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a day or two to deliver the humans to Wildemoor, but she had taken much longer. It made me wonder what she was up to. At first, I thought maybe she was in trouble, but she had texted Lynx and told her otherwise. She never sent me a message, which bothered me a little. I thought since we’d fought those vampires together that maybe we had bonded a little, but I guess not. Whatever.

"She just said it took her longer than usual." She ran her fingers through her hair. "The humans are doing well though. At least that's what she said. She can be private, just like you.” She didn’t smile, but her expression was kind.

I swallowed around the fullness in my throat. “I better go change out of this blanket before I’m late. I guess I'll see you soon?"

She nodded her head and sipped her coffee. "You need a ride?"

“Shoot, I already ordered Uber. I wish I would’ve known you were going."

“You can still cancel.”

I waved my hand. “Nah.”

"Roma again?"

“She’s the best damn driver I know. Half the time I don’t even have to call her. She just shows up when I need her most.” She was also the one who drove me back home that night Silas whipped me to retrieve Dominic’s car, but I didn’t tell Lynx that.

“Sounds nice, in a stalkerish sort of way.”

“They’re the best kind.” I winked and left the room, feeling a little bit better that Lynx was going to be there too.

The club was crowded, more so than usual because it was the weekend. The swarms of people gave me a headache so I kept my head down, speaking only when spoken to. I had several requests from customers to put on a show like I usually did, but I just couldn't bring myself to do it. The only way I got through the night was by sneaking occasional sips of whiskey behind the bar. It settled my nerves and kept my heart rate calm.

I liked having Lynx there. She didn’t hover too much and would come say hi whenever there was a break in customers. It was strange having someone look over me, and yet nice at the same time. I didn’t deserve Lynx’s friendship.

Luke was there, too. I discovered this halfway into my shift. He slithered in and out of the crowd. Not really a part of the moving system but not separate either. I wondered if he was working on something for Dominic, but he didn’t seem to have a specific purpose, other than drinking and brooding in his usual way.

Our eyes met a couple of times, but they never lingered. Neither of us knew what to say to each other.

I was in the middle of pouring a blue Hawaiian cocktail to a college-aged man, when I heard a familiar whistle from the side of the bar. I glanced over. Ryder was tapping on the counter excitedly.

I finished serving the drink and walked over to him. "What's up?"

He leaned forward, his voice low. “I think I found it.”

“Found what?”

“The briefcase. And we’re going to get it tonight.”

Chapter 34

“Where?"

I looked around to make sure no one was watching or listening in. We had searched everywhere for that stupid briefcase, even searching Silas’ car. We were pretty much out of hiding places to search.

He leaned forward conspiratorially. "There is a secret room in his master suite. It’s the only place we haven’t searched.”

My eyes widened. “How did you find this out?”

“You know Lola?"

"The maid?"

He nodded. “She said she was cleaning his room one day when he suddenly walked out from behind a bookcase. No doorknob. He swore at her and threatened to hurt her if she told anyone."

I had spoken to Lola a few times. She was a nice woman in her early thirties. She was a single mother of two young children. Silas paid her well.

It was joked about among the pack that Silas had a maid. He was the only one who did, although I heard she occasionally worked for Dominic as well. The rest of us considered ourselves big kids who could take care of ourselves, though I was pretty sure a lot of the pack members could use the maid.

"Why would she tell you this?” I asked.

Someone called me from the other side of the bar wanting a drink. I held up my finger to signal them to hold a sec.

"Anyone that takes the time to get to know her, would know that she hates the man." His eyes lowered to the counter, and his face reddened slightly. "We've also grown close the last few weeks."

My eyebrows lifted. Lola was a human who knew about shifters and other kinds of supernaturals. She was one of the few who accepted us. I don't see how, though, after working for Silas. “How close?”

“I like her.”

I grinned and nudged his arm. “I didn’t know you had a thing for cougars.”

Ryder smiled, giving me what I wanted.

“I haven’t asked her out yet, but I’ve been thinking about it.”

My teasing mood disappeared. “Well, if you do, don’t let the pack find out.”

Dating a human was forbidden, unless you had permission from Dominic. So far, I’d never heard of him giving it.

“True.” He rubbed at the back of his neck. “I’ll think about it. Maybe it’s not worth it.”

“If you want to, then do it. Just don’t let anyone know.” I tapped my knuckles against the bar. “So you really think it’s in this secret room?”

He scrunched his face in hesitation. "I guess he might not have it back there, but we've searched everywhere else. If he's going to hide something, I would think he would do it in a secret room, right?"

The customer behind me yelled again. I called behind my shoulder. “I’m coming.”

I hurried off to pour a few drinks, my mind spinning. Tonight could be the night. Ryder and I had talked about what to do if we found the briefcase.

After making the rounds, I returned to Ryder. “Do you think you could be ready? If we find it?”

“With the plan?”

I nodded.

“I guess.”

“Good. Stay close to Fire Ridge. I’ll call you soon.”

I left him alone with his beer and smiled a little. It was good to know he was having feelings for someone. The right relationship could make the darkest night not seem so dismal. It's what my mother used to say. I wasn't sure I believed her, but by the silly grin he had given me when mentioning Lola’s name, his nights were not so dark, despite everything he had been through.

My shift dragged on, the music and lights worsening my headache. All I could think about was getting back to the mansion to search the hidden room. Did Dominic know about it? Or was this something Silas kept to himself?

When my shift ended, Lynx found me. "Can I give you a ride home or is your bestie Uber driver taking you?"

"I'd love a ride, thanks."

At home, I changed quickly and asked Lynx if I could borrow her car. I assured her this was a rare request. I was glad when she agreed as a vehicle may come in handy tonight.

When I arrived at Fire Ridge, it was quieter than usual. Weekends usually were. This was usually the time pack members were required to visit local businesses to collect dues and it often took up most of everyone's weekend. My shift was tomorrow since I had to work nights at the club.

There were a few members inside watching TV and a few more outside sitting around the fire, laughing and drinking. Gerald was there with them, and his face grew serious when he saw me through the window. He motioned me outside.

When I opened the back door, I heard him say, "Hey guys. I don't think you’ve had the chance to get to know our newest member very well yet." He waved at me. “Come here, Briar.”

At my approach, a large redheaded man with webbed lines etched across his face eyed me. “I’d like to get to know her better.”

I snorted. “I would break you, old man." He must've been thirty years older than me.

"I'd like to feel you try!” He slapped his thigh and howled into the night.

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