Lost Girl (Soul Bound Book 1)

by E. M Jefferson

  “Hey, you must be the new girl starting, I’m Kyle” He said as he opened the hatch to meet me.

  “Belle, its good to start work…… Have you seen Ty as he said he would show me the ropes?” I ask him while my eyes look around for him.

  “I’m sorry Belle, but Ty had an important meeting tonight and asked if I could help you out” He looked apologetic, but it wasn’t his fault.

  “That’s ok. So, where what do you want me to do tonight?” I said enthusiastically.

  “Tonight, I will have you mixing drinks to see where your skills are, you won’t be taking orders as I need to know if you can pour and mix the right drinks. If there is any you don’t know then, please let me know so I can teach you” His eyes held a lot of kindness in them.

  “Ok, any rules I need to know about, you know. Just in case I do something wrong”

  “No rules only be kind and stand your ground if another being tries to take advantage of you. But I will stay nearby”

  True to his word Kyle stayed with me for most off the night, only having to correct a few drinks I didn’t know. They were the custom made drinks for shifter’s as they liked to have an extra kick to their drinks. One of the guys wanted a shifter’s doom’s drink which I soon learned was mixed of wolfbane, pure alcohol and a bit of faery wine. Kyle explained that faery wine was very popular as it was one of the few drinks which could knock anyone on their ass. At first, I didn’t believe him until the guy was on his third drink and couldn’t walk straight. Needless to say, security had to drag the poor block out as he couldn’t stand up.

  As time went on the bar became busier as more and more people wanted to party. Soon enough the bar became overrun with customers where Kyle asked if I would be able to work the till. He had given me a spare key card which granted me access, allowing me to put the orders through and open the tills. I was soon learning how to juggle both the customers and at the same time make their drinks.

  “I tell you what pretty girl, for a new one. You sure move like a pro, don’t let anyone tell you otherwise” An old vampire said. Normally they have eternal beauty and remain young, however I soon learned that Nick. That was his name had been changed at a very old age which he wasn’t happy about. But none the less he still enjoyed his life and could keep up with the younger looking ones. He was what I would call a silver fox type of guy, as he was still a handsome guy and had aged well in his mortal life.

  “Thank you, Nick I appreciate it” I said while I blushed ten shades of red.

  “That colour suits you well young lady, it makes your beauty stand out” His words only made my face more red. Instead of replying I gave him a small smile where he had winked back. So, far he was my favourite customer who had taken guard duty to watch over me. Not that anyone had asked him, but he said I looked like someone he once loved, therefor he gave his undying protection. To be my shinnying knight in silver, I didn’t want to hurt his feeling, so I let him. Plus, he was great to talk to.

  As with all good things they never last as soon enough he had to go to the little old mans room, which caused me to giggle. He was very charming. however, my luck had run out with the kind ones as soon enough the next set of customers were very rude.

  “Oi, wrench. Get me a drink” One guy called me, his was very short and must have had, small man syndrome from how bad his attitude was. Ignoring him I continued to serve the customer before him, but that only aggravated him more. “Bitch I told you to get me a fucking drink, and when I want a drink. You snap to it” He shouted at me.

  Taking a deep breathe I calmed myself, steeling myself for what was to become an unfortunate encounter. “I’m sorry but you must wait your turn as there are other people before you, so if you can please wait kindly then that would be appreciated” I tried to say in a nice way.

  The man I had said this to was dressed in baggy jeans that hung low, showing me his black boxer briefs, dressed in a tight vest that didn’t do much from him. But what made me want to laugh was the nose piecing he had, one that resembled what a bull had in their nose, with spikey blue hair he was hard to miss. Having a loud voice, he made sure everyone was aware of him from his attitude.

  “You listen here, if you don’t get me my fucking drink then I will climb over this fucking bar and smash your face in” He threatened baring his teeth at me. His eyes changed to slits where I could see the animal rising, taking an interest in what was going on. However, I was currently the only person behind the bar as both Kyle and Shane had been called to help security, leaving me alone to deal with this guy.

  “Listen here buddy, first off, you are waiting your turn. Second you don’t get to speak to me like that otherwise I’ll get security to throw your ass out” I did what Kyle said. I was standing my ground otherwise more customers would try to take the mick out of me. I may seem confident in my words, but I was far from it.

  “Oh, really because where I’m standing it only appears to be just you” He started to walk towards the hatch while I stayed where I was, refusing to buckle under his intense glaze. His eyes where now a vivid yellow where the animal was pushing to gain control. Shifter.

  “It doesn’t matter, the point remains you need to back off and wait your turn or else” I put more authority in my voice then I felt.

  From the cruel smile on his face, he must have sensed my nervous or know I was using false bravo. Fun fact, shifters are good at smelling peoples emotions. Something about their animal allows them to tell the difference between words and emotions.

