by K. N. Banet
As I got into my house and started looking for things that were too dangerous to leave out, I kept mental track of Landon and Heath. They were getting closer, but were coming from Tyler and following the speed limit. I had time. Not a lot of time, but enough. I grabbed the sketchbook Jabari had given me over a year ago and shoved it into a drawer. There was no way I could leave a book full of runes of power out. I had started practicing them again after the incident with Lani and the other werecats; not that the runes could have helped me then.
Once the sketchbook was out of sight, I looked up, remembering there were some things I couldn’t hide. Jabari and I had carved runes into the very walls of the house. There were a few over my front door on the inside, and I could only hope no one noticed them or knew what they were. I checked for any mess, glad I didn’t keep anything stupid like pictures of my werecat family in public. I had a couple of me and Hasan tucked away in my master bedroom closet, but nothing else.
I looked out the window right as my phone buzzed. They were nearly at Kick Shot. I tried to fix my hair, tightening the ponytail holding my mass of reddish-brown hair. My clothes were clean, but the jeans had holes in the knees. It was Texas, and I owned a bar, so I hoped that would shield me. I didn’t have time to put on a pair of slacks or anything.
I checked my phone as I walked back through the woods.
Landon: We’re nearly there. The story is you and Father met after we moved here. Carey really liked you, and we needed a helping hand since we don’t have a pack anymore to support us, so you stepped up. You and Carey are very close. You’re human.
Well, no shit, of course I’m human, Landon. If they knew I was anything else, there would be hell to pay.
I wasn’t mad at Landon. I was worried because I had never had to play being a human like this before—not to government agents who were probably trained to find supernaturals. It didn’t help while werewolves had been out in the open for a couple of decades, werecats were very much still in hiding. Fae and witches were somewhat exposed, but really, everyone looked at the werewolves as the dose of supernatural they needed in their lives, and half the time, they didn’t even want the werewolves.
Humans could only handle so much, and no one wanted to push the luck the supernaturals had so far with being found out. We didn’t want to overdo it.
3
Chapter Three
I walked around the nearly finished new building for Kick Shot as they pulled into the parking lot. Leaning on the wall, I watched them park. There were three vehicles—Heath, Landon, and Carey in Heath’s truck; behind them a black SUV; then a small, kind of dinky sedan.
Werewolves, BSA, CPS…in that order.
My werewolves were a little stiff getting out of the truck, Landon especially, but it was the look on Heath’s face while the humans couldn’t see him that surprised me. He was pissed. Carey looked a little worried, but I watched her face brighten when she saw me.
“Jacky!” she called out, waving. Heath waved her to go, and I grabbed the thirteen-year-old as she launched herself into me for a hug.
“Hey, kid,” I said, running a hand over the top of her head. “Hope you’re having a good day.”
Her face screwed up as she turned to glare at the black SUV. I watched the same vehicle. No one from either agency had come out of their rides yet. I knew we were being watched.
They wanted to see before they jumped into questions.
Control yourself, Jacky. Now isn’t the time to be flashing gold cat eyes at people.
It took a moment, but Heath and Landon came to stand next to us, and the feds finally got out of their car, two self-assured men in navy-blue business suits and one woman in a navy-blue pencil skirt with a white blouse. Was navy-blue their work color? I purposefully ignored the BSA for my own self-preservation. Humans didn’t know much about the organization formed by the U.S. government, and too much knowledge on my part would be suspicious.
The woman from CPS was the most cautious, getting out even slower, but she followed the lead set by the feds. As they drew closer, she walked behind them. One of the men held back and stood at her side.
Ah, so they bring numbers in case werewolf parents get pissy about their kids possibly being taken away. I’ll bet my bar they’re all armed.
“Agents, this is Jacky Leon. She owns the bar currently being remodeled behind us,” Heath said, positioning himself in the middle of the pack. “Jacky, this is Agent Robinson, Agent Taylor, and Agent Smith from the BSA. Hiding in the back is Miss Davis from CPS.”
