by Raven Steele
"What's in the bags?"
"I went to that boutique shop where Lynx works. It was a pretty cool place but pricey. I wouldn't have bought anything without using Lynx’s discount.” I eyed her sideways. “You should check it out. The all black thing you’ve got going on is depressing.” She didn’t respond except to give me her biggest deadpan, eat shit look, so I continued. “Have you ever met her mother? I don't think I've met a bigger bitch."
She sat up. "Please tell me you did not have an altercation with her."
"Well if you don’t call her throwing me into a wall an altercation, then no. We had a lovely time."
She sucked in air through her teeth and shook her head. "You are going to ruin everything. Why are you even here?"
I faced her, turning to cross my legs on the couch. "What could I possibly ruin? This city doesn’t need my help with that."
She came to her feet. "So far, all you've done is get in a fight with everyone in your path. There are things you don't understand, politics you can’t fathom. You need to stay out of the way or bad things are going to happen."
I stood up to face her, my hands clenched at my side. “Yeah, well, maybe I'm trying to stop some of those bad things. Personally, I think what I’m working on is far more important than what you’ve got going on. Why don't you show me your bad thing, and I'll show you mine?"
There was a chance whatever she was planning might seriously affect my plans for Dominic. I couldn't let anyone or anything stop me from killing him. The motion had been put in place the moment he killed my parents and no amount of force could stop it. Anyone who tried to stop me would only end up hurt. By the determined expression on Samira's face, her goal was just as fierce.
So it was going to be like that.
Samira spoke slowly, as if I were her idiot little sister. “You must stay away. It’s taken me years to get where I’m at, and all will go according to my plan as long as you leave the Silver Claws alone. This is your final warning."
"I’d like to see you try and stop me.” I took a step toward her, my eyes glowing yellow. There was no way I was going to let goth girl stop me, powerful vampire or not. I let my wolf surface and fur erupted on the tops of my fingers. I held my hands out by my side, ready for an attack.
It would take me exactly two seconds to shift, but that would be two seconds too slow for a vampire like her. I had to be ready in half a second. I just hoped throwing a coffee table at her face would slow her down long enough for me to shift.
Instead of fighting, she inhaled a sudden breath and stepped back, breaking the tension in the room. I stared at her in shock. There was no doubt she could break my neck—I could see the raging power in her eyes stronger than any ocean storm—but for some reason, she decided to back down. I was hella impressed.
I followed her lead and relaxed, knowing no good would come from us fighting. She wasn’t my enemy, not yet. She just had plans that didn’t align with mine.
She attempted a smile, but it only served to show her sharp teeth. “We’re roommates and must be civil. At least for tonight, stay away from the Silver Claws."
“I have to work anyway. What do you have going on with them?"
"I have a meeting with Dominic and Silas."
My eyebrows lifted. "You have a job?"
"I'm the Silver Claws’ accountant."
I stared at her, blinked a few times. "Okay, so the whole accountant thing doesn't surprise me. Well, maybe a little. You’re an old vampire. Don’t you have enough money to avoid the general work day in your life?"
"I have more wealth than you could ever imagine, but I happen to like numbers. Plus, it helps me get close to certain people in the city."
"And there's the part I don't understand. Why would you ever want to work with someone like Dominic?"
"That’s something I cannot tell you. Just know, I am no friend of his, just like I sense he is no friend of yours."
I nodded. "That’s one thing we can agree on. I’ll stay away from Dominic’s place tonight."
She stiffly lowered her head in acknowledgment. So formal. I wondered what she’d act like drunk, if she'd be able to let loose. I’d have to try it once, just as an experiment.
I left Samira and headed to my room. Whatever she had going on, I needed to figure it out to make sure it wouldn’t interfere with my plans. I couldn’t have Dominic or Silas disappearing. I needed to get inside the Silver Claws and fast. Maybe I would go visit them tonight, despite what I told Samira. Maybe I could even spy on her and learn what she's up to.
