by Lola Kidd
What else were he and Randall going to find? There were no other jobs. He wasn’t going to have any seed money to move to a human city or a new shifter city. He was going to have to go for it with no money at all. He didn’t even have a bank account. He was going to need a new plan.
His phone rang while he was sulking in bed. It was Randall again.
“What’s up?”
“You still have that girl with you?” Randall asked.
“I’m going to get rid of her this morning. I didn’t want to leave a human girl out wandering the streets alone at night. That would have come back to us.”
“You need to get rid of her ASAP. The Ganjis aren’t going to be very friendly if they find out you picked up the wrong woman. They’ll never work with us again.”
“How would they find out?” Tyler growled.
“I don’t know.”
“Did you say something?”
“No. Of course not. But people saw us at the bar last night and they’re going to see her leaving your house this morning. We don’t need that kind of gossip.”
“Nobody pays attention to me like that.” Tyler relaxed. “I’m going to get rid of her this morning. Don’t worry about it.”
“Okay. Talk to you later.”
Randall didn’t sound too happy. The stupid rat had probably squealed to his contact. Tyler didn’t put it past his business associate to run his stupid mouth. What Randall didn’t realize was that it would look bad for both of them. Tyler was an idiot for picking up the girl, but Randall was just as dumb for associating with Tyler. He prayed the rat was smart enough to see the mutual benefits of keeping his mouth shut.
Tyler ran the options through his mind. He had no current deal with the Ganjis. He had no day jobs lined up, either. He had nothing. The only thing keeping him in Rose Valley was the free housing. He could just leave, make a clean break, as soon as he gave Red some breakfast and pointed her in the direction of the gambling ring. The Brotherhood of Thieves would give his house to some new kid and he would be done with his Wasteland life.
But that was easier thought than done.
He’d gone as far as planning an exit at least half a dozen times. This time had to be different.
He opened the web on his phone and looked for the most shifter-friendly cities on the west coast. He wanted to go somewhere warm that only had one sunny season. No more ice-cold winters and dreary falls. He was going to do it this time.
San Diego would be good if it weren’t for the high cost of living. Phoenix looked great except it was a little too hot. The city was somewhat friendly to homeless people and there were many shifter meet-ups.
His third option was Austin, Texas. It was warm, had a thriving shifter population, and had a low cost of living. Of the three, Austin seemed his best bet. He had heard mixed reviews of the rest of Texas from other Rose Valley residents. As long as he kept to himself until he got to Austin, he thought he had a good chance.
Once he was in Texas, he would try to find a job. He would hook up with some of the other shifters in the area and get himself set up nicely. At least, that was how he hoped it would go. He knew there was a chance he would end up homeless for a few weeks. Worst case scenario, he would end up failing and have to come back to Rose Valley with his tail between his legs begging for help. But he’d worry about that if and when the time came.
There was nothing to lose. He had to go today, before he lost his nerve. Tyler lay in bed twenty minutes more and then he had to get up. Red was snoring softly on the couch with the blanket pulled over her face. He didn’t wake her. Instead, he started cooking in the small kitchen.
He was no master chef, but he could do the basics. He made French toast and fried some bacon before starting a pot of coffee. Red had stirred as he cooked the bacon. By the time the smell of coffee was wafting around the living room, she was rolling over and stretching. She looked around the room sleepily and then seemed to realize where she was. She sat up quickly and pulled the blanket to her chest.
“Time to get up already?”
Tyler nodded. “It’s probably best to get an early start. I’m sure you want to get on your way and find your grandmother.”
Red nodded. “You made breakfast?”
“I did. I just haven’t made any eggs for you yet. How would you like them?”
“Fried, please.” She got up. “Do you have a spare toothbrush?”
“There should be a fresh one in the medicine cabinet.”
