Read Night Fever (A Rue Darrow Novel Book 3) for Free Online Page A

neither of us moved, and then he spun to face me. The hands on my shoulders and the serious expression had me worried.
    “Are you so angry about before you’re breaking if off with me?” I didn’t actually believe what I was asking, but one never knew.
    “No, of course not!” He dragged me to his chest and rubbed my back as if I had abandonment issues. I wondered if I did. After all, my sire left without a trace, and I hadn’t heard or sensed him since. Nathan was more than attentive, and I didn’t mind at all. “I’ve been doing some thinking.”
    My eyes widened. “About what?”
    “About us.”
    That surprised me. “Nathan, I promise we’re okay.”
    He moved away and ran fingers through his hair. “I should have said about me. Rue, I’ve been nothing but a burden on you and everyone I’ve ever known.”
    “That’s not true.”
    “I’ve depended on you to hire me for the jobs you get.”
    I was still a nose for hire. Good to know. “You’ve had your own clients, Nathan.”
    “Rare because I can’t control myself. So, I’m turning over a new leaf.”
    I eyed the closet. “By dumping the jeans and T-shirts?”
    “Not exactly.”
    I dropped onto the bed I assume we shared. The framework was special made as well as the box spring and mattress to accommodate Nathan’s size. As for myself, I could roll a few times starting at one side and reach the other end after a bit. “Care to explain, big guy?”
    “I’m going to a werewolf convention.”
    I blinked. He looked serious. “A…”
    He had the boldness to repeat it. Nope, it still sounded crazy. “I’m considering becoming an alpha, but I need to be trained.”
    “There’s training like a job for that? Does someone have groups of werewolves who need to hire an alpha?”
    Nathan flared his nostrils. “Rue, this isn’t a joking matter.”
    I tried to look understanding despite my amusement.
    He walked over to me and sat down to take my hand. “Baby, I want you to know I’m not leaving you.”
    Something shifted inside me. “The convention isn’t in NOLA?”
    “No.” He squeezed my fingers and then laced his with mine. “Like I said, I’m not leaving. This is temporary. Plus, if I do it, the trainer will come to NOLA, but I’d still be under another werewolf during that time.”
    I frowned at him. “Are you sure this isn’t a multi-level marketing scheme?”
    “Rue!”
    “Okay, okay. I’ll hold down the apartment until you come back. How long are we talking, and how much is the rent on this mausoleum?”
    He told me, and I gulped.
    “Perhaps I should get a roommate.”
    “I was planning on it. Remember, we talked about it because the bills are getting out of hand.”
    “Sure.” I had no recollection of this discussion because it happened before I changed time—or after. Time confused me. Wrapping my arms around Nathan’s neck, I lay on his chest and shut my eyes. “Don’t be gone long, Nathan, or I will hunt you down just like you warned me.”
    “Not a chance, baby. I can’t let my woman stay alone long. Some other idiot might move in on her. Then I will have to kill him.”
    “Have to, huh?” I teased.
    “Yup. Have to.” He stood. “Okay, help me choose better clothing so I can make a good impression on the alpha.”
    I followed him to the closet and proceeded to reject everything he grabbed. “Don’t worry. You’ll have those puppies tamed in no time. Also, if anyone asks, you’re taken. Don’t let the full moon make you forget your girlfriend is a vampire with sharp fangs.”
    He laughed. “Duly threatened.”
    I joked around with Nathan nonstop, but inside I worried. My sire had been my boyfriend. Ian had taken me from my home in North Carolina and helped me start a new life in Louisiana. Then he had been called to his home country. I never heard from him again, and one day I sensed our connection was severed. The cut might have been deliberate. I’m not sure. Either way, he left me on my own, and I