Ethan

I’m by the marina when I catch a familiar scent, and my mind instantly transports me back to the alley where we lost track of the pups’ scent in Cité de la Nuit.

My wolf howls in my head, and l immediately begin following the trail. It’s a struggle to continue hobbling along in the guise of an old man, rather than breaking into a run and chasing down my prey. Somehow I find the patience to go slowly, following the scent to a dive bar just off the pier.

Peering inside, I see a few rough looking men gathered at the bar, smoking and drinking huge pints of ale. I c0ck my ears towards the sounds of their voices, trying to match the scent to its owner.

“It’s your turn to get the tab, Griff” One of the shifters grumbles.

“I can’t. You know our job went bust” The man in question answers bitterly. “I’Il be lucky if l get paid before we get back to the continent.”

“Yeah, yeah” the first man scoffs, “it’s always the same story with you, you roll into town every few months and mooch off of us, always leaving someone else to pay off your debts. I don’t know why we put up with you.”

“Because without me you’d run out of merchandise ” Griff replies, putting enough emphasis on the word to make me think whatever he provides them isn’t legal.”This s**t hole wouldn’t be nearly as much fun without our girls.”

“That’s true enough.” Another bar fly agrees, “but you didn’t bring any this time.”

“It was a special job – l already told you.” Griff explains, “Anita said we’d make our usual shipment on

schedule, this is just a one-off.”

“A failed one- off” The first man frowns, “where is Anita anyway.”

“She went ahead to the capital – and thank the Goddess, I hate being around her when she’s in a foul mood. Talk about no fun” Griff chuckled.

let out so he can destroy the slimeball. Truthfully l wouldn’t mind destroying all these ruffians – it’s clear they

pure dumb luck that I happened upon them in the middle of such an incriminating conversation, but I’m not going to waste the opportunity. Pondering how I can extract the trafficker from the scene without drawing attention to myself, I study the

the better part of twenty minutes for the man to step away, and the more time that passes, the more I struggle to keep hold of my wolf. I’m feeling more bloodthirsty by the minute, especially as I

escaping correct? When Griff finally stands and begins weaving his way through the chairs and tables towards the restroom, I follow closely, trying to keep my

into the bathroom I’m pleased to see that he’s the only man present, and that there’s a lock on the door. I quickly slide the bolt home, and approach behind him at the urinal. Extending my claws, I swiftly bring

I greet him, my voice little more than a

who are you?” He demands hoarsely. “What do

even if it is a few days old. “Tell me scum,” I begin ominously. “Why do you smell like

the way he shrivels up now. takes me a moment to realize that he’s wet himself, the

right” I confirm darkly. “And if you want

have them!”

even easier than I expected. It’s amazing how spineless even the worst criminals can be. Then again, l could r!p his throat out at

his voice shaking. “We were taking them to the capital, and they convinced us to stop so one of the boys

nightmares about the pups being alone in the rainforest, and my stomach sinks. Were those only bad dreams

she having some sort of

the King’s highway.” He chokes, “just past the turn

I snap, trying to imagine the

wounds in my feet.” He whines, as if he thinks I might

pups escape. I’m both proud and terrified for them. It’s a relief that they aren’t with the King, but Jane was right, they’re too little to survive on their own – especially in a hostile environment that challenges even the most capable

has Anita gone to the capital?” l

her plans.” Griff mutters, sounding a bit sullen. “But if l had to guess, she’s gone to tell

themselves even tighter.”Do you have a way to get in contact with

He

The Novel will be updated daily. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!

Comments ()

0/255