She disappeared into the bathroom off the kitchen while he fried her an egg. Tyler was antsy to get the woman out of his house. Once she wasn’t his responsibility anymore, he could get started on packing. He only had one bag that he could attach to his tiger’s neck. It wouldn’t hold much, but it would be enough. He could bring three outfits and worry about the rest later. People threw away clothes all the time. He might as well embrace his inner hobo.
Red came out of the bathroom looking somber but hopeful. She sat at the table and began eating. Tyler poured her a cup of coffee.
“Cream or sugar?”
She shook her head. “Black is fine.”
He nodded and poured himself a cup, and they ate together in silence. He got up to make her another egg when she finished hers in record time.
“Could you make me two?” she asked.
“Can’t send you out there hungry,” he agreed. Tyler cracked three eggs into the pan for good measure and fried them.
“So this is it,” she said.
“You’ll be fine. There are some nice people in the Brotherhood. I’m going to point you in the right direction and you’ll be home in no time.”
“You’re not coming with me?” Red sounded very apprehensive.
Tyler didn’t want her to be nervous. It was no big deal, and she would be better off without him. He was in exactly on the Brotherhood’s good side this week. If she came to the bar with him, they’d be less inclined to help her. They would think it was some kind of grift. If she went alone, they would see a scared girl and fall over themselves to help her.
“You don’t,” Tyler assured her. “Once you get back to the bar we were at last night, the barkeep will help you. He’s a member of the Brotherhood and well-respected. They’ll help you find your grandma. Is that what you want?”
Read look conflicted. “I do. But I was hoping you would come with me. I know you. I trust you. Is there any way you’d reconsider? I don’t think it would take much of your time at all today. Like you said, you’ll be home in no time.”
“I don’t have time to go with you,” Tyler said, annoyed. “You’re a big girl. You don’t need a babysitter. I’ve helped you enough.”
His tiger’s tail twitched. Tyler’s annoyance had annoyed the beast. Tyler gritted his teeth. Whatever the animal wanted, it would have to wait. He didn’t have time to figure out his tiger’s objection. He needed to get rid of the girl and get on his way. The longer he sat around, the less inclination he would have to leave. He couldn’t let himself get wrapped up in her quest to find her grandma. It didn’t matter how hurt by his words she looked. He had to look out for number one. Once she found her grandma, she would leave for Penicalla. She was just using him too.
Red quickly finished the two new eggs and her coffee. “That’s fine. Could you show me how to get back to the bar?”
Tyler nodded. “I can take you there. It isn’t far, if you remember.”
“Thanks.”
He pulled on his sneakers and they left. It was a very quick walk back to the Old Tavern. Unfortunately, they were closed. Tyler couldn’t believe it—the place never closed. When Gunner wasn’t working, a cook and waitress took over. Lucy was almost as good a bartender as Gunner was. And if both of them were sick, there was a coyote shifter who filled in when they were desperate.
“What’s wrong?” Red asked. “I thought you said they were open.”
“They should be. I don’t know why they’re shut down.” He looked around. The streets were still em
pty. That didn’t make sense either. He hadn’t seen anyone while they were walking over. There should be dozens of shop owners coming to work by now. There were shifters who worked in the human towns, and they should be up and going to work too. There were usually at least one or two cars zipping by whenever he was up this early. Granted, he hadn’t been awake this early in a long while, but things couldn’t have changed that much.
“Come on.” He turned away from the tavern. “We’re going to check with the head waitress. She lives close and she’s nice.”
If he went to Gunner’s house, the guy would tear him up. As long as she was already awake, Lucy was really sweet and friendly. He didn’t even look back to see if Red was keeping up with him as he stalked down the street. He couldn’t believe this was taking so long. If Lucy wasn’t home, he had no idea what he was going to do. The only place left would be the home of the leader of the Brotherhood, and Abe wouldn’t appreciate being awakened this early.
Luck was on Tyler’s side. He could hear Lucy moving around inside as soon as he knocked. She must have been expecting someone else, though. She answered the door in a flimsy lavender robe. She quickly reached down to hold the sides together.
