“And those two?” I asked, nodding toward the younger wolves.
“Dylan’s going home with the brunette, and Ace is going home with one of the blondes.” He indicated the two girls currently hanging on Ace’s every word. “Maybe both,” he added with a shrug.
“I’m going to finish my drink and read for a while longer. What about you and Max?”
“Once all the boys are gone, I think we’re going to order up some shots. You want one?”
“What are you drinking?”
“Knowing Max, probably tequila.” It wasn’t often that the three of us got the chance to kick back and just enjoy each other’s company. They played the role of babysitter as often as I did.
“Sure, why not? Make sure the boys know where we’ll be.”
“You got it, boss.”
I watched as he headed back to the bar to pass my message on to Ace and Dylan. They both looked at me and nodded. I noticed the girl from the alley was back in her seat at the far end of the bar, and momentarily considered going to sit with her. But in the end, I thought better of it. She obviously wanted to be left alone.
I returned to reading my book and only made it halfway through the next chapter when a commotion suddenly broke out, filling the bar with a dull roar of shouts and chair legs scraping against the linoleum floor.
“I fucking warned you.” Ace’s face was firmly planted on the surface of the bar and the blonde from the alley had his arm pinned up behind his back.
“Okay, okay, okay! You fuckin’ psycho bitch, let me go!” Ace struggled to recover from his disadvantage, but he was drunk and she’d caught him by surprise. In one smooth motion, she hooked one of those metal loops and brought the tip of the blade up in a flash, pressing it to the back of his neck just below the base of his skull. I jumped from my seat, knocking my drink across the table in the process.
“What you’re feeling is the tip of a steel blade. It’s not silver, so you don't have to worry about that, but I have this theory that a wolf can't heal a severed brainstem. Unless you want to test out my theory, you’re going to calm the fuck down. Got it?” Ace struggled in response and she pressed the blade harder. “Got it?” She repeated with a little more heat behind her words.
“Okay! Fine! Got it!” He relaxed in her grip and she released the pressure of the blade. I let out the breath I hadn’t realized I was holding.
“What is the lesson you learned here tonight?”
“What?” he asked nervously.
“Repeat after me: no means no,” she ordered, speaking to him like a child.
“No means no,” he repeated.
“Does no mean you can slide your hand down my ass?”
“No.”
“Good. Now what do you say?”
“I’m sorry.”
“For what? And please speak up a little. Your face being all smooshed like that is making it kind of hard to understand you.”
“I’m sorry for grabbing your ass,” he ground out, a little louder this time.
“Good boy,” she said sarcastically as she let him up. “Now, go piss on fire hydrant or whatever.”
Ace stood and glared at her with fire in his eyes. A growl rumbled low in my chest and in the next second, Aidan and Max were escorting Ace away from her. Returning her blade to its hidden sheath, she slid into her seat and went back to quietly sipping her drink. I motioned for Ace to come back to my table, and Max steered him toward me. I sat back down and Ace slid into the seat across from me. Max and Aidan went to the bar leaving me to have a private discussion with the young wolf.
“What happened to your two little friends?”
He couldn’t bring himself to meet my eyes when he answered. “They ran to the ATM down the block for cab money.”
“So they’re coming back?”
“Yes,” he replied, caution in his voice.
“And when you all leave here, where are you headed?”
“We’re going to their apartment. They’re roommates.” I remained quiet for a few moments for no other purpose than to make him sweat. He deserved it. When I was satisfied he had suffered enough, I finally spoke.
“Okay.”
His eyes snapped up to me in surprise. “That’s it?”
“Why? Do you need me to go with you and show you what to do?”
“No. I mean, you’re not pissed at me?”
I let me wolf come out, my eyes blazing red. “What do you think?” The words came out in a low growl and he instantly dropped his eyes. My wolf settled and the glow left my eyes again. “But I think getting your ass handed to you by a human female in front of half your pack is punishment enough. Hopefully her lesson sticks because I get the impression she’s going to be around, for a little while at least. Steer clear of her, Ace. I’m warning you right now, don't touch her again. You know the consequences with me, and apparently, she can handle herself. Should you piss her off, I’m not going to stand in the way of whatever she throws at you. Are we clear?”
“Crystal,” he replied without hesitation.
“Good. And we’re just going to glide right on by the fact that you’re going home with not one but two women and still felt the need to lay your hands where they didn’t belong.” He dropped his gaze again and my eyes wandered to the door just as Ace’s new friends strolled back in. “Your ride’s here,” I said, nodding my head toward the door. “Go ahead. Have fun and don't do anything I wouldn’t do.”
He nodded and got up from the table, his mood instantly shifting the moment he walked up to the two girls. With one wrapped in each arm, he left, Dylan and his date right behind them.
RECKONING
CHAPTER FOUR
Max and Aidan sat down at the table next to me. In part because they were too big to fit in the booth comfortably, in part because they wouldn’t be able to move quickly if a threat showed up. After a few shots, they began to loosen up and were in a deep discussion about custom tail pipes for their bikes. I took the opportunity to excuse myself and slide out of the booth.
