Page 3 of Into the Night

Talking is definitely not what he has in mind.

“No! What I want is to get away from them. Hopefully, out of sight means out of mind, and they’ll just forget I even exist.”

Evan’s eyes roll hard as he leans against the counter, staring me down.

We both know they’ll never forget about me. The prophecy is their obsession. But at least, instead of waiting for the axe to fall when my first heat arrives, I could get a break from the relentless torment they dish out at every opportunity.

My rare, pale hair means I’ve been pegged as the subject of an ancient prophecy, one that predicts my children will bring the downfall of our species. Everywhere I turn, I’m met with at best, mistrust, and at worst, downright hostility. And I don’t even have a boyfriend.

It’s no laughing matter though. Living in a town full of barely civilised shifters is a dangerous thing. It’s only a matter of time before one of them takes the taunting too far.

“You sure?” Evan’s beast wants to put Jed in his place, but Evan’s had some trouble lately with the local police. He could do without the shitstorm it would bring his way.

“And you can’t keep splitting yourself in two,” I continue. “The bar is busier. The garage is busier. You need me, and you can trust me. I don’t care what you want me to do.”

Evan finally faces me with a weary sigh. Resting one hand on the gleaming wooden bar, he stares, those hard, grey eyes giving nothing away.

Normally, I’d wilt under the weight of his scrutiny, but I’m determined to make this work, so I hold my ground. Hands on my hips, I try to look confident and capable, like I belong here; when really, I’ve only been in a bar a handful of times, and only this one.

“The Devil's Claw can be rough, you know that. They might not be any nicer here than at home. If you’re looking for an easier life, maybe you should find something where you’re not out, front and centre.”

Blunt as always. But it’s the cold, hard truth.

“It might be nice to have someone new spit in my face.” I laugh darkly. I wish that was an exaggeration but it’s not.

Evan’s eyes flash, and his protectiveness flares to life. But I don’t need him to be angry on my behalf, I need him to give me a chance.

“I’m joking, I’m joking. But why not let me have a shot. If people don’t want me serving them, I’ll quit. I won’t ruin your business, Evan.”

Scoffing, he slings a towel over his shoulder and folds his thick arms over his chest.

“You think I give a fuck about that? I don’t. If someone is rude to you, they can fucking leave.” His expression softens. “Kali, you haven’t been yourself lately. I don’t want working here to make you any more miserable.”

Evan thinks I’ve been down because the people in my small town are getting to me. They are. My tolerance has been lower recently, but it’s also time I got my own life, and money. This is the first step in my plan.

“It won’t. I just need a change of scenery.”

Not everyone is going to hate me on sight. Maybe I could meet another beast with a more open mind. Maybe a human who knows nothing about who we are or what I am?

It’s not going to happen in Zora Hills, though. Maybe not Sutton either, but I can get a job here and save some money while I decide on my next move. So, my bags are packed, and here I am, looking for work from the only person who might actually give me a job.

“Please, Evan. Just give it a shot. I need this.”

No matter what, I’m not going back. If Evan says no, I’ll head to the city.

He nods, understanding, though he knows what it is to be desperate. Labelled the troublemaker in town, it’s only through sheer grit and stubbornness that he’s managed to change everyone’s perception of him. If anyone can understand what I’m trying to do, it’s Evan. At least, that’s what I’m hoping. The side of his mouth twists as he makes up his mind, and I hold my breath, waiting to hear if it’s the verdict I want.

“Daytimes only for now. Some of the old-timers have been complaining that I don’t open early enough, because I’m in the garage. We’ll see if any of them actually turn up.”

“Yes!” I squeal.

Evan winces and immediately looks like he regrets his decision. “Less of that. You do that again and you’re fired.”

This is exactly what I need. A chance to carve out a small spot for myself, to have a normal life, and to find love.

When I bounce up and down on my toes, giddy at the prospect of what’s to come, Evan rolls his eyes again. He’s going to hurt himself if he keeps doing that.

“I don’t know why you’re so excited. The pay is gonna be shit.” Pulling a key from his key ring, he offers it to me. “Go get a copy cut. You can have my spare room.”

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