Free Eternity Factor by B.J. McCall Page A

contact, focusing on his beer. His dismissal fueled her desire. Azza liked a challenge.
    She slipped into the spot next to the handsome human and took a deep breath. His blood scent was rich, healthy and his pheromones ripe and lusty.
    Behind the bar, a female in black shorts and red tank top greeted Azza. “What’s your poison?”
    “I’ll have a Bloody Mary.”
    The bartender looked at the guy. “Another beer?”
    The hunk sat his empty bottle on the bar. “Sure.”
    The bartender walked away and Azza gave the hunk her sexiest smile. “Nice party. I’m Azza.”
    Bright blue eyes met hers. “Jak. Jak without a c.”
    “Hello, Jak without a c.”
    He glanced down the bar. A row of costumed men were checking her out. “Why me?”
    “I like your costume.”
    He laughed, rich and throaty. “I certainly like yours.”
    “I wanted something eye-catching.”
    “You chose well.”
    The bartender brought their drinks.
    “I’m buying,” Jak said, pulling his wallet from his back pocket.
    Azza waited for the bartender to move away. “Do you attend the vamp raves often?”
    He shook his head. “First one. I always thought this building was abandoned.”
    “Live in the neighborhood?”
    “Couple blocks away.”
    Jak tipped back the bottle, his throat working enticingly as he drank.
    Azza glanced at his left hand, noting the bare third finger. “No girlfriend waiting for you?”
    “No.” His smile reached his eyes. “Are you into the vampire thing?”
    “The raves are fun.” Azza picked up her drink and pretended to suck on the straw. “Just an excuse to let loose, have a little fun, wear sexy clothes.”
    His gaze slid down to her half-exposed breasts. “I like the look. Do these raves go all night?”
    “Everything is over by sunrise, but I’m just partying for a few hours. Gotta work tomorrow.”
    “What do you do for a living?”
    Azza worked in the nutrition bank as a quality control technician, inspecting the blood the government supplied to the inhabitants of the Cemetery. She gave her rehearsed answer. “Computer tech, but let’s not talk about work. Let’s talk about what you’re doing after you finish that beer.”
    “I was going home.”
    “Alone?”
    “Not if I get lucky.”
    A vampire required an invitation to enter a human’s home. “Are you inviting me back to your place?”
    “I am.”
    “Well, Jak, you just got very lucky.”

Chapter Two
     
    Every once in a while the gods smiled on Jak Walker and tonight he’d hit the jackpot. Azza was gorgeous. She had the face of a goddess, curves that would tempt a saint and legs that wouldn’t quit. Her long, dark hair fell to her waist and her violet eyes were filled with mischief.
    Jak held out his hand.
    Her hand was slender and her fingers were cool to the touch.
    As they walked out onto the street Jak wondered if picking up a stranger was a good idea. He’d recently come to the city from a small rural town looking for work. He didn’t know a thing about Azza. Did she pick up guys on a regular basis? Would she ask for payment once his pants were down?
    As if knowing he was questioning his decision, Azza cupped his chin and kissed him, the gentle brush of her lips brief, but enticing as the perfume she wore.
    How long had it been since he had a relationship longer than one or two nights? Six months at least and not one of the women had excited him as much as Azza. Desire burning low and deep, Jak slid his arm around her waist. He’d be a fool to pass up the opportunity. He’d have to trust his instincts.
    “My building is just two blocks over. My apartment is above a boarded-up paint store. Most of the businesses have closed down, but the area is reasonably safe.”
    Jak wished his place was nice enough to impress a woman like Azza, but times were tough. Since the urban wars a quarter century ago, the economy had remained in the tank. Tomorrow, he had an appointment with a government placement officer. Maybe meeting Azza meant his