Page 16 of Pretty Little Kitty

“What about you?” Kia looked around but couldn’t see anyone. The breeze blew toward them from the field, confirming hyenas were lurking just past the tree line.

Suero was already pulling out his phone and dialing. “I’ll be fine. You and Jared need to get back on cheetah land. I’ll call you later.”

Kia hesitated for a heartbeat before moving quickly toward the passenger door. Jared must have caught the scent through the open window because his wide eyes were locked onto the trees.

“We never should’ve stopped,” he said, turning the key. “I did not sign up for a horror flick, Kia.”

The car refused to start.

It was the worst possible moment for his crappy car to act up. Jared kept trying, but the engine only sputtered and groaned in protest.

“Pop the hood,” Suero said, suddenly appearing at the driver’s door.

Jared reached beneath the dashboard and tugged on the pliers that were clamped to the hood release cord. He yanked until Kia heard a popping sound.

Suero swung the hood up as Kia scanned the field, his heart racing. The hyenas weren’t just a wolf problem. They’d trespassed onto cheetah territory as well. From the conversations he’d overheard at home, the hyenas had also encroached on bear land too.

Shifters did not like to share territory with other species, except for humans. There was a large human population in Riverside where the cheetahs resided, unaware that shifters lived among them.

Nobody knew where this pack of hyenas had come from or why they were being a menace to everyone. It was as if they were intent on seizing control.

Luckily, their numbers weren’t enough for a full-scale takeover. What puzzled Kia was the logic behind their actions. If they wanted land, why provoke all three species instead of targeting just one? It was reckless, maybe even suicidal.

And now, stranded on a desolate country road with a broken-down car, they were sitting ducks.

Chapter Five

The tavern pulsed with wild energy, the air a swirling mix of boisterous laughter and the relentless beat of the music.

Behind the bar, Miguel was a force of nature, pouring drinks with the precision and flair of a maestro commanding an orchestra.

Sin & Steel served as the den for the Salvador wolf pack, but its doors stood wide open for any daring soul bold enough to enter.

A handful of patrons were perched on stools at the counter, devouring their meals like it was their last. The tavern didn’t have a large menu, but with Cesar manning the kitchen tonight, the aromas wafting out could tempt even the toughest critic.

Now Miguel was starving. In a moment, he was taking a break to sink his teeth into chicken wings and fresh-cut fries.

Cesar kept his seasoning blend a closely-guarded secret, but whatever he used, it turned any dish into an irresistible craving.

“I’ve been standing at the other end of the bar for ten damn minutes,” barked an impatient blond, his voice dripping with entitlement.

Miguel strolled over, tossing the bar rag over his shoulder, and fixed the guy with a cold, penetrating stare.

“You gonna take my fucking drink order?” His eyes flicked to the scars carved into the right side of Miguel’s face, a permanent reminder from last year’s brutal bike crash. Most days, he forgot they were even there, until some asshole forced him to remember.

Planting his palms firmly on the counter’s edge, Miguel leaned in close. “You hit the other end exactly two minutes and thirty seconds ago.”

“What does that have to do with anything?” The guy slapped a twenty down with a defiant sneer. “Just do your job. A round of drinks for me and my buddies.”

Miguel closed his eyes when he felt them begin to glow. He was a heartbeat away from dragging the human over the counter when his phone buzzed in his pocket, pulling him back from the brink.

“Is there a problem?”

Matias. Just fucking perfect. The scars made everyone assume Miguel needed protection, but he resented being seen as vulnerable, even by his own pack.

“Your coworker needs to learn some manners,” the blond snapped, oblivious to the danger right in front of him.

Miguel was a heartbeat away from shattering the guy’s jaw. His eyes flew open, fury barely leashed. “Get the fuck away from me, or I will end you so fast even your ghost will think twice about lingering.”

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