“I was surprised to hear from you,” Bhric stated as he approached the table where Rhett sat.

Rhett smiled at his friend but Bhric’s expression remained stoic. Rhett hoped that the familiar atmosphere of Howler’s would lighten the tension between them but apparently, he was wrong.

The bar was their place to meet for drinks and billiards. At least it was before the strain to their friendship. Rhett decided not to take the vampire’s demeanor personally. The fact that he showed up at all told Rhett that Bhric didn’t despise him.

Bhric took a seat across from Rhett and glared daggers at him. Rhett amended his previous thought. Maybe the vampire agreed to meet so he could beat the ever-loving shit out of him.

“I miss hanging with you,” Rhett said, attempting conversation. “Believe it or not, you’re my best friend. I’ve never been as close with anyone else.”

“How is that possible? You’re older than dirt, demon. I couldna imagine no’ having close friends,” Bhric commented.

“I’m a wanderer,” Rhett offered with a shrug. “We don’t stay in one place for long. Even on Khoth, I wandered. Attachments don’t come easy for fire demons, which is why this Fated Mate thing is difficult for me,” Rhett admitted. “Drink?” he asked and motioned for the waitress.

“Nay. I doona drink anymore,” Bhric shared and it was Rhett’s turn to gape.

“Not at all? I thought that would pass once you were reacquainted with Macallan.” Rhett surmised.

“Fuck that shite. That knife to my skull changed my sense of taste. I canna stand liquor now. Once sober, I realized how much of an arse I was before. Plus, I have too much to lose now and Alex is the only high I crave. So, why did you want to see me?”

Rhett met Bhric’s amber gaze, which reminded him of the reason. “Your sister, of course. But also, I want to mend the bridge between us.”

“You burned that fucking bridge when you left my puthair. She could’ve died, you know? The only reason you’re still breathing is because she needs your blood. I doona know that you can make things right between us,” Bhric explained. “I experienced her suffering when you were away, Rhett. I know exactly what she went through and I want to fucking shred you for it.”

Rhett dragged his fingers through his hair. “Fuck, Bhric. I never would’ve left if I had known what would happen. No one ever told me. Look, I’m here now and I’ll chop down an entire forest to build a new bridge, if you’ll just meet me halfway. Your sister is giving me another chance and I’m asking you to do the same.”

The waitress came over and Bhric ordered chicken wings and a soda. “I’m no’ sure I can. I doona know that you deserve her. She needs your blood and I will make sure you give it to her but I doona know if you are Fated Mate material. Your first reaction was to bolt and that says a lot aboot you. I guess time will tell your intent,” Bhric said.

Rhett sat back in his chair and took a swig of his beer. “Shit. I know I made a mess of things. Just don’t write me off completely. I could use a friend right now. Plus, you can give me a leg up with Breslin. You are her twin, after all,” Rhett coaxed with a chuckle.

“Nay. No’ a fucking chance. I like my balls where they are and my puthair will remove them if I give you inside information.”

“I’m not asking you to betray her confidence. After our date at the Melting Pot, I saw a sliver of hope. Can you give me any advice on fixing things with her?” Rhett asked, unwilling to disclose the intimate details of their car-burning rendezvous.

“I’ll tell you this much. Honesty is the key with Breslin. Doona lie to her or say what you think she wants to hear. She will tear you to pieces,” Bhric replied before he stood. “Wanna shoot some pool?”

“Rack your balls, buddy. Although, my advantage was taken the minute you got sober. I think I’ll have another since I feel a slaughter coming,” Rhett said with a chuckle.

“Suck it up, Buttercup. I havena played sober before but I’m ready to make you cry like a wee bairn,” Bhric taunted as he placed the balls inside the wood triangle on the pool table.

That quick, they found their comradery and it felt like old times. Rhett knew he had a long way to go but it was nice to laugh and joke again. Once more, he saw a small shard of hope that he could get his life back to the way it was.

“I’ll be sure to let Alex know why you went home bawling so she doesn’t think you’re drunk,” Rhett quipped as he selected a stick.

Bhric laughed and grabbed his cue. “Oh, okay. Take your best shot. So, where you living now?”

“I’m in a realm apartment complex. It’s close to Zeum but it’s not the same. I guess the compound was more home to me than I realized,” Rhett confided as he aimed and shot.

The crack joined the noise in the bar and the balls scattered across the felt. A striped sphere fell into a corner pocket and Rhett searched for his next shot.

“I’ve never settled in one place but with you guys, I felt rooted for the first time. It’s part of what drew me back.”

“You kinda fucked that up, bro. Prove yourself to Breslin and you’ll be accepted back into the fold. Now, stop talking and shoot, pussy,” Bhric chided.

Rhett slammed the rest of his drink. “What is it with you twins and no talking?” Rhett asked and missed his next shot as a memory of Breslin urging him to stop talking and start fucking flashed through his mind.

Bhric took his turn and sunk three in a row then turned to Rhett with a smirk.

“I still got it, demon,” Bhric boasted and a thin layer of frost coated the cue in his hand.

Rhett barked out a laugh until he caught sight of a female through the front window, and immediately froze in place.

It was Breslin. And she wasn’t alone.

Rhett’s vision went red then blurred. He was going to kill that fucking shifter. He tossed aside his cue and charged for the door. Strong arms banded around his chest, stopping his movement.

“Doona think aboot it,” Bhric growled in his ear. “You’re eyes have fucking flames in them. I doona know what’s going on with you but I willna allow you to cause a scene. Reel it in,” Bhric ordered.

