32. Frankie

Chapter 32

Frankie

I grip the steering wheel of my red Jeep, my knuckles white against the worn leather. The road to Morrow Bay feels different now, like I’m walking a tightrope between my old life and this new shadow shifter craziness that’s taken over. How long before everything goes to hell and I’m caught in the middle?

Months have passed since I discovered my true nature as a shadow shifter, and still, the weight of this new identity sits heavily on my shoulders, a crown of darkness I never asked to wear.

Only months ago, I worked hard to stash cash away in a small safe provided to me by the school. Though I still have that money, the old impulse to keep it growing drives me across the bridge to the Grotto.

As I pull into the Grotto’s parking lot, the salty breeze carries the scent of the ocean, mingling with the ever-present aroma of coffee and freshly baked pastries from the cafe next door. I inhale deeply, letting the familiar scents calm my frayed nerves, but beneath it all, I catch a whiff of something darker, earthier—the scent of shadows, always lingering just beyond the edge of normal perception.

The sun’s going down, making these crazy long shadows. I swear they are moving when I look at them. The air is thick with the briny scent of the nearby ocean. Seagulls cry in the distance, their harsh calls a counterpoint to the soft indie rock spilling from the Grotto’s open windows. I can almost taste the salt on my tongue and feel the rough texture of the shadows as they brush against my skin like living things.

I clench my fists, willing them to be still. Not here. Not now.

Breathing deeply, I calm my nerves and walk inside the dimly lit bar.

I find Andi wiping down tables, her curly hair pulled back in a messy bun. She looks up as the bell above the door chimes, and a warm smile spreads across her face, crinkling the corners of her eyes.

“Frankie! It’s good to see you,” she says, setting her cloth down and approaching me with open arms.

I return her hug, the familiar scent of coffee and cinnamon enveloping me like a comforting blanket.

“Hey, Andi,” I say, pulling back slightly. “It’s good to see you too.”

She beams at me, her eyes crinkling at the corners. “You too, sweetie. How have you been holding up?”

I take a deep breath, steeling myself. “Actually, that’s kind of why I’m here. I was hoping we could talk about me coming back to work.”

Andi’s smile falters for a moment, concern flickering in her hazel eyes. “Frankie... are you sure about this? You’ve had a rough time lately.”

I nod, trying to project a confidence I don’t entirely feel. “I am. I need this, Andi, not just for the money, but to feel... normal again.” The word “normal” tastes strange on my tongue, almost foreign.

She studies me for a long moment, her gaze searching. I force myself to meet her eyes, praying she can’t see the shadows that now dance beneath my skin. Finally, she nods. “Alright, but I want you working in the back, at the college bar. It’s a bit more low-key, and I think that might be good for you right now.”

I let out a breath I didn’t know I was holding. Thank God. “Thank you, Andi. I really appreciate it.”

An hour later, I’m in the employee bathroom, fumbling with the strings of my apron. My hands shake slightly as I try to tie a knot behind my back. I take a deep breath, willing my nerves to settle before my shift starts. Glancing up, I catch my reflection in the mirror—disheveled dark hair, skin paler than usual, and wide, alert eyes.

As I lean closer, I notice something different and unsettling. There’s a faint shimmer in my irises, like smoke trapped behind glass. I blink hard, but it remains—a visual reminder of the changes stirring within me.

Fuck.

I smooth my apron down, my fingers trembling as they trace the familiar fabric.

“You can do this,” I whisper, the words a spell against the shadows lurking beneath my skin. “Just be normal for a few hours, Frankie.” The “normal” Frankie stares back at me, a mask I’m not sure fits anymore.

My reflection rudely doesn’t reply. I wash my hands quickly and step out of the bathroom, heading back to my station.

The college bar is buzzing tonight. It has this energy that’s hard to describe. Dim Edison bulbs cast long, dancing shadows that seem to reach for me, their movements almost imperceptible to normal eyes. Soft indie rock thrums through the air, each beat resonating in my chest like a second heartbeat. The polished wood bar gleams under my hands, its grain a maze of stories I can almost read with my fingertips. Everything feels... more, like someone cranked up the volume on all my senses. It’s weird.

