Page 1 of Blood and Embers
CHAPTER ONE
“The Bagwell Pack is stirring trouble," Drakon reported to Victor, the second in command of the Rose Coven. "I have people watching, and it looks like they're aiming to expand their territory."
"In which direction?" Victor asked, knowing that to the north and east is all Rose territory.
“I believe they’re simply looking for weaknesses at this time.”
“Is Bagwell still offering membership to jackals and cougar shifters?”
"Yes, he's taking anyone who comes his way. The Pack is growing, but the loyalty is questionable at best. When you open your door to garbage, you let garbage into your home." Drakon quoted Master Conall Rose, who was a stickler for background checks and rarely allowed anyone inside who wasn't vouched for personally by an existing member. Even then, the probationary period could be long and grueling.
“He plans to use them to gain territory and then weed them out after the fact. It’s a common method for miscreantslike Bagwell.” Victor added with disgust. “Keep track of his movements and handle him as you see fit.”
Pike Santoro, an enforcer with the Rose Coven, was pulled from the security detail at the Coven to cover a vacancy at the Blood Rose. The club was busy on weekends, and it was necessary to maintain peace and avoid any awkward visits from the police.
He hadn't worked at the club in a few months and actually liked the job. It allowed him to socialize with someone other than his coworkers, and he enjoyed mixing drinks. It was easy, laid back, and the number of phone numbers he collected lasted for weeks.
The club attracted a handsome clientele, and he enjoyed handsome men. He jumped in the shower and quickly prepared for a night of carnal delights. He met Hugh, a fellow enforcer, when leaving his apartment and stopped to talk. Hugh was a close friend, and they frequently collaborated.
“Are you covering at the Blood Rose?” He asked.
“Yep, and looking forward to an enjoyable night.” He snickered.
"It's the weekend, so it should be packed." Hugh nodded along with Pike's plans. "You should do well, especially if you're bartending. Those guys behind the bar always clean up as far as action. For some reason, sexy twinks just love a bartender and don’t hesitate to bend over.”
“I’ll be bartending all evening and fucking till dawn. I’m looking forward to luscious asses and moist and talented mouths." Pike laughed. "It's hard, but someone has to do it."
“I’ll stop by later and see how you’re doing.” Hugh was not hiding his jealousy.
“I might share if you’re lucky. I’ll tell them you’re an auxiliary bartender.”
“You’re all heart.”
The club was in full swing when Pike arrived at eight and headed for the bar. He was wearing his tight leather pants and snug black t-shirt that left nothing to the imagination. Anton, who was working the far end, welcomed his arrival. "I'm going for a break." He said, and Pike nodded, beginning to sling drinks with speed and accuracy. It was a fun and relaxing experience, with good music and great company, and everyone was having a good time.
“Hey sexy, got time for me?” The voice was familiar, and it brought a smile to Pike’s face. He looked across the bar at Hugh’s little brother Daemon.
“Hugh would skin me alive if I ever laid a hand on you.”
“He doesn’t have to know.” Daemon fluttered his eyelashes, and damn, he was a handsome little man, but he was strictly off limits.
“I value my life.” Pike shot back. “Why don’t you go bother someone your own age?”
"Okay, okay, but you don’t know what you’re missing.” He sang the last couple of words as he walked away and continued to flutter those blasted eyelashes. Pike loved large, expressive eyes, but little twinks were not really his preference. He liked his men solid and prepared for action. He smiled at the thought and then got back to work.
It was going on one in the morning when he decided to take a break. The clientele, although impressive, did not excite him this night for some reason he could not fathom. It was unusual for him to go an entire night at the Blood Rose and not find at least one guy to his liking. Tonight, his instincts were just putting him off.
“I’m going to take my break out back he notified Anton, who waved him off with a smile." Pike noticed a tall man, not bad looking, wearing denim and leather, following him. He'd made conversation with him earlier, and the attraction was there, but Pike decided he wasn't in the mood, and as they entered the back hall, he stopped and faced him.
"You're a good-looking man, but I'm tired and just need some time to myself." He told him, and the guy was disappointed but not offended.
"Maybe next time." He said, and as he was about to turn away and head back to the main room, there was an explosion that rang out and rocked the entire club. Suddenly, the club was in utter turmoil with people screaming, running, and fire filling the main room. Pike ran to the back doors and pushed them open, directing people to the alley behind the building.
"Hurry, get out." He shouted and grabbed those who were unable to move on their own, then escorted them out to the alley. He then rushed back inside and continued to funnel people out the back. Reinforcements from the Coven House across the alley rushed over and helped evacuate people, then began administering first aid. There were quite a few humans in the club, and they were not built to withstand an explosion.
Pike ran into the main room, where the fire was consuming the front wall and spreading across the hardwood floors. It was a scene of chaos and desperation, as peoplestruggled to escape while others fought the flames. He found Daemon unconscious on the dance floor and quickly carried him outside and then returned to assist others.
Anton was lying across the bar with part of the ceiling pinning him down. Pike got him free and was carrying him to safety when the Chicago Fire Department came crashing through the debris with skill and dedication, systematically instilling order in the face of utter pandemonium.