“Get. Off. Me. My female is with another. She…is…mine. And if you think I’m going to stand here and watch that fucker paw her, think again,” Rhett growled as fire coated his body.

Bhric cursed and released his hold when flames singed his skin. Rhett didn’t stick around to see if he was okay. He was in motion and out the door a second later.

“Breslin,” Rhett called out. “Nice night for a stroll.”

Breslin’s body went still but she didn’t turn around right away. Rhett strolled toward her and didn’t miss her long legs on display, thanks to the mini-skirt she was wearing. And she was wearing the same sandals she had on the night before. The ones he tossed in the back seat before ravaging her body. This motherfucker wasn’t getting the same opportunity. Not while Rhett was alive.

“Aye. ‘Tis a gorgeous night, Rhett. I didna expect to see you here,” Breslin muttered as she glanced around the parking lot.

Was she looking for his car? He was tempted to remind her they burned the damn thing when they’d made love in it.

“No, I imagine you didn’t. What are you doing?” He knew his tone was sharp and accusatory but jealousy robbed him of all sense and restraint.

“Not that I have to explain myself but I’m having dinner, demon. So, if you’ll excuse us,” Breslin snapped.

“You don’t have to explain yourself? What the fuck does that mean? Are you trying to get back at me for leaving?” Rhett asked as his fury burned uncontrollably.

The shifter stepped up and put his arm around Breslin. Rhett didn’t miss the way Breslin cringed away from the male or the way her face blanched. She didn’t want this male. She was playing fucking games and Rhett wasn’t putting up with that shit.

“Leave her alone,” the shifter demanded. “She made it clear she doesn’t want you. You aren’t her Fated Mate and never will be.”

“I am her mate,” Rhett growled and his flames danced in warning.

“Oh, now you want to be my mate? What aboot six months ago? Wasna it you who told me to find another?’ Breslin shouted and Rhett saw fire behind her eyes.

“Yo, pal. Back off and leave her alone. Can’t you see she’s not interested? Give her more trouble and my bear will take you the fuck down,” the shifter threatened.

And then everything went to shit.

Rhett’s caged beast broke free and roared. He shot a blast of fire at the bear. Breslin shrieked when Rhett charged forward. His shoulder slammed into the shifter’s mid-section and lifted.

Claws embedded in Rhett’s back, and he felt scalding lava seep from the wound. It caught Rhett off guard and he dropped the shifter from his hold. The male landed on all fours but was on his feet in the next instance.

Breslin jumped in between them but Rhett shoved her aside, afraid she would get hurt. She stumbled and fell to her hands and knees. Rhett didn’t have time to check on her before the shifter flashed a mouthful of canines and lunged towards Rhett’s neck.

Rhett’s rage erupted, and without warning, his teeth lengthened and sharpened, and flaming horns sprouted from his head and down his spine. Claws shot from his fingertips and fire coated his entire body. His beast had never taken control and Rhett couldn’t rein it in. He was lost to the fury racing through his veins.

He grabbed the shifter around the middle and clawed his flesh. Blinding light flashed and when Rhett glanced down, the shifter’s flesh turned into fur. The smell of burnt animal fur filled Rhett’s nostrils as the bear’s plate-sized paw swiped at Rhett.

Rhett crouched and the paw swung over his head. He glanced over and noticed a small group of humans exiting a nearby restaurant. They were joined by several supernaturals from Howlers and the crowd encircled the scene.

Phones flashed as the humans tried to capture pictures of his fiery body. Rhett knew exposure to humans was a death sentence but he couldn’t control his beast. It wanted blood, and if that meant destroying the whole fucking city, so be it. His vision blurred as his flames burned behind his eyes.

“Rhett, please stop. You’re going to kill someone. I know you doona want to hurt innocents,” Breslin pleaded as she stepped closer.

He could feel her power tugging at his beast. It didn’t like it and fire shot in every direction as Breslin tried to gain the upper hand but his demon didn’t flinch.

“Please, Rhett. Come back to me,” he heard her say.

Rhett shook his head, trying to focus on Breslin’s voice. He wanted to get back to her. He promised he’d never leave again, and he meant it. He staggered and felt the inferno wane.

“That’s it, baby. It’s working. Come back to me,” Rhett heard again.

His fire receded enough to where Rhett could make out his surroundings. As soon as Breslin came into view and he met her terrified gaze, he shoved his demon back in its cage, and called the fire back to his body.

Breslin ran to him and threw her arms around his neck, kissing him. “Doona ever do that again, arsehole! Do you hear me?” she ordered, but didn’t stop kissing him.

He pulled away and forced her to meet his gaze. “Then don’t ever pull that shit again. You’re mine, Flame. If you want me to prove my commitment, that’s one thing, but I will not tolerate another male touching you. Understand?” Rhett stated as he looked over to the shifter.

“This is my mate, motherfucker. Don’t ever come near her again,” he growled as he wrapped his arms around Breslin’s waist.

Another flash of light and the shifter transformed back to his human counterpart.

The naked male looked at them then muttered, “My pleasure. You two are fucking psychos and deserve each other,” he spat then turned and stalked down the street.

“Get oot of here. I’ve got damage control to do, and your presence is making it worse,” Bhric stated as he approached Rhett and Breslin, glancing to the onlookers.

Two vampires stepped up and offered their assistance in wiping the memories of the small group of humans and Bhric accepted, thanking them for their loyalty to the realm.

Rhett turned to Breslin and smiled. “Come on, Flame. Let’s go and let our psychos play together.”

Breslin winked. “Sanity is overrated. Crazy is an adventure.”