A Shifter's Curse by Raven Steele (books to read fiction .txt) 📕

“Where?"

I looked around to make sure no one was watching or listening in. We had searched everywhere for that stupid briefcase, even searching Silas’ car. We were pretty much out of hiding places to search.

He leaned forward conspiratorially. "There is a secret room in his master suite. It’s the only place we haven’t searched.”

My eyes widened. “How did you find this out?”

“You know Lola?"

"The maid?"

He nodded. “She said she was cleaning his room one day when he suddenly walked out from behind a bookcase. No doorknob. He swore at her and threatened to hurt her if she told anyone."

I had spoken to Lola a few times. She was a nice woman in her early thirties. She was a single mother of two young children. Silas paid her well.

It was joked about among the pack that Silas had a maid. He was the only one who did, although I heard she occasionally worked for Dominic as well. The rest of us considered ourselves big kids who could take care of ourselves, though I was pretty sure a lot of the pack members could use the maid.

"Why would she tell you this?” I asked.

Someone called me from the other side of the bar wanting a drink. I held up my finger to signal them to hold a sec.

"Anyone that takes the time to get to know her, would know that she hates the man." His eyes lowered to the counter, and his face reddened slightly. "We've also grown close the last few weeks."

My eyebrows lifted. Lola was a human who knew about shifters and other kinds of supernaturals. She was one of the few who accepted us. I don't see how, though, after working for Silas. “How close?”

“I like her.”

I grinned and nudged his arm. “I didn’t know you had a thing for cougars.”

Ryder smiled, giving me what I wanted.

“I haven’t asked her out yet, but I’ve been thinking about it.”

My teasing mood disappeared. “Well, if you do, don’t let the pack find out.”

Dating a human was forbidden, unless you had permission from Dominic. So far, I’d never heard of him giving it.

“True.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. “I’ll think about it. Maybe it’s not worth it.”

“If you want to, then do it. Just don’t let anyone know.” I tapped my knuckles against the bar. “So you really think it’s in this secret room?”

He scrunched his face in hesitation. "I guess he might not have it back there, but we've searched everywhere else. If he's going to hide something, I would think he would do it in a secret room, right?"

The customer behind me yelled again. I called behind my shoulder. “I’m coming.”

I hurried off to pour a few drinks, my mind spinning. Tonight could be the night. Ryder and I had talked about what to do if we found the briefcase.

After making the rounds, I returned to Ryder. “Do you think you could be ready? If we find it?”

“With the plan?”

I nodded.

“I guess.”

“Good. Stay close to Fire Ridge. I’ll call you soon.”

I left him alone with his beer and smiled a little. It was good to know he was having feelings for someone. The right relationship could make the darkest night not seem so dismal. It's what my mother used to say. I wasn't sure I believed her, but by the silly grin he had given me when mentioning Lola’s name, his nights were not so dark, despite everything he had been through.

My shift dragged on, the music and lights worsening my headache. All I could think about was getting back to the mansion to search the hidden room. Did Dominic know about it? Or was this something Silas kept to himself?

When my shift ended, Lynx found me. "Can I give you a ride home or is your bestie Uber driver taking you?"

"I'd love a ride, thanks."

At home, I changed quickly and asked Lynx if I could borrow her car. I assured her this was a rare request. I was glad when she agreed as a vehicle may come in handy tonight.

When I arrived at Fire Ridge, it was quieter than usual. Weekends usually were. This was usually the time pack members were required to visit local businesses to collect dues and it often took up most of everyone's weekend. My shift was tomorrow since I had to work nights at the club.

There were a few members inside watching TV and a few more outside sitting around the fire, laughing and drinking. Gerald was there with them, and his face grew serious when he saw me through the window. He motioned me outside.

When I opened the back door, I heard him say, "Hey guys. I don't think you’ve had the chance to get to know our newest member very well yet." He waved at me. “Come here, Briar.”

At my approach, a large redheaded man with webbed lines etched across his face eyed me. “I’d like to get to know her better.”

I snorted. “I would break you, old man." He must've been thirty years older than me.

"I'd like to feel you try!” He slapped his thigh and howled into the night.