by Dannika Dark
Dumbstruck, I turned my back to her so I could hide my frustration. “Explain.”
“To ensure no one is swindled, items are listed by authorized sellers only. For the trouble and risk to my reputation, I want a cut of the profit.”
I swung my eyes up to the gold ceiling. “How much?”
“Sixty percent.”
I whirled around. “Are you fucking kidding me?”
“It’s more than fair for putting my integrity on the line. How much could you possibly need?”
I did the numbers in my head. Sixty percent meant I needed at least a two-and-a-half million-dollar bid. “You’re not the only fat cat in town.”
“True. But I’m the only one who can get you that money in a short period of time. Try selling that thing on the streets. No one can vouch for its authenticity. Do you think you’ll get anything near its worth? When you look desperate for money, it puts you at a disadvantage.” She tipped her head to the side. “Face it, Raven. You need me.”
“Why not buy it from me direct? You can give me what I want and then turn around and sell it at auction. You’ll make a hell of a profit.”
“You want me to purchase something that was originally bought for me? What kind of fool do you take me for?”
I paced around and contemplated my options. Frankly, I had none. The only thing I had of value was the necklace. A necklace I should have wanted to be buried with, but now it didn’t hold the same sentiment as it once had, because it was never really mine to begin with.
“Fine. You can have your sixty percent. But only if the auction’s before the seventeenth, or there’s no deal.”
“You have my word. But keep in mind that a successful sale always relies on giving buyers advance notice of the items going up for bid. People have to do their research, make business arrangements, and travel. The less time we give them, the more unlikely it is that you’ll find interested buyers. A week or two isn’t enough, so I would advise that you book something in the summer to maximize your profits.”
“I don’t have that kind of time.”
“It’s your necklace.”
I reached around my neck and took it off. “Not anymore.”
AFTER SENDING General a message to confirm our deal, I headed back to Keystone. Not for good, just to let Viktor know that I had every intention of returning.
Switch called to assure me that Wizard would be working at the trailer all day, and with General off my back, I felt more at ease with leaving Crush alone. Somehow the fear of Fletcher going after him had diminished. As long as he was a free man, my father would always be in danger, but the threat didn’t appear to be imminent. I had to come to terms with my job putting those I loved in harm’s way. At least I could check on him more often. And nothing between us would ever be left unsaid.
When I pulled into the underground garage, I was relieved to see that Christian’s bike was gone. All big decisions deserve consideration, so it was important that I allow him time to think about it—to think about us. There was a lot at stake, but hopefully we could be civilized adults and continue as partners no matter what he decided.
Deep down, I was bracing for rejection. That would be the easiest choice. I couldn’t even entertain the alternative of him saying yes. The risk was as great as the payoff, and it scared the hell out of me. Would it be a mistake? All I could do was trust my instincts. Lenore’s return suddenly gave him options, and though he promised there was nothing between them, I couldn’t read his mind, let alone his heart.
When I entered Keystone, I smelled popcorn. I followed the scent trail up the stairs until I reached Wyatt’s office.
As I quietly peered in, Wyatt’s fingers were fastidiously typing away on the keyboard. Gem was on the sofa, filing her nails, with Claude snoozing on the other side. The only person watching TV was Hunter. I could see the top of his head poking out from one of the beanbag chairs. A strange feeling washed over me, something I had experienced when walking into Crush’s trailer. This place was more than just a roof over my head, and these people were more than just coworkers.
I belonged here.
Before I had a chance to announce my arrival, someone came up from behind and pulled me away from the door.
I turned and looked up at Niko, wondering why he was behaving so strangely.
He led me away from the room. “Your absence has been felt by us all. Have you returned for good?”
We stopped by a door, and I leaned against it. “Not yet. I have some unfinished business to wrap up, but I hope to come back.”
His black lashes fanned over his crystal-blue eyes as he looked down. “What makes you believe you won’t come back?”
He probably assumed I wanted to return to my old life and live with my father. That would explain my long absence. “I want to come back, Niko. I just don’t know what’s going to happen. I can’t talk about it.”
“Does it have to do with Christian?”
My eyebrows popped up. “Why would you ask that?”
“He’s been distant these past weeks. It’s not easy partnering up with others. Blue and I don’t always agree, but we don’t let it fracture the trust we have between each other.”
I rocked on my heels. “Once I finish up family matters, I’m coming back. I’ll just have to see what happens afterward. But right now, I’ve got a lot on my mind.”
“Your light is troubled. Are these grave matters? Is your father ill?”
I folded my arms and reclined my head against the door. “Nothing like that, but I can’t leave him right now. I assume Viktor told everyone, so I don’t care if you know. Hell, I’d rather you know. We have to leave behind our human life for obvious reasons, but I’ve never heard any rules regarding trusted humans. So from this point forward, he’s in my life again. I’m well aware of the dangers, but he’s already in enough trouble of his own.” I looked down at Niko’s black pants and saw he was barefoot. He must have followed my energy trail upstairs from the gym. “Is that what you wanted to ask me about? Why I left?”
He glanced around before answering. “I wanted to pull you aside and speak with you privately while I had the chance. Viktor knows about Cyrus.”
