Run the Gauntlet — Amarinda Jones

When the woman came into view, Arrow swore. That would be right. Make her luscious just to make it harder. Her spiked heels clattered to a stop before him.
“Oh no fucking way.” Her eyes were wide with shock and disgust.
Arrow was angry at her look of disdain. It made him feel as if he lacked something and no woman had ever made him feel that way before.
“Hey, it's not like I want you either, mortal, so just keep moving.” Though how she did in those ridiculous ankle boots was beyond Arrow. They were decorated with chains and studs and looked delicate but sturdy enough to kick in a wall with those sharply pointed toes. His eyes traced up the curved legs covered with net stockings to a gypsy black skirt that was cinched with a studded belt at her waist. The white gauzy peasant blouse she wore did nothing to hide the shape of her full breasts. It was peasant Goth and yet it suited her. And why the fuck can't I look away from her? Arrow was a past master of cool disinterest. Yet all he felt at that moment was his balls tightening in anticipation. No, not her. Down, boys.
“Touch me and I'll drop you like a rock.” She stood her ground, hands on hips and eyes narrowed.
Arrow snorted in amusement. She had to be kidding. She was five nothing to his six-foot-three frame. “That's hysterical, shorty. I would be all over you before you could stop me.” Dark brown eyes looked back at him in anger as her crooked lips narrowed. She was no beauty but she was fascinating in a sensual way. Hot and wild -- that was it. Oh hell, what am I thinking? I do not want this one. Arrow held his hands up and away from his body. “I have no intention of touching you.” He deliberately bared his fangs but the woman did not flinch.
“Is that supposed to scare me, fang face?”
Okay, that was cute. The way she said “fang face” made Arrow smile. “You talk tough.” He normally liked that in women. It made their surrender so much sweeter.
“I am tough.” She tossed her hair in dismissal. “Now be a good little vampire and let me pass.”
As much as Arrow wanted to do exactly that, he had to admit the idea of toying with her a bit would be fun. Good little vampire? She had spirit. He had to give her that. Arrow did not believe he had to be a slave to a curse but he wanted to check this woman out just for the hell of it before she moved on.
“Or what? You'll drop me?” Before he could move she lashed out and kicked him in the shin. “Hey!” Yep, those points hurt. He was immortal but not immune to pain and he had not seen that coming.
“And there's more from where that came from, fang face.” She looked quite pleased with herself.