Czytaj książkę: «The Texas Shifter's Mate»

Chapter 1

The heavy oak door, scarred and weathered, looked like it had been salvaged from an ancient medieval castle. Above, a simple sign. No words, just a rusted iron bar from which hung two chain links, each half of what had once been whole. There were no lanterns, not even a streetlight to illuminate the shadows. The entrance sat near the end of a dead-end alley, innocuous enough that no soul, human or otherwise, would give it a second glance. Unless of course, one knew what lay inside. No humans ever would.

Shayla Dover had learned of Broken Chains, the bar behind the battered door, from her friend Maddie Kinslow, who happened to be a Shape-shifter. They’d met at a spin class. Maddie had known right away that Shayla wasn’t human, and hadn’t batted even an eyelash when Shayla had revealed her true nature. Of course, during her first visit with Maddie to Broken Chains, Shayla had learned being a Mermaid in human form wasn’t even the most uncommon of the numerous paranormal beings frequenting the bar.

Broken Chains accepted everyone. The only criteria—no human could ever enter. Vampires, Shape-shifters of all types, as well as Mermaids, Spirits and Wraiths mingled free of judgments, vendettas or complaints. A live band played most nights, rotating groups with enough different genres of music to suit all tastes. The small dance floor stayed crowded, and snagging a table became a matter of luck and skill.

Alcohol was sold, as well as specialty beverages that suited each particular kind of clientele. One sign boasted that Broken Chains carried twenty-seven varieties of blood, especially popular among the Vampire crowd.

Shayla loved the place. For the first time since making the choice to live on land, she felt she had found a spot where she belonged as much as she did under the sea.

While she’d known Houston and areas south of there had to be teeming with non-humans, she hadn’t given much thought to the sheer variety of species. In Broken Chains, she’d met numerous Shape-shifters, Vampires and even a Merfolk or two. From Maddie, Shayla had learned how many different kinds of Shape-shifters there actually were. The Wolves, along with their governing body, the Pack, were the most numerous. But there were Lions and Leopards and Bears, even Dragons! Of course, some considered the Merfolk a kind of Shape-shifter, since they could change their beautiful, shimmering fish tail into human legs. None of that mattered once inside Broken Chains. Everyone was welcome.

Tonight, Shayla and Maddie were meeting for drinks after Maddie got off work. Maddie worked as a police dispatcher for Galveston PD and hated her job.

Shayla was self-employed, doing well running an internet business she’d founded specializing in rare artifacts found under the sea. Though she occasionally loved to scour the ocean floor, her family also gladly kept her supplied with inventory. The market for collectors, until now untapped, seemed limitless. Due to the priceless nature of her inventory, she only needed one or two big sales per quarter to be prosperous. Most times she did much better than that. She loved being an entrepreneur, loved the treasure-hunting aspect of her work and enjoyed the income her job provided.

Still, despite her success, she found herself often at loose ends. She’d begun thinking about what other type of business she might start. Maybe something that Maddie could help out with, something that would get her friend away from her stressful dispatcher job.

Shayla arrived a few minutes early, rapping three times on the door and waiting, before repeating the sequence with two extra beats tagged on to the end.

The door opened, just as it always did, and Shayla sauntered inside. Instantly, she felt a sense of peace. Funny thing to consider a bar her home away from home, but she did.

The band tonight—one of Shayla’s favorites—played a slow bluesy song, a melody that made Shayla want to twirl and sway. Maybe later, she’d dance. Glancing around the already crowded bar, she grinned to see Maddie had snagged a table. Maddie stood, waving to get her attention. Waving back, Shayla hurried over, happy she’d spent the time to turn her long black hair into a thick braid.

“Glad you made it early,” Maddie said, grinning. Her curly red hair hung loose around her shoulders. “I’ve been here an hour, circling like a hawk on a hunt, until I got this table.”

“I can’t believe it’s already so crowded.” Shayla glanced around as she pulled out a chair to sit. “It’s a Tuesday night. Look at all the tourists in their beachwear. I feel overdressed.”

“Pffft.” Maddie snorted. “You live to wear those cute little dresses and your heels. Heck, if I had a figure like you, I’d wear them, too.”

“A figure like mine?” Shayla eyed her friend’s lush curves. “I’m a toothpick. You’re the one with the figure. I can barely fill out my B cup.”

