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“Go have fun. I’ll see you tomorrow.”
“Will do.” I clicked off and reluctantly shot a text to my supervisor, Curt Jackson.
Me:Dead end. Fang was gone before I arrived. No clues found.
Three tiny dots appeared as I waited for his reply.
Mr. Jackson:Damn! I will let you know when I get another lead, Saskia. Get some rest.
Me:Will do.
I tossed my phone onto the seat and ran a hand through my hair. The adrenaline left me on edge, and the fact that I couldn’t locate Fang made me doubt my skills.Saskia, my code name, was known for her stealth and efficiency. Swift justice with no hesitation. I wasn’t living up to my reputation, which pissed me off. Eyeing the pub once more, I was ready to let off some energy. Literally.
I usually tried to avoid shifters, but my wolf craved the interaction. Wolves were meant to be social creatures, but I had to be extra careful as a dual-natured shifter. She wanted out to play, and it wasn’t an option. Caroline not only warned me about shifting into my wolf, but she also warned that if I didn’t regularly shift, my wolf would take over and force the change. The compromise was a shifter bar in a small town that barely made a blip on the map. Not ideal, but If I kept this to a one-night-only visit, I could disappear without a trace. That was always my MO, get in and get out.
As I got out of the car, I noticed the giant cedar trees surrounding the gravel parking lot. Six pickup trucks, and ten, maybe twelve, cars filled the spaces. The lot was almost full.
Pushing open the front door, the sound of chatting and laughter greeted me. Looking left, I noticed a vintage-style jukebox sat against the wall playing retro rock music. A long bar made with rich mahogany wood stretched the length of the back wall. Posters of half-naked women adorned the walls. Hello, 1975. Hopefully, the patrons didn’t hold on to those archaic values and just didn’t care enough to update the pub.
The smell of French fries drifted over, and I inhaled slowly and deeply. My stomach rumbled loudly, but I didn’t care. My slice of two-day-old pizza left hours ago. I headed for a small round table in the dark corner and slid into the chair. With my back facing the wall, I could see the entire room. Thankfully, the light barely cut across my face leaving me mainly in the shadows.
A petite blonde headed over with a pen and pad in hand. The waitress would briefly meet my eyes before lowering her gaze. My wolf stayed on high alert, always watching for trouble—she liked to fight.
I turned countless supernaturals over to The Agency in my six-year career. I knew that some of those family members would love retribution. The thought of fighting excited my wolf, me—not so much.
What can I get you?” The waitress asked in a mousy voice.
“Do you have steak?” I asked.
“Yes.” She still wouldn’t look at me for more than a second. If I had spent more time around my kind, I would instantly know how she ranked in her pack. But I hadn’t, and all I knew was that she couldn’t be very high on the totem pole.
“I’ll take a steak, rare, and an order of fries.”
“And to drink?”
“Something strong. Whatever you recommend.”
She nodded and hurried away.
Both male and female shifters flirted and laughed at the bar. The smell of arousal and alcohol hung thick in the air. The men were young, muscled, and handsome, very easy on the eyes, but my wolf recognized them as inferior and quickly dismissed them. I watched with envy and wished I could have been born a regular shifter with normal parents and a pack for support. Friends to laugh with. Unfortunately, high school dances were a mere fairytale, something to read about in books. Dating wasn’t an option, even though I craved family life—companionship. At least I had Kelly.
Tonight, I needed someone strong who could hold his own in a dominant battle. Those chances were slim to none, but a girl could only hope. Caroline constantly complained that my wolf was a strong bitch. Almost as strong as her puma, but we never tested that theory.
A few she-wolves shot quick, suspicious glances my way. They were probably checking out the competition. I chuckled under my breath, thinking I was the least of their worries. I didn’t want their males. I only needed to borrow one for a few hours. Self-preservation demanded that I stick to one-night stands. Anything else was too dangerous.
My drink arrived first. Light brown, ice swirling in the glass, I took a sip and almost spat it out. Pure whiskey burned my throat. That should certainly take a little of the edge off. After a couple of more sips, the initial shock had passed.
My food arrived and I devoured the steak and fries quickly before leaning back in my chair. Sipping my drink, I observed the interactions of the entire room. The hum of pent-up energy still simmered beneath my skin. It made me restless on the inside, and I knew that I’d never get any sleep if I didn’t find an outlet. It was either fight—or fuck.
Fight!My wolf perked up.
I chuckled into my mug. Unlike me, my wolf was a feisty bitch who loved to brawl. I didn’t think inciting a fight amongst shifters would keep me under the radar.Not tonight. Not here.I thought back to her. I would’ve considered it If we had been in a human bar.
A handsome blond cast me an appreciative glance. The woman in me enjoyed the attention, but my wolf wasn’t interested. A few minutes later, a muscled sandy-haired guy strolled over and took the empty seat in front of me. He smiled with gleaming white teeth, but I mildly ignored him. The female in me admired his good looks, but my wolf snarled inside my head. And if she wasn’t on board, then neither was I. Not tonight.
“I haven’t seen you around here before. And believe me, you are unforgettable. The name’s Carl. And you are?” He queried with his bright blue eyes and megawatt smile.
“Not interested.” I deadpanned, taking a sip and ignoring him. He got the message loud and clear.