I’d have to be a better spy than before though. Damn those witches.
As soon as I arrived at work, I walked straight to Eddie's office with my paperwork. He stared out a big window that allowed him to look over the club below.
"Every 'T' is crossed and every 'I' dotted. No IRS bastard will be bothering you." I held out the paperwork.
When he didn’t take it, I shook the papers. “Jeez, with all the grief you’ve been giving me, I thought you’d have filed them in two seconds.”
He looked up. “Huh?”
I raised my eyebrows. “The IRS. My papers.” I gave him a ‘duh’ look.
“Oh.” He took the papers from me. “I wish it was just the IRS who I had problems with."
I frowned, intrigued he was actually speaking to me about this. "When did Luke’s boss become such a problem for you?"
He went back to staring out the window. “It's not just me. It's every business in the city. They insist on taking a portion of our profits in the name of security, saying it’s to protect us from outside gangs. Of course, we all know they're just taking our money.” He had this weird look on his face, like he was surprised by his sudden confession, but he didn’t stop. “And there’s nothing we can do. Especially since they have the Morgans on their side."
The hopeless look in his eyes fanned the flames I already had simmering within me.
Eddie may not be a model citizen in the community, but he was one of the best bosses I’d ever had. I could tell only after a few days that he was going to treat me right.
“What about the police? Can't they do anything?" Even as I said it, I knew the answer. What could a human police force ever do to stop a large pack of werewolves and a power-hungry witch family?
He laughed and shook his head. "As if the police mean something in this city. All they're good for is writing parking tickets and altering police reports.”
"Maybe things will change soon."
“I hope so, but it’s unlikely. Not unless someone with real power challenges them.”
I lowered my gaze. I had real power, instilled upon me when I had shifted at an early age, not that I really understood it. But was it enough to break a whole pack and destroy a witch coven? Maybe, but only if I could fracture it from within. An outside attack would never work.
His head jerked up. “Don’t get any ideas in that hard head of yours. There’s nothing you can do to help. Too big of a problem.” When I didn’t say anything, he glanced to the bar and stood up. “Bar’s getting busy. You’d better get going before butterfingers gets into too much trouble.”
We shared a chuckle. So even he knew how much Peeper sucked.
I headed downstairs, thinking about what he’d said. I really liked him. Even if I didn’t stay long enough to get to know him well, I’d stay long enough to help him. I was going to have to do something about this.
Because it was a Friday night, the crowds came early and ready to party. Their excitement rubbed off on me, and I had more fun than usual, inviting people from the audience to join in my show. I even let a couple of guys take a shot from my belly button. This got me a disapproving look from Eddie, but he had to admit, the energy in his club had gone up ten notches.
As the night wore on and it grew closer to the end of my shift, I began to feel antsy. A job to earn money was important, but not as important as my real job.
The bar was settled. I had primed the crowd, and all Peeper had to do was deliver. His tips
should be better than ever.
I really wanted to get off early and be more proactive against the Silver Claws. People were being hurt, specifically my supercool boss. I know what I had told Samira, but surely, she would understand this. Besides, I’d be careful.
As soon as I saw Eddie at the bar, I snagged him. "Hey, I know I still have an hour before the end of my shift, but do you think I could get off early? I bet butterfingers can handle the rest of the night.” I pointed my thumb back at Peeper, who was trying to throw one of the plastic bottles into the air. I’d given up trying to teach him, but he was intent on learning.
Eddie glanced at Peeper and then looked back at me. "Everything okay?"
"I just have something important to do."
"I guess. This is the largest crowd I’ve had in a long time, and I think having you here had something to do with that. Even if I may not always agree with your methods.” His eyes narrowed, but he was also trying not to smile.
"Thanks, boss. I’ll work extra on my next shift or something." I removed my apron and shoved it under the counter.