“I’d rather be skinny.” Maddie shrugged. “But isn’t that the way of things? We always want what we don’t have.”

“Maybe.” Shayla didn’t believe in wasting time pining for things she couldn’t have. And truth be told, she considered herself lucky. Just like her mom, she could eat whatever she wanted and never gain weight. She’d also learned long ago never ever to say that to another woman.

“The place is full of Vampires,” Maddie grumbled. “Who knew they enjoyed vacationing at the coast?”

Shayla had to grin at the Shifter’s disgruntled tone. While they generally got along, Vamps and Shifters had a natural reserve with each other. This despite the fact that Maddie and her were also best friends with Carmen, who happened to be a Vampire. Shayla enjoyed pointing out to each of them that they were the poster children for each giving the other species a fair chance.

“Speaking of Vamps...” Shayla glanced at her watch. “Where’s Carmen? She should have been here by now.”

“I know.” Maddie glanced around. “She’s lucky we saved her a chair. It’ll be completely full in another hour. This place is becoming more and more popular. Used to be I knew everyone in here. Now, it’s about half and half.”

“More strangers, more potential new friends. It’s all good.” Shayla signaled at Johnny, her favorite bartender. He nodded and a minute later brought her a glass of white wine, a nice chardonnay, her usual. Maddie already had her beer, a dark one this time.

The band announced they were taking a break and left the stage. While she’d enjoyed the music, Shayla was glad since this would give her and Maddie an opportunity to talk without having to shout.

“How’s things at the job?” Shayla asked. Maddie always had great stories about the drama going on both inside her emergency communication call center and in the outside world. Shayla loved hearing these, since her own work was so solitary.

“I don’t know how much longer I can take it there.” Maddie’s usually ready smile vanished. “With the tourism season upon us, crimes are skyrocketing. They’re demanding we work more hours to cover the personnel shortages. All of us are exhausted and miserable and crabby. I almost didn’t get off work in time to make it here. One of my coworkers had to cover the last hour for me.”

“That sounds rough,” Shayla commiserated, even though she had no real frame of reference.

“Oh, it’s only just starting. First, we have spring break, which is next week. And then, you know how things are once summer arrives. The island is packed.” Shaking her head, Maddie took a slug of beer. “They know I take night classes at Texas A&M Galveston. I can’t miss those, but my supervisor told me the job has to come first. I don’t think they can force me to work mandatory overtime, but who knows.” She sighed. “I’ve already paid for this semester, so if I don’t attend class, I forfeit the fees. I’m working on redoing my resume so I can see what other employment might be available.”

This was the first time her friend had mentioned leaving her job. “I could maybe give you some part-time work,” Shayla offered. “But it wouldn’t pay as much. And it’d be extremely part-time. I don’t have a lot extra that I can’t do myself. In fact, I was thinking of finding something else to help occupy my time.”

Maddie tilted her head, smiling once again. “You’re so sweet for offering. Actually, I might take you up on it if they drive me insane enough. Who knows, maybe I can cobble together several part-time jobs and make it work.”

“Maybe we can start our own business,” Shayla mused. “If you could do anything, what kind of work would you like to do?”

“Private detective work.” Maddie didn’t even hesitate. “You know my father owned a PI agency. I worked there from the moment I could walk. I hated that Mom sold it after Dad died.”

At that moment, Derek, the bass guitarist, and Rory, the lead singer, came over to chat. Their band played Broken Chains several times a month, and the two men continually asked Shayla and Maddie out, alternating which man asked whom. Both women found them amusing, but had no desire to mess up the fun dynamic they currently enjoyed with the band.

The drummer, Waylan, wandered over, reminding the others it was nearly time to get back onstage. Shayla and Maddie shared amused looks as Rory and Derek took their leave, promising to stop back before the evening ended.

“Hey,” Maddie said, motioning to Shayla that she should lean in closer. “Don’t look now, but the man right behind you has been eating you up with his eyes. Messy, dark blond hair, silver-blue eyes and a body to die for.” She sighed. “He’s drop-dead gorgeous, so you’d better hope he comes over.”

Feigning interest, Shayla nodded, though she didn’t turn around. Instead, she took a sip of wine and focused on the band, who were now getting ready to play another song.

