CHAPTER TWO

The gas station clerk waited for the Corvette to pull away. Hands shaking slightly, he turned the pay-at-the-pump service back on. Keeping his gaze lowered in a show of respect, he waited.

"What can you tell me about the human who just left?"

"Hugh Hilbert, Alpha. I have his address and phone number for you."

"Thank you."

A small, delicate hand came into his line of vision, and Derrick carefully raised his eyes. The man who stood before him wasn't his Alpha. No, this man was brother to his Alpha, and he had been invited to celebrate the Alpha's first cub being born, which explained why Tobis was in their territory.

The last thing Derrick wanted was for this Alpha to think he was challenging him. He looked outside. "Um, he's getting ready to leave."

Tobis pocketed the receipt. "Again, thank you. I'll make sure to tell my brother how helpful you were when I see him later. I'm pleased you caught on so quickly that I was interested in that human."

"Thank you, Alpha, and good luck hunting."

A cold smile graced the Alpha's lips. "I do believe this is going to be a very interesting night."

Derrick watched as the door opened and shut, the power leaving with the man who hurried to his vintage Mustang. He shook his head as Tobis drove off in pursuit. "Poor human,"

he whispered, rotating his neck.

Luckily, the full moon was only a few days away. His skin felt too tight and he was desperate to let his wolf side out. The thought crossed his mind about whether he would encounter the human again, and if so, what state he would be in. Everyone knew that Tobis wasn't the kindest Alpha around.

No, indeed. His tastes, Derrick had heard, ran toward the extreme.

* * *

The sleek black Mustang fell in behind the Corvette, following closely as the vehicles wound through the bowels of the city. Tobis flicked on the radio and hard rock filled the car with pounding bass.

When he'd seen the human at the gas station whining about having to pump his own gas, Tobis had the insane urge to really give him something to whine about. He'd just come out from the bathroom when he heard the human's voice. Amused, he stopped to listen.

His amusement hadn't lasted long. Desire, unlike anything he'd ever felt in all his years, had slammed into him. That feeling he'd had since he arrived in New York suddenly made sense now.

He'd stumbled back against the wall of the gas station, shadows gathering close, as this wonderful, sexy scent wrapped around him. The human smelled like dark sin wrapped in leather, hidden need, and… well, how interesting… cool control.

His wolf, snarling in anger because he couldn't come out yet, howled with impatience again, dragging the sound from Tobis—while still in human form. Shocked that his wolf was so close to the surface, and fighting for control, Tobis stood frozen against the wall as the word mate pounded in his head.

He knew his eyes had lightened to the bright yellow that signified what he was—knew because his vision had switched to the green glow of hunter mode. Not only that, but his claws had also broken the skin, and hair had sprouted over his hands.

He was heading for a partial change, something only Alphas could do, and his wolf was pushing for it. That loss of control shocked him more than anything, and it had taken several long seconds before he regained human shape.

Chest heaving and pulse pounding, Tobis resisted the urge to take the human right then. His human—okay, so he was amused at how quickly he considered the human his—moved with elegance and grace.

He had a confidence that only the very wealthy showed. There was more to this human than met the eye.

Tobis brought himself back and focused on the taillights in front of him. "Hmm, need to know more about him before I take him from the human world. Good thing I don't live close to here. If he's as important as I think he is, he'll cause a stir when he disappears."

Frankly, it didn't matter who this human was, he'd soon be his. Tobis raised an eyebrow when they pulled into the parking lot of a club called Night Moves.

"Well, this is certainly interesting. Looks like my boy is in the mood to have some fun tonight. Which actually works well for me."

If Hugh wanted to pick someone up tonight—Tobis chuckled softly as he parked. He'd just make sure the one Hugh took home tonight was him. He watched his human enter the club, then made his way to the entrance.

Once inside, he looked around. The place was very upscale and trendy, but there was a vibe in the air—a desperation mixed with lust, greed mixed with boredom. A touch of violence and unseen threat hung over the place and the unrelenting feeling that all was not as it appeared.

Tobis watched as Hugh walked across the dance floor, nod to a bouncer, and go up a flight of stairs.

"Interesting. The second floor seems to be available for certain people only."

