Real Vampires Hate Skinny Jeans by Gerry Bartlett Page A

honest about anything? Never mind.” Of courseshe wasn’t. But she had been right about this power that could turn people to stone. “Seriously, any idea what I could be, Alesa? If I’m not a demon?” This really worried me.
    “I’ve known lots of creatures with the freeze trick, even some ancient vamps. No telling what other untapped powers you’ve got.” Alesa glanced at her wrist and was suddenly sporting a Cartier tank watch. “Eleven o’clock. Is that what you’re wearing?” She grinned. “Hey, I just had a thought. Pawn shops. I can pawn stuff like this.” She held up her wrist. “And I can create an endless supply. It’s a demon thing. We have a treasure trove. Stuff we’ve stripped off the losers who end up down there when their tickets are finally punched. You know how they say you can’t take it with you? You wouldn’t believe how many people think they can.” She laughed merrily, but, trust me, a demon’s merry laugh will make your hair stand on end. Big hair, but think Frankenstein’s girlfriend.
    Finally she gasped and wiped her eyes again. “Problem solved. As long as Luc doesn’t cut me off, I’m good to go for funds here.” She sighed. “Best head to your place and fix my makeup. I left my luggage there.”
    I wanted to scream. “Made yourself right at home, didn’t you? I don’t recall giving you a key.”
    “Demons don’t need keys. Or invites. We do as we please. And I want us to be pals.” Alesa gave me her best smile, full fanged. I’m sure in hell it played well. Me? I wanted to puke. “This was a good time, Glory. Playing statues with you. I think there are more powers I could teach you. We’ll be like sisters, you and me. Money or not, I’m moving in. I don’t mind sleeping on your couch. Compared to the rack I’ve got downstairs with Luc, it’s pretty cozy.” She slipped her arm through mine.
    “You’ve lost your mind.” I was still freaked by the fact that I could, yes, turn people into stone. She thought I had more untapped powers? What could they be? I was desperate to know. But not so desperate that I was willing to act like her sister.
    “Try to keep me out. Need proof I can do what I want? Just wait.” Alesa clung to me and I couldn’t get away from her. Demonic power pushed us back to the shop where Erin assured me she could close by herself. Then we headed upstairs.
    “Stop this, Alesa. Let me go.”
    “Fine. Just call your little friends and get this evening going.” Alesa plopped on the couch, listening in while I did call Flo, then Jerry. Somehow I would enjoy being with my friends and keep them away from Alesa. I knew it wasn’t going to be easy. But I couldn’t wait to tell everyone about my new power, maybe even show it off.
    Wait a minute. That was demon thinking. A power like that was better reserved for an emergency. Hopefully, I’d never even need it. Yeah, right. With
my
life?

Six

     
    N -V was packed, the usual situation on a Saturday night. Trey, Penny’s boyfriend, let us in and directed Alesa and me toward the balcony where Flo and her party waited.
    “Alesa, you know I’m not taking you up there.” I smoothed down my black dress which was short to show off my legs and cut low to show off my cleavage. I know how to make the most of what I’ve got. Alesa still had on her black leather and got some admiring looks despite being obviously pregnant.
    “Like I’d want to hang with
your
friends. The action’s down here anyway.” She smiled at Trey. “Can you set me up at the bar?”
    “Sure.” Trey didn’t smile. He knew exactly what Alesa was by smell. He was a shifter and he gave me a look, like what was Penny’s roommate doing running around with a demon? “Jack, the bartender, will take care of you. Enjoy the band.”
    “Maybe you could dance with me on your break.” Alesa made it sound like a command as she snagged a sharp fingernail on his black N-V T-shirt.
    “And maybe not.” Trey nodded toward the door.