CHAPTER 1

Amidst the echoing shadows of an enigmatic past, my mind stirred with a quiet intensity. My thoughts wandered from the deposition to the odd feeling that tickled at my senses. Something felt different, but I couldn’t say what. Trying to stay engrossed in my work, my fingers tapped against the keyboard, the clicks becoming rhythmic music to my ears. The muted hum of my computer was interrupted by a cheerful voice crackling through the speaker on my desk.

"Girl, you're single. It's Friday night. You're not spending another night working when you should be out living your life. Come on. One of the guys from Trampled by Turtles is playing locally tonight. You need to come with me," Angie urged.

I sighed, my fingers dancing across the keyboard as I continued typing. "Angie, I have things I need to do. I have a deposition on Monday and three other cases I need to be working on. I can't go out tonight."

"Oh my God, Kaira. You are going to turn into one of those cat ladies who never leaves their house. Come on, you're approaching thirty and need to go out. See what's out there before all the eligible men are taken."

"I'm completely fine with the prospect of being a cat lady. I think you're the one who's insecure about it." I huffed out a breath, my gaze still fixed on my computer screen. "Angie, why did you call me on my work line? I'm only supposed to be taking business calls on this phone."

Angie's voice took on a more determined tone. "Because you are avoiding your cell phone. I've left messages and texted you half a dozen times. When you don't respond, I have to change tactics. Someone has to drag you out of your office. I'm not taking no for an answer tonight. You can go back to all your boring work the rest of the weekend. I'm pretty sure that's what Sundays are for. I'll be at your house at eight. Don't you dare stay in the office too long\! You need to look good. Your boring pantsuits are not going to cut it tonight." Angie hung up the phone before I could argue.

I muttered to myself, "God, she can be so infuriating." I finally tore my eyes away from the computer screen, looking around my office. My dedication to my career was evident in every nook and cranny of the space. I was determined to climb the ladder and become a partner one day, even if it meant long hours and sacrificing my personal life.

My gaze landed on my office secretary, Nicole, who leaned against the door jamb, seemingly relaxed but with a restless tapping of her heel against the floor.

"I made copies of the Dorken file. Mr. Cross also rescheduled the meeting about the Sampson case. It's now Wednesday at ten. You're all set on the Johnson case, although I'm not sure why you took it. You've already done more pro-bono cases than anyone else on this floor," Nicole informed me as she handed over a file.

I accepted the file and replied, "I took it because no family deserves to work so hard to start a business only to have it destroyed over someone's stupidity. Plus, I like helping others whenever I can." I shrugged and set the file on my desk, glancing back at Nicole, who was fidgeting.

"Do you have somewhere you need to be, Nicole?" I inquired, raising an eyebrow.

Nicole hesitated for a moment but then confessed, "Well, it is Friday, and I'd like to miss traffic."

I chuckled. "It's after five. You're not missing traffic. What's up?"

"Oh, nothing," Nicole said, avoiding eye contact.

I, not one to be easily deceived, pressed further. "Now I know something's up. What is it?"

Nicole threw her arms up in exasperation. "Ugh, fine. I have a date tonight." She met my gaze, silently challenging me.

I grinned and leaned forward, genuinely interested. "Ah, I met him on Match. It's our first meeting, and I'd like to make a good impression. He's cute in that boy-next-door kind of way. I just really don't want to show up in my work clothes."

"Besides, don't you have to be home to meet Angie?" Nicole added, arching an eyebrow inquisitively.

"Nicole, were you listening to my call?" I raised an eyebrow, amused.

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CHAPTER 1

I took a deep breath as I stared up at the sign, Kelly’s Bar. I’ve been working here for two years, but today seemed different. It was the one-year anniversary of my father’s death. Taking the day off was what a sane person would do. Too bad that wasn’t an option for me. Slinging beer and having my ass pinched by drunk boys was not how I should be spending today. I should be bringing flowers to my father’s grave. I should be doing a lot of things, but here I am.

