by G. K. DeRosa
Cass sauntered right up to the entrance, bypassing the snaking line despite the chorus of groans and rumbles behind us. “What are you doing?” I hissed.
She walked up to the giant of a man working the door and shot him a beaming smile. A stream of light from the lamppost reflected off his shiny bald head and as he smiled in return, revealed pointy incisors and a forked tongue slithering between them.
I muffled a gasp, snapping my jaw shut and staggered back.
Cass wound her fingers around the demon’s hairy forearm, still smiling. “Hey, Miz. How’s it looking tonight?”
“It’s going to be a fun one, little lady,” he rasped, his tongue vibrating with each word. “It’s a good crowd, not just your kind.” He quirked a dark brow, humor lighting up his onyx irises.
“That’s what I like to hear.” My best friend slapped the burly bouncer on the back, and he unlocked the velvet rope, ushering us in.
“Have a good night, ladies.”
I nodded at the big guy and scurried in behind my best friend. That’s why I loved Cass, she never ceased to amaze me. “How did you know that Underworlder?”
“Miz and I met last summer at that bar I worked at back home, remember?”
“Oh, right.” She’d never mentioned the demon specifically, but I knew she’d been working. I spent summers at a mostly barren campus while Cass spent them at home at a summer job. She’d explained when we first met that with so many brothers and sisters, she wanted to help out financially whenever she could. It had made me admire my friend from the start.
I trailed behind her down a long, dark corridor with only the thundering beats as a guide. The further we moved through the tunnel, the more my entire body vibrated. We turned a corner, and a blast of light illuminated the dim passageway. I squinted, momentarily blinded by the brilliant colors. When my pupils finally adjusted, my eyes darted across the vast space. A two-story waterfall rippled down the farthest wall, drops of dew hanging in the air projecting tiny rainbows across the entire dancefloor. Each droplet remained suspended in the air, a cool mist dancing over my skin as we walked.
“This is incredible,” I shouted.
“I know, right? Guess that’s why it’s called Rain.” Cass’s smile stretched from ear to ear as she weaved through the crowd with her head tilted skyward.
There was no ceiling, only hundreds of stars twinkling down at us, and the full crimson moon overhead. I tilted my head back, the brilliant light bathing my skin in a faint scarlet glow.
“Come on, the bar’s this way.” Cass’s hand clamped around mine, and she dragged me through the tangle of bodies. I wished we’d been allowed to spend more time off campus the past four years. Then maybe I wouldn’t have hated it so much. Roaming freely around Maginaria was a privilege granted only to fourth years.
Cass shoved her way past the crowd at the bar and wiggled in between two males. Definitely not witches. Their heated gazes ran over us so blatantly that a burst of warmth blossomed across my cheeks.
“Good evening,” the taller one purred. Darkness swirled around his features, shadows kissing the sharp planes of his face. Vampire. The only thing I’d developed in four years at magic school was my supe radar.
“Can we get you drinks, ladies?” His friend leaned closer, forming a tight semi-circle around us.
“Yes, please,” Cass answered. “We’ll have two glasses of Fae wine from the royal courts preferably.”
The vamp grinned and snapped his fingers. A second later, the cute female bartender appeared.
“Seriously?” I hissed at my friend. Faery wine was crazy strong for non-Fae. I’d only had a few sips in my life, and it was enough to knock me on my ass.
“Come on, Sierra. Do you know how expensive that stuff is? Who knows when we’ll have the chance to have it again? You’re off to the human world, and I’ll be living with the shifters. Indulging like this will be highly unlikely.”
I focused on her words, and my eyes widened. “So you are taking the job?” She’d totally avoided my question earlier.
“Yeah, yeah, I guess so. What else am I going to do?”
I shot my friend my best smile. “You’re going to be great, and the wolves are beyond lucky to have you.”
Vampire number one turned to us with two flutes filled with sparkling lavender liquid. “To the most beautiful females at the club.” He clinked his opaque goblet to ours, and I cringed to think what was inside. Attending the academy didn’t leave much time to mingle with the other supernatural races, and I’d spent zero time with the vamps. The whole blood-sucking thing still freaked me out.