I was just about to walk out the front doors when I spotted Lynx up on the balcony with her mother. She looked especially upset. Her mother did too, but I had a suspicion that was her permanent expression. Torn, I almost turned around to check on Lynx. She’d already helped me a lot more than most people would’ve, but the pull to get out of there was greater. I had to get to the Silver Claws and see what I could do to destroy them.
One problem at a time.
Ever since Eddie had told me how businesses were being targeted, I knew I had to do something. This wasn’t just about me anymore. I clenched my jaw.
Survival had been the name of the game for a long time. Until revenge became a sweeter option.
And soon, Dominic and Silas were going to see how sweet I could taste.
Chapter 12
After hitching another ride from Roma to Fire Ridge, I walked up to the opening of the large, metal gate, blocking the road to the mansion. The sun had set moments ago, yet a warm breeze still blew through the trees smelling like lilacs with a hint of ambrosia. There was no one at the gate, but there was a camera. I bet someone showed up in the next thirty seconds.
It only took ten.
A car came skidding around the corner of the dirt road, its back sliding to the side. A plume of dust trailed behind it. When it came to a stop, two large burly men jumped from the vehicle. They looked familiar, I think I recognized them from the night before.
The darker haired of the two walked toward me, his expression tight with muscles bulging on both sides of his jaw. He was massive, his chest rounded in all the right places. "State your business.”
The other shifter, also built like a dump truck, raised a gun and pointed it at me. The hair on the back of my neck stood on end, and I suppressed the growl threatening to erupt from me.
I lifted my hands, trying to calm them and my wolf down. “Relax boys. I just came to let you know that I liked what I saw last night. And I'm all in. Sign me up."
"Hey, Gerald.” The light-haired brute elbowed the brown-haired one. “It’s that woman. The one who escaped.”
Gerald looked from him to me.
"I'm your girl.” I tried to look non-threatening. Guns was something I didn’t mess with. You never knew if they held silver bullets. “I got a good look at what kind of pack this is, and I’m kind of digging the whole power trip thing. My momma always told me I was drawn to power like a moth wants to fly." I wrinkled my nose. “That’s not right. What’s the phrase?”
“Like a moth to a flame.” Gerald puffed out his chest.
I smiled. “You’re not as dumb as you look! So where do I sign up?”
Gerald chuckled, but his friend was a little more hesitant. Maybe he sensed the true strength of my power. Gerald began to open the gate. "You'll be lucky if Dominic lets you wash our dishes. Now be a good wolf and follow us to containment. We have lots of questions for you."
I didn't like the sound of containment. I imagined it a place I might be trapped in for a while. "Take me straight to your Alpha."
Gerald glanced at his friend. “You hear that, Toby? I figured this woman stupid, but I didn't think she was crazy.” He turned back to me. “There's no way you're going to meet our Alpha. You're a nobody."
I grit my teeth. “Just take me to Dominic or even Silas."
"Lady, you're not going to be talking to either one of them for a very long time. You have to work your way up the pack’s social ladder.”
I narrowed my eyes, my gaze flickering to both of them as I tried to assess who the better fighter was. I focused on Gerald. “How about we make a little wager? Let’s fight to submission, you and I. If you win, take me to your bunker or whatever containment is. But if I win, you take me directly to Dominic.”
Both Gerald and Toby snickered.
"Lady, you have a deal. I would be honored to physically muzzle you while I straddle that tight body of yours.”
Ugh. Why were guys always such pigs? I took off my jacket and tossed it to the ground, giving them my crazy smile. "Let's do this. I've been needing a fight all day."
"No shifting,” Toby warned. “Human forms only.”
“You bet.”
Gerald ambled toward me, ramming his beefy fist into his open palm. He was trying to be intimidating, but he was only letting me know which hand was his hitting hand. My breathing increased as adrenaline poured through my veins. I centered my base and lowered into a defensive position.
Gerald sneered, his nose flaring at the excitement. “I bet I pin you in three moves."
"I bet I get you in one."
Growling, Gerald lunged for me. He swung his fist straight toward my face. I ducked.
