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

After spending too much time trying to figure out what Luke had meant about Lynx, I returned to my room to get ready for work. Whatever he was getting at, it couldn't have been a big deal. She was way too sweet and innocent for anything devious.

It took me longer than I wanted to choose the right outfit that would get people talking, but I still managed to arrive at work on time. Barely. I swept my hair back into a loose ponytail and adjusted my low-cut, blue tank top to make sure there was ample cleavage showing. I was seeking information after all. My Grams had always insisted our big breasts were to be used only as weapons for good. It was a motto I lived by.

The club was just starting to get crowded. People laughed and huddled together, drinks in hand. I pushed my way through to get to the bar, all smiles.

"You're almost late." Eddie's eyes stayed focused on mine instead of dropping to my breasts. Impressive. Working for him might not be so bad.

"Almost being the keyword." I slipped behind the counter. Peeper was already there wiping down glasses. He glanced at me but quickly adjusted his gaze when he spotted my cleavage.

"How's it going, Peeper?"

"I've had better days, but the night is young."

"I like your attitude." I slapped him on the back, then studied the bottles. They needed to be reorganized; they had to be a certain way for different acts I liked to perform.

Eddie walked around the other side of the bar and tapped the dark wooden top. "When you're finished with your shift, make sure you complete all the employment paperwork. I would've had you do it before your shift, but you came late."

"I arrived on time, remember?" I looked up at him, giving him my best smile. "On time to get this crowd moving, if you'll let me."

"Paperwork's on my desk in my office, which is upstairs. Payday is every other Friday. You keep all your tips, but make sure you report them on your taxes. I don't want any IRS people asking questions."

I raised an eyebrow but didn't say anything. Maybe there was a lot more to Eddie than I originally thought. He was a straight arrow.

"Do you have any questions about where to find anything?"

"I think I'm good. Looks like your standard bar, except for," I looked around, "you have any silly string? I like to use it in one of my acts. Oh, and little smokies."

It was his turn to raise an eyebrow, and he almost cracked a smile. Almost. "I'll get you those items for tomorrow night."

"Perfect."

"One last thing." He pressed against the bar and lowered his voice. "Don't think I didn't notice you instigating that fight last night. I don't want that happening again. There are shady people who come in here, and I don't want my employees getting mixed up with them."

I saluted him. "From now on, I'm Switzerland."

He grunted and walked away.

The night started out calm, and I watched everyone carefully, determining the regulars. I mentally sorted them by humans and supernaturals. Other than a heavy presence of wolves, the bar was just like any other. The guys came in to get laid, and the girls came to have fun with their friends.

I tried to avoid the women as much as possible; I had no interest in friends.

After I got things moving, Peeper and I fell into an easy work flow. I made all the mixed drinks and soft-balled him the easy ones. The later it grew, the more shifters arrived.

This is when I really started performing, using my wolfie powers to help draw the crowd. Soon, the bar was louder than ever, everyone happy with either a drink or a companion by their side. Eddie came up behind me after I had just handed a group of five several drinks. "I don't know how you do it, but you mesmerize the crowd. I bet my sales have tripled."

"Quadrupled, if I did my job right." I flipped a damp towel over my shoulder and threw him a practiced smile.

He studied me for a minute, and I found myself squirming under the gaze for some reason. I rubbed at the back of my neck.

Clearing his throat, he said, before walking away, "Keep up the great work."

I watched him disappear into the swarm of people, then rolled my shoulders back and slammed a shot of tequila. Time to get to work, my other work.

Glancing at Peeper on the other side of the bar, I spotted the perfect shifter. He looked strong and athletic, but miserable. He might just be the right man to have information, and desperate enough to share it after a few drinks.

I adjusted my bra so that I was perky enough, then crossed over to Peeper. "Switch me."

"Why?"

"There's a man giving me the eye. I'll switch you back when he leaves."

"Which one?" He glanced over at my side of the bar.

"All of them. Just go."

He mumbled something but walked over anyway.

I approached the shifter. He had long black hair that did nothing to compliment his narrow face, but his wide green eyes and full lips made up for the bad styling choice.

"What'cha drinking?"

He looked up from the PBR beer in his hands. His green eyes lit up. "Whatever you're handing out."

I smiled, batting my stupid eyelashes. He needed something stronger. I grabbed the bottle of Jose Cuervo, poured him a double shot and slid it over to him. "How long have you lived in Rouen?"