Page 1 of Riding with the Shifter

One

Chapter 1

ZARA

I can’t believe I let my girlfriends drag me out to The Broken Bottle on a Friday night. After a long day at the Broken Arrow library, all I want is a bubble bath. Not loud music, rowdy bikers, and watered-down cocktails. But here I am, perched on a sticky bar stool as Jenna and Lisa giggle like schoolgirls beside me.

“C’mon Zara!” Lisa nudges my shoulder. “You’re finally free of your douchebag. It’s time to get back out there!”

I sigh, stirring my drink. They mean well, but I’m not interested in meaningless hookups. I had enough of those in college. At thirty-two, I crave something real. Something lasting.

My eyes drift across the dimly lit bar, past the pool tables and dart boards. And that’s when I see him. Tall, dark, and dangerous, leaning against the wall with a bottle in hand. Black hair, piercing blue eyes, muscles straining against a tight white t-shirt and leather vest. He’s watching me with an intensity that makes my pulse race.

Jenna follows my gaze and gasps. “Holy hell, who is that sexy beast eye-fucking you right now?”

“No idea,” I murmur, unable to look away. “But he’s probably trouble. Definitely a biker, maybe Devil’s Pack MC based on the cut.”

“I’d let him park his Harley in my garage any day,” Lisa quips, fanning herself dramatically.

I roll my eyes but can’t help sneaking another glance. He’s still staring, a ghost of a smirk on those full lips. A shiver runs down my spine. Damn, he’s hot. Too hot. The kind of hot that melts panties and breaks hearts.

I quickly look away, tossing back the rest of my drink. “I need some air. Be right back.”

Ignoring my friends’ protests, I head for the back door, desperate to clear my head. I’ve barely stepped into the alley when I hear the door creak open behind me. I spin around to see my mystery man standing there, haloed in the neon glow of the bar lights.

“Hey there, beautiful,” he says, his voice a low rumble that vibrates through me. “Needed to escape the meat market too?”

I cross my arms, trying to look unimpressed. “Just getting some fresh air. Alone.”

He grins, completely unfazed by my standoffishness. “Mind if I join you? Promise I don’t bite.” His eyes gleam with mischief. “Unless you ask me to.”

Against my better judgment, I find myself fighting a smile. “Does that line ever work?”

“Don’t know. Never had to use it before.” He takes a step closer, his gaze burning into mine. “There’s just something about you.”

I scoff. “Right. Well, as impressive as your pickup lines are, I should get back to my friends.”

“Wait.” His hand grazes my arm, sending electricity humming through my veins. “Can I at least get your name?”

“Zara,” I breathe, pulse pounding in my ears. “Zara Sinclair.”

“Zara,” he repeats, savoring it on his tongue. “I’m Ryder. I have a feeling we’ll be seeing a lot more of each other.”

Before I can reply, the door bangs open and one of Ryder’s biker buddies pokes his head out.

“Yo Ryder, quit hogging the hottie and get your ass in here! Rack’s open.”

Ryder sighs, rolling his eyes skyward. “Be right there, Tracker. Try not to burn the place down before I get back.”

With an apologetic shrug, he turns to me. “Sorry darlin’, duty calls. But I’ll be seeing you real soon. Count on it.”

Then with a wink, he’s gone, the door slamming shut behind him. I release a shaky breath, sagging against the brick wall. Holy hell. What was that?

Get it together Zara, I scold myself. He’s just another cocky biker looking for his next lay. And you’re not going to be it.

* * *

RYDER

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