Chapter 2: Kali

2

KALI

Three weeks ago

W hen I shove open the door to my cousin's bar, the stream of sunlight that follows me inside briefly illuminates the gloom.

Evan doesn't turn, just continues stocking the shelves.

"I need a job."

Normally, I'm much chirpier, and my drastic change in demeanour should be cause for concern, but my cousin ignores my surly tone.

Slowly turning, he raises one eyebrow. "And you're telling me this because…" he drawls, resuming his task, completely uninterested in whatever drama is going on in my life.

Pressing my lips together, I fight the urge to tell him to stop being a dick. It's hard, but I am here looking for a favour, after all. I should play nice.

"Stop being a dick. I need you to give me a job."

Shit. I clearly didn't fight hard enough to keep that in.

Evan keeps his broad back turned to me as he moves confidently around the small space. He knows every inch of this bar. He could probably serve behind it with his eyes closed. For years, he saved every penny he earned working as a mechanic and tow truck driver just to buy this place when the owner retired. It's his pride and joy, even though owning a bar is a strange career choice for someone who hates people.

"That's some elevator pitch. Did you practise that all the way over here?" He briefly catches my eye in the large mirror that's hanging behind shelves of spirits.

Relieved he's in a good mood—as good a mood as Evan ever has—I try not to be nervous. This is Evan. The worst he can do is say no. He's not going to laugh in my face. Probably.

"I want to move to Sutton. I can't stay in Zora Hills anymore, Evan." The desperation in my voice is sad and pathetic, but that's exactly what I am right now. Sad and pathetic. I'm not beyond making a fool of myself if it gets me away from my hometown.

Evan's hand stills on a bottle, and he rolls his shoulders, posture instantly going rigid. "Tell me what happened, Kali. I'm not even going to consider it unless you tell me what's going on." His tone is softer.

You could never call Evan King gentle, but this is probably as close as it gets.

With a reluctant sigh, I slide onto a bar stool and settle in for an uncomfortable conversation.

"It's getting worse. They slashed my tires. Someone strung up a dead rabbit on the porch. Damn near gave Dad a heart attack."

Evan's eyes go wide.

This is an escalation. Up to now, the bullying and teasing had only been verbal.

"Dad went into work and accused Jed of doing it. He nearly lost his job…" I shake my head, hating that Dad's in the position he's in, stuck between wanting to stick up for his daughter and keeping a roof over our heads.

Zora Hills is a small town, and Jed's dad owns half of it. And the other half relies on his business to stay open. If Dad pisses Jed off again, he won't be able to work anywhere in Zora Hills.

"Your Dad won't want you to leave home just to save his job," Evan points out, returning to his methodical restocking, although I know he's observing me closely, aware there's more to this story than I'm letting on. "What else, Kali?"

Evan has a temper. I'm hoping leaving Zora Hills will de-escalate the situation. Evan hasn't de-escalated anything his entire life. Known as a troublemaker since he was a teen, his beast has a wild streak that's tough to control. But he can also spot a lie a mile away, and there's no point in hiding things from him. It'll just make him dig deeper.

"Jed came to the hunting cabin while I was there, alone. He was still drunk after an all-night bender. I was worried he wasn't going to leave."

That gets Evan's attention.

The hunting cabin, deep in the mountains between Zora and Sutton, is my sanctuary, and the only place I can go where nobody bothers me. Jed would never innocently pass by there. He must have been looking for me.

Evan's shoulder twitches, and he grinds his teeth so loud, I can hear it. He's always disliked Jed, and they've had numerous run-ins over the years.

"Do you want me to talk to him?" Evan's voice is low, thick with anger.

Talking is definitely not what he has in mind.

"No! What I want is to get away from them. Hopefully, out of sight means out of mind, and they'll just forget I even exist."

Evan's eyes roll hard as he leans against the counter, staring me down.

We both know they'll never forget about me. The prophecy is their obsession. But at least, instead of waiting for the axe to fall when my first heat arrives, I could get a break from the relentless torment they dish out at every opportunity.

My rare, pale hair means I've been pegged as the subject of an ancient prophecy, one that predicts my children will bring the downfall of our species. Everywhere I turn, I'm met with at best, mistrust, and at worst, downright hostility. And I don't even have a boyfriend.