  “Oh, I am so scared of a little girl trying to sound threatening, maybe I should teach you a lesson” He said as he went to open the hatch and come behind the bar.

  “Maybe it’s not the little girl you should be afraid off but the beast who lives here” I knew who it was before I even looked in his direction.

  The guys face had unnatural paled as even I could smell the fear from him. Shaky hands had closed the hatch as he turned towards the voice. “Dante….. The bitch wouldn’t serve me I had- “

  “Speak one more word and you will soon find your body without a head, where I will skin your beast for a new rug” Dante had cut him off with only a hand gesture, but his words had the desired effect when the guy was soon backing away.

  “I’m…. Sorry…… I mean no trouble…..Please forgive me” Blue haired guy was saying while he dropped to his knees with his head hung low.

  Peaking over the top I watched as Dante kicked the guy in the chest before picking him up and throwing him against the wall. I was impressed with how strong he was as he didn’t even sweat from using one hand. Whatever he said next I couldn’t hear as it was whispered in the guy’s ear. However, it soon sent him running like the hounds of hell where on his heels.

  “Hey lady, may I order a drink please?” The next person who spoke was much polite then before.

  “Sure thing, what can I get you?” I said taking my eyes off Dante.

  “Just a cider” The man said while his eyes darted towards Dante before returning to me.

  Pulling the pipe down I filled the glass up making sure not to spill any of it. Handing him his drink he paid me in change. “Keep the change darling” He said before scurrying off.

  After that mishap happened Dante returned back to his table without even acknowledging me or saying a word, I didn’t get to thank him, but in the end, I didn’t chase him down as the people who was with him scared me. So, I stayed behind the bar like it was my own personal shield.

  “Hey sorry about that Belle, did I miss anything?” Kyle said in a sweet voice.

  “Not really only a blue hair guy was being rude, but then Dante scared him half to death. After that everyone was very nice to me which was a nice surprise” I said while cleaning the bar down. My shift was ending soon as I had been here for at least eight hours or it could have been more. There wasn’t a clock in sight, so I didn’t know.

  Kyle pinched the bridge of his nose where he let out a loud sign. “Please tell me the guy left with his l
ife?”

  “I believe so but I haven’t seen him as its been pretty busy to be honest, but he was very rude” I said scrunching up my nose as how awful he was. I mean what guy throughs a fit over not being served quick enough. I would understand if we weren’t busy, but we were.

  “Did he say why he felt the need to step in?” Kyle turned his questioning gaze onto me.

  “Nope, no clue. He left after the guy ran out, so I couldn’t tell you” drying my hands I went about putting another load through the dish washer before wiping down the tops.

  “Ok, once your down you can go. Make sure you call or text Alex” Kyle says while he starts to card the machines off.

  Taking out my phone I send a text to Alex to let him I know I was close to finishing my shift. Soon enough I had finished my first shift where I left the club saying bye to Dex and Joey on the way out. Heading out I walk down towards the parking lot at the back where it would be easier for Alex to meet me.

  Tonight, had been a successful night as I think about how well I did, it was nice that all the staff was welcoming and even a few customers had complimented me on my first shift. This was pre-Dante so I knew they meant it.

  Pulling my jacket tight around me the night had gotten much colder then when I had first arrived. It brough a chilling cold where I could see my own breath if I breathed out. A few streetlights lit the back carpark up which gave me some visibility but not much.

  An incoming text from Alex told me he was running late as he needed to get fuel, but that was fine with me as it gave me a chance to think about Dante’s strange behaviour. I couldn’t tell if the guy likes me or found me a nuisance to be around. Yes, he helped me when I needed it but at the same time, I could feel his eyes on me every second I was there. Whenever I tried to look, he would always have a deep frown where his eyes looked angry at my presences as if it was offensive.

  Footsteps behind me had me pulling out of my own head as I looked towards the newcomer. Looks like my night when from really good to really bad. Spikey blue hair guy was back again and this time he had brough with him some friends. There was a girl with him who had an unusual hair style where half her head had been shaved while the other side remained long, dressed in a pair of camo trousers and string vest top, she walked with a bop to her step. The other guy next to him was taller and very well built, he wore a pair of black sunglasses even through it was night-time. His hair was very short where a tattoo ran up the neck of his neck. I couldn’t make out the style as it was too dark.

  “Look who we have, if it isn’t the little bitch” Blue guy sneers at me.

  “Are we really doing this?” I said in a bored tone, I was so done with this guy.

  “Aww is the little girl afraid of the big bad bear” The girl taunts me in a low voice.

  Knowing that Alex won’t be around to help I take a defensive stance that he taught me. I may not be a good fighter, but I know a few moves courtesy of Alex making me go to self-defence classes.

  All three of them look at my position before they start laughing at my attempt to defend myself. “Do you really think you have a chance against us? Your nothing but a stupid fairy” He spits.

