Page 2 of Into the Night

2

KALI

Three weeks ago

When I shove open the door to my cousin’s bar, the stream of sunlight that follows me inside briefly illuminates the gloom.

Evan doesn’t turn, just continues stocking the shelves.

“I need a job.”

Normally, I’m much chirpier, and my drastic change in demeanour should be cause for concern, but my cousin ignores my surly tone.

Slowly turning, he raises one eyebrow. “And you’re telling me this because…” he drawls, resuming his task, completely uninterested in whatever drama is going on in my life.

Pressing my lips together, I fight the urge to tell him to stop being a dick. It’s hard, but I am here looking for a favour, after all. I should play nice.

“Stop being a dick. I need you to give me a job.”

Shit. I clearly didn’t fight hard enough to keep that in.

Evan keeps his broad back turned to me as he moves confidently around the small space. He knows every inch of this bar. He could probably serve behind it with his eyes closed. For years, he saved every penny he earned working as a mechanic and tow truck driver just to buy this place when the owner retired. It’s his pride and joy, even though owning a bar is a strange career choice for someone who hates people.

“That’s some elevator pitch. Did you practise that all the way over here?” He briefly catches my eye in the large mirror that’s hanging behind shelves of spirits.

Relieved he’s in a good mood—as good a mood as Evan ever has—I try not to be nervous. This is Evan. The worst he can do is say no. He’s not going to laugh in my face. Probably.

“I want to move to Sutton. I can’t stay in Zora Hills anymore, Evan.” The desperation in my voice is sad and pathetic, but that’s exactly what I am right now. Sad and pathetic. I’m not beyond making a fool of myself if it gets me away from my hometown.

Evan’s hand stills on a bottle, and he rolls his shoulders, posture instantly going rigid. “Tell me what happened, Kali. I’m not even going to consider it unless you tell me what’s going on.” His tone is softer.

You could never call Evan King gentle, but this is probably as close as it gets.

With a reluctant sigh, I slide onto a bar stool and settle in for an uncomfortable conversation.

“It’s getting worse. They slashed my tires. Someone strung up a dead rabbit on the porch. Damn near gave Dad a heart attack.”

Evan’s eyes go wide.

This is an escalation. Up to now, the bullying and teasing had only been verbal.

“Dad went into work and accused Jed of doing it. He nearly lost his job…” I shake my head, hating that Dad’s in the position he’s in, stuck between wanting to stick up for his daughter and keeping a roof over our heads.

Zora Hills is a small town, and Jed’s dad owns half of it. And the other half relies on his business to stay open. If Dad pisses Jed off again, he won’t be able to work anywhere in Zora Hills.

“Your Dad won’t want you to leave home just to save his job,” Evan points out, returning to his methodical restocking, although I know he’s observing me closely, aware there’s more to this story than I’m letting on. “What else, Kali?”

Evan has a temper. I’m hoping leaving Zora Hills will de-escalate the situation. Evan hasn’t de-escalated anything his entire life. Known as a troublemaker since he was a teen, his beast has a wild streak that’s tough to control. But he can also spot a lie a mile away, and there’s no point in hiding things from him. It’ll just make him dig deeper.

“Jed came to the hunting cabin while I was there, alone. He was still drunk after an all-night bender. I was worried he wasn’t going to leave.”

That gets Evan’s attention.

The hunting cabin, deep in the mountains between Zora and Sutton, is my sanctuary, and the only place I can go where nobody bothers me. Jed would never innocently pass by there. He must have been looking for me.

Evan’s shoulder twitches, and he grinds his teeth so loud, I can hear it. He’s always disliked Jed, and they’ve had numerous run-ins over the years.

“Do you want me to talk to him?” Evan’s voice is low, thick with anger.

---