Glancing up, Tobis saw the second level offered an open balcony, so that whoever was up there could see down to the dance floor. "Definitely makes spotting your target much easier from up there."

Hugh sat at a table with two men who were obviously brothers. Not long after, another human joined them, and snatches of the conversation between the friends drifted to Tobis.

"Back on subject, fellows. Did I mention how sweetly he cried?"

Hugh sneered. "And get this. He thinks I'm going to keep calling him now, be his boyfriend. Seems like he was waiting for that special someone, the love of his life."

"Yeah, right. What a loser. How often did you have to tell him you loved him?"

"Too many times."

Hugh's disgust was clear as he raised his glass and winked. "Like I'd be caught dead outside of a bedroom with someone like that."

"Goes without saying. So, how's it looking down there? Fill me in."

"Jordan and I have a bet going about who's going to do that redhead on the dance floor first. He's the one with the green shirt, there in the middle."

Tobis shivered slightly as he listened to Hugh brag about some poor fool he'd strung along until he'd managed to pop the guy's cherry.

"Oh my."

The cold satisfaction Tobis heard in his human's voice as he laughed about his poor date was delicious.

And the other comments he made about individuals he considered below him were just as withering and contemptuous. And what was this about a bet? They were betting on sex? How sweetly revolting.

"What a truly unfeeling human, and his friends are just as bad."

Tobis snorted when he found the man on the dance floor Hugh's friends were stalking. "Well, well, well. This just gets better and better."

Looked like Tobis wasn't the only nonhuman in the place. He stood off to the side, watching the redheaded man. Unless he was very much mistaken, that "man"

the brothers were interested in was the vampire Chaus.

Tobis tilted his head and sniffed discreetly. He smelled the scent of demon too. He quivered slightly as he sniffed again; that wasn't just any demon, that was Asmodeus, the Prince of Lust.

"I'll be damned,"

he whispered as he watched Asmodeus stalk a human who had been sitting at the table with Hugh while the two brothers targeted Chaus. Did these humans have any idea what they were playing with? Tobis snorted. Of course they didn't. Which worked well for his kind.

"Let the games begin."

Tobis rubbed his hands together.

* * *

Hugh sat at the table watching as Kain, Jordan, and Allen made their moves on the ones they'd picked out. He'd checked the dance floor, and not one guy he saw impressed him so far.

He needed a change—something or someone to break the monotony. With a sigh, he picked up his glass. Before he could take a drink, that feeling of being watched hit him square between the shoulder blades again. His shoulders tensed and chill bumps broke out over his flesh.

"What the hell?"

While Hugh was used to being stared at, and even got his own fair share of attention from the paparazzi, this was different.

More intense, more threatening, almost. Unease flooded him, and he couldn't shake the recurring feeling of danger. Hugh glanced around, but didn't see anyone taking an undue interest in him.

Maybe a family member of one of the defendants they'd gotten off was stalking him. Hugh dismissed the idea immediately; that was just silly. More likely his old man had someone keeping an eye on him. Now that he could believe of the nosey old bastard.

"Fuck this."

The whole night had been off from the get-go, and Hugh had enough. He rose, with every intention of leaving, when the overhead lights spotlighted someone at the bar below.

"Well, hello,"

he murmured as he stared at the young man at the main bar.

Jesus, how had he missed this one? He was perfect. Damned if he was leaving now. The night was suddenly looking up. Dressed simply in faded jeans, a black T-shirt, and a leather bomber jacket, was a stranger, one of the most gorgeous men Hugh had ever seen.

He was everything he wanted in a man—cute, small, and blond. The perfect twink. Actually, the tiny blond looked entirely too young to be in Night Moves, but he was sure the guy wouldn't be allowed in if he was underage.

To make things even better, his target was staring at him. Even from this distance, he could see the hunger dancing in the stranger's eyes. He was a little more blue-collar than Hugh normally went for, but what the hell. Hadn't he just been thinking he needed a change?

"Yeah, why not?"

Hugh had taken no more than a few steps when the man at the bar winked at him. Most of the twinks he picked up were either drama queens or shy little guys. There was certainly nothing shy about this man.