“We heard there was a bar fire down here a few months ago. Would that be this one?” the female agent asked, giving my bar the once over, then turning on me.
“Yeah, electrical issue,” I answered. “No one was in the building. It was closed for repairs and maintenance, anyway. It was a very old building, and the contractor I had previously hired missed a wiring issue.” That was the official story. It had cost me a pretty penny to bribe and rewrite the records. They had wanted it written up as arson and to go after whoever set it up in flames. I couldn’t tell them the person was already dead.
More specifically, I couldn’t have them look into her because I had killed her.
“Do you have a better contractor now?” she asked, a small smile forming.
“I would hope so. He’s a werewolf,” I said, tilting my head to the side to stare at her. Not just a friendly, human stare, but a real stare to make her uncomfortable. It was a ballsy thing to do, but she was asking stuff that wasn’t her business. I figured she had already made up her mind about me.
She turned to Heath, her eyes narrowing. While her attention was diverted, I took the liberty to look at the delicate silver necklace she wore. I knew it was silver because I could smell it. The reason for the metal choice was obvious, but the symbol wasn’t.
It was a rune of power. One I couldn’t identify off the top of my head. I tried to dedicate the shape of it to memory to look up later.
“You’re helping her rebuild her business?” Agent Robinson seemed curious. “That’s very kind of you. She watches your daughter, and you rebuild her entire business.” The way her gaze fell back on me made the hair on the back of my neck stand up.
“I’m a paying client,” I said tightly. I didn’t like what she was implying.
“Why don’t we see where you and Carey hang out?” Miss Davis asked politely. “We’re not here to get into anything but Carey’s wellbeing and safety, Agent Robinson.”
“Of course, my apologies.” There was nothing sorry about the agent, but the lip service would have to do. “Where do you live? Why did we meet you at the bar?” Those were once again directed at me.
“I live in the woods behind the bar. It’s a short walk, and the trail is well worn. Normally, I have a dirt bike to make the trip back and forth, but with so many of you, we’ll be walking.”
“You don’t have a driveway or a garage?” That made one of the male agents curious now. I made a mental note, it was Agent Smith.
“No, I use the bar for my car, the little Versa over there.” I pointed out my little blue car with a smile. “I like the seclusion, and when I had the house built, there wasn’t a reason for anything more. When Carey comes over, we walk it together. I’ve been considering putting down a concrete or stone path for the last few months, but I need to get Kick Shot back up and running.” Now I was paying lip service. I had no intention of putting a visible path through the woods that led directly to my house. People could walk.
“It’s a really pretty house,” Carey said, her voice soft. “Prettier than Dad’s.”
“Thanks. Let’s show them.” I chuckled, keeping an arm over her shoulder as we started walking. Heath and Landon fell in behind us and behind them, the agents.
I heard someone mumble a curse as they tripped over a tree root, one of the men. The two women were much more careful. When we reached the clearing, I heard a low whistle.
“Now, this is a nice place,” Agent Taylor exclaime
d in a hushed way. “How much did something like this cost you?”
Ah shit. I own a bar and have a forest home that looks like it came out of some fancy architecture magazine. I didn’t think about that.
“Not an amount I like talking about,” I answered, smiling tightly, crossing my arms as I turned to them. The feds and the woman from CPS stayed in a little pack. Carey ran up the steps, and I heard but didn’t see Carey go inside, and Landon followed her. Only Heath stayed with me. “I came out here after a family tragedy. I wanted to get away and had the means to do it. I’ve tried to enjoy a simpler life since then. It’s worked for me so far.”
“I didn’t have you pegged as someone with money, but everyone has their surprises and secrets,” Agent Robinson said with a thin smile. “Can we get the grand tour?”
“Certainly.” I turned on my heel, sending Heath a glare as my eyes passed over him. He winced. There would be words about this invasion of my privacy later.
