Shifted Perceptions (Alpha Division)

by C. E. Black

  “That’s what I thought too, but I was wrong. Again.” He shook his head. “This has been one big clusterfuck after another. We were so sure that mission Wild Hunt was over, but it seems our problems are only getting bigger. Someone is distributing massive amounts of this drug and we need to find out who.”

  Teij pointed to a large map in the center of the table. “Whoever this guy is, he likes to keep himself hidden from all operations. He’s got small groups all over the country and with the help of the other Divisions, and the government, we know of a few that we’ll be infiltrating. This one’s ours,” he said, pointing to a tiny dot in the foothills of North Carolina.

  “They’ve taken over this small town and not a single word got out about it. How, I don’t know, but we’re going to find out. This group is fairly large, a mix of humans and shifters. They don’t discriminate when it comes to their members, and they’re using this town to house and distribute some nasty things. Drugs, weapons... Who knows what else.

  “Red, you're my man for this one. I want you undercover and inside. Get in with the leader and find out what’s happening and when.”

  “Yes, Sir,” Red nodded.

  “We’ll be keeping an eye on you,” Teij reassured. None of us cared for the undercover missions. Too many things could go wrong and without sufficient back up it was worse.

  Teij continued handing out orders, preparing us for one of the largest missions we’d had to date, and I planned to make sure nothing went to hell. I would be paying attention this time. No traitor was going to take my men out. Not this time.

  Chapter 4

  2 months later...

  So, this was Cedar Hill, I thought, as I looked back and forth down the main street. It was one of those small towns that you’d see on a post card. Quaint buildings lined the street, inviting and picturesque. It was the type of place that gave off peace and tranquility, but I knew better. Something darker lay behind the scene. If you looked close enough, you’d see more than just the happy family skipping into the ice cream parlor next to you. If you kept your eyes open, you’d see what was beneath the facade. Like the two guys leaning against their car parked only meters away from me. They were trying not to stare, but I knew they were watching me.

  I also saw another group of men farther down the road. They leaned against the brick, pretending to be in friendly conversation, but I could see how their hands hovered over their waistbands. And their guns.

  I sighed. Hopefully once this was done, peace would be more than skin deep for this town.

  Gripping the strap of my backpack, I hitched it up my shoulder and made my way across the street to the small diner. Not only was I hungry, diners in small towns were the best way to get the scoop, and this small town had heaps to scoop.

  I didn’t have a whole lot of time, so going to where the most gossip happened was my best bet. Not only could I get more info on what was happening and who was doing it, my presence would spread as well. Maybe someone would approach me before the day was over.

  The smells assaulted my sensitive nose before I even pushed on the door. The smell of frying potatoes and meats was almost disgusting, but I was hungry enough to ignore it. I also tried to ignore the stares. As soon as I stepped into Melba’s, all sound stopped, as they gaped at the new girl.

  As I let my eyes adjust to the dim light, the noise slowly came back. Silverware clinked and people began talking again, though, in hushed tones. Even if I hadn’t had super hearing I would have known they were talking about me – Speculating.

  Shrugging, I looked around the restaurant, seeing only one seat left, the last booth in the back. Perfect. It had a clear view of the other tables as well as the door. But as I slid into the booth, I began wondering if it was a mistake. The place went silent again. So silent, even the sound of dishes in the back being washed stopped.

  Sliding off my backpack and setting it beside me, I looked up to see the whole place glaring back at me. I raised an eyebrow and all but one person looked away.

  A woman across the room kept her eyes on me. She was pretty, with long, dirty blonde hair curled around her shoulders. Her blue eyes were intense, as she studied me. There was something about her, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. She smelled human, so that wasn’t the issue.

  She continued to stare, which was beginning to annoy the hell out of me, so I winked at her. It did what it was suppose to. She blushed and looked away. Strange, I thought, as I picked up a menu that was on the table.

  “Sugar, you may want to change seats.” I knew she was there, but I was surprised by her statement, though, I didn’t show it.