Hugh raised an eyebrow. He'd have to show the stranger who was in charge, of course, then they could have some fun. At least it looked like he wasn't going to have to put out much effort tonight, and that suited him just fine. Hugh made his way downstairs to the main bar and to the guy waiting on him.

"Hey there, sexy. Buy you a drink?"

Hugh stood next to his target, music pounding in the background. He was a good half a foot taller, he noticed.

"I'll let you buy me a drink, then you can take me home with you. How does that sound, darlin'?"

Hugh's entire body clenched at that southern drawl. Well, fuck. That was the sexiest thing. He'd heard of a whiskey-soaked voice before, but this was decadent. He had to clear his throat before he could speak. "Direct is how it sounds."

"Problem?"

Hugh motioned to the bartender and resisted the urge to readjust his cock. That accent had him hardening immediately. "Absolutely not. Just not used to it."

"Now that's a crying shame."

"I'm beginning to think so myself."

Jesus, every word that fell from the guy's lips set him on fire.

A quick look around showed he wasn't the only one affected by that slow drawl. He frowned at two women and a man in warning. This sexy thing with the voice that was as slow as molasses was his for the night; he would be the one that heard the guy cry out in pleasure.

"What can I get you?"

"A Bud would go down good right about now."

Hugh's lips twitched. Yup, middle class all the way. Shit, he just might have some tattoos. Wouldn't that be lovely? He placed his order for an apple martini and a Bud, then turned back to the cute little twink. "You got a name?"

"Sure do. You can call me Tobis."

Hugh moved a little closer, making sure his thigh brushed against Tobis's. "My name is Hugh."

"Well now, darlin', it's nice to meet you."

Tobis lifted the drink the bartender placed in front of him and nodded to Hugh.

Hugh watched, transfixed, as Tobis's throat muscles worked as he swallowed. He couldn't remember the last time he was so affected by someone. "You're new here. Where are you from?"

Tobis grinned as he took another sip of his beer. "Down south, as I'm sure you've guessed. Louisiana."

"So, mind me asking what you're doing up here?"

Hugh leaned a little closer.

"Visiting my brother. He and his wife just had their first child. I'll only be in town for a few more days."

"That's too bad."

Hugh was shocked to find he meant it too.

He wasn't much for more than a one-night stand, but something about this guy intrigued him. Maybe it was their obvious differences, or maybe it was how refreshingly direct he was.

Tobis set his drink down. "I agree, so how 'bout we not waste any more time. Take me home with you."

Hugh took another sip of his drink, then set it down beside Tobis's. "I'd like nothing more. Let me pay for this and we'll leave. Is there anyone you need to say goodbye to?"

Tobis's lips twitched as he picked up his leather jacket. "No. I came by myself. Kind of a spur of the moment type thing."

"Well, lucky me."

Hugh paid for the drinks and motioned for Tobis to follow.

He made a beeline for the entrance, once again cringing when the cold air hit him. Now that they were out of the club, he could smell… he had no idea what it was, but it was damn sure making his dick even harder. What the hell scent was Tobis wearing? His hands were actually shaking.

* * *

Tobis smothered a laugh. He wondered if Hugh would feel lucky by the end of the night. He didn't reply, just followed Hugh out of the club.

Once outside, Hugh grabbed his hand and pulled him along. The night was cold, the moon shining down on them with a few lazy clouds drifting across the sky. The full moon was in a few days, and he couldn't wait.

There was a lot he needed to get done by then. As he was nearly dragged to the parking lot, he noticed the other humans Hugh had been sitting with earlier, and who each hooked up with.

The Prince of Lust stalked the human named Kain from the shadows and the brothers Jordan and Allen had the vampire Chaus with them. Damn, this little group was on the fast track to hell.

"You want to ride with me or follow?"

Hugh's question brought him back to the present. As tempted as he was to follow Hugh, he was concerned Hugh might recognize his car. From the shadows at the gas station he'd seen Hugh admire the Mustang. With a shrug, he dismissed it. He could always get someone to come and pick it up later. Besides, he didn't want to be away from Hugh any longer than necessary.

"If you don't mind, I'll ride with you."

Tobis stopped by the Corvette, running his hand over the hood. "Nice."