“Hey sugar, you coming in?” Carla rested her fist on her hip as she looked at me.

“Yeah, I’m coming in.” I tried to hide my annoyance. Taking another deep breath, I swallowed hard and followed behind Carla into the bar. I stashed my purse in the back and tied the apron around my waist.

“Your hair looks cute today, Skyler.” Carla patted my back as she put her own bag away. I liked that Carla was the one person who didn’t shorten my name. She respected that I wasn’t a huge fan of being called Sky, but everyone, and I mean everyone, did it.

I shrugged. “You know how these boys love a high ponytail.” I had long dark hair, but for work, I always pulled it up. No-one wanted to find a long dark hair on their plate. If you worked in food service, you wore your hair up. That was a given. I didn’t know why Carla was commenting on my hair. She rarely ever gave me a compliment. I sighed; she knows about my dad. Everyone here did. He used to be a regular. He’d threaten anyone who’d dared to give me a sideways glance. To say he was overprotective was a bit of an understatement. He was a biker and a bounty hunter. He’d taught me everything I knew. Which meant, I not only knew how to shoot a gun, but I also had a very protective extended family. All men, all with big guns and big bikes. It hadn’t done any good when one of my dad’s bounties decided to shoot back. He’d been shot in the chest twice and died on the scene.

“You sure you should be here, hun?” Carla’s eyes held concern and pity.

“Yeah, I need the money. I’m not sure I’ll ever be able to pay off my debts.” I shrugged and plopped down on the bench.

“I’m not sure any of us will. I plan on dying in debt,” she chuckled, but it died in her throat after she realized her mistake.

“Yeah, I’d like to be able to finish school someday.” I took a deep breath. “Which section are you in tonight?” I asked. I was ready to get on with it. Larry was probably ready to leave.

“I’m to the right of the bar, Kenzie’s on the left.” Carla scrunched her curls with her fingers. She had small tight curls framing her round face.

“Alright, might as well get on with it. I’m sure the others are ready to get off the floor.” I didn’t wait for Carla. I headed to the bar to switch out with Larry.

“Any trouble today, Lar?” I slid up beside him and bumped my shoulder with his.

“Hey, little darlin', I have to admit, it’s damn good to see you here. It’s been a busy day with boaters coming in off the river.” Larry patted my arm and took the towel off his shoulder to give the bar one last wipe down before leaving. Larry was like that. He always had to make sure his space was cleaned up for the next person. I honestly loved him for it. Some of the others had no problem leaving without cleaning or stocking anything. I turned and looked in the cooler. All the bottles had been stocked. Despite it being busy, he managed to have everything stocked, clean, and ready to go. I gave Larry an admiring smile. “You going to be okay, darlin'?”

“Yeah, Lar, I’ll be fine. It’s good to stay busy, or so I’m told,” I shrugged.

“Your old man was one of the best. He raised the best girl I know.” He winked and gave me a wide grin.

“Ah, Lar, you’re going to make me cry.” I swallowed. “Thanks for everything. Now, go home already. You should have been off the clock two minutes ago.” I jokingly pushed at his back.

“Alright, alright, I’m going. Have a good night, darlin’.” He walked out from behind the bar and to the back. He jiggled his keys in the air in a wave on his way out of the door. I waved as I slid up to two women who just took two stools at the end of the bar. I spared a glance around the room. It was going to be a long night.

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Chapter 1

Zoe

Gripping the light pole for balance, I pulled one heel, then the other off my feet and flung them into the deserted street. “I hate these damn heels. Who can dance in those things?” The pebbles bit into the soles of my now bare feet, but I hardly noticed. Looking around, I took in the wide eyes and judgmental faces around me. One girl scanned me from head to toe before taking a long drag of her cigarette and rolling her eyes. Bitch, at least I don’t smoke. I turned to the right and began my trek to the parking lot. I needed to get the hell away from the bar, and it’s musty smell. My stomach rolled as the urine and cigarette smell from the street hit me.

