Rouen Chronicles Box Set

by Raven Steele

  "Do you have any questions about where to find anything?"

  "I think I'm good. Looks like your standard bar, except for," I looked around, "you have any silly string? I like to use it in one of my acts. Oh, and little smokies."

  It was his turn to raise an eyebrow, and he almost cracked a smile. Almost. "I'll get you those items for tomorrow night."

  "Perfect."

  "One last thing." He pressed against the bar and lowered his voice. "Don't think I didn't notice you instigating that fight last night. I don't want that happening again. There are shady people who come in here, and I don't want my employees getting mixed up with them."

  I saluted him. "From now on, I'm Switzerland."

  He grunted and walked away.

  The night started out calm, and I watched everyone carefully, determining the regulars. I mentally sorted them by humans and supernaturals. Other than a heavy presence of wolves, the bar was just like any other. The guys came in to get laid, and the girls came to have fun with their friends.

  I tried to avoid the women as much as possible; I had no interest in friends.

  After I got things moving, Peeper and I fell into an easy work flow. I made all the mixed drinks and soft-balled him the easy ones. The later it grew, the more shifters arrived.

  This is when I really started performing, using my wolfie powers to help draw the crowd. Soon, the bar was louder than ever, everyone happy with either a drink or a companion by their side. Eddie came up behind me after I had just handed a group of five several drinks. "I don't know how you do it, but you mesmerize the crowd. I bet my sales have tripled."

  "Quadrupled, if I did my job right." I flipped a damp towel over my shoulder and threw him a practiced smile.

  He studied me for a minute, and I found myself squirming under the gaze for some reason. I rubbed at the back of my neck.

  Clearing his throat, he said, before walking away, "Keep up the great work."

  I watched him disappear into the swarm of people, then rolled my shoulders back and slammed a shot of tequila. Time to get to work, my other work.

  Glancing at Peeper on the other side of the bar, I spotted the perfect shifter. He looked strong and athletic, but miserable. He might just be the right man to have information, and desperate enough to share it after a few drinks.

  I adjusted my bra so that I was perky enough, then crossed over to Peeper. "Switch me."

  "Why?"

  "There's a man giving me the eye. I'll switch you back when he leaves."

  "Which one?" He glanced over at my side of the bar.

  "All of them. Just go."

  He mumbled something but walked over anyway.

  I approached the shifter. He had long black hair that did nothing to compliment his narrow face, but his wide green eyes and full lips made up for the bad styling choice.

  "What'cha drinking?"

  He looked up from the PBR beer in his hands. His green eyes lit up. "Whatever you're handing out."

  I smiled, batting my stupid eyelashes. He needed something stronger. I grabbed the bottle of Jose Cuervo, poured him a double shot and slid it over to him. "How long have you lived in Rouen?"

  "I grew up here."

  I leaned toward him and heard his breathing pick up. "You like it here?"

  He paused throwing the shot back and stared behind me as if seeing another time. "Sometimes I think about leaving, but my past is too tied to this place. I think it would follow me if I went anywhere else."

  "Pasts are shady that way. What's your name?"

  "Ryder." He lowered his gaze to the empty shot glass.

  "Ryder what?"

  "Ryder Liekos." He looked up at me expectantly, as if I should have some sort of a reaction to his name.

  "What?"

  "You haven't heard of me?"

  "Why would I?" I slid another drink to him.

  He drank it down and began talking. "My family is kind of a big deal here. My dad owns a lot of property and businesses. He even shares some business with the Morgans."

  Again, he looked at me as if I should know who he was talking about. "You really have no idea who the Morgans or the Liekos’ are?"

  "I'm new in town, but why don't you tell me." I handed him another drink and leaned over the bar, showing him my generous cleavage. I was glad I'd worn my skimpiest tank top.

  His gaze met them for a moment, then he threw back his drink. Judging by the glaze in his eyes and the empty bottles next to him, I would've cut him off by now, if he were human. But wolves can drink a hell of a lot more. Besides, I wanted him to talk.