  “I might be a Fae, but I’ll be damned if I don’t go down without a fight, you never know I might surprise you” I say with much more confidence then I feel. I think I need to work on being intimidating, I wonder if Ty could give me a few tips. Maybe even Dante.

  Sunglasses guy cracks his knuckle before a cruel smirk lifts his lips, the girl proceeds to roll her shoulders back. All the while blue hair dude stands there. “Tell me this, if you aren’t afraid of me then why have you brough backup with you? Afraid this little girl will kick your ass?”

  Why am I digging a hole? Someone shot me now it would be less painful!

  “As if, I through it would be much more fun to rearrange your pretty little face” He says before all three of them launch towards me. I know this isn’t even a fair fight as my skills are amateur at best.

  If I could use a weapon I would but there aren’t any nearby which means I need to rely on my hands, feet, teeth and elbow. Anything I could use really. The girl gets to me first, being much quicker than the guys. She aims to hit me in the face, but I manage to dodge backwards before the punch can land. Taking a chance, I aim for her stomach. Which I’m surprised to see that I managed to actually hit her.

  Score 1 for me and zero for her.

  My internal victory dance doesn’t last long as sunglasses guy picks me up and throws me against the wall, I could feel my bones rattle from the impact. Sliding down I jump up onto my feet where I raise my hands in front of me. As he goes to punch me with a blow that could knock me out, I drop down before he hits me and aim straight for his golden jewels. I never said I would fight fair; anything goes when it’s a fight for your life type of situation. His punch connects to the wall causing the bricks to crumble and dust to go flying. But more importantly he lets out a curse as he cups his crown jewels. I snicker to myself.

  Just as I think I might be in the clear blue spikey dude lets out a roar. When I say roar what I should have said was it sounded like a bear cup who first discovered he could make a sound.

  “Is that the best you could” I say aloud as the filter between my mouth and brain malfunctions. All at once instead of there being three humans I watch in raptured attention as they begin the process of changing. I should have run when I had the chance, but I was glued to them.

  Watching as their bodies begin to shake before fading in and out, hair begins to spout along their skin, bones start to snap and pop out of place as the transformation begins. Watching as they drop to the ground, there clothes rip when their animals emerge. The once human faces have stretched out where a long dark snout appears, hands that was once human became massive bear claws which glistened dangerously.

  I felt like goldilocks and the three bears as blue hair guy became a small light brown bear with short fur, the girl was next in size being a dark brown bear. But the one who scared me the most was the sunglasses guy. He was a massive black bear who stood on his hind legs, in front of me.

  Guess we have baby bear, mummy bear and daddy bear. I’d understand if I ate their porridge, sat in their chair and slept in their bed for them to be mad at me. But I didn’t do any of that.

  The big one lets out a loud roar crossed between a bear and a tiger, his cheeks vibrated from the sound where saliva had spat out, long sharp teeth was on show from the display.

  I knew I was in trouble when I realised, I couldn’t outrun them. I might have been a Fae, but I was pretty useless with no supernatural power, strength or speed.

  Where was my knight in shiny armour when I needed one?

  Large claws came at me as I ducked and tried to run away, but the she bear had caught my leg with her teeth. I’m not ashamed to admit I screamed in a high-pitched voice from the pain she inflicted. Using a last ditched attempt, I repeatedly kicked out at her, hitting her snout, head and mouth. I need to get free from her jaws. All I managed to do was enraged her more as she thrown me about like a rag doll, before releasing me when I tumbled across the parking lot.

  Trying to stand up had sent shooting pain up my leg as three bears had circled around me. There was no escaping them, they had me firmly in the clutches. I swallowed hard as they came closer, I didn’t know what to do. No one told me how to fight off a shifter, let alone three.

  I was doomed

  Chapter Eight

  Saved By The Beast

  I never expected to find my death in a park lot surrounded by three angry bears, nor did I expect them to laugh at me, which sounded like a rumble.

  The female launched herself at me when I dropped and rolled out of the way, but it only put me closer to the smaller one whose claws had caught my arm. Kicking my one good leg out at him I managed to hurt him, only a little bit as his head was forced to turn. But it was a small victory in vain as the larger one was about to close its jaws around me.

  This was it I th
ough. No rewinds. No second chances. No more Belle. My life was about to be cut short by a bear. What a piss poor way to die.

  Just as I was about the steel myself a loud dark growl that sounded like a beast had come straight from the depths of hell, sounded out around us. Echoing off the walls. Was this another one come to feast on my soon to be dead body?

  When I though the bear was about the eat me, they started to back away, fearful from the new arrival. I though maybe Ty or Alex was here, hell I even though it might be Dante. But it wasn’t any of them.

  Demonic metal scales as skin came into view, looking like the devil himself, where every inch of his skin was covered in this strange metal. The colour was pitch black covering him from toe to neck, where long claws that tapped against one and other. Metal on metal sounded out with every step he made as he moved closer to me. I sucked in a sharp breath when his head came into view.