Twice Bitten (Love, Lust & Magic #1)

Pruitt

“You’ve got a fake ID, right?” was ’s first question as they pulled into the lot behind Witch’s Brew Pub. From this angle, it appeared as though it was a cozy back alley bar with a hole-in-the-wall feel.

“Huh?”

“I mean, technically, they’re supposed to card you at these places. I’ll admit I kind of forgot because?—”

“Let me guess, star treatment?” Griff asked without missing a beat.

played coy. “Uh, I mean—technically, yes. Usually, whoever I’m with gets in just fine, too, but I wouldn’t count on it.”

“Why’s that?”

“Well, usually whoever I’m with has a little more cleavage,” was shy to admit.

“All right, Mr. Celebrity.” Now it was Griff’s turn to roll his eyes. “My answer is no, I don’t. But I guess we can always test the fates.”

“Even though it may not look like it, I’m rarely one to say no to breaking the rules. But hold on,” said . He had a response from Uriah on his phone seconds after sending him a text message. “It looks like your new classmate has it all covered. Lucky you. Want to head in?”

Griff nodded.

His phone going off again, now realized he had three unread messages from Ada. Ugh. What now? The screen of his phone illuminated with angry emojis. quickly summed up that Ada was having a fit because his attention wasn’t completely on her, even though she was well aware he had plans for the night. Nice. Hopefully, this time when she dumps me, it’s for good. He decided not to respond—for now, anyway.

The sun already gone for the day, a flashing neon witch sign with the words Witch’s Brew Pub & Apothecary floating below its broomstick illuminated the back parking lot.

“Wow, there’s a magic shop connected to the bar? I can’t imagine there’s that much overlapping clientele, but who knows,” joked Griff as he got out of the car and examined his surroundings. “It’s a little dark and spooky back here, too. Looks like a place where you and Uriah would fit right in.”

“Yeah, yeah, yeah,” replied , making his way to the front of the vehicle to join Griff on the sidewalk. “I guess I deserve that one.” Brat. But at least this brat is actually ? —

A familiar British accent echoed in his head. ?Cute??

As surprised as anyone might be when their own internal monologue is interrupted, spun around in confusion. Only Griff was present to scrutinize his panicked look. “See? Told you it was spooky,” Griff doubled down as the two reached the bar’s back entrance.

“Heh,” was all could muster as he held the door open.

?Feeling like you got a little crush going on? Same here, mate. Can’t tell you if it’s the supernatural mojo or if I’m gayer than most vampires.?

sighed. ?Uriah, did I give you permission to jump into my head from the parking lot??

Uriah’s moan was audible. ?Don’t blame me. It’s your supernatural ESP that apparently comes with the GPS tracking.?

In a quick transition, ’s telepathic conversation with Uriah switched to an in-person one as their acquaintance for the night greeted them once they were inside. “Not mine,” came the vampire’s cool, gruff voice.

Donning a pale tan tank top and fitted black jeans, a grinning Uriah stood at the entrance of the bar with a leather jacket draped over one arm and what appeared to be the bouncer—a man positioned in a playful headlock—under the other.

“Griff, . Just superb to see you two gentlemen here tonight,” Uriah said with some theatrics. “This gentleman here—uh, Steve, is it?”

“Ryan,” the amused bouncer played along. “Hey, guys.”

“Ah, close,” Uriah smiled at his visitors before making eye contact with the doorman. “Ryan, I don’t think you’ll need to see their IDs. I believe the owner already looked at them.”

“I don’t think I’ll need to see your IDs,” said Ryan in a monotonous tone as he welcomed the newcomers inside.

“Oh, but ask to sign your shirt first,” Uriah jumped in with a joke. “He’s the football team’s number one player two years running now, yeah?”

turned flush as Griff and Uriah looked on. “Oh, no. I don’t think that’s necessary. I mean…” his voice trailed off.

As though he was hypnotized to do it, the excited doorman held out a sharpie pen in anticipation.

One word perfectly captured the sentiment on ’s face as he stared daggers through Uriah. ?Really?? his voice echoed through the vampire’s head.

An oblivious Griff walked right past them both, the excitement of entering his first college bar fueling him.