My best friend eye-screwed the attractive vampire as she sipped from the glass flute, a flirty smile on her lips.
Not Cass apparently.
I gulped down the fruity wine, and the soft bubbles floated straight to my head. My thoughts swam, inundated by the fizzy concoction. Man, those Fae knew how to live. Vampire number two reached for my empty glass, and a feral smile pulled at his crimson lips. “May I offer you another, darling?” The old-world lilt intensified his words and his attractiveness. I didn’t want to consider how old this immortal was. I was supposed to be having fun, right? So pressing my lips together, I slowly nodded.
What was the worst thing that could happen?
Chapter Four
My head bobbed to the music as if completely unattached to the rest of my body. My hips swayed, my feet bounced, and I had zero control over any of it. Damn, that Fae wine was lethal.
I grinded against the vampire behind me and the warlock in front, weaving my arms around his neck. Just over his shoulder, Cass wriggled between three males, her golden locks bouncing beneath the rainbow of lights.
Sweat trickled down my spine and lined my brow, my breath coming hard and fast. A giggle burst from my lips as I shimmied against the hot vampire. For the first time in as long as I could remember, I felt free, weightless, without a single worry pressing me down. Note to self: bring a case of the Fae wine back to the human world.
The vampire, Francesco, I think, twirled me toward him and then dipped me to the floor. My hair grazed the cement as I tipped my head back to see an angry warlock stalking toward us. Rafe! A scowl twisted his lips, his dark brows scrunched together, and fiery magic danced across his fingertips.
I jerked up and spun out of Frankie’s embrace a second too late to warn Cass. I didn’t know much about Rafe, except that he had a crazy possessive streak. Probably not the best guy for a casual fling.
Sparks flew and the charred scent of magic spiked the air as Rafe’s power slammed into the three males encircling her. The guys scattered, each tossed in opposite directions of the club.
“Rafe, no!” Cass shrieked as the mass of dancing bodies stopped to stare at the drama. A circle formed around the pair within seconds.
“This is why you wanted a night out alone with Sierra?” he shouted.
“We were just dancing. Relax.”
Tristan and Vander appeared, pushing their way through the crowd, and stood behind their buddy. I stomped past them and flanked Cass. “Nothing happened, Rafe, chill.”
He glared at me, his dark gaze bouncing from me to my roommate and back. “What would you know about relationships, Sierra? I’ve never even seen you with a guy.”
Heat exploded across my cheeks, and I curled my fingers into tight fists. “Eff off, Rafe. I’d rather be single than deal with an entitled asshole like you.”
“Stop it. Don’t talk to her like that.” Cass jumped between us and hauled her whatever-he-was off the dancefloor. His friends followed behind, and as much as I hated it, so did I. I couldn’t leave Cass to deal with that warlock douchebag by herself. Not until I was sure she was okay.
I momentarily lost track of my bestie and Rafe as I was swallowed up by the mass of grinding bodies. My head spun as I navigated the twists and turns, and my stomach protested the massive amount of alcohol I’d consumed. Bleh. When I finally reached the edge of the dancefloor, I spotted Trista
n and Vander by the bar and Cass and the warlock asshat huddled in a corner talking.
I wasn’t sure how much longer I could handle this. Their fight had snapped me from my fun buzz, and now I was venturing into surly drunk territory. I pulled my phone from my pocket and shot Cass a quick text message.
I’m out. I’ll grab a portal home at the station.
You sure?
Yup. Tired. Drunk. Hungry.
I could see her smile from across the way as she read the last message. With a pouty lip, she waved and I pivoted toward what I thought was the exit.
Rafe’s friend, Vander, appeared in front of me, his solid form suddenly blocking my path. “You’re leaving?”
“Yeah, I’m pretty done.”
He glanced back at his friend, still lingering at the bar before focusing his gaze on me once again. “I can walk you back, if you’d like.”
I caught a glimpse of Tristan over his shoulder, and he shot me a sneer. “Nah, it’s okay. I’ll be fine. I don’t want Tristan to lose his wing man.”