Moving here to go to school seemed like a good idea. I thought Duluth was a sparkling clean place. Boy, was I wrong. The bar and club district were like any other city. It reeked of death and debauchery. Okay, really it was rot and urine. I wondered how many people had to piss on the street for it to permanently smell. I made it to the next block and still had enough sense to look both ways before crossing the deserted street. I didn’t even know the official time, I just knew it was home time for me.

“Zoe, wait up\!” Theo called behind me. I wasn’t exactly ditching him when I fled the bar. I was just annoyed with my damn shoes and the way the floor swayed during my last dance. Drop it like it’s hot had a whole new meaning when the floor came up a little faster than I anticipated. My knees certainly didn’t appreciate the way I landed on them. I blame the shoes. “Zoe, what the hell? Why didn’t you wait for me?” he asked, out of breath.

“Well, hello, Theodore. What brings you out on a night such as this?” I asked in my best British accent. I swayed a little when I turned, sweeping my arm across the night sky.

“You, dammit\! Will you please stop walking and put your shoes back on?” He held out my shiny black heels. I scoffed and turned back around to continue my stroll. “Where do you think you’re going anyway? I took your keys an hour ago.”

“I was just enjoying a pleasant stroll through a beautiful city. Don’t you just love when you can feel the ground beneath your feet.” I swayed my hips as I continued my walk.

“Zoe, please stop.” He took a deep breath.

“Why, my dear Theodore, are you unable to keep up with a lady such as myself? Is it not you who wakes up ungodly early to go to the wretched gym?” I looked over my shoulder to smirk at Theo before I took off in a dead run toward my car.

“Holy fuck,” I heard Theo say as he ran after me.

I stopped at my car and jumped onto the trunk. Crossing my legs I smiled wide at Theo. “Are you going to take a lady home?” I continued with the accent even though it was more drunk Irishman at this point.

“Oh my God, Zoe, you’re going to give me a heart attack. Yes, I will absolutely take you home. Although, I’m not sure I’m leaving you alone.” I watched as he dug the keys out of his pocket and handed me my purse and shoes.

“Why thank you, kind sir.” I hopped down from the trunk and waited for him. He held the passenger door open for me. I cupped Theo’s cheek and slid my thumb over his cheekbone. I gazed into his ocean blue eyes for a moment. “You’re too good to me.” I watched as a reluctant smile forced its way across his lips. I knew I may have gone too far tonight. He had amazing patience with me over the years.

“I know, now are we going home, or what?” his eyes were annoyed yet playful as he looked at me.

“Wishing you would have gone to another school, yet?” I wiggled my eyebrows and lowered myself into the seat. I yanked my auburn hair off my sticky shoulders and neck. Theo got in and threw my shoes and purse in my lap.

“You should probably hold onto those.” He rolled his eyes at me.

“No, I hate these shoes. I’m never wearing them again.” I rolled down the window and chucked them as hard as I could.

Theo blew out a breath. “Zoe\!” he stopped the car and got out. When he returned he threw the shoes in the backseat and gave me a hard look.

“What? I told you I’m never wearing them again. What’s the point of keeping them?” I pulled a scrunchie out of my purse and smoothed out my hair to put it up. I hated the feeling of hair on my neck when I was all sweaty.

“Well, then I’ll just leave them in the backseat of your car until you’re sober and can make those kinds of decisions.” His eyes flicked over to me before returning to the road.

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Chapter 1

Ivey

“Ugh, where are my black pumps\!” I threw another pair of sneakers to the side as I rifled through the bottom of my closet. I was already running late. Where the hell did I put those damn shoes?

“They’re in here, honey,” my mom poked her head through the doorway. “You left them by the door again.” She dangled the black pumps from her fingers. Her eyes judged me silently as only a mother could.