It's no laughing matter though. Living in a town full of barely civilised shifters is a dangerous thing. It's only a matter of time before one of them takes the taunting too far.

"You sure?" Evan's beast wants to put Jed in his place, but Evan's had some trouble lately with the local police. He could do without the shitstorm it would bring his way.

"And you can't keep splitting yourself in two," I continue. "The bar is busier. The garage is busier. You need me, and you can trust me. I don't care what you want me to do."

Evan finally faces me with a weary sigh. Resting one hand on the gleaming wooden bar, he stares, those hard, grey eyes giving nothing away.

Normally, I'd wilt under the weight of his scrutiny, but I'm determined to make this work, so I hold my ground. Hands on my hips, I try to look confident and capable, like I belong here; when really, I've only been in a bar a handful of times, and only this one.

"The Devil's Claw can be rough, you know that. They might not be any nicer here than at home. If you're looking for an easier life, maybe you should find something where you're not out, front and centre."

Blunt as always. But it's the cold, hard truth.

"It might be nice to have someone new spit in my face." I laugh darkly. I wish that was an exaggeration but it's not.

Evan's eyes flash, and his protectiveness flares to life. But I don't need him to be angry on my behalf, I need him to give me a chance.

"I'm joking, I'm joking. But why not let me have a shot. If people don't want me serving them, I'll quit. I won't ruin your business, Evan."

Scoffing, he slings a towel over his shoulder and folds his thick arms over his chest.

"You think I give a fuck about that? I don't. If someone is rude to you, they can fucking leave." His expression softens. "Kali, you haven't been yourself lately. I don't want working here to make you any more miserable."

Evan thinks I've been down because the people in my small town are getting to me. They are. My tolerance has been lower recently, but it's also time I got my own life, and money. This is the first step in my plan.

"It won't. I just need a change of scenery."

Not everyone is going to hate me on sight. Maybe I could meet another beast with a more open mind. Maybe a human who knows nothing about who we are or what I am?

It's not going to happen in Zora Hills, though. Maybe not Sutton either, but I can get a job here and save some money while I decide on my next move. So, my bags are packed, and here I am, looking for work from the only person who might actually give me a job.

"Please, Evan. Just give it a shot. I need this."

No matter what, I'm not going back. If Evan says no, I'll head to the city.

He nods, understanding, though he knows what it is to be desperate. Labelled the troublemaker in town, it's only through sheer grit and stubbornness that he's managed to change everyone's perception of him. If anyone can understand what I'm trying to do, it's Evan. At least, that's what I'm hoping. The side of his mouth twists as he makes up his mind, and I hold my breath, waiting to hear if it's the verdict I want.

"Daytimes only for now. Some of the old-timers have been complaining that I don't open early enough, because I'm in the garage. We'll see if any of them actually turn up."

"Yes!" I squeal.

Evan winces and immediately looks like he regrets his decision. "Less of that. You do that again and you're fired."

This is exactly what I need. A chance to carve out a small spot for myself, to have a normal life, and to find love.

When I bounce up and down on my toes, giddy at the prospect of what's to come, Evan rolls his eyes again. He's going to hurt himself if he keeps doing that.

"I don't know why you're so excited. The pay is gonna be shit." Pulling a key from his key ring, he offers it to me. "Go get a copy cut. You can have my spare room."

Shaking my head, I can't wipe the smile from my face.

I have a job.

"No. I have some money saved to get my own place. Maisy says she knows somewhere cheap," I say, scarcely believing this worked.

"Does she, now?" Evan scoffs, but he understands me wanting a place of my own. "Any chance you could have a word with Ben? Get him out from under my feet."

I give him a scolding look, and he sighs.

"Fine, but you're not sleeping in your car until you figure that place out." He waves the key at me again. "Dump your shit. Come in tonight and tomorrow, and I'll show you the ropes. If you don't suck, from Monday on, you can open at one o'clock. Ben or I will come in for the evening shift."

Turning, I glance around what might just be a dark, dingy bar to some people, but looks like a fresh start to me.

"Thank you," I whisper, heading for the door, knowing that with our enhanced hearing, Evan will pick it up. I can't wait to get started. He's not going to regret this.

"Don't thank me, yet. You might be running for the hills by the weekend."