Free Night Angel by Lisa Kessler Page A

His words were friendly enough, but his tone was not. He didn’t smile, his jaw tightened. “How was yer evening with Juli?”
    Waves of protectiveness and aggression came off him. Colin reached for the man’s thoughts and found a knot of worry for Muriel and concern for Juliana. He reached out to clasp Bartley’s shoulder.
    “The police are searching for Muriel, but they told Juliana they suspect she wanted to disappear.” He’d tell Bartley the truth after he told Juliana. She deserved to hear the news first.
    “Bullshit.”
    “Probably.” Colin sighed, lowering his hand. “But I didn’t find a trace of her last night.”
    “So ya gave up and spent the night with her cousin, instead?”
    Colin raised a brow. “I came home last night.”
    “Not ’til nearly morning.”
    Both of them knew Bartley couldn’t best him in a fight, but his care for Juliana outweighed his good sense. Colin couldn’t fault him that.
    “I give you my word, Bartley. I would never hurt Juliana. Never.”
    “Does she know what ya are?”
    “Not yet.”
    “Then ya already have.” Bartley brushed past him without looking back.
    A muscle clenched in Colin’s cheek. He’d make everything right with Juliana tonight. He hoped. But he needed to feed. The last thing he wanted was for her to see the bloodlust in his eyes.
    He opened the door and stepped into the darkness.
     

     
    By the time Benedict came back inside the restaurant, Juliana had almost finished her Bangers and Mash. Whatever he wanted to show her, she’d rather learn about Colin on her own.
    “Forgive me. I didn’t realize the call would take so long.” He sat down across from her.
    That’s all right. I should be getting home anyway.
    His shoulders tensed while he read her note. “I don’t think that’s a good idea. You need to see this.”
    She sighed and pushed her plate away. I appreciate your concern, but I really need to get back.
    Benedict took her hand, his somber expression cooling her blood. “I would not have brought you here tonight if it wasn’t important. I’ll walk you home, and maybe we’ll run into Colin on the way back.”
    She pulled her hand away, tucking her notepad into her purse. If she went with him, she was not holding his hand. Benedict was a handsome, charming man, but her heart yearned for Colin. The last thing she needed was for Benedict to get the wrong idea.
    Outside, he pointed toward the docks. “Humor me? He usually hunts in this area.”
    Juliana nodded and slid her hand in her pocket, gripping her pepper spray. What could Colin possibly hunt down here at night? Rats?
     

     
    Colin wandered the alleys near the docks, but before he opened his mind to listen for the thoughts of the mortals around him, the rich scent of fresh blood swamped his senses. His fangs lengthened as he followed the trail. When he rounded the corner, a dark-haired man had another guy pressed against a brick wall with a knife to his throat. Both men were swollen and bloodied.
    Colin’s thirst clawed to the surface, his eyes burning with hunger as he approached. “What’s going on here?”
    The man with the knife didn’t take his eyes off his prey. “None of yer bloody business. Sod off!”
    The blond man glanced his way, his eyes widening as he struggled in earnest. “Jesus…what in God’s name are you?”
     

     
    Benedict pressed his finger to his lips, signaling her to be silent as they rounded the corner. Her eyes widened. She had to be hallucinating.
    Nine meters from her, Colin had a dark-haired man pinned to the ground. The man struggled in vain, and Colin’s eyes… His eyes glowed red, his mouth opened, poised over the man’s neck, and his teeth…
    She rubbed her eyes, opening them again as Colin’s gaze connected with hers. He had fangs .
    Juliana’s survival instincts kicked in, fueled by the memory of the banshee’s cry. She spun around and ran.
     

     
    Benedict watched her go, then turned back with a smirk. The Night