“Thanks,” I tipped my head and gave her a curtsey.

“You look nice. I see you chose to wear the black dress again. Are you sure that’s such a good idea? You can see the tattoo on your thigh. Don’t you think the plum would go with your green eyes? It would hide the tattoo so well. You Want to make a good impression, don’t you?” She waved her hand at the ink showing beneath the black dress.

“Mom, it’s fine, no one bats an eye at tattoos anymore. Plus, it’s the most professional-looking thing I own. The plum dress is a little too low cut for a job interview.” I ran my hand down the front of the dress smoothing it out. There wasn’t much I could do about it now. I still had to drive to St. Paul. I was going to have to speed the whole way as it was.

“You changed so much in New York." She sighs, shaking her head. "Maybe we’ll need to go shopping before you have any more interviews.” Her shoulders slumped in disappointment like she was carrying the weight of my life decisions as she left the room.

Ignoring her comment about New York, I glanced down at the lines of my tattoo showing beneath the hem of my dress. Honestly, I didn’t care about showing off my tattoo. If they had a problem with that, they would definitely have a problem with the green streaks in my jet-black hair. I pinned it up so the green was swirled into a stylish roll. I was going for stylish yet professional. Besides, they should be looking at my credentials, not my colored hair or tattoos.

Who was I kidding?

This was my seventh interview, it probably wouldn’t hurt to cover up my tattoo at least.

Maybe this time the interviewer would look beyond my outward appearance. Even though, I wasn’t sure that was the reason I wasn’t getting a job. The publishing industry was dying. It was becoming harder and harder to find a position among the diminishing publishing houses. Yet, here I was, on my way to yet another interview. Hoping, this was the one who would give me the chance I needed. The chance to live out my dream.

I ran down the stairs. My dad stopped me at the door, hand outstretched. “Hey, kiddo, take this.” A pop-tart was wrapped in it’s foil wrapper. “You need to eat something.”

“Thanks, Dad, is it strawberry?” I asked, taking the warm bundle from his hands.

“Come now, would I give you anything else?” he quirked a smile. I wrapped an arm around him and kissed his cheek, before rushing out the door. My red Kia Soul waited for me at the end of the driveway. The drive to St. Paul felt excruciatingly long. It always did when I was running late.

I pulled into the parking lot taking in my surroundings.

Is this it? It looks more like an industrial building than a publishing house?

I matched the numbers of the address to the door.

Yeah, this was the place.

I took a deep breath. Grabbing the folder with my letters of recommendation, I hurried up to the door. The plaque to the side of the door was the only thing indicating I was in the right place. You’d never know it by the stucco industrial-style building. Maybe this was a new age publishing house like the new breweries popping up in industrial parks.

I thought I read they’d been around since the nineties, maybe they've changed since then.

Opening the door, I strode into the office. A petite girl with a brown pixie cut sat behind the glass and metal desk. Even the decor fits the industrial style of the building. Her head cocked to the side as she watched me approach her desk. I could almost feel her appraise my rushed steps as I made my way to her. She paused on the tattoo just below the hem of my dress and the corner of her mouth quirked up just a little before her eyes rose to meet mine.

“Hello,” her smile widened.

“Hi, I’m here for an interview with Mr. Morrison,” I tried to give her a polite smile. The feeling of nervous butterflies swarmed in my stomach. I haven’t been all that great at interviews, despite my research. I always seem to freeze when I have to answer. I could feel my palms sweating, and I clasped them together in front of me.

Damn, I hated interviews.

“Okay, if you’ll have a seat I’ll let him know you’re here.” She nodded toward the four grey padded chairs against the wall in what must be their waiting area.

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Chapter 1

Cordelia

“Hey, beautiful,” a frat boy wrapped his sweaty arm around my shoulder. He licked his lips as his eyes fastened to my chest. Ugh\! I was so over this. “I heard you're in the market for a new guy.” He winked, but it looked more like a twitch than a wink. “I’d love to fill that position for you.” His lips curved up and he burped, loud. My eyes roamed, his polo shirt looked stretched, and his hair stuck out in clumps around his head.