Anticipating his follow through hit, I spun on my heel. His second swing missed, and he stumbled forward.
I usually took advantage of this mistake by crashing my fist into my opponent’s kidneys, but I wanted to give him his third try.
"That's two,” I gloated.
His brows drew thick over his eyes, and he danced on his feet like a boxer. He was quick, but I was quicker.
The next and final swing, I stepped to my left and jabbed my own fist into his throat, collapsing his larynx. His head snapped back, eyes wide. Elation flooded my body.
Money shot.
He leaned forward, sucking in a rattling breath. I slammed into him, bringing him to the ground. Dust billowed around him.
As soon as we were down, I straddled him and punched his face. I growled, trying to get him to submit.
Instead, he pushed at me, trying to throw me off. I leaned forward and slammed my hands on the ground above his head. I shoved my knees up higher around his chest, forcing his arms up around his neck. Moonlight illuminated the shock in his green eyes.
I grinned down at him, breathing heavily. “Look who’s straddling who.”
He grappled his arms, trying to hit my face, but he could barely move his arms, much less punch me. I shoved my left knee up higher, forcing his head to squish against his shoulder. Now he just looked like an idiot. “Ready to call uncle?”
Instead of waiting for him to respond, I grabbed his wrist and, twisting my body, locked him in an arm bar.
He cried out.
I tightened it, just a notch. He slapped the ground with his free hand.
I put my hand to my ear. “I don’t hear you.” I arched my back. Any higher and I’d shatter his shoulder.
“Uncle!”
I gave his arm one last tug, just to remind him not to mess with me again. Then I released him.
He yanked his arm out and rolled over. I sat up and leaned over to catch my breath, still keeping my eye on them. Toby stared at me with his mouth wide open.
"What's your problem?" I stood and paced to let out my excess energy. My blood was still roaring through my ears. It had been too easy to take him down, and my wolf was still restless. "Haven't you ever seen your buddy get beat before? Really w
asn't that difficult. Kind of a letdown, actually.”
I shook out my hands, and my body began to relax.
Gerald moaned and rolled onto all fours. He slapped at Toby’s hand when he offered to help him up. "I got it."
“Now take me to Dominic,” I ordered. “I want to get this over with." I walked to their vehicle and slid into the backseat, slightly disappointed. Because of Gerald’s size, I expected him to put up a bigger fight. I really thought it would take me more moves to neutralize him. Sometimes it wasn't fun being right.
As Toby closed the gate, Gerald moved into the passenger seat. His shoulder was probably hurting pretty good; I hadn't been gentle. Even though he wasn’t showing pain, he was quiet.
Toby jumped into the driver’s seat, and we headed back down the long lane to the mansion. As he drove, Toby glanced at me several times in the rearview mirror. "You seriously have been a lone wolf this whole time?"
"Think I need a pack?"
"Hell, you could lead a pack."
"And have to deal with buffoons like you guys? I don't think so."
"Then why join now?" Gerald turned to look at me.
"Cold hard cash. I’m sick of working for peanuts. I heard the Silver Claws are the richest pack in the country. I want in on the action."
As soon as we pulled up to the mansion, I threw open the door. I didn’t wait for them to ask any more questions. Toby tried to grab my arm, but I yanked it out of his grasp.
He grumbled but didn’t try to take it again. I noticed Gerald wasn’t getting anywhere near me. Instead, they walked ahead of me, leading me up a set of long stairs and through dark, mahogany front doors.
Toby glanced at me over his shoulder. “He's this way. But don't blame us if he wants to beat you for interrupting his meeting."
"I wouldn't mind another fight."
Gerald just held his lips in a firm line. Toby split off to my left while Gerald moved to the right, motioning me to follow him. We moved down a long hallway. The deeper we moved, the more my body began to hum. I’d waited for this so long. The temptation to rush in and just snap his head from his body was strong. The fight with Gerald had just been an appetizer, but now I wanted more.
