EXCERPT

Just before two in the morning, Deborah entered Jacob’s Cove. What a shock. Though Ginny told her about the condition of the city, it was far worse seeing it up close.

In a war between good and evil, a band of vampires fought to bring the sun back after a spell cloaked the city in darkness. People fled, leaving homes and businesses vacant. Perfect for looters.

With no sun, plant life withered, animals died from lack of food, and birds flew to safer places. Though good had triumphed and the sun returned, the city had a long way to go to get back to what it once had been.

That saddened her. It had once been a beautiful city.

At first, when Ginny told her what transpired, Deborah laughed it off as a vivid imagination from her friend. Until, she watched a video of two vampires fighting. Who knew such a beautiful and peaceful city harbored such creatures? And now, apparently, the good ran the city.

With Ginny’s directions to her job running on her GPS, Deborah followed the instructions. She came to a stop in front of a large two story brick building with a red lit up sign announcing The Demon’s Lair.

She parked her car. It seemed like a normal place, for a bar that catered to creatures of all supernatural kind.

Deborah turned the car off and sat there staring into the darkness. She hated the dark. You never knew what could be hiding. He could be hiding.

Drawing in a deep breath, she removed the keys from the ignition and cautiously climbed out of the car. She looked around, took a few steps forward, then looked around again. She continued this until she reached the club. Her heart pounding, she opened the door. The blast of music nearly knocked her off her feet.

“Welcome to The Demon’s Lair.”

She jumped; the breath caught in her throat. She hadn’t even seen him when she entered. She needed to be more careful.

“I need you to read this agreement before you enter.” The large black man held a folder out to her and motioned to a table behind him.

“Deb!” Her friend came running toward her, and for the first time since Deborah arrived, her body wasn’t tense.

“Oh my God, I’m so happy to see you,” Ginny shouted above the music as she grabbed Deborah, and hugged her tight.

This was just what she needed.

“She’s fine, Barry. Come with me.” Her arm around Deborah, Ginny escorted her through the room.

There were so many people and…things. The room seemed to close in on Deborah. He could be here, hiding in the crowd of people. “I’m really wiped out. Can I just get your keys, and we can continue this when you’re done work?”

“Sure. I just have to get my keys.” Ginny led her to the bar. “Have a seat. Wade, this is my friend Deb. Treat her like gold while I’m gone.” After a quick hug, Ginny ran off.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, Deb. What can I get you to drink?”

He was a tall, built man with short hair and a strong face. “I’m fine, thank you.” When a hand touched her shoulder, she flinched.

“Oh, I’m so sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

Her pulse racing, she looked at the well-dressed man before her.

“My name is Zachary Adams. I own the bar. You must be Deb?”

She told herself to relax, but couldn’t. “Nice to meet you.”

“Did your trip go well?”

He wanted small talk, and she just wanted to run. “Yes. Long though.”

“I imagine. Jacob’s Cove is quite a distance from New York. You must be exhausted. Why haven’t you provided her with a beverage, Wade?”

“He offered. I’m good. Thank you.” The well-dressed man had such stunning blue eyes, soft face, and a charming smile.

“Are you hungry? I could get the kitchen to make you something”

She shifted away, uncomfortable being so close to him. “I ate an hour ago, but thank you for offering.” She’d never been more relieved to see Ginny heading toward her.

“Sure I can’t convince you to stick around until I’m off,” Ginny asked. “It’s only two hours.”

Deborah took the keys. “I’m sure. Another time, though.”

“Sure.” Ginny hugged Deborah again. “Zach, would you mind walking her to her car?”

“I wouldn’t mind at all.”

When he reached out to put his arm around her waist, Deborah stepped away. “That’s not necessary.” But as they exited the building, and the darkness surrounded her, she was grateful for his presence at her side.

“It’s no trouble to do this.

“That’s my car.” She headed toward it, pulling out her keys. “Thank you for walking me. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

“Pleasure’s mine.” He opened the door for her after she unlocked it.

She smiled as she climbed in. He shut the door.