Unfortunately, I couldn’t take Jazz up on her offer—duty called elsewhere.Specifically, at Wraith & Whiskey, the bar where I slung drinks for vampires, werewolves, and other paranormals.Living alone wasn’t cheap, especially with pets to feed.Multiple mouths required multiple jobs.
But Jazz didn’t know about my second job.And seeing as how humans didn’t know about the paranormal world—other than what existed in fiction—I kept my bartender gig a secret.Thankfully, Jazz didn’t invite me out too often, which made it easier to manage my double life.
“Thanks for the offer, but I can’t,” I said, trying to sound casual.“I have other plans.”
Jazz frowned.“Other plans?When do you ever have plans?”
“It’s just some family stuff,” I said, feigning nonchalance.
She stared at me, then sighed dramatically.“Fine, but I’m not letting you off that easily.We’re going shopping before your date.Deal?”
“Deal,” I said.“How about Wednesday?I don’t have anything planned then.”
“Great!”Jazz practically bounced on the spot.“Wednesday it is.And don’t even think about bailing on me.”
“Wouldn’t dream of it,” I replied, knowing full well that she’d hunt me down.According to the Gospel of Jazz, dressing to impress for a date was non-negotiable.The only problem was her idea of classy didn’t match mine.She was probably picturing me in six-inch heels and a skirt short enough to flash panty lines—neither of which appealed to me.Raised by Lucifer and his minions, I was a warrior at heart.My idea of “dressing up” involved armor and weapons, but Earth’s authorities didn’t love that look.
Still, shopping with Jazz sounded fun.Maybe I could talk her down fromkillerto something a bit more casual—and budget friendly.If I had spare cash, I would have loved nothing more than to splurge on something fancy.Alas, life in Edmonton was costly, and I needed every last dollar for necessities, like heat, water, and power.
The rest of the shift flew by without any more drama, thank goodness, and I could finally clock out.I hung up my apron, grabbed my purse, and checked the time.Five minutes to make it to the bus stop for the first of two buses needed to get me home.I had to eat and change before tackling my shift at Wraith & Whiskey, which was just another quick bus ride from my place.
As I hurried toward the door, Jazz called my name, and I glanced back.
“Wednesday,” she reminded me with a grin.“Don’t forget.”
I grinned back.“Wouldn’t miss it!”
“Now go!Before you miss your bus.”
I waved goodbye and dashed out the door, hoping to catch my ride in time.My boss at the bar didn’t appreciate tardiness, and considering he was a vampire, I definitely didn’t want to end up as his midnight snack as punishment.
ChapterTwo
February in Edmontonwas no joke.As I stepped off the bus, the winter wind whipped through the streets, its icy claws tearing right through me, despite my heavy coat.My celestial heritage meant the cold would never kill me.But there were worse things than death and winter was one of them.I’d grown up in Hell, where the temperature constantly hovered around “broil.”Given the choice between that and Edmonton’s minus-forty windchills, I’d gladly take Hell’s scorching heat any day.
I trudged down the street, mindful of the ice, and headed toward Wraith & Whiskey.The bar had a reputation among the paranormal locals that extended far beyond its grimy, graffiti-covered exterior.Every night, it became a lively sanctuary for the supernatural.Magic woven into the foundation provided them a measure of security by ensuring humans couldn’t see or enter the building.To them, it simply didn’t exist.For the paranormals, though, it was the perfect spot to unwind and let down their hair without fear of exposure.
Unfortunately, the same rules didn’t apply to me.
I’d long since learned to guard my secrets, if only so I never gave anyone the chance to betray me again.It was a lesson hard learned.As such, my coworkers knew my name and that I wasn’t human, but that was it.To them, I was just Lily the Bartender.And I was okay with that.My anonymity kept me safe.
I stepped inside the bar, and the familiar cacophony of chatter, laughter, and the occasional growl greeted me.The dim lighting provided cover for those who wanted it, and the air was thick with the scent of alcohol and sweat.
“Evening,” I said, giving the bouncer—a grizzled werewolf named Hank—a nod as I took my place behind the bar.
His eyes, aglow with the power of his wolf, slid to me, and he silently nodded back.Hank was a man—wolf—of few words.He ensured no one caused any trouble—a job I sometimes assisted with—collected his pay and left.
I tied my apron around my waist and glanced up to see all the usual faces.Some greeted me with their own smiles, others raised their half-empty glasses, silently asking for another.I’d worked here for three years.I knew the drill and set to work.Three blood-infused bourbons for the vampires at table four, and two blood and cokes for the vampire couple at the back.
Next, I mixed a coral cocktail for the siren Eliza, who currently sat at table three.The vibrant blue drink contained a touch of sea salt and a swirl of kelp extract.Smelled like rotten fish to me, but she slammed it back every single time.Last on my list was a concoction for Nixie, a night hag who liked her drinks potent and dark.I prepared her usual—a shadowy mix of black rum, a hint of wormwood, and a splash of nightshade syrup.Nixie claimed it helped her stay “sharp,” but honestly, I never asked for details.I truly didn’t want to know.
I waved to Hunter, our resident trickster and waiter, and pointed at the tray of seven drinks awaiting his attention.He sauntered over, a mischievous gleam in his eye, and with the snap of his fingers, the drinks shimmered out of sight.A second later, they appeared in front of their respective customer, each one landing perfectly in place.
Hunter flashed me a saucy wink, an impish grin crossing his face.I couldn’t help but marvel at his abilities and his open use of them.As Lucifer’s daughter, I had some talents of my own—like the ability to conjure hellfire and control shadows.But I kept my powers a secret, for fear they’d reveal my identity.My gifts weren’t common, even among paranormals.
“Thanks, Hunter,” I said, wiping down the bar.
“Not a problem,” he replied.He hitched a hip against the counter and leaned closer.“If you’re ever interested in learning whatelseI can do, don’t hesitate to hit me up.”