  Keeping my eyes on the menu I said, “Can’t. This was the only seat not taken.”

  “Well, you see...” Not only could I hear the nerves in her voice, but anxiety was coming off all of these people like a wave, battering at me from every side.

  Taking a deep breath, I looked up at the older woman, noticing how beautiful she was. With her silver hair perfectly coiled on the top of her head and the way her blue eyes sparkled, I could tell she had been a bombshell when she were younger. She carried herself with confidence, yet the wrinkles in her brow told me of worry.

  “This table is reserved,” she said.

  “Oh, I’m sorry, but I didn’t see a sign.”

  “There’s not, but Stone always sits there.”

  “Stone?” I asked. “Like Stone Cold?” I knew my voice was skeptical as well as mocking, but I couldn’t help it.

  “Yes,” she said, her face pinched with disapproval. “He wouldn’t like it if his seat wasn’t ready for him when he comes in.”

  “Are you expecting him anytime soon?”

  “Well, no, sugar, but it’s a bad idea to get in Stone’s way. Best to keep this booth empty, just in case.” I raised an eyebrow at that. What the hell would this guy do if his precious booth was occupied. I’d love to find out, I thought with an inner smile.

  “How about this? I’m not planning on staying long. In fact, I’m only having the simple breakfast and an ice water,” I said, pointing to the menu. “If he comes in while I’m still here, I’ll think about moving. Okay?”

  Another hush went through the crowd, along with a few gasps. Now, I really was interested in seeing this guy show up.

  “Your funeral, sugar,” she said coolly before walking away. To get my food, I hoped, as I felt my stomach growl.

  She had in fact put in my order and it arrived in no time, and as I sat quietly eating my eggs over medium and whole wheat toast, the crowd had gone back to speaking quietly among themselves. I got a pitying look every once in a while, making me wonder if this guy Stone was as bad as the waitress made him out to be. If so, I really wanted to meet him. Could he be part of the organization I was here for? I hoped so.

  The door to the restaurant opened just as I picked up my water to take a sip. Another hush went over the patrons and I used my peripheral vision to see all eyes focus on the entrance. I didn’t look, only continued to eat, as if I had no clue the man everyone feared had just found his booth occupied.

  It was so quiet, the only thing heard was the sound of my utensils tapping the plate as I scooped up some buttery grits, then the moan I exaggerated, as I closed my mouth around the fork. Grabbing my toast, I sopped up some egg yolk and took a bite. Delicious, I thought with an inner grin and another groan of appreciation.

  “Barry’s food is good when you’re starving and in need of a somewhat home cooked meal, but I know for a fact it’s not that good,” a deep voice said beside me.

  I hate to admit it, but I almost jumped. Paying more attention to goading him than where he was, almost had me losing my cool. And so did the sight of the man himself.

  My eyes ran up his tight form, starting with his worn tennis shoes all the way up his loose gray sweats. The dark blue hoodie was unzipped, showing off a tight white T-shirt that looked worn and slightly sweaty. I was confident that he’d just finished with a run.

  My gaze finally made i
t to his face. To say he was good looking would have been an understatement. He had a lean jaw with just enough facial hair, causing me to want to reach up and rub my palm across the rough bristles. And the color was a nice dark blond, not quite brown, blending in with his tanned skin. My green eyes met his gray ones, and I smiled politely.

  “May I sit?” he asked, gesturing to the empty booth.

  Just then, the too quiet diner exploded with noise, as chairs scraped across the floor. I winced at the sound, as I peered around my visitor to see most of the customers heading for the door. Except for the girl. She was staring at me again, though, this time those curious blue eyes were cold and glaring.

  “Looks like there’s plenty of places to sit,” I said, as I glanced back at him. He didn’t turn to look, just nodded before surprising the shit out of me and sitting down right next to me.

  “Yes, but I prefer this table,” he said, then looked directly at me. “And this seat.”

  I scooted over automatically, as our legs brushed and I narrowed my eyes. Who the hell... I let the thought drift, as I remembered I had a role to play. So, instead of flashing fire like I really wanted to, I smiled.