It’s early, and only a few patrons occupy the scattered tables. The clink of glasses and murmur of conversation create a soothing white noise, almost—but not quite—drowning out the constant whisper of shadows at the edge of my consciousness.

I’m lost in thought, absently tracing the intricate patterns of a coaster—one of Bishop’s puzzles I’d distractedly pocketed—when a familiar voice cuts through my reverie. The scent of Leo’s signature coffee blend still clings to my clothes, a comforting reminder of simpler times.

“Well, look who’s back in action!”

I look up to see Tori sliding onto a barstool, her bright smile a welcome sight. The tension in my shoulders eases slightly at the sight of my best friend. “Hey, you,” I say, unable to keep the grin off my face. “What brings you to my humble domain?”

Tori leans in, her voice dropping conspiratorially. “Oh, you know, just checking up on my favorite bestie. How does it feel to be back in the land of the normal?”

“I’m your only bestie.” I glance around, making sure no one’s within earshot. The nearest patrons are engrossed in their own conversations, their laughter punctuating the air. “It’s... different,” I admit, my voice barely above a whisper. “I keep expecting someone to notice something’s off about me.”

Tori reaches out and squeezes my hand. Her touch is warm, grounding. “Hey, you’ve got this. You’re still you, Frankie, just with some extra cool abilities. Besides, most of the locals are all shifters aside from the occasional drifter.”

Shaking my head, I pour her a glass of her favorite draft then push it toward her.

“How’s your week away from the island?” I wipe up the small mess I made pouring her drink before finding something else to keep my hands busy with.

Tori takes a sip of her drink, her eyes never leaving my face. “It’s been... interesting. Mom’s been hovering more than usual, asking a million questions about school. She is actually worried.” She makes air quotes with her fingers.

My brows rise to my hairline. “Officer Hart never worries.”

“Damn right she doesn’t.” Andi tosses a rag at me through the window, one which I catch like the badass I am.

Tori rolls her eyes at her as she traces the condensation with her fingertips. “She wants me to find a pack.”

Guilt burns through me at her words, and I feel like I left her in the wind. “I’m?—”

“Don’t you dare.” She wags a finger at me. “I’m not ready. I know college is supposed to be where you begin to build your pack, but I just want to exist.”

“I had no idea.” I reach for her hands and squeeze once.

“Well, that’s because it’s something I just thought about.” She smiles at me in her usual way. To anyone else, it would look normal, but I know better now.

“Who says you can’t?” I try sounding cheerful, but it falls flat.

“Seems the council wants us to pack up sooner than later.” She wrinkles her nose. “I have to go.” She pushes away from the bar, her drink forgotten.

“Tori, wait,” I call out, catching her arm. “I know I’ve been caught up in my own pack drama, but... are you okay? This whole forced pack thing must be rough on you.”

Tori’s shoulders slump a bit. “It’s just... I see you with your pack, and it looks so natural, but for me? It feels like I’m being shoved into a box I’m not ready for.”

I squeeze her hand. “Hey, you know you always have a place with us if you want it, right? No pressure, just... an option.”

She gives me a small smile. “Thanks, Frankie. I... I’ll think about it.”

“Tori,” I call out to her one more time, but she just waves her hand behind her as she walks away.

Unfortunately, a huge group of college students from the smaller community college burst in, swallowing Tori. I can always tell the difference.

They are louder, more careful, and unhaunted.

The air grows thick with the scent of spilled beer and grenadine, undercut by the sharper notes of lime and tequila. I fall into an easy rhythm, mixing drinks and chatting with customers, momentarily letting my worry about Tori fade for the time being.

A group of girls approaches the bar, giggling and swaying slightly. “What can I get you?” I ask, plastering on my best customer service smile.

“Four tequila shots and your number,” the boldest of the group says with a wink.