  "The two families have been running Rouen for decades. The Liekos' are a well-known sh—" he stopped himself and frowned, realizing he was about to say something he probably shouldn't. I couldn't have him clamming up on me.

  "Shifter family?" I finished for him.

  His pretty eyes widened in surprise. "How did you know?"

  I leaned over the bar and whispered close to his ear. "I'm a shifter wolf."

  He reared back. "No way! I would never have guessed! How do you do that?"

  "Bartender chick!" someone shouted impatiently.

  I held out my finger to the man and poured Ryder three more drinks, giving him a reason to stay. "On the house." I'd take it out of my tips later. Couldn’t have the boss-man pissed off.

  Then I turned toward Mr. Impatient and winked. "What can I pour for you?"

  Once he was happily drinking his lite beer, I made my way around the rest of the bar, making sure everyone else was liquored up. After counting off enough satisfied smiles, I returned to Ryder.

  "So you were saying, the Liekos’ are a shifter family, but what about the Morgans?"

  He stared at me for a moment, then the liberally served alcohol worked its magic. "They're powerful witches. No one messes with them. They can do just about anything with magic." He visibly shivered. "Both families demand loyalty. Even having your own opinion is seen as traitorous."

  Pain created deep lines in his forehead; it was a familiar look. I instantly warmed to him and placed my hand over his. "I'm sorry. Life can be a real bitch sometimes."

  He nodded solemnly.

  "So tell me, what pack does your family belong to?"

  His eyes widened in fear, and he blurted, "Don't join."

  I stared at him, surprised. "I wasn't planning on it. Just curious."

  "My family are with the Greybacks, but I'm not a member."

  Two packs in Rouen? Interesting. It was rare for more than one dominant pack to inhabit the same city, especially if they were as powerful as the Silver Claws seemed. "Why not?"

  "Long story." He tipped back another shot, his expression darkening. "I belong to the other pack in town, the Silver Claws."

  As much as I wanted to hear what was sure to be a dark tale, I had to stay on track. "What's the name of your Alpha?"

  His face soured as if his last swallow of alcohol was too bitter. "Dominic."

  My heart pounded so fast and sudden, a sharp pain shot through my body. I sucked in a breath and gripped the edge of the bar, trying to control the bloodthirsty growl threatening to spill from my mouth. Good thing Ryder was drunk, or he'd have noticed my reaction instantly.

  "Is he a good Alpha?" I ground the words through my gritted teeth.

  He met my gaze, his eyes intense. "Listen, I don't know what brought you to Rouen, but this city isn't safe, especially for a female shifter who doesn't have a pack. You should leave."

  I tried to act casual, but the truth spilled out. "I wish I could. But thanks for the warning."

  He studied me, and for a brief moment his gaze softened as he saw a glimpse of the pain I carried with me daily. I know he saw it because I also caught a glimpse of his. Somehow, we were similar in many ways.

  I quickly shook my head and forced my body to relax. No bonding allowed. I had a job to do.

  "Thanks for the drinks," he said, "but I gotta run." Sliding off the stool, he stood up, swaying slightly. He stuffed hi
s hands into his jeans’ pockets and flashed me one more saddened look. "See you around."

  I nodded a goodbye and distracted myself by washing off the counter. I wondered if his path in life was set from a young age, just as mine was. I frowned, trying not to worry about him too much. If I began to care, that might get me in trouble when it came time to smash heads.

  The Silver Claws were definitely trouble. One of their own members wasn't happy and that was never good. An unhappy member becomes a danger to the pack, my father used to say.

  The night progressed slowly after that. I attempted to speak to other shifters, but none of them were as loose-lipped as Ryder. I made a mental note to befriend him if I saw him again; he might make a good ally down the road. My shift had almost ended and with the late hour, the crowd had begun to thin.

  Eddie came over to me. "You did well tonight. Before you leave, make sure to complete that paperwork. My business has to be perfect."

  "Jeez. Is the mob running city council or something?" I wiped at a spill on the counter.

  His face darkened. "Or something. Just do it."