  “Well, sure, you and everybody else. You know, the waitress was just telling me about this asshole that comes in here everyday wanting this same booth. She even asked me to move. Can you believe that? Some guy scaring people over a restaurant table? Some people, I swear,” I said, making sure I added enough southern drawl without sounding too fake. Now it was his turn to narrow his eyes, though, I only smiled politely, as I shook my head.

  “Sir, here’s your coffee. Do you want your usual?” The waitress asked, as she stepped up to the table. Her hands shook, as she placed the coffee mug down in front of the angry looking man, though her tone was calm.

  “Yes, Mary, the usual is fine.”

  “Anything else? I made my special breakfast bread this morning. Would you like some?” Mary asked, her voice so sweet, I was sure I felt a sharp ache in my tooth. This woman sure knew how to kiss ass.

  “No, thank you,” he said politely, yet I could tell from his tone that he wanted her to leave.

  Mary hurried off and I turned to my food. I watched him from the corner of my eye, as I picked up my fork and began eating again. His back was ramrod straight, his muscles tense. I also noticed how his jaw ticked, and when he looked at me with those light gray eyes, it suddenly hit me. He looked solid and stiff, as if someone had shoved a stick up his ass. The name Stone definitely fit.

  “So, are you new in town?” he asked.

  “Just got here actually.”

  “Where are you staying?”

  I took a sip of water and raised an eyebrow. Placing the glass down, I licked my lips and gave him a wary look. “Why do you want to know?”

  He shrugged, “Just curious.”

  Curious my ass. “Well, my mama always told me not to tell people that kind of personal information. Especially good looking men like yourself. You might be a serial killer or something. Are you a serial killer or something?” I asked, as I narrowed my eyes playfully.

  “Or something,” he said, his lips twitching, as he took a sip of his black coffee. “I just wanted to make sure you found a roof over your head before nightfall. There’s only one hotel in town, unless you’re staying with family? Friends?”

  “Nope,” Is all I said to his inquiry. He was being too damn nosy. “So what’s your name?”

  Just as he opened his mouth, a feminine voice interrupted, “His name is Stone.” The waitress placed his plate down in front of him as she spoke. I couldn’t see his face, but whatever expression he wore must have been scary, because the waitress's eyes got huge. “Sorry, sir,” she murmured before running off, as if fire were licking at her shoes.

  “Stone?” I asked. “That’s really your name?”

  He sighed, before turning to look at me, all traces of anger gone. “Yeah, that’s what they call me.” His voice sounded resigned, which had my curiosity peaking, but I didn’t have time for it now.

  “I can see why,” I murmured.

  His eyebrows furrowed for a second before he burst out laughing, startling me and the few patrons left. They all looked at him as if he’d grown two heads before glancing at me with the same expression. I could only shrug, as I got lost in his laughter. It was deep, masculine and called out for me to join, but I didn’t. I played it cool and ate the last of my toast, as he calmed down.

  “You’re something you know that?” He looked down at me thoughtfully.

  “If you say you’re or something, and now, I’m something, what does that say about us?”

  “That we’re... something?” He grinned. I couldn’t help but laugh at that.

  “Well, that sure is interesting, and I’d love to talk more about something, but I got to head out. What was the name of that hotel?”

  “Cedar Hill Inn. It’s just a block up the street. Need a lift?”

  “No thanks, I’ll walk,” I said, as I motioned for him to let me out of the booth.

  “Did your mama tell you not to take rides from strangers too?” Stone stood up and I scooted out of my seat. When I stood next to him, I had to look up, of course. I was 5’7”, but the men in my life usually towered over me.

  “Actually, no. That’s how she met my daddy,” I said and we both laughed. “Okay, I lied, she said not to get into cars with strangers that offer me candy. You don’t have any candy do you?”

  Stone shook his head, “Nope, no candy here.”

  “That’s too bad.” My voice held a hint of dismay. “I don’t always listen to my mama. See ya around.” I winked before turning on my heels and heading toward the door. His open mouth was enough to make me grin.

