One Insatiable

“We’re more than okay,” she says, stopping at the bar and pulling my arm around her waist.

I’m happy to hold her soft body against mine, but I’ve been thinking about what I’m about to tell her all morning. Actually, I’ve been thinking about it since I tasted her blood last night and knew she was mine. My decision weighs heavy in my chest, but I know it’s the right thing.

“Can we talk?” I say softly against her ear.

She turns and kisses my lips quickly. “Of course!”

Holding her hand, I’m about to lead her out into the parking lot when Andy appears in the hallway. He’s not smiling. In fact, his eyes are flashing with anger.

“Would you mind stepping in here for a second?” He’s talking to me, and I’m pretty sure I can guess what he wants.

Glancing at Mercy, I find it odd that she has a confused expression on her face.

“Give me a sec.” I squeeze her hand before I follow Andy into his office.

“Shut the door,” he says in a cold voice. I comply, and he immediately launches into the speech. “I told you what would happen. You were given direct instructions about Mercy.”

“Andy, man, I didn’t mean to ignore you, but—”

“Fuck that, you’re fired, Koa. Clean out your locker and don’t come back.”

My eyebrows shoot up. “You’re firing me because I’m dating Mercy?”

“Looks like more than dating to me.”

“It is, but that’s none of your damn business.”

“Right. You are no longer my damn business or my damn employee. You can pick up your final check this afternoon. Now get the hell out.”

For a second, I hesitate, trying to think of something to say. Finally, I just shake my head and grab the doorknob. “This is fucked up, Andy.”

“Leave your key with Jim.”

I’m out the door, and I pull it closed a little too hard. The framed certificates on the walls and motivational posters rattle.

Mercy’s back at my side, her dark brows clutched over her pretty blue eyes. “What was that about?”

Wrapping my arm over her shoulder, I pull her to me and kiss her head. “Honestly, I thought you’d know.”

She pushes back to study my face. “Know what?”

Digging in my pocket I pull out the small silver key and slide it across the counter to Jim. “Andy just fired me.”

“Bro! What the hell?”

“What!” Mercy’s voice is a whisper. “On what grounds? I’m going to talk to him right now!”

She starts for his office, but I catch her around the waist. “Hang on. We need to talk anyway.”

“If he fires you, I quit! I’m not working for a place that fires good people for no reason!”

“Come with me, spitfire.” I’ve got her again, and I’m leading her to the front door.

“Dude!” Jim calls behind me. “I’ll see you tonight at Aunt D’s! We’ll talk about it then.”

I lift my chin at him before pushing through the glass door. We walk down the sidewalk a bit, where we have some privacy.

“Hey, it’s okay.” I touch the line between Mercy’s slim brows. “It’s actually for the best—”