“Ugh, get off me.” I pushed his body away from mine. I seriously needed to get the hell out of here. I was so done with drunk frat guys hitting on me. It didn’t help that every person here had either witnessed or heard about my big breakup with Ethan. He’d been such an asshole. He’d already moved on with Brittany, a Phi Kappa bitch. Normally, I didn’t give two-shits about the politics in the Greek system. But when Ethan decided to drag that shit into our relationship, I changed my mind. I should be going for a guy in his rival fraternity just to piss him off. I tried to remind myself why I was too good to stoop so low. But damn, a big part of me wanted to.

I noticed a door on the first floor opened just a crack. The room was vacant, so I ducked inside. I sat at the desk on the left side of the room. A perfectly made bed was in the center along with a television and two rocker chairs in front of the television mounted to the wall. Whoever this guy was he liked plaid. Both his sheets and bedspread were maroon and blue plaid. I shut the door, hoping any party-goers would think it was occupied. I had to admit, whoever stayed in this room was tidy. Everything seemed to have a place. I leaned back in the chair and closed my eyes. I let the events of the last week play through my mind.

Fucking, Ethan.

He had to make our break-up a public display. A decent human being would’’t have decided to break up with me in the middle of campus, during the announcement of Greek week festivities. I guess I’d always known he was just another douchebag. It was only a matter of time before he lived up to my expectations. People always disappointed you, especially guys. Ethan wasn’t even the worst of them. I had a long line of disappointments in my life. Someday, I hoped that would change. My luck, ‘her life was filled with disappointment,’ would be written on my tombstone. I pictured the look Ethan gave me as he broke up with me. His chin held high and a cocky grin spread across his face, he said, “Sorry babe, but I found someone else. You understand.” I didn’t think you were supposed to look that happy when you broke up with someone.

What a fucking asshole\!

The more I thought about it, the angrier I got. I balled my hands into fists and rested them on my forehead. I needed to get over him. He’d been acting strange the last few weeks. Hell, months really. I just figured he was stressed about school or something. He’d been pulling away from me, but I figured he’d talk to me in time. I always tried to give him space. I certainly didn’t want to share all my life stresses with him. I guess I should have expected it. I wasn’t expecting the break-up to be quite so public or to hurt quite so much. We’d been together for almost a year. I thought we were in love or at least close to it. Man, was I wrong. The sound of the door opening had me snapping up in the chair.

A man with a thick head of chestnut hair and ocean-blue eyes stared down at me. He cocked his head and I noticed his strong jawline, “Well, I wasn’t expecting to have a lady in my room. What are you doing here?” His eyebrows quirked up.

I felt the blood rush to my cheeks. “Oh sorry, I needed to get away from the crowd.”

He nodded. “Well then, by all means, feel free to use my room in any way you’d like.” He clicked the door shut behind him. “As long as you don’t mind my company while you do it. You did hide away in my room after all.” A mischievous grin spread across his face.

“Ah, thanks, I guess.” I wasn’t sure what to say to that. I didn’t want to go back into the fray of the party. I knew I’d get hit on again if I did. I wanted to go back to my sorority, but when I suggested that to Mya, she gave me a long speech about my responsibility as a senior in the house. Apparently, I’m supposed to be a leader for the pledges. I hated that. I had every right to disappear from the world for a little while. But, of course, this happened during Greek week. So, that was a no-go until all this was over. Usually, I loved this week. All the parties and gatherings with friends were a wonderful reprieve from school. This year, I wanted to crawl into a hole.

The guy waved his hands in the air a foot from my face. I blinked. His eyes softened as they focused on me. “Ah, hey, you wanna talk about it?” I was surprised by the sincerity in his voice. I didn’t even know this guy.