  "Sure, no prob—" A familiar scent alerted all my senses, and I straightened.

  "Are you okay?"

  "Uh-huh." I searched the crowd, my heart hammering against my ribcage. "Can I get off a few minutes early?"

  "I don't see why not."

  I was already untying my apron and stepping out of the bar, afraid I would lose him again. Silas was in the bar. I could smell him like week-old leftovers.

  Maneuvering around the remaining customers, I headed toward the back of the club, following the strong scent of hot dogs masked with cheap pine-smelling cologne. You could dress up a dog, but that didn't change the fact that he was a murderer with cheap taste.

  I stepped behind a couple dancing, scanning the crowd. Where was he? I squinted into the flashing lights illuminating splashes of people every few seconds.

  Then my racing heart stopped. Cold.

  Silas was there again, stiff cane in hand and talking in the shadows with a tall and broad-shouldered shifter. I only needed to see this new shifter's profile to know who it was. The bastard who lead the slaughter against my family: Dominic De'Angelo.

  Chapter 5

  Rage burned in my stomach, and I gripped my hands in fists at my side, wishing I could tear something apart. I would've done it too, if I wouldn't have drawn attention to myself.

  Instead, I pushed forward eagerly, ready to move in for the kill, but out of nowhere Samira stepped in front of me. One second my path was clear, and in the next she was just there. Instinctively, I threw my fist. She caught it in her hand, staring me down. I didn't even know she was here tonight, which was bad on me.

  I yanked my hand out of hers. "You shouldn't sneak up on people like that."

  I tried to get past her, but she blocked my way again. "What the hell? Move."

  "This isn't the time."

  Well, wasn't she a nosey little vamp? "Every time is ass-kicking time." I kept my gaze on Dominic, watching his every move. If he left, I needed to know.

  She grabbed my arm in a vice-like grip. "There's a better way. You don't know what you're getting into."

  This got my attention, and I pulled my gaze away from Dominic for a brief second. "What do you know?"

  She let go of my arm. "This is the second time you've attempted to approach the leaders of the Silver Claws since coming to town. You're new here and don't understand the rules. People don't just talk to them. It has to be arranged."

  "Leave me the fuck alone." My wolf followed the words up with an angry growl. Spouting off rules to me, as if they matter? I was not part of their pack. I pushed at her, trying to get her out of the way, but she didn't budge. Stupid, strong vamps. "This is none of your business."

  "I don't know you well, but you don't seem suicidal."

  Giving up, mostly because I looked like an idiot, I stared into her eyes. "You have no idea what I am."

  "If you approach them now, certain death will follow."

  "That's my plan. Killing them. Now for the last time, move."

  Instead of moving out of my way, she grabbed my arm and pulled me around to face the main part of the bar. "Look around, you fool! Do you think they aren't protected?"

  As if on command, the hairs on the back of my neck stood on end, and I instantly knew there was power here I hadn't noticed before. I looked around, eyeing the dancing shifters and humans. Everything looked the same as it was an hour ago. "What are you talking about?"

  "Don't be weak. There is great strength in you. I sensed it the moment I saw you. Use your strengths to make you powerful. Look again, but with your wolf eyes."

  I raised my eyebrow, and my wolf instincts hackled. Who the hell was she? A vampire Jedi?

  She stared me down with a deadly look. Emphasis on the deadly part.

  I sighed. "Fine."

  After making sure Dominic hadn't moved, I inhaled a breath and called upon my wolf. Her strength surged inside me, and a chill broke across my flesh. Had someone looked at me, they probably would've seen my eyes flash a brilliant yellow.

  I scanned the crowd again, this time looking with my supernatural eyes. They were drawn to those with power. I recognized them immediately. Witches. Three of them to be exact. One on the balcony and two down below on opposite ends of the club. They looked eerily similar, with long blond hair and vibrant blue eyes. If I had to guess, I'd say they were related. All three were focused on Silas and Dominic.