My jaw slackened. “I didn’t tell him.”
“I know. I did.”
“Did something happen?”
“It’s what I was afraid might happen if I didn’t make him aware of the danger. Patrick’s beheading left me unsettled. Cyrus isn’t here to lie low and wait for me to change my mind. He’s here to cause destruction, and it’s what I cannot predict he’ll do that concerns me the most. Shepherd also knows.”
“What did Viktor say?”
“He wants me to stay close to home. I can’t remain locked in here forever, nor will I. It’s unreasonable to expect me to always have an escort when I leave the house; that will hinder my ability to serve Keystone. Viktor hopes my absence will encourage Cyrus to come forward with demands and we can go from there. But as of yet we have received no message.” Niko leaned in, eyes looking right through me. “Have you seen Cyrus or his men during your time away? Think hard.”
“He’s not following me if that’s your concern. I would have called you if I’d seen him, especially since I’m hanging out in Shifter territory these days.”
“I know you’ve been busy. I just want you to be more alert since you’re away from Keystone. Everyone else has stayed close to the mansion. Even Claude has taken this opportunity to distance himself from the salon, only going in for his high-priority customers.”
My hamster wheel started spinning. Claude had a lot of access to the upper crust. “Does Claude ever mention his clients by name?”
“Occasionally.”
“See if Lenore Parrish is on his list. If not, maybe put the idea in his head that she’s someone we should watch. It wouldn’t hurt to have him build a rapport with her.”
Niko frowned. “Miss Parrish is one of the new officials. Do you have reason not to trust her?”
Honestly, I didn’t. As far as I knew, Lenore had a clean record, so I didn’t want to create any conspiracy around her when the only issue I had was personal.
I lowered my arms and checked to make sure no one was listening. “I just think it’s a good idea that we make sure the new officials aren’t as corrupt as the previous ones. Lenore is the only one I’ve met since I’ve been away for the past few weeks. But it wouldn’t hurt to refer all of them to his salon. Maybe we need to be more diligent about watching the ones in charge instead of just focusing on criminals. Discreetly, of course. Viktor’s careful about not introducing us to everyone at parties, so most people—aside from his trusted contacts—have no idea that Claude works for Keystone. Hell, most people have never even heard of us. Those who have think we spend our days hunting down outlaws. Viktor doesn’t explain our work in detail to anyone.”
“Excellent point. It’s possible Claude already does this as part of his job, but I’ll mention it.” Niko reached out to find me and put his hand on my shoulder. I felt a small flutter of energy escape his fingertips. “How are you doing otherwise?”
“Is this what it’s like to be immortal? Spending the rest of our lives looking over our shoulders for a Cyrus or a Fletcher or a General?”
He lowered his arm. “Who’s General?”
“No one. So… how’s the kid fitting in? I saw him in Wyatt’s office.”
Niko smiled, his eyes shaping into crescent moons. He was handsome when he smiled and didn’t do it as often as he should. “Hunter is acclimating to his new surroundings very well.”
“Who watches him?”
“Most of us take turns. Kira has much to do, and Hunter grows restless when she makes him stay within her sight. He sometimes slips away.”
“When I come back, you and I have a date in the gym.”
He inclined his head. “Is that so?”
“I’m a little out of shape. Plus I’d like to learn some new moves. Especially when it comes to fighting against a group of people.”
We both turned when the sound of toenails clicking on the floor rushed in our direction. Viktor’s wolf skidded around the corner as he raced toward us. When he came to a stop, he briefly sniffed my hand before licking it and trotting off.
“What was that about?” I watched the wolf head into Wyatt’s office. “He usually shifts outside.”
“Viktor must have bottled up his urge to shift for too long because of the boy. Ever since he introduced his wolf to Hunter, his shifts have lasted longer. I’ve heard it sometimes happens when a Shifter suppresses his animal and refuses to let them out. When they’re finally free, they do the same.”
“Sounds like payback.” I sighed and stepped around Niko. “So much for talking to Viktor. Can you tell him I stopped by?”
“As you wish.”
“I just wanted to tell him in person that I was coming back soon so he didn’t jump to conclusions. I could have called, but you know how he likes to look a person in the eye when it comes to serious conversation. I’m not sure when the vacation ends, but if for some reason you take a job within the next week and need help, let me know.” I clasped his arm, feeling his taut muscles. “Later, alligator.”
As I reached the stairs, I heard him answer, “After a while, crocodile.”
CHAPTER 23
After speaking to Niko, I didn’t leave Keystone right away. I ventured to my bedroom, hoping Viktor might shift back so we could talk. I’d sent him a text message, and when he never came, I went up to the roof to watch the sunset. Avoiding the team seemed like the best way to avoid questions I wasn’t ready to answer. It was chilly, and the country air smelled crisp and clean. The vantage point from my favorite spot was spectacular—rolling hills and trees as far as the eye could see. The city seemed a million miles away, as if we were living in an enchanted place that no one could touch or see. While it distanced me from all the troubles in the world, it also gave me a chance to reflect.
