Chapter one

Martin

The bar I step into is a bit on the dingy side. Music rings out from the jukebox in the corner, a couple of people standing near it, picking out the next song. There's an undertone of smoke and booze that makes me wrinkle my nose. My eyes dart around the room, taking everyone in and noting any and all possible exits and where the bathrooms are located.

This isn't my first rodeo, far from it actually. Not only have I been on the same case for a solid month, but I've been a supernatural hunter for a few years now.

I'm part of a team of hunters who do their best to stop the supernatural from hurting innocent humans, whether that's stopping rogue vampires, helping cure a curse, stopping a lonely old mage from casting spells, or something else entirely. Thankfully, I don't have to do this shit alone, I've got a whole team behind me. One of which should be stepping into the bar in a few minutes, making sure my back is watched.

This case has thwarted us so far. People leaving a bar along the coast and waking up in a hotel room all alone. They say they have the most peaceful dreams during the weekend. They're not drained of blood, they're not hurt, and nothing's been stolen from them. A couple of people even mention feeling better after waking up. It doesn't make sense, and our crew want to get to the bottom of it before it has time to escalate further.

I find a spot at the end of the bar. Some might look at me and see a big dude in a leather jacket trying to be tall, dark, and mysterious, but that couldn't be further from the truth. Despite my size, I'd much rather be completely unseen. I want to be just another bar fly.

As I wait for Cooper, I order myself a beer. My fingers tap a random rhythm against my thigh as I look around the bar. No one here really pings my radar. Even if this was for pleasure instead of business, no one really stands out.

A little voice inside my head whispers that no one stands out because Cooper isn't here but I kindly tell that little voice to fuck right off.

Cooper is one of the very first people we added to our crew. It was me and Jeff, our fearless leader, for a while. Jeff was born into a hunting family but I came into this life the hard way, the way a lot of hunters get into it; something bad happened involving the supernatural. That shit changes a person.

I run my fingers over my closely cut hair, pulling my leather jacket around myself. I remember a time before my shoulders weren't this broad and my arms fit into regular tee shirts. It's not vanity or wanting to look good, though I know my body is toned in a way a lot of people enjoy. No. These muscles aren't for show.

Before the memories threaten to rise again, someone sits down beside me. I look over, expecting glasses and a familiar smile but instead I'm met with long blue hair and sparkling eyes. My stomach practically vibrates when our eyes meet.

The thing is, I don't get this way about anyone. Well, other than Cooper. The man is smart and beautiful and kind. I would be lucky for him to look at me and see someone worthwhile.

"Hello," the man beside me says, his voice the most gorgeous melody. I feel my cheeks heat up which is absolutely ridiculous. I'm a grown man not some blushing virgin. His voice though. It pulls at something deep within me.

"Hi there," I say back, clearing my throat when my voice comes out strangled at first. My eyes run over this man's face, taking in his blue eyes, his defined cheekbones, and full lips. He's beautiful. I can't help but wonder why the hell he's decided to strike up a conversation with me.

"You look out of place here," the stranger says with a soft smile. His eyes seem to come alive as he reaches over, running his hand over the back of my hand. A shiver runs through me.

"What do you mean?"

He shrugs, squeezing my hand. I pointedly ignore the way my stomach flutters at that. "Everyone here looks like they know everyone's story. I'm just passing through and I had a feeling you are as well."

There are warning bells playing at the back of my mind. This man is a stranger to this area. He doesn't know anyone in the bar. He's just passing through. Can I put this man on my list of possible suspects just because he's beautiful? This type of beauty could so easily draw people in. Hell, he's doing a good job of drawing me in.

"You're right," I say, gently pulling my hand away and picking up my beer instead. A look flashes over his features, like he wasn't expecting me to pull away. Is this guy so gorgeous he doesn't get told no? That wouldn't surprise me. "I'm not from around here."

"So are you here for business or pleasure?"

"Business," I tell him gruffly. "I'm actually meeting someone here."

"Boyfriend? Girlfriend? Business partner?"

"You're nosy, aren't you?"

The guy's brows wrinkle. He stares at me for a long moment before he finally looks away. Something close to surprise flashes across his eyes. Maybe I was right, maybe he's just not used to people not immediately being into him.

The guy flags down the bartender, ordering himself a mixed drink. "It's been awhile since I've allowed myself a drink," he murmurs, taking a deep pull from the glass. Then he looks at me again. "Let me start again," he says with a smile. "My name is Dorian."

"Okay," I say slowly, "I'm still confused. Out of everyone in here, why me?"