  Their power weaved through the room and now that I felt it, I was surprised I hadn't noticed it before. I was always good at spotting magical creatures; it was a gift of mine. And yet, their power was so strong it pulsed and flowed through my whole body to the beat of my heart. It made my face flush with its intensity. They must have cloaking powers, and that made me very afraid. Not of their power necessarily, but that it had worked so well on me.

  I gulped in a breath as fear turned my blood cold.

  A very powerful Alpha with three kick-ass witches.

  Samira stepped closer to me and whispered a dark warning in my ear. "You see them now? They protect Dominic and anyone close to him. At least one of them will always be with Dominic. If you were to approach them without an invite, you would instantly become paralyzed. Then they would take you in for questioning, a most unpleasant experience."

  "What makes Dominic so special that he needs such strong witches to watch over him?"

  Her eyes bored into mine, forcing me to pay attention to her words. "Dominic is part of the Ministry. He's one of the nine leaders, which grants him certain protections."

  My eyes widened, surprised. I'd never met anyone on the Ministry, the governing force over the Principes Noctis. The Principes Noctis was a growing group of supernaturals who held the belief that we should rule over humans. It worried me to know they held a presence in Rouen. I thought they were mostly up north. "And the witches?"

  "They're the Morgans. Sisters. And extremely powerful."

  "More powerful than you? And me?" I quickly added.

  She averted her gaze. "Possibly."

  I shivered.

  "You should be afraid," she said. "They strike first and ask questions later."

  "Why are you telling me this? I don't think it's out of the goodness of your dead heart."

  Samira stared at me deadpan, her usual expression. "Because one of them has taken an interest in you."

  This got my attention. Luke had said almost the exact same thing. "Come again? I've only been in town for eight days."

  I hadn't been worried about anyone recognizing me because I went by a different name now. Her comment made me rethink that position. I needed to be more careful.

  I glanced again at Dominic; Eddie had joined him and Silas. Whatever they were talking about, Eddie didn't look happy.

  "You don't know?" Samira asked.

  "Know what?"

  "Did you not investigate your new roommates before choosing to cohabitate wit
h us? That is terribly lazy." She tsked me like she would a small child.

  Anger rolled into my stomach. "I wasn't expecting a nosy, bitchy dead girl to worm her way into my new place. As for Lynx, she's your typical college frat girl obsessed with brand names and—" I clammed up. And magic. "Lynx is a Morgan?"

  She nodded curtly. "You coming probably wasn't an accident. If I were you, I'd leave town immediately. You shouldn't become any more involved than you already are."

  "What about you? Why are you here?"

  She stared off into the distance. "I've been involved for decades."

  I wrinkled my nose. "What's that supposed to mean?"

  She leaned toward me. "Just leave town. This isn't your fight."

  "That's where you're wrong." Dominic and Silas were moving again, heading toward the rear of the club. There must be a back door. Eddie walked the other direction. "Look, I have to go. Thanks for the warning, but it's that time again. Ass-kicking time."

  This time, when I stepped past her, she didn't stop me.

  Careful not to let the witches know where I was headed, I threaded through the crowd, stopping to mingle to disguise my movements. From the corner of my eye, I spotted the witch who was on the balcony walking down the stairs. Another one had followed Dominic into the back.

  Damnit. I wouldn't be able to go after them without being spotted.

  Circling back to the front door, I ducked outside and sniffed the air. The sidewalks were filled with dancing people holding plastic cups filled with beer high in the air. Someone else handed out purple and green beads, along with flyers for the more 'adult' bars. Another woman moved about drunkenly screaming, “Laissez les bon temps rouler!” at anyone who came near her. I had only taken a few years of French in high school. She was either saying, ‘Let the good times roll’ or ‘Let me take you for a roll’.

  I tread through the group quickly, searching for Dominic. I spotted him just as he turned the corner, heading toward the alley behind the bar. His dark hair and tan skin blended into the night. I dove into the crowd, using my wolfie powers to walk quietly and lithely among them. I stopped at the corner and leaned against the wall, casually glancing around. No one was paying any attention to me.