Free MinetoChase by Laurann Dohner Page B

from the ceiling jumped around the dance floor to
spotlight the swaying bodies. He breathed through his nose, taking in all the
humans and vamps. He sniffed again, identifying the bartender and other members
from his pack.
    A few of the vamps turned their heads as he slowly strolled
through the club toward the offices. Their senses of smell would note the
change in him as well. Marcus, one of the club regulars, stood, blocking his
path.
    “Who is she?”
    “None of your concern. Do you want to move orshall I put you back in your seat?”
    The bloodsucker grinned, revealing his fangs. Blood coated
his tongue, proof that the human at his table had already been tasted. “You
know what they say about mates, freak. They are a weakness and now you have
one.” His pupils dilated. “I won’t forget to share the good news with your
fans.”
    Chase gripped him by his throat. “I never forget a threat.”
He growled. “You’re dead if you and any of your friends attempt to go after my
mate.”
    “Is the lad being a problem?”
    The deep voice with the Iris brogue came from behind him.
“No, Blaron.” It annoyed Chase that his friend could move so silently that he
hadn’t heard his approach but the noise in the club had help mask his approach.
“Just making friendly conversation with one of the customers.”
    “Ah.” The big, kilt-wearing vamp stepped closer, pausing
next to him. “Marcus, a bonny lass is at your table and you’re bothering my
friend? Shame on you. That’s the thing I find most wrong with the younger
generations. Stupidity and rudeness run rampant.”
    Chase squeezed enough to prevent the vamp within his grip
from responding. It would have crushed a human’s throat but the bloodsucker
just winced in pain.
    “I resent that. I’m younger but I have manners. His head is
still on his shoulders. I know the staff hates to clean blood off the floors
and it would spook the guests who aren’t aware of what he is.”
    “True.” Blaron grinned, fingering the long blond braid that
fell over his shoulder. “I take it this is about the lass you took as a mate?”
He glanced at him. “I never forget a scent. I’ve smelled her before on you.”
    “Let’s discuss this in a more private setting.” He didn’t want
his friend to give anyone hints on the identity of Jasmine. She had family and
friends that his enemies could target.
    “Sure.” The older vamp’s humor disappeared as he circled
around Marcus to stand at his back. He leaned in to put his lips near his ear.
“You’re in my house and that is my friend. Am I clear, young’un?” One hand
clamped on the vampire’s shoulder. “Should I allow him to rip off your head to
save me the trouble?”
    Marcus whimpered, panic widening his eyes.
    “That’s what I thought.” Blaron stepped back. “The staff
hates cleaning up piss too. Drop him before he wets his pants.”
    Chase grudgingly released Marcus. The frightened vamp would
have returned to his table but Blaron halted him with a chilling glare. “Anyone
who threatens or goes after someone under my protection won’t see the following
night. Am I clear?”
    “Yes.” The voice came out raspy but Marcus could talk.
    “That includes mates. His, specifically, and any of her kin.
Are you hearing me?”
    Marcus gave a sharp nod.
    “And don’t be thinking you can have someone else do your
bidding. Anyone so much as breathes on them and I’m blaming you.”
    Marcus nodded again.
    “Now go sit your arse down and be nice to that bonny redhead
waiting for you. She’s a looker and I want her to return here often. It’s good
for business.” Blaron stepped to the side. He glanced at Chase and jerked his
head in the direction of the offices.
    Part of Chase was relieved. His friend had just announced to
the entire club that his protection extended to Jasmine. Every vamp in the place
would have noted the exchange. He followed Blaron to the side doors, down a set
of stairs and beyond the noise of the