Page 46 of Close Encounters of the Hot Kind

"But you said?—"

"I said it's a dangerous neighborhood." He shakes his head, still chuckling. "Was just saying it because we were worried about you. Would you like an escort to a safer neighborhood?"

"That's really sweet of you, but I can't accept." I bite my lip, glancing over my shoulder. "I need to handle this alone."

"What, we ain't good enough to help?" The tall one's friendly smile vanishes. "Too street for you, princess?"

"No, it's not that at all!" My hands clench into fists. If only I could explain about the shapeshifting aliens hunting me. About how they can look like anyone. "The men after me... they're incredibly dangerous. I won't put anyone else at risk."

"Dangerous?" He scoffs. "Lady, we are Los Lobos. We own these streets."

"Trust me, you don't want to get involved. These guys will kill without hesitation." My voice cracks. "I've already seen what they can do. I couldn't live with myself if something happened to you because of me."

The gang members exchange looks. The tall one's expression softens slightly.

"For real? You turning us down to protect us?"

I nod, throat tight. "Please. Just let me handle this myself."

"Damn." He shakes his head, chuckling. "First time someone's tried to protect Los Lobos. Usually it's the other way around."

The tall one steps forward, extending his hand. "I'm Jefe Rios. And you, brave little lady, are now officially a member of Los Lobos."

"What? No, I can't—" I stop mid-protest. Wait. This could work. Those shapeshifters would never look for me among a street gang.

"Take her to Maria's," Jefe says. "Give her the full treatment."

Before I can object, I'm whisked into a nearby salon. The smell of hairspray and chemical dye fills my nostrils. A tiny woman with tattoo sleeves circles me like a shark.

"Such pretty hair," Maria clicks her tongue. "We fix that right up."

Two hours later, I barely recognize myself in the mirror. My conservative black hair has been transformed into a spiky purple mohawk that sparkles with glitter. Dark makeup rings my eyes.

The gang colors - a leather jacket with the Los Lobos insignia - completes my transformation from pizza shop girl to street tough.

"My Dad is gonna kill me," I whisper, touching the shaved sides of my head. But I have to admit, no one would ever expectto find Aileen Marella looking like this. Sometimes the best hiding spot is right out in the open.

Maria adjusts my jacket, beaming with pride at her handiwork. "Now you look like proper Loba."

The bell above the door chimes. Jefe steps in, nodding approval at my new look. "Perfect. Those pendejos won't know what hit them when they mess with our new sister."

I turn back to the mirror, still stunned by my reflection. The girl staring back at me looks dangerous, untouchable. Maybe that's exactly what I need to be right now.

CHAPTER 16

VARAK

The bell above the door chimes as I burst into Papa Marella's. The scent of garlic and tomato sauce hangs in the air, but the tables sit empty. No Aileen.

"Looking for someone?" Smith Johnson wipes his hands on his apron. "She's not here."

"Where is she?"

"Wouldn't you like to know?" His human disguise melts away, revealing green scales and razor-sharp teeth.

I dodge as a chair flies at my head. It crashes into the wall, leaving a dent in the red and white checkered wallpaper. Aileen's father loves that wallpaper.

"Stand still and die, Vakutan scum."

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