“What do you want?” she demanded.
“The Tavern was closed.”
She rolled her eyes. “Everything in the Valley is going to be closed until at least ten. Nobody wants to go to work right now. Don’t worry, the place will be open and ready for business in an hour or so.”
Tyler wanted to scream. “You expecting company?”
“What’s it to you?”
Tyler pointed to Red. “Could she stay with you until the Tavern opens? She won’t be any trouble.”
Lucy sniffed. “What is it with you boys and human women? No, she cannot stay here, you asshole. Take her for breakfast or make her walk home.”
“I’ve already fed her. And we aren’t together. She needs help. I found her wandering around last night.”
She looked Red up and down. “What were you doing wandering around the Valley?”
“I’m looking for my grandma,” Red said. “I really could use some help. I won’t be any trouble while we wait. I can stand next to the door the whole time. You won’t know I’m even here.”
Lucy looked back into the house. “Well, come in, then. I don’t want to miss any more of the news.”
Tyler breathed a sigh of relief. “Thanks. I owe you one.”
Lucy rolled her eyes. “Sure.”
Red nodded at him. “Thanks for your help.”
“You’re welcome.” Tyler pushed her gently toward the door. “Good luck.”
“Thanks. Bye.”
As soon as Red was inside, Lucy closed the door quickly. Tyler didn’t wait a second before leaving the doorstep and heading home. He was free. He could get himself ready now and be out of Rose Valley before lunchtime. He was elated, but his tiger thought otherwise. The animal was pushing to get free.
Tyler didn’t understand. His animal had been acting strange ever since he’d met Red. It must have been a little too long since he’d taken a lady companion for the night. He would let the animal have a romp when he got to Texas, but he didn’t have time for his tiger today. There was too much to do.
When he was a block away from Lucy’s house, his tiger put up a fierce opposition. Tyler couldn’t take another step; he was stuck at the corner. He grimaced as the big cat fought its way to the surface. Tyler had no idea what was going on, but he gave in. Maybe if he let his animal run around for an hour, it would leave him alone for the rest of the trip.
He was pissed, but he sank to four paws and let the tiger run.
Seven
Suzy tried to keep a stiff upper lip. So Tyler didn’t want anything to do with her. She shouldn’t have gotten her hopes up. If she’d had smaller expectations, she wouldn’t be feeling bad right now. She was here to find her grandmother, not to make new friends. At least he’d made sure she would get the help she needed. She shouldn’t have expected so much.
“Can you believe this?” Lucy asked as they sat down in the living room. “Dragons are really rare. A whole family of them managed to keep hidden. Mind-boggling, right?”
“What?”
Lucy looked at her with wide eyes. “You haven’t been watching the news? Oh, honey, you are in for a treat.”
She turned up the volume on the TV, letting her robe hang open in her hurry. Suzy couldn’t help but notice what a smoking-hot body Lucy had. No wonder Tyler couldn’t keep his eyes off her. He’d probably had a thing for her. Lucy looked young and had big blue eyes, blonde hair, and the cutest little nose.
“You’ve heard of the rich family that owns all the jewelry stores, right?” Lucy asked excitedly. “They put out a special release this morning saying that they’re dragon shifters. The whole family has been hiding for generations.”
Suzy must’ve heard her wrong. “Dragons? No, I’ve seen them around town. They seem very nice. They’re good friends with Roger Sheridan. There’s no way he would be friends with dragon shifters. They even helped him get elected!”
Lucy pointed to the TV. “Just look. This is why the town is shut down. Everybody wants to watch this. There’s not even any new news right now, just rehashing the same stuff. We’re waiting for the head of the family to speak.”