“What makes you think I have something to talk about?” I asked.

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Chapter 1

Kaira

The brisk air of the spring morning made me shiver. I stared out at the budding trees. My stomach turned as I waited for news. Hecate’s father had stopped momentarily only to leave as soon as he knew where his daughter was taken. I pondered his sudden appearance. My hope was that he would get Hecate back without any issues with Morrigan. We needed her. I had no idea what to do without her at my side. She connected us so we had a chance against Morrigan.

Warm hands wrapped around my shoulders from behind. “Hey,” Leif whispered before pressing his soft lips to the crook of my neck. “Are you okay?” he breathed against my neck.

“I’m worried about Hecate. Wouldn’t she come here as soon as she was free?” I asked. My voice quivered from the chill that had gripped my bones. I hadn’t even noticed that I was shivering in the cold morning.

“She’ll come when she can. It’s been a while since she’d seen her father. Give them time to reconnect. Hecate knows how important defeating Morrigan is. She’ll be here as soon as she can.” He rubbed my upper arms. “Now, will you please come in? You’re shivering.”

“Yeah, has Haskell heard from Shar?” I asked, turning to face him. He held the back door open for me. I walked into the house that was only beginning to feel like home. I understood why he hadn’t wanted to change anything. Besides everything being so beautiful, it was designed by his mother. Yet, a part of me wished there was something here that represented me. I wanted it to feel like home. It was Leif’s house. It was stupid to be thinking about this with so much going on. But it was one more thing that didn’t feel right in my life. I wanted to feel at home. Leif had insisted I empty my apartment and move in, but I was only able to change a few things in the bedroom. The rest of my stuff was in storage. Leif insisted that I wouldn’t need the furniture because he had everything we needed. I was stubborn. I wasn’t willing to give up everything I’d worked for just yet. I wanted to bring pieces of myself into my new home. So far, I haven't been able to do that. This house felt more like a shrine than a home. I understood where he was coming from, and someday soon I hoped he would understand where I was coming from too.

“Where did you go?” he asked.

“Oh, I was just thinking about my apartment next to Shar.” I wasn’t being honest with him. I wanted more of my things here. I didn’t care if it was simple things, like the cozy crochet throw from my grandmother that had hung over the back of my couch for years.

“Kaira, the only way this is going to work is if you’re honest with me. I know you are used to figuring everything out yourself.” He rested his hand on my shoulder and looked into my eyes. “You have me now. This is our home. It’s not something temporary. I’m willing to do what it takes to make you feel at home here, with me. Are you?” His voice was soft, yet I felt the accusation in his voice like a slap. I knew he hadn’t meant it as one, but something inside me recoiled at the words and what he insinuated. Like I hadn’t been doing my part in this relationship.

I shifted my eyes to look away from his penetrating gaze. “Leif, I want more of my stuff here.” There, I said it.

“Okay, we can go get whatever you want right now.” My eyes flew up to him. He was serious. He grabbed his keys from the hook by the door where they were hanging. My stomach twisted. We had more important things to be worried about, and he was ready to drop everything to bring some of my things here, to make me happy.

“No, I don’t want to change your mother’s things either. It’s your reminder of her.”

“Kaira, I can be reminded of her without keeping the house exactly like she left it. We can bring whatever you want here so you feel like it's your home.” He was so sincere in his words. Why hadn’t I just told him before?

“Really?” I asked, my voice small.

He closed the distance between us, wrapping his arms around my waist and pulling me against him. “Of course, this is your home. I love you. I want you to be happy, always. Don’t ever doubt that.” His soft lips pressed against mine. I was so elated, I opened my mouth to suck in his lip. He made an appreciative grunt and slipped his tongue between my parted lips. Our kiss was familiar yet exciting. I felt the spark of our bond light every time we kissed. I loved the feeling of him as he teased my mouth with nips and sucks. I could kiss Leif for hours and never get bored.

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