Chapter Twenty-Three DRAVEN Later that night at the bar , the place is packed once again . My bruises have finally healed enough for me to prance around in the tiny Moonlight Lounge crop top Bart has designated as my uniform . The crowd is in full swing and so am I. Charming the patrons , many of which I hadnt ever seen before for a small town this place is quite the tourist spot . I have already collected a new pocketful of phone numbers and a fat stack of bills . Truly , I am loving this job . With the money Ive been earning form the tips alone , Ill have a nest egg at the ready in the next couple of months . Then Ill be able to afford my own place wherever I want to be , I can leave if I need to … but do I want to ? And just with that thought , my eyes fall on Domonic in the back , sat at his usual corner table with three of his friends . Before we left for the bar that eveneing , Domonic had introduced me to seven of the hottest men God had ever granted the Earth with . Of course , none of them were as clit pulsing as Domonic , but they were close runner ups . Hed said they were all like brothers and had known each of them his entire life . All of them seemed to respect Domonic as a leader , which I found mildly curious . When an out of town male in black riding leathers enters the bar , the whole of them seem to pause. Their eyes go straight for the stranger as he struts up toward the bar . Look at you , he says , grinning at me . Bartlett finally decided to class up the place, I see. I quirk up an eye brow , taking in his strongly domoniant frame and golden blond hair . Amber eyes study me with cool calculation as I wipe down the counter and tap into my charms . He sure did . What can I get you ? The stranger bites his lip , Your number for starters , How much will that cost me? I laugh , Thats not on the menu Goldie . He chuckles , Look at that , already coming up with pet names for me . The man stiffens suddenly , his body tensing . He says before turning around . My eyes fift to find Domonic stands behind the dude looking terribly pissed off . What are you doing here , Gryffin ? Gryffin ? What a pretty boy name that is … The man , Gryffin , chuckled . Just stopping through mongrel . Whered you find this pretty young thing ? Domonics eyes go white hot with malice. He steps closer to Gryffin , a slow smile gracing his lips . Shes none of your concern . Youre not welcome here , but you know that , so what do you want ? Gryffins muscles shift beneath his jacket, his body going rigid . We need to talk . Domonic crosses his arms over his chest, his gaze falling on me then wandering back toward Gryffin . I cant imagine why . Gryffin , turns around , putting his back to Domonic as he shoots me a panty dropping smile . Can I get two shots of Patron ? My eyes meet Domonics who seems to know I am asking for permission to serve the guy . He nods and I answer , Sure thing Goldie . Coming right up . His name is Gryffin , Domonic growls out as I pour the drinks . Dont get friendly with this pussy . Pussy ? Oh shit , thems fightin words . 1/3 Chapter Twenty Three My eyes widen at Gryffins slightly amused wink . He giggles , swallowing his drinks whole . Thanks baby doll . He turns to face Domonic . Outside? Domonic nods then proceeds to follow Gryffin out of the bar Logan and Grant right beind them . Who is that guy ? I ask Bart as he joins me from the kitchen . Bart shakes his head , Bad news kiddo . Hes not someone you should be talking to . He and Domonic have a bad history . Really ? I question . How bad ? Bart shrugs , Youll have to ask him . The bottom line is his kind dont normally come in here and seeing that he did something must be up . Whatever that something is cannot be good. His kind ? Ichirp , serving another customer and collecting , yet another phone number . What do you mean his kind ? Bart sighs , his eyes shooting back and forth . Hes a little different than us . Just … trust me . My eyes narrow as I watch Bart walk back into the kitchen . This placec is getting stranger and stranger and I dont mean the men . Domonic Outside in the crisp cool air and surrounding fog , the three of us follow Gryffin to the curb where his bike is parked. Id tell you not to drink and drive but I couldnt care less if you killed youself , so I won t A quick glance around tells me that he came completely alone . Gryffin had ridden here unaccompanied a dangerous thing to do when riding into hostile territory . That in and of itself was cause to worry . Taking a deep whiff of the air , is enough to confirm it . This asshole was the only Lion Shifter within miles . Gryffin smirks , his amber eyes lighting with amusement as he straddles his ride . That woman in there shes yours isnt she ? I clench my teeth , my body tensing as I fight the change true anger always brings forth . Im not going to tell you again shes none of your concern . Gryffin smiles , I could tell you again that we had nothing to do with that night but I know it wouldnt matter . He lifts his helmet onto his lap . You should learn to hide it better . As much as I want to condemn his words he is right . I do need to hide it better . All anyone ever needs to do is simply approach Draven and my blood heats to near boiling . What the fuck do you want Gryffin ? Why are you here . He gazes around , seemingly casing the landscape . Last night our villa was breached . We werent there- I start to say , stopping when he holds up his hand . Have you noticed any strange smells around here ? Any scents that you do not recognize ? My blood freezes and my eyes must have revealed the truth in them because he nods . * Something is here . Something different . He puts his helmet on . I know we arent allies Dom. We havent been for a long time , but for this maybe we should be. What is it ? I hiss . Im not sure , Gryffin admits , rubbing his jaw. But from what I can tell theyre feline . But not a lions . 2/3 Chapter Twenty Three They ? My body tenses , my mind going back to yesterday and the danger Draven was in . Something new ? A different shifter ? The out of state plates … Gryffin studies me . Lets just call a truce for now . You know until we figure this out . Grant laughs , Does that mean youre gonna stop breaking into our bar ? Gryffin jolts . Your bar ? Why the fuck would any of us need to break into your bar . Youve got it twisted hounddog . Lions dont sneak around like that . What does ? I inquire smoothly . Gryffin sighs heavily , as if something has been weghing on his soul . A lone predator the kind that doesnt travel with others. Except, I think this one does . The type of shifter with no alliance no respect . He turns the key on the ignition and starts his bike up. Someone whos come a long way for something he wants very badly . Enough to enter a den full of lions just to sniff around . Enough with the suspense Gryff what kind of cat are you talking about ? A panther . His eyes lock with mine . A panther . Then , he revs the engine and right before he rips out onto the street, he adds , And his scent is all over your woman . In "The Secret of Nami Sushi" by CrushReel, readers are drawn into a captivating tale of mystery and intrigue surrounding a renowned sushi restaurant. As the story unfolds, secrets hidden within the delicate flavors of Nami Sushi come to light, weaving a web of drama that keeps both the characters and readers on edge. Exploring themes of family, tradition, and the consequences of keeping secrets, this novel delves deep into the intricate relationships between the characters as they navigate through the challenges brought forth by the mysteries lurking beneath the surface of Nami Sushi. With a diverse cast of characters each harboring their own secrets and desires, the story unfolds in unexpected ways, offering readers a fresh perspective on familiar tropes. What sets "The Secret of Nami Sushi" apart is its ability to blend elements of drama and secrecy with a touch of culinary delight, creating a unique reading experience that appeals to audiences of all ages. Dive into this gripping tale available to read at CrushReel and uncover the hidden truths waiting to be revealed within the walls of Nami Sushi.