you?”
    She raises an eyebrow at my audacity. After a moment of studying me, she decides to answer my intrusive question without hesitating. “I am a Weretiger, someone capable of shifting their shape into a tiger, and the owner of this establishment. My name is Blixen. You are?”
    Weretiger? Is she serious? “Apparently, I am probably in a lot of trouble. I should go.” I walk around her cautiously, making my way towards the door, never taking my eyes off her.
    “Wait. You don’t have to leave. Beings of all kinds are welcome in my club. Anyone tell you different, you send that person to me and I will set the person straight. What’s your name?”
    “Olivia.” I lie.
    She shakes her head. “There’s no need to lie. I’m not going to hurt you. What’s your name fledgling?”
    Grudgingly, I reply honestly, realizing her kind must also be able to detect when someone is lying. I need to work on my poker face. “My name is Jessica. Most people call me Jess.”
    “I think I have heard about you from somewhere. If you are who I think, I don’t want you causing fights here in my club, but if you want to hang out and party, you are welcome to stick around.” Blixen turns to leave. Pausing at the open bathroom door, she looks over her shoulder at me. “Are you coming?”
    “I … um …” I mumble, unsure of what I should do.
    “Come on Jess. I will not let anyone bother you.” She motions me to follow her.
    I reluctantly follow her out the bathroom and she guides me to the bar. A quick scan of the club reveals there is no sign of Jalik so I relax.
    Blixen orders me a drink. When the bartender places it in front of me, I am shocked when I get a whiff of blood.
    She looks at me expectantly. “Not the right blood type?”
    “No, I mean yes. The drink is fine. I am only surprised to get a drink with blood in it.”
    “Well, anytime you are here, just tell the bartender what you want. We have all blood types on tap. Just be mindful that the humans don’t find out about the blood in your drink. I am sure you know how to be discreet.” She responds in a low tone.
    “Okay, thanks Blixen.”
    “I have to go Jess. It was nice meeting you.” Blixen leaves me at the bar and disappears into the crowd.
    I linger in the bar for a few hours, finding a sense of relief in a safe place to hide. After relaxing a bit, I even do a little dancing, before heading home.
     
     
     

Chapter 9
     
     
     
    The following evening, I decide to return to the bar named Blixen, after its owner, since I had a good time the night before. Just like last night, the bar is bursting at the seams with partygoers. Unable to find a