I laugh, reaching for the tequila bottle. “Sorry, I’m taken,” I say with a grin, pouring their shots. As I hand them over, I can’t help but think of Leo’s warm smile, Matteo’s intense gaze, and even Dorian’s brooding charm. God, when did my love life get so complicated? I shake off the thought, focusing on the task at hand. “By this bar,” I add, hoping my momentary distraction wasn’t noticeable.

As I slide the glasses across the counter, my fingers brush against a girl’s hand. For a split second, I feel the shadows within me surge, drawn to the warmth of her skin. I pull back quickly, my heart racing.

Steady, Frankie. They are just drunk college girls, not demon summoners.

The moment passes, and the girls down their shots, completely oblivious to my internal struggle. For a while, I almost forget about the complexities of my new life, but then, as I’m serving a group of regulars, I overhear a snippet of conversation that makes my blood run cold.

“I’m telling you, man, I saw her—that girl with the shadow wolf. It was wild!”

I freeze, my heart pounding a frantic rhythm against my rib cage. Slowly, I turn to face the speaker, a lanky guy with shaggy brown hair. He’s gesturing animatedly to his friends, oblivious to my presence.

“Dude, you were probably just drunk.” One of his friends laughs, the sound grating against my nerves.

“No, I swear! It was right here in Morrow Bay. This girl, she like, controlled these shadows, and then boom! Shadow wolf!”

I feel the shadows around me start to stir, responding to my rising panic. They curl around my ankles like wisps of smoke, eager to protect and consume. No, not here, not now, I think desperately, trying to rein in my powers. The glasses on the shelf behind me begin to rattle softly, the shadows growing more agitated with each passing second.

“Hey, isn’t that her?” another guy in the group says, his voice cutting through the buzz of the bar.

The chatter around me dies instantly. A dozen pairs of eyes swivel in my direction, pinning me in place. My chest tightens, each breath becoming a struggle. The shadows are going nuts, swirling around my feet like they have a mind of their own. I clench my fists, my nails biting into my palms. The sharp sting of pain is an anchor, the only thing keeping me from losing complete control.

I scan the bar, my mind racing through possible excuses. The ice machine, that’s it. “Sorry, guys, have to check on the ice machine. It’s been acting up all night.”

Before I can make my escape, the lanky guy narrows his eyes, studying me intently. “No way, it was definitely you. I’d recognize those eyes anywhere... They glowed in the dark, just like now.”

I feel a bead of sweat trickle down my back, icy against my flushed skin. It doesn’t matter that I’ve only ever shifted in the shadow realm and he can’t possibly be thinking of me. The glasses on the shelves behind me rattle more insistently, the shadows growing darker and more substantial with each passing second. The air around me feels charged, as if a storm is brewing indoors.

Just then, I feel a hand on my shoulder. I turn to see Tori standing there, her expression a mix of concern and determination. Her touch is like a lifeline, anchoring me to reality.

“Sorry to interrupt, boys,” she says smoothly, her voice light but with an undercurrent of steel, “but I’m going to have to steal my friend here for a sec. Girl emergency, you know how it is.”

Before anyone can protest, Tori’s steering me toward the back room. As soon as the door closes behind us, I let out a shaky breath. The shadows retreat, slinking back to their corners like chastised pets.

“That was close,” I whisper, leaning against the wall for support. The cool plaster against my back helps ground me in the moment.

Tori nods, her eyes scanning my face. “You okay? For a second there, I thought we were going to have a full-on shadow show in the middle of the Grotto.”

I close my eyes, focusing on my breathing. In for four, hold for four, out for four. I feel the shadows settle, retreating to their normal, innocuous state. “I’m okay now. Thanks for the save.”

Tori’s expression hardens, her decisiveness shining through. “Alright, here’s what we’re going to do. We need a game plan for situations like this, and we’re making one. Now.”

I nod, knowing she’s right. “I know. I just... I wasn’t prepared. I thought I could keep my two lives separate, you know? Normal Frankie and shadow shifter Frankie.”