"Thanks. I have a thing for sports cars."

Once they were inside, the car purred to life and Hugh pulled out of the parking lot.

"Oh, me too. I like the older models better, though."

Tobis buckled up, turning slightly to face Hugh.

"Really? Well, I… oh, fuck!"

Tobis leaned over the console, his fingers trailing up Hugh's fly. A very healthy bulge greeted his questing hand. For a brief moment Hugh's eyes rolled back and the car decelerated.

"Careful there. I'd hate to end this night wrapped around a telephone pole. Maybe you should open those big baby blues of yours."

Hugh's eyes snapped back open, and he stepped back on the accelerator. "Jesus, impatient, are you?"

"Oui, I am. And this is very nice, darlin'."

Tobis applied a little more pressure and hid a grin as Hugh reacted by squirming in his seat.

He couldn't reach Hugh to suck him, so he'd have to wait to see if Hugh tasted as good as he hoped. He certainly seemed to be blessed in the size department. Tobis licked his lips as he imagined Hugh naked, collared, hands tied behind his back, and a leather cock ring around that dick of his.

He had the perfect chain he could attach and lead Hugh around on. Tobis unzipped Hugh's pants, moved the material out of the way and leaned as far as he could over the console, running his fingers up the cloth-encased dick that beckoned him. He pushed Hugh's underwear down, releasing the rigid shaft that was fighting its way free. He was indeed as big as Tobis thought.

"Oh shit."

Tobis blew a warm breath over Hugh's cock.

"Wish I could see what you're doing."

"Just keep those pretty eyes on the road and feel. Will we be to your home soon?"

Tobis purposely kept his touch light. The last thing he wanted was for Hugh to come.

"Not too long."

Hugh would learn soon enough that he'd only come when Tobis gave him permission. Disobeying would get him punished. He had a feeling a little denial would do the human some good.

"Good."

Tobis stroked his fingers over the velvety shaft then wrapped his hand around the thick cock that jerked at every touch. He stroked Hugh a few times, listening to the soft moans that came from his human.

Someone certainly wanted relief. Hugh's hands clenched the steering wheel as he pushed the speed limit as much as he dared. Tobis leaned as close as he could and sniffed. The scent of aroused male, cum—and need—drifted to him. What was this need Hugh had? He'd smelled it earlier.

"Oh fuck, Tobis, that feels good. I can't wait to have your lips wrapped around my dick."

Tobis raised an eyebrow at the words and the desperation he heard beyond the words. That would only happen when he knew Hugh was broken. Yes, he wanted to taste Hugh, but Hugh had to earn that right first.

Tobis ran the tip of one finger around the top of Hugh's dick, spreading the leaking precum as he thought about what he sensed. Outwardly, Hugh came across as poised, polished, and very cool. Arrogant, even. But there was something deep inside him that yearned to be freed. Tobis could only wonder what secrets Hugh hid.

The frequency of the streetlights that flashed by lessened as Tobis played with Hugh's shaft, keeping him hard. The car also slowed down, making several turns.

"We're here, and the guard is on duty. Cover me up, Tobis."

Tobis felt the car slow even more. He pulled Hugh's shirt down, covering him, and sat back in his seat. For now he'd let that go. The car dipped as they entered the parking garage, and the interior of the car darkened.

"Very nice place, darlin',"

Tobis said. Looked like the feeling he had about Hugh was right. "What do you do for a living, if you don't mind me asking?"

"Defense attorney,"

Hugh said as he parked.

That explained some things. The news actually thrilled him. Hugh would be a nice asset to his pack with such a profession. This was working out to be one of the best nights he'd had in a long time—a mate who was a lawyer. He was willing to bet Hugh was hell on wheels when he was in court.

"No comment?"

Hugh asked as he buttoned up his pants. "Most people have a ton to say about lawyers."

"You must be very good at what you do."

Tobis opened the car door and got out. "I also don't imagine it's a very easy-going type of job, either."

Hugh froze as he stood and looked across the hood at Tobis. "That's very insightful, and you'd be right. You have no idea how right you are. Image is everything."

Tobis came around to where Hugh stood, standing so close they almost touched. "Well now, how 'bout I make you forget all about image for tonight?"