Free An Angel Among Vampires by M. Cheykota Page B

seat, I find a secluded spot in the corner of the bar. There are people waiting for the bartender, so I patiently wait for my turn to order. The bartender sees me, bypasses all of the waiting patrons and comes to take my order.
    “Hey, I’m Henri. The other bartender is Mack.” He points to the other man at the end of the bar. “Blixen said to look out for ya and if ya came in again tonight, to take good care of ya. It seems she has taken a likin’ to ya. She doesn’t like many people so ya musta made quite an impression. It’s Jessica, right?”
    “Yeah, or just Jess. I answer to both.”
    “Nice to meet ya Jess. So, what’ll ya have?”
    I lean over the bar to get closer to prevent any humans from overhearing my request. “Um, do you have anything in O positive?”
    Henri gives me a big smile. “Sure kid. Ya want it straight or mixed?”
    “Huh?” I ask, confused by his question.
    “Tell ya what. I’ll fix something up for ya and if ya don’t like it, I’ll make ya somethin’ else.” He moves back to the middle of the bar and starts making a drink.
    As I watch him, I feel a tap on my shoulder.
    “Hi Jess.” Blixen says in a normal voice.
    With all the loud music pounding in my ears, I am surprised I can hear her so easily. “Hi Blixen. Thanks for your hospitality. You really don’t have to single me out though. I can take care of myself.”
    “I’m sure you can. I like to take care of my girls. We tough girls must stick together or these men start to believe they can tell us what to do. There is nothing wrong with me being nice. Trust me; it does not happen very often. We, tigers, are known to have a temper.”
    I smile warmly at her. “Thanks.”
    She nods. “So, are you still hiding from whoever you were hiding from yesterday?”
    My jaw drops involuntarily.
    “Yes kiddo, I know. I just don’t know why you were hiding. From your reputation on the streets, I don’t picture you running from confrontation much. Are you in some kind of trouble?”
    “No, no trouble. I just don’t like to make trouble when it’s not necessary.”
    “Smart girl. I’ve always had a soft spot for girls in trouble. Plus for some reason, my tiger likes you.” She winks at me. “Don’t prove my tiger wrong about you. Enjoy your night.”
    I watch Blixen walk away as Henri returns with my drink.
    “Vampire or not, ya still look underage so I made ya a couple of non-alcoholic drinks for ya to try. Let me know whatcha think. I’ll be right back.”
    I pick up the first tumbler. I sniff the drink before taking a sip.
    Orange juice, pineapple juice, soda water and O positive. Yuck. I am not a big fan of pineapples.
    I put the drink down and sniff the next one.
    Mmm. This has a hint of something spicy.
    After a brief sip, I lick my lips. A couple more sips and I almost have all the ingredients nailed. When Henri returns, half of the drink is gone.
    “Didn’t like the first one huh?” He asks as he dumps the first drink into a nearby sink.
    “I don’t like pineapples, but this one is really good.” I compliment him.
    Henri beams proudly. “I figured ya’d like a little spice. Maybe I will tell ya what is in it someday. For now, let’s call this drink, Spicy O.”
    I chuckle. “Thanks Henri. It is very good. How much do I owe you?”
    “We can settle the tab later. Go and have a good time. I gotta get back to work.” Henri takes the order of the next person in line.
    I finish the rest of my drink quickly and get up to mingle.
    An hour later, I am dancing with a few people when I bump into someone. I turn to apologize when I see the dark, hulking figure of Jalik beside me.
    Naturally, my hands drop on the hilts of my daggers, hidden underneath my clothes at my sides. I can easily rip through the fabric to get to them.
    Jalik lowers his head close to my ear. “Pardon me. May I have a word with you?”
    “How did you find me?” I blurt out, walking off the dance floor, leaving my dance partner staring