* * *

The two women sitting at the table right behind his bar stool were both stunning. When he swiveled around to face the band, they were right there in his line of vision, their beauty a welcome diversion from his dark thoughts. Zach couldn’t keep from staring despite his preoccupation with finding Nantha. One of the women’s auras revealed her to be Shifter, and he’d bet the other, the slender gorgeous dark-eyed one with long, jet-black hair, was Mermaid. He’d spent enough time with his younger stepsister, Nantha, and her pretty Mermaid friends to recognize that certain glow in their aura.

Pretty didn’t even begin to describe this woman. Heart-shaped face, high cheekbones and lithe, graceful movements combined to make her breathtakingly gorgeous. Her long-lashed, emerald eyes spoke of Asian heritage, and the curve of her lush lips revealed her sensuality.

There wasn’t a single man in the bar who hadn’t noticed her or her redheaded friend. They were both stunning and sexy, in opposite ways.

Any other time, Zach might have approached the table with a flirtatious smile, offering to buy her a drink in exchange for a dance. However, now that he’d agreed to an engagement arranged by his stepfather, his flirting days were over. He could only fervently pray that his fiancée, a Mermaid he hadn’t yet met, resembled this one.

Right now though, he had more urgent and pressing business on his mind. Nantha had gone missing and he needed to find her. He’d come to Broken Chains with the intention of asking every Merfolk in the place if they’d seen her.

Might as well start now. He turned, locking gazes with the raven-haired Mermaid. Hounds, he felt the impact of her beauty like a punch in the gut. Even by Mermaid standards, she was gorgeous. Her eyes were the deep green of a stormy sea, framed in long, jet-black lashes. The pout of her lush lips had him longing to claim them with his. Damn. Summoning up all his willpower, he pushed the jolt of attraction aside and stood. Both women eyed him as he took the couple of steps necessary to bring him to their table.

Of course right at that moment, the band started playing again.

“Excuse me,” he said loudly, wishing the music could have held off a few more minutes. “Have either of you seen this woman?” He passed the redhead a picture of Nantha, one of his favorite ones of his younger stepsister. He well remembered the day that snapshot had been taken. Nantha had been about to return home after a visit. She’d stood in knee-deep water, filled with the joy the touch of the sea seemed to give its people. The full moon reflected on the calm night sea colored everything with a silver tranquility. She looked young, carefree and happy.

The red-haired Shifter shook her head, handing the photo to her friend.

The Mermaid’s long-lashed eyes widened as she accepted the photograph. She inhaled sharply, her gaze rushing from Nantha’s image to his. Of course, she immediately recognized that Nantha was Mer. “She’s lovely,” she finally said, raising her voice to be heard over the music. She passed it back. “But I’m sorry, I haven’t seen her. When was she in here last?”

“She hasn’t been here. She’s too young.” He swallowed, trying to contain his disappointment. Of course it wouldn’t be that easy. It never was. “Her name is Nantha. She’s my sister, and she’s missing.”

The two women exchanged glances. The red-haired Shifter looked Zach up and down. “What happened to her?” she asked. “How do you know she’s missing? She might just be taking a long swim or something.”

The Mermaid nodded. “We have been known to disappear under the sea for extended periods of time. I’m guessing, though, that you have more reasons that make you think something has happened to her?”

“I do.” He didn’t elaborate. Instead, he dragged his gaze away from the attractive pair and began scanning the bar for other Merfolk he could ask.

“I’m Maddie,” the Shifter woman said. “And this is my friend Shayla. We’ll do our best to help, but I need more information. Such as where and when? What exactly happened to give you reason to be concerned? I work as a police dispatcher, and details are always helpful.”

“She has a point,” Shayla agreed, noting his hesitation. “I get that you’d planned on walking around asking everyone in here if they’d seen her, but if you really want help finding your sister, we’ll need a few details.”

Briefly, he considered. She was right, about giving out more information. “She’s actually my stepsister,” he said. “My mother married her father, Ion. They come on land for weekend visits.” Which wasn’t at all unusual. Lots of Merfolk enjoyed experiencing life out of the water for short periods of time. Of course, Shayla already would know that.

“So she disappeared here, on Galveston Island?”

“Yes. She and her father were about to return home to the sea, and she went out for a walk. She always loves to walk the edge of Stewart Beach. The far end, near the rocks. Right around sunset, when the crowds thin out.” He swallowed hard. “She had a habit of doing this every time before she and Ion went back under the sea. But this time, she didn’t come back.”