I didn’t give them a real tour, tell them about the place, or explain the design choices. Those were my business, not theirs. Instead, I led them in, walked into the kitchen to find Carey and Landon already having their way with my stuff, and took a seat at the kitchen island on a swivel bar stool I had installed for Carey to watch me while I cooked or help me when she wanted.
“Serve me, bartender,” I ordered, looking at the old werewolf standing on the other side of the island. The look on Landon’s face wasn’t amused, but it wasn’t pissed off, either. Somewhere in the middle of those two emotions? Definitely.
“Where are we allowed to go, and where would you like us to stay out of?” Miss Davis asked softly, coming to stand next to me.
“Carey doesn’t go upstairs. We do everything down here. Keep it down here.” I turned to her and sighed. “I wasn’t expecting company today and also think there’s no reason for anyone to see my private bedroom. That crosses a line for me. If you feel the need, I’m going to have to disappoint.”
“Oh, no, it’s fine.” The cautious, somewhat scared woman gave me a little smile. “Mister Everson said Carey only does day trips to spend time with you while he and his son get some work done in the after-school hours. I’m certain there’s no need to go through anything but the public spaces.”
“Thank you.” I tried to smile back. This was already way too far for me—too many people I didn’t know or trust in my house, the center of my territory, my sanctuary.
Doing it for Carey. Just survive it for Carey. Then scrub the house down and erase every bit of evidence they ever came from existence.
Heath was surprisingly quiet as he walked around with the agents, taking in my house as much as they were. I could see him, thanks to the semi-open floor plan in the living room. I wasn’t bothered until I saw the female agent’s head tilt back, and her body stiffen. I could smell a trace of fear in the air as I stood up and started walking closer.
“Can I speak to Miss Leon alone?” she asked before she realized I was nearly right behind her.
“Sure, we can talk outside. It’s too hot to send everyone else out,” I said softly. That made her jump. Heath had a momentary look of panic as the agent walked around me and back out the front door. I shrugged. I had never had to handle something like this before, but I figured I could manage. I found Agent Robinson standing in the grass about ten feet from the house by the time I made it outside.
“You are not human,” she snapped, glaring at me.
“Why do you say that?” I asked innocently, pushing my hands into my pockets, working to keep my breathing even. I couldn’t get pissed off now. If I slipped and my eyes changed, I was made, and there would be problems. I’d probably have to leave the country until this woman grew old and died. I certainly couldn’t stick around near Carey, Heath, and Landon. I’d probably have to go back to Hasan until he could erase me from existence again and help me set up in a different country. The Eversons would have to move, too, or they’d be harassed about me until the end of time.
“Those runes carved—”
“Those runes are old superstition, just like the one around your neck. Or are you trying to tell me you aren’t human?” I frowned. “I don’t like being accused of something I’m not, and I’m certain you probably don’t either. So, let’s not jump to conclusions.”
“I…” She reached up and touched her necklace, frowning, the anger still in her eyes. “You aren’t what I expected when Alpha Everson mentioned you.”
“I’m never what anyone expects,” I mumbled, looking away, annoyed. When I looked back at her, I sighed. “Look, I get you’re here to make sure Carey is a well-adjusted kid. I’m just trying to help my friends by letting you come here. She spends time here. I watch out for her and trust her father and brother. They make sure she does her homework every day, and she gets good grades. My life, however, isn’t your business. The way I live my life isn’t your business. My beliefs aren’t your business.”
Her mouth thinned. I knew of the BSA but had no experience with the organization. It was overseen by a congressional committee, which meant it probably had an agenda. I didn’t know what that agenda was. I never wanted to know what that agenda was.
“What do they do?” she asked, crossing her arms.
“The runes? I’ve heard they’re supposed to ward off evil. Obviously, they don’t work.” I shrugged.
“Why? Because they let the werewolves walk right into your house?”