Suzy focused her attention on the TV in front of her. There was a giant headline at the bottom of the screen. Dragon shifters. It was true. The entire Collins clan were in fact dragon shifters. This changed everything. The only other rich shifter families were very open about the shifter status. Many of them had shifter-related businesses. This was the first time a formerly hidden family had come out this publicly.
How could they have stayed hidden for so long? Suzy knew very little about shifters, but they needed to let their animals be free. The Collinses’ animals must be crazy by this point. And dragons? She had heard of other rare and mythical shifters, but she had always assumed they were just Internet stories. There were only grainy pictures of the dragon on TV. This was like finding Bigfoot.
“See?” Lucy said triumphantly. “Dragon shifters. This is wild. We are going to do so much business at the pub today. People are gonna want to talk about this.”
Suzy nodded. “You’d better wear comfortable shoes. I bet you’re gonna make a thousand dollars in tips.”
Lucy laughed. “I hope you’re right. Now, why did you say you’re in town, again?”
“I’m looking for my grandmother. Tyler said I could get help from the Brotherhood if I spoke to Gunner.”
“Is your grandma a shifter?”
“No. She’s here gambling.”
Lucy thought for a moment. “I’ve heard of a gambling ring in Wayside. They let humans in sometimes. Is your grandma a big gambler?”
“Unfortunately, yes. She has a lot of money to blow and isn’t quiet about it. She’s gotten herself into trouble before, but she’s never been gone this long. I’m worried.”
“I’m sure she’s fine. I’m sure she’s been around the block a few times.” Lucy patted Suzy’s knee. “And with Sheridan as governor, no shifter wants to hurt a human woman.”
“I think he might change his stance on shifters. The Collinses were big campaign donors. They visit him all the time. There were even rumors that his daughter was going to marry Jasper Collins for a while.”
“Let’s hope you’re right, honey. You can use a break. I haven’t even gotten myself on that registry yet. Maybe it’ll be gone before the end of the year.”
Suzy had forgotten about the registry. That was probably why the Collinses had come out. Gov. Sheridan had set up a registry for people bitten by shifters, and he was talking about creating one for all shifters. Suzy didn’t like the sound of that, and she was aware that the shifters liked it even less. She’d never thought he would actually do it, though.
There was an announcement on the TV. No one from the Collins family would be speaking this morning.
Lucy g
roaned. “Well, I guess I’d better get ready for work. I’ll be pulling a double today. Sit tight.”
Suzy waited until Lucy had gone to the back of the house before looking around. Lucy’s house was more ornate than Tyler’s. It was the same ranch design, but she had more rooms. There was a living room, a dining room, and kitchen. The bathroom was down the hall, and there had to be at least two bedrooms. She wondered why Lucy had gotten so much space. It would probably be rude to ask, she decided.
While she was looking at the kitchen, she became aware of scratching noises. She looked around the kitchen, but there was nothing moving. She waited for the sound to happen again and then followed the noise. It was coming from the front door.
Suzy looked out the peephole. There was a giant tiger on the doorstep. She hesitated a moment before opening the door. The animal didn’t move as she looked at the door in shock. Lucy was going to be very mad. Her front door was covered with giant scratch marks that cut deep into the wood. She would probably need a whole new door.
“You’re going to be in trouble,” Suzy said to the tiger. “Can I help you?”
The animal started walking away and then looked back at her. Suzy understood it wanted her to follow it, but she wasn’t about to follow some random tiger.
She shook her head. “No, thank you. I’m fine right here.”
The tiger growled and she took a step back, closing the door quickly. She looked out the peephole and found the tiger lounging on the step. It pawed at the door halfheartedly.
“What’s that noise?”
Suzy jumped at the unexpected question. “There’s a tiger outside.”
“He’s back already? What did he want?”
“You think that’s Tyler?” Suzy looked out the peephole at the tiger again. It was hard to imagine that that handsome man she’d met last night was indeed the tiger sitting on the doorstep. Why would he come back as an animal? That didn’t seem like something a shifter would normally do.
