Free Species Interaction by Cheyenne Meadows

before focusing on the closet door. Taking his time, he slowly and quietly turned the knob, peeking out the door. After what seemed to be an eternity, he grabbed my hand, and tugged.
    "Quietly."
    Nodding, I followed, coming to a standstill at his back.
    Shutting the closet door behind us, he gestured for me to stay while he roamed the apartment. In only a minute he returned to my side. "Looks like he's gone."
    "Who was he anyway?"
    "Probably a hired treasure seeker." Ducian shrugged. "He's human. Either he's searching for the artifact for someone else or he knows a hell of a lot more than he should."
    "Do you think he'll come back after his call? Dare we look around more?"
    He shook his head. "We've seen enough. I really doubt the rock is there, it was a long shot to begin with. As far as the guy, I vote we're way gone just in case he does decide to return."
    Since the danger passed and we weren't returning to test our luck, I felt safe enough to slap at his arm. "No touchy the Shy parts!"
    He grinned wide enough to show fangs. A flash of something akin to amusement and satisfaction sparked in his eyes.
    Neanderthal. I swear . "Just what do you think you were doing?" I crossed my arms, tapped my toes, and glared at the unrepentant fangy.
    "Distracting you so you wouldn't give us away."
    Did he think I was born yesterday? "So the only distraction you could come up with was fondling my parts?"
    The dimple popped in his left cheek. "Yep. And it worked."
    Argh! Men . A step away from death and all they can think of is how they can get away with feeling up a girl. "Pervert."
    His eyebrow shot up. "That's not what the other women say about me."
    Blinking, I fell into the trap. "What do they say?"
    His gaze bore into mine as a lecherous grin appeared. "You want to find out firsthand?"
    Eek!
     
    * * * *
     
    Later, Ducian dropped me off back at the club.
    "You sure you don't want me to take you home? You can find out what the other women say in my bed." He rubbed my knee and grinned like a Cheshire cat.
    I smacked his hand, stuck my nose in the air, and turned on my best haughty tone. "I already know. Those women take one look at those fangs, and say 'oh, hell, no. I'm not getting anywhere near something that big.'"
    The hyena threw back his head and laughed. "You're right about one thing. They do say 'big'."
    Rolling my eyes, I climbed out of the car and headed into the club.
    I had no clue if Meat would have returned by now, be dancing, or too busy doing the horizontal mambo with Misha in some sleazy motel. So I took a chance on his at least returning to the club. Navigating around the women in lust, I headed for a quieter corner to catch a peek at the stage. Finding one, I stood on tiptoe and searched.
    "You didn't think I would know?"
    Startled, I squealed and automatically slapped my hand on my chest. My poor heart couldn't take many more of these surprises in one night. Spinning around, I stared up into Meat's face. His brows furrowed with agitation. Absently, I recalled his question.
    "Know what?"
    Snaring one of my hands, he gave a yank, dragging me in his wake. We scurried up the back steps and didn't pause until meeting the door of his dressing room. He shoved it open, gave me a hard pull, and slammed the door behind us. I stared up into his face, trying to decipher the source of his sour mood.
    "Why are you covered in his scent?"
    I took a second to consider his question. I could go for honesty or I could play dumb. What is it men say? Don't admit anything to the wife until you find out what it is she thinks you've done. No sense in adding to the charges.
    "Whose?"
    "That damn vampire, that's who."
    His nose flared. I stepped back toward the wardrobe, needing a smidgen of space. "Oh, well, you see…" Fidgeting, I frantically tossed around ideas for explanations.
    He didn't wait for more, just loaded another round and fired. "What were you doing in Misha's apartment?"
    Oh, great. He's royally ticked. Think. I could go with