Page 2 of Shapeshifter's Vengeance

Chapter 1: The Awakening

ALEXEI

the next evening.

The bar comes into view, its neon sign flickering slightly. I push the door open, and the familiar hum of conversation and clinking glasses greets me. The place is packed tonight, filled with the usual mix of locals and newcomers. I scan the room, my senses sharp, always on alert.

An informant dropped a lead about a man trading illegal, deadly drugs in the corner of the club, and that’s what I am here to check out. Tonight, I look nothing like a mayor. I’m just another random man about to enjoy the night. It’s the perfectdisguise to complete my investigation without being asked for a warrant or getting thrown out.

I spot a commotion near the back. A couple of rough-looking men cornered a woman, their intentions clear. I stride over, my presence immediately drawing their attention. I didn’t plan on drawing unwanted attention to myself tonight, but I also can’t stand by and let those miscreants bully this poor woman.

"Is there a problem here?" I ask, my voice calm but commanding.

The men turn to me, sneers on their faces. "None of your business, man," one of them says. They have no idea I'm the mayor, which gives me an edge. They are human, based on their mundane scents, but I’m unsure about the woman since their scent masks hers. It should be easy to take them down in a short fight.

I smile, but it's cold, calculated. "I think it is. Leave her alone."

The men hesitate, sensing the danger. One of them steps forward, trying to assert dominance. "And if we don't?"

I move faster than their eyes can follow, grabbing his wrist and twisting it behind his back. He yelps in pain. "You don't want to find out," I say, showing a hint of my true nature in my eyes.

They back off, muttering curses under their breath. The woman looks at me, relief and gratitude in her eyes. "Thank you," she says softly.

"Are you alright?" I ask her, releasing the man and watching as he scurries away with his friend.

"Yes, thanks to you," she says, straightening her jacket. "Can I buy you a drink to show my appreciation?"

I shake my head. "That's not necessary."I just need to find out if the informant is telling the truth, then get the hell out of here.I don’t intend to make her feel like she owes me for helping her get away from those men, either.

"Please," she insists. "It's just a drink. Think of it as the start of a new friendship."

I consider for a moment, then nod. It would be wrong to upset her by rejecting her offer, so I accept. "Alright." Maybe if I hang around a little longer, I will meet my target.

We make our way to the bar, and she orders us both a whiskey. I take a seat beside her, observing her closely. She's new here; that much is obvious. I never forget a face so, I know I’ve never seen her before.

"I'm Alexei," I say, extending my hand.

"Rachel," she replies, shaking it. "I just moved to Harmony Grove. Got in yesterday, actually."

"Welcome," I say, raising my glass. My suspicions were correct about her being new here. "I think you'll enjoy it here."

"I hope so," she says, smiling. "It's a bit different from what I'm used to."

"Where are you from?" I ask, curious.

"Chicago," she replies. "Big city life. I needed a change."

"Harmony Grove is definitely a change," I say, chuckling. "What brought you here?"

She takes a sip of her drink, pondering her answer. "I needed a fresh start. New job, new town. You know how it is."

"I do," I say, nodding. "Harmony Grove has a way of growing on you. It's a special place."

"So I've heard," she says, looking around the bar. "Everyone seems so... close-knit."

"That's one way to put it," I say with a smirk. Pride surges through me at her comments. This is the type of community I love to be associated with. "It's a tight community."

"Must be nice," she says, almost wistfully. “Having a community of people like this,” she added after a pause, and I nodded. That is the main goal of Harmony Grove, which is to provide a community where people always feel at home.

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