  “What’s your name?” he called out just as I touched the door.

  I turned and smiled. “Foxy.”

  “I’ll definitely be seeing you around, Foxy.” His tone held the heat of a promise, causing warmth to pool in my stomach, though, I was pretty sure it had been more of a threat.

  Shrugging it off, I smiled and said, “Sure, and by the way? Thanks for breakfast.” The gasps from inside the diner had me shaking my head, as I left Stone with my bill. If that didn’t get his attention, I didn’t know what would.

  Chapter 5

  I easily found the hotel. Stone had been right, it was only two blocks from the diner and on the same side of the street. I didn’t head that way at first, though. I spent the whole afternoon shopping in the small stores, picking out new clothes, as I hadn’t brought much luggage with me. I ate lunch at a cafe and walked some more, before finally heading to the hotel. Once checked in, I found my room and went in, shutting the door behind me.

  Closing my eyes, I leaned against the door and breathed a sigh of relief to be alone. I had been followed, which I knew would happen. I was counting on it, though, I didn’t like it. And that’s why I spent all day running around. Not only did it amuse me to piss off my stalkers, and I did piss them off. I’d heard them sigh in exasperation more than once. But also, I needed them to think I was in the room for the night.

  From the diner experience, I learned that Stone was probably the leader of the group. It confused me, though, because he was human. How a human became the leader of a mix of shifters and humans, I didn’t know. But I planned to find out. The first thing I needed to do was follow him. I’d let his goons think I was safely in my room for a while, before I went hunting.

  Opening my eyes to look around my new home for God knew how long, I stiffened, my eyes narrowing in anger. “What the hell are you doing here?”

  Paul stood slowly from the chair he’d been sitting in, but for his own safety, didn’t come any closer. Smart boy. He took one step toward me. Or not.

  “Teij sent me to watch over you.”

  Oh, that prick! I loved Teij, but really? Did he have to send Paul? “I don’t need you here.”

  He only shrugged, as his dark eyes studied me. I didn’t miss the way they flickered over my
body, and I widened my stance ready to kick his ass if he stepped out of place.

  “Teij said to come, so I’m here. Whether you want me or not. I have to follow orders, and you know it.”

  I snorted, “You don’t give a shit about orders, Paul.” I saw him wince, but I didn’t care. “How is this suppose to work? They’ll be suspicious if there’s two of us and neither of us will get any closer to that organization.”

  “I’m just here to watch your back, nothing more. No one will know I’m here, I promise.” He wasn’t begging me to stay, he was only stating a fact and I knew there was nothing I could do. Yes, I could fight, cry, and whine all day, but it wouldn’t change a damn thing. Orders were orders.

  “I need you to keep me in the loop at all times. I need to know where you are and who you’re with.”

  “What am I, fifteen? You’re not my daddy, Paul!”

  Paul raised a mocking eyebrow while I fumed. “Orders, Foxy. If you’ve got a problem with it, talk to Teij.”

  Dammit! He knew I wouldn’t call Teij. That would only be another ass chewing and he knew it.

  My teeth ground together, as we stared each other down. Paul’s expression was his usual mask of indifference. His dark looks gave him an air of arrogance that I hated. He was always so intense, I couldn’t tell what he was thinking or wanting half the time. All I knew was that he annoyed me like nobody else could.

  And damn! I just remembered what I had planned. “Fine! Just try not to be such an ass. This mission is tense enough without you driving me crazy too.”

  His eyebrow shot up again and I swear his dark eyes sparkled. “I drive you crazy?” he asked, his voice dropping to a husky drawl.

  I rolled my eyes and set my bags down. I pulled out some clothes and headed toward the bathroom. “I’m taking a shower.”

  “Want company?”

  “No,” I said, slamming the door behind me. Sighing, I locked the door before setting my clothes by the sink. I turned on the shower full blast and pulled off my tank and shorts, folding them neatly beside my clean clothes.