Leaving my father wasn’t going to be easy, but at least now I could take him to Ruby’s Diner and have someone I could talk to about personal matters. That was something I’d sorely lacked during all the years I lived alone on the streets. Not having a friend or someone to depend on can make a person crazy. Wizard promised to have a wolf keeping an eye on things, so that was a little extra peace of mind. I didn’t expect his men to risk their lives and intervene, but at least they could call for help or let me know if something was wrong.
After dark, I slipped out and headed to an old bar my father used to frequent. I needed a nice quiet corner to get hammered. I’d earned it. Not only had I stood up to Lenore and still managed to keep our agreement, but I’d put my foot down with Christian and let him know I wanted the real deal. No pussyfooting around. I wasn’t sure whether to laugh or cry, but after a few drinks, I’d probably find out.
I tapped my hand on the bar, signaling the bartender to give me another shot. “What do you call this again?”
A baldheaded man named Gleason set another green shooter in front of me. “A quick fuck.”
“These specialty drinks aren’t usually my thing, but…” I knocked back the drink and set it down. “Yummy.”
Gleason chuckled. “You’re at the stage when everything tastes yummy.” He rested his arms on the bar. “Sal tells me you’re Crush’s little girl.”
I squinted. “Who’s Sal?”
Gleason pointed at a biker at the end of the bar. Sal looked naturally bald but was sporting a grey goatee just like the one Crush had. He lifted his beer and smiled at me.
I poked my finger in the empty glass. “I’m not a little girl anymore.”
Gleason laughed. “I’ve heard.” He set the empty glass behind the bar before popping the cap off a bottle of beer and placing it on a napkin. “So you’re a Mage, huh?”
“You’re a bunch of gossiping hens,” I retorted, pointing in every which direction. “Is everyone in here Breed?”
“Pretty much. Except for the drunk sitting by the bathroom. He’s human.”
“You don’t worry he might overhear something or see a wolf run by?”
Gleason laughed. “He doesn’t even know what planet he’s on half the time.”
Energy leaked from my fingertips as it sometimes did when I had too much to drink. “Me either. Or is it neither? Neither nor…”
“Maybe I should cut you off.”
I chortled and grabbed the beer before he took it. “I haven’t seen a Breed bar yet that stops serving people. So if you cut me off, it might not be good for business.”
He sighed and set down a bowl of peanuts. “At least eat something. And I already took your keys, so you’re not driving.”
I jerked my head back and looked on the bar where I’d put them. Then I tilted back on my stool and searched the floor. Sure enough, Gleason had confiscated my keys. Just as well. I wasn’t planning on driving home anyhow. After all, I was a Mage. I could flash the rest of the way.
I palmed my beer and scoped out the room. It was smoky, dark, and full of bikers shooting pool in the sunken room behind me. There were four tables, each with red felt, which wasn’t a popular color in pool halls. There were green mosaic lamps hanging over each table, and most of the men were telling stories and laughing instead of focusing on their game. I wanted to immerse myself in that lively atmosphere, but my sullen mood would only be a buzzkill.
After steadying myself on my feet, I searched for an empty booth. Most people were sitting at the bar, including four boisterous women who looked like sisters. Everyone seemed to know one another, so there weren’t a lot of men encroaching on everyone’s personal space to deliver their worst pickup line.
Thank God.
Sometimes a girl just needed to be left alone.
I staggered to a booth near the back and collapsed in the seat before thumping my head against the wall as I tipped over. When I sat up and took a swig of beer, I noticed a man at the bar swiping my bowl of peanuts. He headed toward me, and when he came int
o focus, I found myself at a loss for words.
Except for one.
“Houdini.”
He set the bowl on the table and sat across from me. Something was different about him, but I couldn’t put my finger on it. Same black ear studs, same disheveled hair, same forgettable clothes. Ah, it suddenly dawned on me.
“You’re not smiling,” I pointed out, slapping my hand on the table.
Houdini didn’t have on his grey coat. He was dressed down in faded jeans and a brown long-sleeve V-neck. His bleached hair was darker at the root than usual, like he needed a touch-up.
He set a silver puzzle box between us, the same one I’d tossed over the bridge. “It took me a while to find it and even longer to open it. I love a good challenge and didn’t want to damage the integrity. However, it seems to be missing a key.”
“Huh.” I took a swig of beer with absolutely no idea how I was going to get out of this one.
When I had tossed that box over the bridge, I thought it would either sink to the bottom or the river would carry it away. I’d never imagined Houdini would spend the next few weeks underwater, searching for it.
Especially since I’d taken out the key before leaving the mansion.
That key was the only thing I had on Houdini, and even though I had tricked him into making a deal with me, it was important to hold on to that key. It might be the only thing keeping me alive. Houdini was crafty and constantly meddling in my life, and the next best thing to possessing that key was figuring out what it opened. Maybe he knew and maybe he didn’t. Maybe he’d already burned the contents. But one thing was clear: he didn’t want anyone else having access to it or evidence of its existence. Even if it was an excuse to be in my life, getting rid of it—or pretending to—would eliminate me as a threat.
Not anymore.
He laced his fingers together and stared at me so intently that it made me glad I was too drunk to hold his gaze. Less chance of him charming me.