As I approached the back of her chair, her right hand slid down to her thigh. There was no doubt her finger was hooked in one of those little metal rings.
“Hey, I come in peace.” I stopped walking and waited for the all clear. She gave me a quick glance over her shoulder before her hand reappeared on the bar top.
“I did warn you,” she offered.
“We’re in agreement on that. Ace got what he deserved.”
“Ace. He would have a name like Ace,” she said, shaking her head.
“Mind if I sit down?”
She glanced at the chair next to her and nodded. “It’s a free country.”
I shifted a few chairs down to make some extra room. I didn’t want to crowd her but after what I’d just witnessed, I had to talk to this girl.
“Here,” I said as I reached into my pocket, “I don't feel right keeping that after tonight’s events.” I slid the twenty dollar bill in front of her. A smirk began to form at the corner of her mouth. “Look at that, I got you to smile. A little bit anyway. We haven’t been properly introduced. My name is Marcel Cross and I’m the alpha of the motley band of assholes you mentioned earlier.” For a second I wasn’t even sure she was going to answer me, but a thaw seemed to creep in. She relaxed a bit before finally facing me.
“Jamie Hayes.”
“Is that your real name or something you go by?”
“Nope, that’s the real deal.”
“Okay, well, it’s nice to meet you, Jamie. Given your altercation with Ace earlier tonight, I would understand your hesitation, but I’d like to invite you to join me and my friends over there for a few drinks. I promise we’re much better company than Ace, and after that show you put on tonight, we owe you at least that much.”
“Is that dipshit coming back here tonight?”
“Not if he knows what’s good for him.”
She watched Max and Aidan animatedly carrying on with their conversation while she considered
my offer. “Sure,” she finally accepted.
“Good. What are you drinking?”
“It looks like you guys have already started. What do you have over there?”
“Tequila. Silver.”
“Sounds good,” she replied. She was actually smiling. A real smile.
“Come on.” I nodded my head toward the guys as I got up from the bar stool. I led her over to the table, and as soon as Aidan caught sight of me, their conversation quieted and Max turned around.
“Jamie, I’d like to introduce you to Max and Aidan. Guys, this is Jamie Hayes. She’s going to hang out with us for a bit.” As if they’d rehearsed it, the two wolves, who would never submit to anyone except me, stood from their seats, dropped to their knees, and bowed at her feet. “Get up,” I ordered through a laugh. “Please, have a seat.” I slid into the booth and she slid into the seat opposite me.
“I feel like we should ask for your autograph,” Aidan said. “He had that coming, but I didn’t expect a human to be the one to bring the pain.”
“I shouldn’t have had to. What’s that guy’s problem anyway?”
“He’s an obnoxious twat,” Max answered a little too quickly. It was no secret he wasn’t Ace’s biggest fan, mainly because of nights like this one. I admit life was a lot easier before they joined the pack. Quieter. Max openly shared those sentiments.
“You’re going to have to tell us where a girl like you learned to move like that,” Max said as he stood from his chair. “But first, liquor. What’s everybody drinking?”
“I was promised tequila,” Jamie piped in, pointing to me for confirmation.
“She’s telling the truth,” I replied.
“Aidan?”
“You know me, I’m a follower.”
“Grab a couple rounds?” I asked. He nodded and Aidan left to help him. I noticed Jamie shifting uncomfortably and tried to break the ice a bit more. “Are you from around here?”
“Are you?” she asked, her eyebrow crinkled like I just asked her what size bra she wore.
“Yes and no. I live here now. Your turn.”
“I’ve only been here for a few months.”
“What brings you to the city?” I asked before taking another sip of my drink. She was quiet so long, I wondered if she’d even heard me. But she opened her mouth to answer and then closed it again. I’d put money on the fact that whatever brought her here wasn’t pleasant. “You don't have to answer if you don't want to. I’m just making conversation. Not trying to pry into your business.”
She relaxed a little at that.
“Let’s just say, there was nothing left for me where I came from and I needed a change of scenery. New York seemed like as good a place as any.” She shrugged. She was lying, at least partially, but there was no way she was giving up any more information on the subject. Not tonight anyway. She had a story, of that I was certain. You don't learn to move the way she did just anywhere. I considered the possibility of her being former military, but there is no way she would have lasted long enough to get any real training. That mouth of hers would land her with a court martial before the first day of basic training was over. She may not be military but someone somewhere had taught her well. I was intrigued but I wouldn’t push it. Before the conversation could get any more awkward, Max and Aidan returned with the bartender in tow. She was carrying a tray with four shot glasses and a sealed bottle of top shelf tequila.
“We’re not usually allowed to do this but Max here paid about four times the retail and a hundred dollar tip besides. He also promised you guys would keep it on the down low. If cops show up for any reason, you need to hide the bottle, and if you get caught, you smuggled it in. Got it?”
“Yes, ma’am,” I replied.
“Ew, don't call me ma’am or I’ll turn you in myself,” she warned with a mischievous smile. I noticed she made a point to wink at Max before she left us to our drinking.