The werewolves. There was a detachment that bothered me, and I finally saw enough of this woman to know exactly why Heath hadn’t been comfortable with this meeting in the morning.
“No.” I worked so hard not to get snappy with her. It took every ounce of my self-control not to teach this woman there were things more dangerous than the wolves. Things willing to kill for these wolves specifically. “Do you have a problem with werewolves?”
“They’re dangerous. I’m amazed you feel safe living out here with them so close.” She seemed so sure of herself. I wished desperately for the right and ability to knock her down a few pegs. “You don’t seem concerned at all for Miss Everson’s safety or worried her mother isn’t around.”
“Heath’s romantic life or lack thereof is none of my business. From what I know, it was a short liaison that accidentally led to a kid. Carey’s mother didn’t want to be tied to a werewolf or to raise one, so she left Carey with Heath and ran off. I feel bad for Carey not having a mom, but that’s the only opinion I have on the matter.”
Agent Robinson must have realized we stood on opposite sides of this one. She obviously wanted me to slip up and make Heath look bad. I was doing my best not to let that happen while protecting my own secrets.
“Well…” I turned back to the house. “Are you coming back inside, or are you going to sit out here and create a bunch of conspiracy theories about what is a harmless situation? First, I’m not human, and now you think Heath must have done something to Carey’s mother. What else are you going to come up with?”
“There’s nothing harmless when werewolves are involved,” the woman hissed softly. “You’ll learn when they go wild and betray or hurt her. Or, worse, turn one of you.” The hate I could smell off this woman was threatening to choke me. She’d hoped to find an ally in me? Or maybe she was just pissed because she knew she wouldn’t get what she wanted out of this little visit. Heath’s life was too respectable, and Carey was so perfect, no one would dare take her away from her family.
“I didn’t think the BSA would hire people like you, but you asked why I didn’t think those runes worked. It’s because they let someone like you into my house. You should go before I call your superiors and tell them some hateful bitch was harassing good people.” I was glad I wasn’t looking at her. I heard her stutter as I started walking.
“Traitor!” she called out as I slammed my door. Everyone turned to me as I walked into the kitchen, rubbing my eyes to cover them, hoping they weren’t gold.
“She’s mad because I don’t think wer
ewolves are evil,” I explained as Heath stepped to my side. “She’s a mean little thing.” Taking a deep breath, I pulled my feelings back and tried to control them. I turned to him first, so he could check my eyes. His were ice-blue, but that wasn’t a problem for him.
“This is the first time I’ve met her,” he told me. “Though I expected she was anti-werewolf. I figured that would piss you off more if she tried to play it with you.”
That was what I needed to hear. I wasn’t pissed off enough, so my eyes were still a safe human hazel. I turned around and leaned on the counter. The other two agents were wary, but not angry or upset.
“Did she say anything, miss?” Agent Taylor asked. “This is her first time doing one of these house calls.”
“First, she accused me of being not human. Then she implied Heath must have done something to Carey’s mother.”
That made Heath growl. Landon reached out and grabbed his father’s shoulder, pulling him from the kitchen.
“Then she was just mean. You need to talk to someone about making sure unbiased people are making these visits. I might be human, but that doesn’t mean I tolerate that sort of bullshit in my home or on my property.” I glared at the agents, then turned to the woman from CPS.
“Have you seen everything you need to see? I’m going to take this nice family out to lunch once you’re gone. They deserve it after putting up with this rude invasion into their lives.”
“Oh, yes, we’re done,” the woman practically squeaked. “Heath’s an amazing father, and I’m really glad to see Carey has a new positive female role model in her life. I was concerned she might not with her mother’s absence. It’s been a pleasure. You have a lovely home. Have a nice day.”
She practically ran out of the room. One of the agents chuckled. If he had long hair, I could imagine it falling over his eyes in some roguish manner. This one wasn’t so bad.