“You sure?”
I nodded quickly.
“Have a good night, then.”
After at least five solid minutes of weaving and pushing, I made my way out of the packed club. As a cool breeze wafted over my flesh, I sucked in a lungful of fresh air, clearing my foggy head. It wasn’t exactly the end of the night I’d imagined, but overall, it had been fun.
I followed the signs to the portal station, the blood moon showering faint crimson light over my skin as I walked. My skin tingled, every nerve-ending ablaze. Someone definitely needs to portal that Fae wine to the human world. My body still hummed from its aftereffects.
The steady click-clack of my heels on the cobblestone sidewalk kept me company as I traversed the quiet section of Midtowne. An occasional late-night partier would appear before disappearing a moment later into the shadows. It was awfully quiet.
Maybe I should’ve taken Vander up on his offer to walk me back.
I shook my head, chasing away the stray thought and the hair rising on the back of my neck. I picked up my pace as the red sign for the station appeared less than a block away.
A deep growl rent the still air, and my heart leapt up my throat. I spun around, and terror seized my vocal cords. A wolf—a mother freakin’ ginormous wolf stalked toward me.
I held out my hands, lowering into a crouch and slowly backed up. “Easy, easy…” I muttered, my voice trembling. Judging by the sheer enormity of the creature, I was certain this was no normal red wolf. This beast was nothing like the ones we had back home in North Carolina. This was a werewolf.
I stared up at the moon and cursed. I didn’t know much about shifters, but I’d heard stories about them losing control, the wolf eclipsing their human sides completely. Dammit, had Rafe been right about the blood moon? As if insulted by my profanity, the wolf let out a spine-tingling howl and bared its fangs. It prowled closer, dark hackles raised.
Shit. Shit. Shit. Running would be bad, right? I hazarded a glance over my shoulder. Still half a block to the entrance of the station. Even if I made it, there was no guarantee I’d survive. I could be stuck underground with the feral beast. But maybe if there was someone else down there, like someone with magic, they could help fend off the wild creature.
For the millionth time since I’d arrived in Maginaria, I cursed myself and my non-existent magic.
Another snarl and the wolf crept closer, its sharp claws clicking on the cobblestone. I took another step back. It smacked its lips and ran its long tongue across jagged teeth. Oh, hell no. I was not about to become wolf kibble.
I spun around and darted toward the entrance of the station, pumping my arms as fast as they’d go. I prayed my old high school track skills would kick back in. Panic squeezed my chest, the all-out sprint burning my lungs, my legs. I was so out of shape! Heat puckered my skin and unraveled through my veins.
The wolf lunged after me, the tell-tale clicking of his nails only a few yards behind. His hot breath spilled over me, the snap of his jaws echoing too close behind. Every single hair on my body prickled, and an intense fire surged through my core. What the hell?
I nearly barreled into a trash can in my mad dash, the bump throwing it off kilter. Before continuing my race, I spared a second to shove it at the wolf on my heels. The bulky metal receptacle careened toward my attacker and the animal was forced to bank to the left to dodge the projectile. Point for the magic-less witch!
I reached the steps and leapt over them two at a time, descending onto the underground platform. The deserted underground platform. I muttered a string of curses as I scanned the area. Not only was it devoid of life, but the doors on the train were still closed. So much for hiding out inside one of the cars.
The wolf bounded down the stairs, its ominous howl echoing across the cavernous space. I raced to the end of the platform with my breath coming in ragged spurts and sweat trickling down my spine. This was it. The end of the road.
The enormous beast slowed, as if it knew I was trapped. It was taunting me. Baring its fangs, it let out a snarl, saliva dripping from its maw.
A swirl of anger rippled through my core. It wasn’t fair. I didn’t want to die like this. After everything I’d been through the past few years, this was not how it would end. I eyed the tracks and the dark tunnel ahead. The portal. It couldn’t be far.
As the wolf stalked closer, I spun around and jumped into the darkness.