"Because you look different than everyone here," he says like it's obvious. Dorian looks over his shoulder, scanning the room. "Everyone here knows each other. Those two are a couple, those two are best friends. The bartender has been talking to everyone at the bar about their lives. Every single person here is accounted for by another person." Dorian looks back at me. His eyes are blank in a way that makes a shudder run down my spine. "Everyone except you."

I take a sip of my beer, giving myself a moment to process this. The back of my neck burns and I look over my shoulder, finding Cooper sitting in a corner booth, staring at me. With him here, I feel just a tiny bit better. Dorian follows my gaze.

"Ah," he murmurs, his smile taking on a self-depreciating edge. "It seems I was wrong about you. You're accounted for as well." Dorian puts his hand on my shoulder, squeezing. His eyes flash again and gods, I wish I knew what the fuck that meant. "Is there any way I could persuade you to leave with me?"

Everything inside of me is screaming that this guy is suspicious as hell, and yet, I can't make myself question him, I can't leave here with him to see if he's our guy.

There's something about him. His smile might look natural but there's a look in his eyes that says this is all a facade. His eyes tell me there's something else going on here. Despite everything, I want to save him from whatever is giving him that wrinkle in his brow.

"No," I tell him, trying to keep the gruff out of my voice. "I'm sorry, but I'm just not interested."

"I have to admit I'm not used to being told no," he says, letting out an amused snort. "Actually, I've literally never been told no before."

I raise my brow at him. "Sure, you're handsome but you gotta admit that not everyone could possibly be into you."

"You're right," Dorian says, taking the last of his drink and swallowing it down. He reaches over, touching my shoulder again and I shiver despite myself. "It was a pleasure meeting you,--" there's a long pause as he waits for me to give my name. I simply stare back at him until the silence is too much. Dorian finally sighs. "Right. I've had my fun. I think it's time for me to head home. Have a good evening, tall, dark, and handsome."

I snort into my beer, shaking my head as he goes. I pick at the label of my beer, waiting. It doesn't take long before Cooper is sliding into the seat beside me.

"What the hell was that?" Cooper sounds equal parts surprised and like he's holding back a shit eating grin.

"What? Can't believe someone so beautiful would be interested in talking to me?" I know that's not what he meant. Fuck. Why can't I keep myself from poking at Cooper? Why do I have to do everything in my power to keep him at arm's length?

"Jesus Christ," Cooper murmurs, gesturing for the bartender's attention. I don't blame him. I'm always being an ass to him. It's my way of keeping myself from getting hurt. It's best if I never get my hopes up of having Cooper as anything more than my annoyed fellow hunter.

Cooper orders himself a beer before turning in his seat, looking fully at me. "So?"

I do my best to look casual instead of on edge. I give Cooper a shrug. "I have no idea. He came and talked to me. He umm--" I curse the way my cheeks heat up. With anyone else I would be able to tell this story. I'd be able to flawlessly talk about the way I just got hit on, but with Cooper it's different. "He asked me to leave with him, but I obviously declined."

"Seriously?" I look into Cooper's dark eyes, trying to figure out what he meant by that. I obviously want to ruffle in annoyance. Of course he wouldn't think anyone would want to take me home.

"Yeah," I say gruffly, picking up my beer and drinking the rest of it. "This entire night is a fucking bust."

"Martin," Cooper says with a deep sigh. I shake my head, standing up. "Seriously, don't go."

"No, it's fine," I murmur. "We're obviously not gonna find anything tonight."

"You haven't given it any time, Martin." Cooper takes off his glasses, rubbing at his eyes. "Let's just stay a little while longer."

There are eyes on us. We're too exposed. I shake my head again. "Even if they're here, they wouldn't do anything. We've made too much commotion."

Cooper puts his glasses back into place and a flutter goes through my stomach. I hate the way I feel about him. I hate it so much and I wish I was strong enough to fight it. "Fine," Cooper finally says, giving me a nod. "You can head out now if you want. I'm gonna sit here and finish my drink."

"Fine. See ya later," I say, internally wincing. Gods, I sound like such a fucking asshole. When the fuck will I learn? Not tonight apparently. "Keep your guard up, Cooper."

"Aww. You really do care," he says with a snort. I turn away before he can see my flaming cheeks.

I quickly make my way outside, letting the cool air calm my racing heart. I breathe deeply, taking in the smell of the salty water. I put my hands in the pockets of my jacket before heading towards the road. I plan on walking back to where our campers are parked.

Something makes me pause though. Two voices, one familiar from earlier. I slow my steps, creeping towards the back of the bar so I can listen in.

What the hell is Dorian doing?