RECKONING
CHAPTER FIVE
Four shots and a round of margaritas later, Max and Aidan were debating the pros and cons of various weapons. Jamie and I offered the occasional comment but mostly we watched and listened.
“What about those knives of yours?” Aidan asked.
“What about them?” Jamie replied before downing the last of her margarita.
“Why knives?”
“I don't know. I just like them. They’ll never go out of style and you can pick one up just about anywhere. They’re a lot easier to conceal than a bulky gun, and a lot safer too.”
“I still prefer claws,” Max added with a shrug.
“Not all of us can grow knives. We have to find our weapons the old fashioned way. And I’d be willing to bet money I’m faster with one of these,” she said, producing the tiny daggers from her pant leg, “than any of you wolves.”
“Let’s see a demonstration,” Aidan challenged. For a split second, I almost thought I was going to be digging a knife out of one of my wolves. Instead, she smiled and laid the blade down on her napkin.
“I’ll tell you what. Let’s do another shot, then we can head outside for a smoke break.” We all agreed and Max poured.
Conversation continued; this time Jamie dove right in, offering her knowledge of all things sharp and pointy. It seemed the tequila was doing double time as social lubricant, and although she was talking a lot more, she remained completely impersonal. I still had no idea where she was from or why she ended up in a werewolf bar. For reasons I couldn't explain, I was dying to know more. The longer we sat there, the harder it was for me to peel my eyes away. A few times she caught me staring a little too long, studying the curves of her face, but I didn't avert my eyes right away. Even if I'd wanted to, I don't think my wolf would have let me. I felt the familiar red glow begin to rise up and I looked down at my empty glass.
"So," she said, drawing the word out uncomfortably, "who's ready for that smoke break?”
I nodded, thankful for the opportunity to get some air and clear my head.
We all got up and made our way to the backdoor. When we stepped out onto the concrete pad, Jamie turned her back to the alley, one eye closed as she tried to focus through her intoxication.
"Okay, list off some targets. No trash bags allowed. I'm not digging my blades out of a pile of rotting garbage.” She pulled a cigarette out of her pack and placed it between her lips. She patted her pockets down but didn’t find what she was after.
“Need a light?” I offered, holding out my lit Zippo.
“Thanks,” she replied. As she leaned in, I glanced up at the alley scanning over the contents. I closed the lighter and stuffed it back into my jacket pocket.
“Cardboard, mattress, pallets.”
She nodded and walked down the stairs, careful to keep her eyes to the ground. She straightened, teetering slightly before steadying herself. She was human and far more drunk than we were. She was more than likely about to make a fool out of herself but the guys wouldn’t judge. I’d be impressed if she even came close to the targets. She took one more drag and then held her cigarette out to Max to hang onto. She thanked him when he took it from her.
One last deep breath to shake some of the alcohol away and she snapped around. Her arms were a flurry of movement; she sunk five of her knives, each thumping loudly into place. I looked to each of the objects I’d named and they all sported a dagger protruding from almost dead center.
“You didn’t say which piece of cardboard so I hit all three piles.” She shrugged and then stumbled again as she retrieved her cigarette from Max. I shook my head and laughed.
“What?” she asked. The big smile plastered across her face clearly said she was proud of herself.
“You can barely stand up straight on flat ground, but manage to nail all three targets blind.”
“Well, not blind—”
“You know what I mean. That’s quite the talent you have. You sure you’re not a supernatural of some kind?”
She hesitated before answering but stuck
to the company line when she finally did. “Nope, just a plain old human.” It wasn’t a lie, but it wasn’t exactly the truth either.
“That’s really fuckin’ impressive,” Aidan complimented. He pried the tip of one of her blades from the wooden pallet.
“Thanks,” she replied.
“You sure you’re not part wolf?” he asked.
“I’m sure,” she replied, pulling a knife out of the mattress.
“Remind me never to piss you off.”
“Deal.”
“What the fuck is this?” Ace’s angry voice boomed from the mouth of the alley. “I leave and you guys decide to party it with that c—”
“Watch your mouth,” I ordered, my gaze instantly filled with fire. His eyes snapped to the ground.
“Neat trick,” Jamie said stepping up beside me. She slipped three of the blades back in their concealed sheaths, but kept two handy.
“Why are you back here?” I asked, allowing my irritation to soak into every syllable.
“Dylan got jumped. Kade Walker's guys picked him up and they have him at their Brooklyn coven house.”
"How is he?”
“Alive but banged up pretty good.”
“Do we know who jumped him?”
“Not yet. I came straight here when Kade called me.”
“Alright, Dylan is safe at the Walker house. Head there now. I won't be far behind.” I turned to Aidan. “You and Max go with him. Keep me in the loop.” He nodded and the two headed toward the mouth of the alley. I turned my back without another word to Ace. I’d have plenty to say to him later. Now was not the time.
"Look, if you need to take off with your guys, go ahead. I can clean up the mess we left inside."
"I'm not sending you on your way alone."
"What? Like you're going to walk me to my door? I don't think so." I simply smiled. "No," she replied matter of factly.
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