Shayla nodded. “I see. That area is particularly beautiful.”

“And dangerous,” the redhead interjected. “Especially when the tide comes in.”

“Not for a Mermaid.” Both Zach and Shayla spoke at the same time. He caught himself exchanging a quick look of recognition with her. He might be Pack, but he’d spent enough time around his sister and stepfather to know more than usual about the Merfolk.

“Zach Cantrell,” he said, introducing himself. “Nice to meet you, Shayla and Maddie. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got to show her picture around and see if anyone might have seen her. It’s a long shot, but right now it’s all I have.”

“Wait, hold on.” Maddie pinned him with a fierce stare. “You still haven’t given us any usable information.”

“Like what?”

“Like, did she have any enemies? Anyone you can think of who might have wanted to do her harm?”

Shayla made a groan of protest.

“Sorry,” Maddie said, sounding anything but. “This is necessary. Most people are abducted by someone they know.” Waving her hand, she included Zach in her gesture. “This could really help. We need to get all the facts.”

To his amazement, he realized she’d taken out a pad of paper and a pen and had begun jotting down notes.

Shayla saw him looking at her friend’s paper and shrugged. “She works as a police dispatcher. She’s good. If you really want her to help find your sister, give her as much information as you can.”

Shifting his weight from foot to foot, he cleared his throat. While he really hadn’t planned on having extended conversations with anyone, he figured this actually might be helpful.

“Pull up a chair,” Maddie ordered without looking up. “Start at the beginning.”

Not sure whether to allow himself to feel hopeful, he gave in and sat. Some of his dejection must have shown, because to his shock, Shayla reached out and placed her small hand over his.

This simple act of comfort made his throat tighten, even though he had to restrain himself from jerking his hand away. The gesture seemed too intimate somehow, though no doubt this feeling was extremely one-sided, due to the depth of his attraction to her.

When she finally moved, he could breathe again. Aware he couldn’t show his relief, he looked anywhere but at her. Despite that, he couldn’t help but be far too conscious of her every movement, the way she shifted slightly in her chair, her graceful movement as she reached for her wineglass and took a small sip.

He cleared his throat. “There’s not a lot to tell. Nothing unusual happened that weekend. Nantha and her father Ion came ashore Friday afternoon for a weekend visit. As usual, they came ashore on the private beach near my mother’s house. I met them at our meeting place, a rocky cove that’s roped off and marked as dangerous to humans.”

“Which kept it mostly free from both locals and tourists alike,” Shayla added. “Most humans are pretty good about obeying the signs.”

He nodded. Though it had only been two days, that evening would forever be impressed in his memory. Like always, Ion and Nantha had swum up to the rocks with the sea caressing them. They’d poked their heads up out of the choppy waves, waiting for Zach to give them the all-clear signal before they climbed up on the rocks and changed their form. Sparking lights surrounded them as they did, reflecting on the water like a thousand fireflies. Though the light show was identical to what happened when Zach shape-shifted into Wolf, the combination of water and lights never failed to mesmerize him.

Fifteen years ago, when Zach’s mother had announced she was marrying a Merman with a young Mermaid daughter, Zach had been skeptical. But even at ten years old, Zach had seen his mother’s grief over his father’s passing become a kind of stoic acceptance. She’d been lonely and sad, and she’d directed all her energy into raising her young son. Then she’d met Ion, and her entire world changed.

Zach had recognized the happiness that made her glow when she’d gone someplace with Ion. The fact that she’d actually introduced him to Zach told him the relationship had grown serious. When Ion had wanted to ask her to marry him, he’d asked Zach’s permission first. In all the years since, they’d all become a tight-knit, loving family.

Which had now been ripped apart. He swallowed.

“Are you okay?” Shayla asked, making him realize he’d gone silent.

“Sorry. I’m worried about my sister. This isn’t at all like her.”

“How did a Shifter like you come to have a Mermaid for a sister?” Maddie asked, clearly recognizing his aura.

“My mother, who’s also a Shifter, married her father. He’s Mer. Nantha was very young.”

“What happened to her mother?” This from Shayla.

He forced himself to meet her gaze. When he did, again the flare of attraction zinged through him. “She died shortly after Nantha was born.”

