“Don’t worry kid,” he said. “Everything will be okay.” I knew he was trying to be reassuring but I couldn't shake the feeling that danger was already closing in on us. Time was running out, and soon we would be forced to face our enemies whether we liked it or not.
Chapter 2
Erica
Thesultryscentofmagic and blood hung heavy in the air as I wiped down the polished mahogany bar. Victor Reynard's supernatural establishment was an oasis amidst the chaos of the world outside. The dimly lit, plush interior provided a sanctuary for all those looking to escape their mundane lives or simply indulge in the company of like-minded creatures.
Victor, a 300-year-old vampire with the wisdom and cunning of the ages, had a knack for attracting the most diverse clientele. From ethereal nymphs nursing goblets of glittering nectar, to hulking werewolves drowning their sorrows in mugs of foamy ale, we welcomed any and all who passed through our doors.
"Erica, love, be a dear and fetch me another bottle of that exquisite O negative from the cellar, would you?" Victor called out, his voice smooth as silk and just as compelling.
"Of course," I replied, tossing the rag over my shoulder and making my way towards the hidden door at the back of the room. As much as I hated to admit it, working for Victor had its perks. The pay was excellent, and he treated me more like a confidante than an employee.
The hinges creaked open as I entered the cellar, the cool dampness a stark contrast to the warmth of the bustling bar above. As I reached for a bottle, the sound of the entrance bell chimed, signalling a new arrival.
"Jasper, long time no see!" came Victor's voice from above. Curiosity piqued, I quickly grabbed the bottle and ascended the stairs.
"Ah, Erica, perfect timing," Victor purred as I emerged from the cellar, the bottle clutched tightly in my hand. "Allow me to introduce Jasper Blackwood." My eyes locked onto the newcomer, taking in his tall, lean frame and tousled blond hair. His blue eyes sparkled with an intensity that was both alluring and unnerving. He had an air of authority that made the hairs on the back of my neck prickle, but his smile was warm and disarming.
"Nice to meet you," I said, forcing a smile as I offered my hand. Jasper took it, his grip firm and reassuring.
I could tell that he was an Alpha werewolf as soon as our hands touched, and a powerful one at that. And that concerned me. I hadn’t seen him in the bar before and I didn’t like that at all, especially with Trenton being on high alert. It wasn’t unusual for pack wolves to come into the bar, but the Alphas rarely made an appearance, which suited me just fine. I didn’t like Alphas, apart from Trenton, of course. They were often territorial and demanding. I had my fair share of unmated Alphas deciding that as a rogue wolf that I would be an adequate mate for them, and I had no plans for that at all. The idea of living in a structured pack with all their rules and shit was not for this wolf. I was happy being a rogue, despite the reputation rogues had, and I was happy with the freedom that came with it.
"And this is Kieran, Jasper's Beta," Victor said with a flourish of his arm as he gestured to another man. I realised that I was still holding Jasper’s hand and let go quickly as my face flushed with embarrassment. Jasper seemed to have a knowing smile. I tried to turn my attention to the other man that was with him. He was slightly smaller, but just as lean as the Alpha standing next to him. His black t-shirt showed that much of his skin was decorated with tattoos, even up his neck.
"Guilty as charged," Kieran said in a thick Irish accent, his grin infectious. It was easy to see that their relationship was more casual and friendly than the typical Alpha-Beta dynamic. "Jasper, Kieran, please, make yourselves comfortable," Victor chimed in, extending his arms in a sweeping gesture. And with that, he disappeared into his private quarters, leaving me to tend to our guests.
"Can I get you gentlemen anything?" I asked, trying to keep the professional facade intact despite the pounding in my chest.
"Whiskey for me, please," Jasper replied, his voice deep and velvety. "Neat."
"Same for me," Kieran added with a nod and a wink.
"Coming right up," I said, turning to fetch their drinks. I could feel Jasper’s eyes following me as I busied myself with their drinks.
"Here you are," I said, handing Jasper and Kieran their glasses with a smile. As they took their first sips, Jasper turned to me, his eyes still holding that unnerving intensity.
"Erica, we're actually here looking for some old friends of ours. They've fallen off the radar, so to speak. A group of werewolves who've chosen to go rogue. You wouldn't happen to know anything about them, would you?" His question was casual, but I could sense the weight behind it.
"Can't say I do," I replied cautiously, my heart racing as I wondered how much he knew. "Rogues tend to keep to themselves, don't they?"
"True," Jasper agreed, swirling the whiskey in his glass. "But I've heard that these rogues live in a pack of their own making. Surely that would stand out to an intelligent girl such as yourself." I swallowed hard, feeling my palms grow clammy. It was clear he was talking about my people, but why? Was this some twisted Alpha mind game, or did he truly not know who I was? I was silently begging the goddess for some sort of distraction, when I heard the bell for the door go off. Thank you goddess, I thought, until I turned and saw who had walked in. I smiled an apology at the two men and turned to deal with my next customers. Just before I could walk away, Jasper reached out and grabbed my hand.
“If you hear anything,” he said, his gaze not leaving mine, “Would you let me know?”
"Of course," I lied, knowing full well I'd keep my distance from him and his questions.
At that moment, Heidi Matthews, a werewolf from one of the local packs banged her fist on the bar at the other end. Her piercing blue eyes scanned the room with disdain before settling on me. Her long black hair cascading over her shoulders like a dark waterfall. " Erica," she sneered, her voice dripping with sarcasm. "Do you actually work here or does being a dirty rogue mean that we all have to slum it?"
"Nice to see you too, Heidi," I replied dryly, not in the mood for her games. "What brings you to Victor's humble abode?"
"None of your business," she snapped, tossing her hair over her shoulder as she turned to face the other werewolves who had come in with her. "Just get me a gin and tonic."
"Right away," I muttered, rolling my eyes when her back was turned. I was used to her vapidness and her disrespect, she was the worst of the group that had just walked in. There were seven or eight of them, mostly girls, but a few men as well. They were all from the Silver Stone pack which was about twenty miles south of the city. I watched as they found two tables close to each other and as one of the men looked over at the bar as if he was searching for something. Our eyes locked, and he nodded in my direction. I nodded back slightly but kept my expression clear of emotion. I glanced over to the two men sitting at the other end of the bar and saw that Jasper was watching me. He raised an eyebrow at me with clear amusement on his face. I felt heat in my face as I blushed again.
“Oh, my goddess!” Heidi exclaimed. “Am I going to actually get my drink or am I interrupting your plans to increase your notches to your slut bedpost?” She pouted and leaned forward on the bar.
“Victor, why do you still have that skanky rogue still working here?” I laughed to myself at her using the term skanky, being that her dress was so short I didn’t think it could be called a dress, showing just how classy she was. Her breasts practically poured out of her dress as she continued to pout at Victor.