My boots sank into the gravelly earth, and I took off once again. Ignoring the searing pain lancing across my chest, my legs and my arms, I sprinted deeper into the tunnel. With the soft ground beneath our feet, I couldn’t hear the wolf’s approach, but I could feel it. With every bone in my body.
My blind run was quickly coming to an end, the wolf gaining on me with every step. That hot breath loomed ever closer, igniting goose bumps across my skin. A stream of deep crimson moonlight appeared up ahead and illuminated the endless black. My heart thrummed as it battered my ribcage, desperate to escape. I raced toward the intense light, a saving beacon in the murky gloom.
The moonlight beckoned me forward, willed my exhausted limbs to continue on.
The wolf snapped at my heels and I surged ahead, reaching out for the glimmering light. Scarlet moonbeams cast over my skin, and a sharp crack drowned out the roar of my pounding heart.
My knees buckled and another snap. Scorching pain lanced through my torso, my vertebrae, every single bone in my body. A scream tore from my clenched lips as the fierce pain rolled over me.
Black clouded my vision as darkness seeped into the corners. Another scream and another. I rolled into a ball as bone after bone snapped, cracked, until I was certain all two hundred and six had been broken.
I squeezed my eyes shut, clenching my jaw through the pain as I prayed the wolf would kill me. Put an end to the misery. Salty tears streaked down my cheeks, and I wiped them against the cold earth. I hazarded a peek through slitted lids to find the creature sitting on its haunches a few feet away, dark eyes focused on me.
“Please, just kill me!” I cried.
It cocked its head and let out a whimper, those onyx eyes never deviating from mine.
The moonlight washed over me and illuminated my broken body. White fur sprouted over my arms and legs. What in the effin’ world? Another jolt of pain and a curse burst from my clenched lips. No. Not a curse, a snarl.
My jaw cracked, fiery heat searing my face and a dark nose and white snout protruded into my hazy vision. I tried to scream but only a beastly howl came out.
Oh, my gods. What is happening to me?
My shattered body contorted, the hideous echo of cracks turning my stomach. My limbs lengthened and claws ripped through my flesh. I was suddenly on all fours, a long tail whipping behind me. I towered over the russet wolf who still sat staring at me.
I was an effin’ werewolf. How in the hell was that possible? I stretched out my new limbs, spinning in a tight circle. My bushy tail followed me,
and an insane fit of the giggles bubbled up inside. Holy werewolves, I’m losing my mind! My muscles burned but beneath the pain was power. A heady rush of energy like I’d never experienced before.
No wonder I had no magic. I wasn’t a witch at all. I was a hairy, slobbery, tail-wagging, shape-shifting werewolf.
I took another few steps on supple paws and the ruby moonlight kissed my white fur, setting it ablaze in lavender. The further I moved into the light, the deeper purple the glow became.
My wolfy attacker glared up at me as my iridescent fur glimmered in the dark tunnel. He let out a sharp whine and turned tail, darting in the direction we’d come.
Wait! I screamed in my head, but no voice came out, only a guttural growl.
Now what the hell was I supposed to do?
Chapter Five
I emerged from the underground station, still in wolfy form and scanned the quiet streets. My nostrils flared as intense scents tickled my new lupine senses. The stench of the upturned garbage can down the street made my stomach churn, but in the same vein, piqued my curiosity. I loped toward the scattered trash, sifting through it with my snout.
Meat. The craving tugged at my insides. Hunger clawing at my gut.
I narrowed my wolfish eyes and the murky streets coalesced into distinguishable forms. Sweet, I had heightened supe vision now. Hushed voices drifted toward me on a light breeze, and I swiveled toward the sound. A couple walking together a few blocks down. I lifted my nose and drew in their scent. Alcohol and muddled perfume.
Huffing out a breath, I continued my search through the garbage. Which was so gross. But I couldn’t stop myself.
Approaching footsteps made my ears twitch, and I spun my big furry head toward the sound. A familiar blonde guy crept closer, his eyes intent on me. I froze. Vander. What would a werewolf do in this position?
I didn’t know much about Rafe’s friend other than he’d been kind to offer me a walk home. I didn’t even know how to communicate with him if I wanted to. And did I even want him to know what I was?