Tori takes my hands in hers, her touch grounding me. “They are both you, Frankie. You don’t have to choose one or the other. We just need to find a way for you to balance them.”

“Tell me more, oh grand conductor,” I encourage with a flourish.

“Okay, so here’s what I’m thinking,” she says, ticking off points on her fingers. “First, we lean into the rumors and make it sound like some wild urban legend.”

I nod, catching on. “What, like I’m some kind of local Bigfoot or something?”

Tori grins. “Exactly. If someone brings it up, laugh it off. Say something like, ‘Oh yeah, I’ve heard that one. Did you know they say she can turn into a shadow poodle too?’”

I can’t help but chuckle. “A shadow poodle? Really?”

She shrugs, a mischievous glint in her eye. “Hey, the more ridiculous, the better. People will be less likely to believe it’s real.”

“Okay, that makes sense,” I agree. “But what if someone’s really persistent?”

Tori taps her chin thoughtfully. “In that case, deflect with humor or change the subject. Like, ‘Speaking of shadows, have you tried the new black magic cocktail? It’s to die for.’”

I raise an eyebrow. “We don’t have a black magic cocktail.”

“Then invent one,” Tori says with a wink. “You’re a badass bartender, remember?”

I roll my eyes but can’t suppress a smile. “Alright, smart-ass. What if none of that works?”

Tori’s expression turns serious. “That’s when we bring out the big guns. Use your mojo, but be sneaky about it. Mess with the lights or knock stuff over. Make them think they are seeing things.”

I feel a flutter of nervousness in my stomach. “I don’t know, Tori. What if I lose control?”

She reaches out and squeezes my hand. “You won’t. I believe in you, Frankie, and I’ll be right there if you need me.”

I take a deep breath, feeling steadier. “Okay. I can do this.”

Tori grins, bumping her shoulder against mine. “Of course you can, and if all else fails, you can always sic your shadow wolves on them.”

I laugh, feeling some of the tension leave my body. “I’m pretty sure that would blow my cover.”

“Maybe,” Tori says with a shrug, “but it would be one hell of a party trick.”

We share a laugh, and for a moment, it feels like old times—just two friends joking around, no supernatural drama in sight—but as our laughter fades, reality settles back in. This is our new normal now, full of secrets and shadows.

When we emerge from the back room, I approach the group of guys with newfound confidence. The shadows around me are calm now, responding to my more settled state. “So, you guys were talking about the shadow wolf girl, huh?” I say, keeping my tone light and playful.

The lanky guy nods eagerly, his eyes bright with excitement. “Yeah! That was you, wasn’t it?”

I laugh, the sound only slightly forced. “Man, I wish! That would be so cool, but nah, I’m just your average, boring bartender, although I have heard those rumors too. Wild stuff, right?”

As I chat with them, spinning a tale of Morrow Bay’s latest urban legend, I feel a sense of control returning. I’m navigating both worlds—the normal and the supernatural—and for the first time, I feel like I might actually be able to do this.

Who knew juggling would become my new superpower?

The rest of the night passes without incident. As the hours wear on, the bar empties, leaving behind the lingering scents of spilled drinks and the fading echoes of laughter. When I’m cleaning up after closing, wiping down the sticky bar top, Andi approaches me, a warm smile on her face.

“Hot damn, Frankie!” she exclaims, her eyes twinkling. “You handled that bar like a pro tonight. Remind me why I don’t have you running this joint yet.”

I return her smile, a mixture of exhaustion and accomplishment washing over me. “It’s good to be back,” I reply, and I mean it.

As I drive home that night, the moon hangs low and bloated in the sky, casting long shadows across the road. They seem to reach for my car, a silent warning of challenges yet to come. I’m still freaked out, but... I don’t know. Maybe things aren’t totally screwed. How long it will last, only the shadows know.

The shadows in the car are doing their thing, but it doesn’t freak me out anymore. They are part of me now, I guess. Still weird, but... mine .