“When exactly did your sister vanish?” Maddie asked, pen poised. “How long has she been missing?”

“Sunday. Two days ago.”

“She’ll be needing to get back to the water soon,” Shayla added. “Especially if she spent the weekend on land. One week is about as long as we can go. But I imagine you already know that, right?”

He nodded. “That’s one of our main concerns. Though Ion says it’s ten days.”

Lips pursed, which somehow made her look even sexier, Shayla considered. Finally, she shrugged. “That’s pushing it, but he’s right. I’ve made it that long. It wasn’t pretty—I got sick. But once I was back in the water, I was fine.”

“What have you done so far attempting to locate her?” Maddie asked. “Did you check with the Pack Protectors? I think they might help in a case like this, since she’s related by marriage.”

Momentarily startled, he stared. Even though he knew she could tell by his aura that he was a Shifter, he hadn’t told her what kind of animal he became. While he was Wolf, and definitely part of the Pack, he could just as well have been another species entirely.

However, if this helped with finding his sister, he saw no problem with breaking a few rules. “Yes, I’ve already enlisted the help of the Pack Protectors. They promised to let me know if they heard anything about a missing Mermaid.” He grimaced. “I have to say, they didn’t seem really concerned.”

“They’ve probably got more pressing Pack business,” Maddie said, her tone commiserating. “But at least you got the word out with them.”

“True. I really wish there was some sort of investigative agency where supernatural beings could turn to for help, besides the Pack Protectors.” He took a deep breath, willing himself to sound calm rather than desperate. “I’ve done all I could think of on land. And since I’m not a Merman, I have to believe my stepfather is conducting a thorough search under the water. I’m trying really hard not to think about the horrible things that might have happened to a naïve and sweet young woman like my sister. I just wish I could hire someone to look for her. Someone who could travel under the sea.”

Shayla went very still. She and Maddie exchanged a glance.

The two women exchanged another glance.

“That might be possible,” Shayla began, her voice low and serious.

“It just might,” Maddie agreed, looking at him. “But Shayla and I were just talking about starting up our own private investigative agency. It’s been a lifelong dream of mine.” When she paused, Shayla took over.

“Maddie’s family used to run one. She got her feet wet, so to speak, working for her father. Maybe you could be our first customer.” She grimaced. “I guess it depends how desperate you are. While she knows her way around the business, I have zero experience. But I’m Mer, and can search underwater.”

Looking into her emerald green eyes, he didn’t even hesitate. “Yes. I’m in. Find my sister.”

Shayla shook her head. “Don’t you even want to know what we charge?”

Though he wanted to say he didn’t care what it cost, as long as they were successful, he knew better. “I’m sure it will be reasonable. Just get me the details as soon as possible. Of course, I’ll also pay any expenses incurred in the search.” He couldn’t believe his luck. Having another Mermaid hunt for his sister beneath the sea, and a Shifter who could help with the on-land search, was more than he’d hoped for. He glanced at his watch, jiggling his leg in impatience. “The sooner you can get started on finding her, the better.”

“We’ll need you to sign a contract,” Shayla said smoothly. “We’ll need to get that document drawn up. Can you meet us back here tomorrow night around eight?”

“Definitely.” He pushed to his feet. “Finally, I feel like I’m doing something constructive. I’ll see you ladies tomorrow.” Bracing himself, he looked at Shayla first and held out his hand.

When she took it, an electric shock rushed from his fingers up his arm. Her eyes widened, letting him know she likely felt it, too. The way she jerked her hand free confirmed it. So it wasn’t just one-sided. Interesting.

Curious to see what would happen, he turned to Maddie; they also shook. Nothing happened. Absolutely nothing. He wasn’t sure whether to be relieved or worried.

“Until we have the paperwork signed, please consider this a handshake agreement,” he said. “That way, you can get to work immediately.”

“We will,” Shayla replied. “We’ll do our best to find her.”

“Thank you.” He felt like a bit of the weight had been lifted from his shoulders. Even if they were totally inexperienced, having a Mermaid assisting was huge. At least he was no longer searching alone. “I appreciate your help more than you know.”

“Do you mind leaving the photo with us?” Shayla asked. “We can show it around. I assume you have another copy?”

“I can print one.” He handed it over. “I’ll see you tomorrow night.” He left the bar, feeling more hopeful than he had since Sunday night.