Page 6 of Grayson’s Challenge

“I haven’t seen you here before. And I come here a lot.”

This was the third man in less than an hour who’d uttered the same boring pickup line. Monique ran her eyes over him. At least, this human specimen was rather handsome and had a muscular body to boot. The two men before him had stirred nothing at all in her.

He smiled at her, cute dimples in his cheeks. The bar wasn’t busy at all. It surprised her, but maybe it shouldn’t have. Clearly, everybody was staying home tonight since tomorrow was New Year’s Eve. It appeared that only a few desperate souls had ventured out to try their luck. The pickings were slim, and the later it got, the less choices she had. That was the only reason she smiled at the man now.

“I’m from out of town,” Monique said, lending her voice a gentle tone, hiding that she was the predator, not the prey. “I wanted to unwind a little, and this place was recommended to me.”

“Oh, it’s definitely the right place for unwinding,” he said with a wide grin. “I’m Claus.”

“Mona. Nice to meet you.” She preferred not giving her real name when she was out looking for casual sex.

“What are you drinking, Mona?” he purred and pointed to her glass.

“A Sonoma Zin, from Alexander Valley I believe.”

This was her second glass, and while she enjoyed the full-bodied taste of the red wine, it had no effect on her. Vampires and vampire hybrids couldn’t get drunk on alcohol. Sometimes it was a blessing, sometimes a curse.

“Another one?” he asked, as he motioned to the bartender and pointed to her glass.

The bartender nodded.

“So what brings you to San Francisco?”

“A family obligation.” One she didn’t want to talk about right now. The whole reason for coming to this bar was so she could forget about what her family was trying to do. Quickly, she changed the subject. “And you’re from San Francisco, Claus?”

“Born and bred. I work in finance.”

Ah, yes, she knew the type. With a few words he was trying to tell her that he was a good catch. She wasn’t impressed. A man’s net worth or background didn’t impress her. She wasn’t looking for something that lasted longer than a night. Her priorities lay somewhere else. Was he a good kisser? Did he have stamina in bed? Was he a good lover?

“Let’s not talk about work. Tell me something more personal.”

“What would you like to know?” He leaned closer, and the scent of too much aftershave assaulted her senses.

“What kind of sports do you enjoy?” she asked, employing a husky undertone, trying to get in the mood to flirt with him. Normally it came easy to her, like second nature, but tonight, she wasn’t feeling it. Claus didn’t excite her.

“Sports?” Claus cleared his throat.

“I love riding.”

The answer hadn’t come from Claus, but from a man behind her. Monique swiveled on her barstool to look at the interloper. Her mouth went dry. The man who’d spoken wasn’t human. His aura identified him as a vampire hybrid. He was dressed in casual black pants and a cream-colored linen shirt with the top two buttons open. His hair was black, and his eyes a mesmerizing green. Her eyes lingered on his neck, where his artery pulsed. Just looking at this man made her fangs itch for a bite.

The stranger stopped only a couple of feet away from her. “And you can do better than him.” The hybrid motioned to Claus, barely giving the guy a second glance. “Much better.”

Monique inhaled his male scent, drawing it deep into her body. It was pure and unadulterated, only what nature had gifted him with. And by the looks of it, nature had given him plenty. A hot body, a handsome face, and heaps of charm.

“Excuse me,” Claus said from behind her. “We were talking… You can’t just cut in…”

The sexy hybrid tilted his head to the side and looked past her at the human. “I just did. Beat it.”

“How rude!” Claus replied. “I suggest you leave, or I’ll have you thrown out.”

The hybrid smirked, self-confidence oozing from every pore of his sinful body. “And I suggest you turn around and leave my girlfriend and me in peace, before I toss you out on your ass.” Then he met her gaze. “Was he bothering you for long, babe?”

Enjoying the little charade the hybrid was playing, Monique played along. “Not for long, but next time you’re late, I won’t wait for you.”

With a huff, Claus turned around and stomped toward the other end of the bar where he plopped himself on an empty barstool.

Monique turned back to look at the hybrid. “I give you points for originality. Your pickup line is definitely better than that human’s. Now the question is, can you back it up with something solid?”