Chapter 4

Chapter

Four

RIKER

T he late morning sun hung low over the French Quarter, its golden rays spilling over the city's cobblestone streets and casting long shadows against the historic buildings. Despite the brightness of the day, a sense of foreboding lingered in the air as Riker walked beside Catalina. The city bustled with activity—street vendors hawking their goods, tourists snapping photos, and locals going about their day—but Riker's mind was miles away from the mundane. He kept his gaze fixed straight ahead, though every nerve in his body was on high alert. It wasn't just the magic that had heightened his senses—it was his bear's primal awareness of Catalina. He didn't trust this situation. Hell, he didn't trust her .

Catalina walked with a purpose, her long strides confident, her wings—when not extended—barely visible under the magic she used to conceal them. She carried herself like someone who knew the city better than anyone, someone deeply connected to its mysteries. Riker hated to admit it, but they needed her expertise today. The victim—one of the city's most prominent politicians—had been twisted by dark magic in ways Riker had never seen before.

Riker grunted, keeping his distance. His opinion of fae hadn't changed, but if they were going to get any answers about the rising demon activity, Catalina was their best lead. She was also Geneva's sister, and he had come to trust, respect, and even like Geneva.

"The Thorny Rose," Riker muttered as they turned a corner, and the notorious club came into view. "This place never changes, does it?"

Catalina shot him a sideways glance, her lips twitching into a faint smirk. "I'm beginning to think you might be a frequent customer?"

"Only when absolutely necessary," he replied, his voice gruff. "Finn O'Riley has a reputation for knowing things he shouldn't."

"True," Catalina said, her eyes scanning the entrance to the club. "He's also careful. Don't expect him to give up information easily."

Riker didn't respond. He knew what kind of man O'Riley was. An exiled fae who had made a name for himself in the Crescent City as an information broker. The owner of The Thorny Rose was often their best source of intel, provided he was never tied to any case officially. Riker had dealt with him before. The man was slippery, charming when it suited him, but always looking out for his own skin.

They approached the entrance, the heavy double doors guarded by a towering vampire who barely glanced at them before stepping aside. The Thorny Rose didn't operate on human rules. Supernaturals of all kinds frequented the club, and in the dim, smoky interior, no one cared who you were or what you were.

Inside, the midday light filtered through stained glass windows, casting the room in a kaleidoscope of colors. The club wasn't as full as it would be after dark, but a few early patrons sat at the bar, nursing drinks, while others chatted quietly in the booths along the walls.

Finn O'Riley stood behind the bar, polishing a glass with a casual air that made it seem like he didn't have a care in the world. His neatly-styled hair caught the light, and his sharp eyes sparkled with amusement as Catalina and Riker approached.

"Well, well," O'Riley greeted, his Irish lilt carrying smoothly over the room. "Detective Riker and the lovely Catalina Duvall. To what do I owe the pleasure of this visit?"

"We need to talk," Catalina said, wasting no time. "Something's happening in the city, and we need information."

O'Riley's smirk deepened. "Something's always happening in the city, love. You'll have to be more specific."

Riker stepped forward, his patience already wearing thin. Grabbing Finn by his shirt, Riker leaned across the bar and growled. "There's a shapeshifter on the rise, working its way into both human and fae power structures. We need a name."

Catalina raised her hand to stop the bouncers in the club from descending on them and removed Riker's hand from Finn's shirt. "We need his help, detective."

Finn's eyes flickered with humor and interest, but he said nothing as he leaned back against the bar, feigning nonchalance. After regarding them for a few minutes, he said softly, "Another shapeshifter, you say? Now that's a juicy bit of gossip."

"It's not gossip," Riker growled. "And you know it. People are dying. There's dark magic in play, and I'm betting you have some idea who's behind it."

O'Riley shrugged, still twirling the glass in his hand. "I might have heard something. But you know how this works, Detective. Information like that doesn't come cheap."

Catalina rolled her eyes. "We don't have time for games, Finn. If you know something, now's the time to spill it. Name your price, and I'll make sure you're paid."

The fae's playful demeanor faltered for a split second, his expression growing more serious. "Always good doing business with the Duvall sisters. Your friend here needs to learn some manners."

"Her friend here is an Arctodus bear-shifter, which means I can rip your liver out before your bouncers can stop me, and then I'll turn on them."

Finn grinned. "He's delightfully growly, Catalina. Not your usual cup of tea."

"He's not my cup of anything, Finn. Now, can you help us or not? Keep in mind that if you lie to me, my sisters and I will make patrolling The Thorny Rose a particularly expensive proposition for you."

"All right, all right. I've heard whispers, mostly. There's been talk of a powerful shapeshifter climbing the ranks. It's playing both sides—human and fae. Whoever it is, it's been careful. No one knows its true identity, but it's been making deals, stirring up trouble. Word is, it's working for something… bigger."

Riker narrowed his eyes. "Bigger? What does that mean?"

O'Riley shrugged again, though there was a tightness in his jaw that hadn't been there before. "Your guess is as good as mine. But whatever's happening, it's not just some small-time power grab. There's more at stake."

Before Riker could press further, the temperature in the room suddenly dropped, and a sharp gust of wind blew through the club, scattering papers and rattling glasses. The lights flickered, and Riker's hand instinctively went to his gun. He turned, scanning the room for the source of the disturbance.

A moment later, the front doors burst open, and a group of cloaked figures stormed inside, their hands crackling with dark energy. Riker cursed under his breath, drawing his weapon as the first blast of magic shot across the room, shattering the bar behind O'Riley.

"Get down!" Catalina shouted, her wings unfurling as she threw up a shield of shimmering violet light, deflecting another blast of magic aimed at the patrons.

The club erupted into chaos. Chairs and tables were overturned as people scrambled for cover, and the cloaked figures continued to hurl dark magic, their attacks aimed not just at the building, but at everyone inside.

Riker fired off a shot, but the bullet ricocheted off one of the magical barriers the attackers had thrown up. He ducked behind a table, swearing under his breath. Bullets weren't going to cut it against magic this strong.

"Detective, we need to get these people out of here!" Catalina called; her hands glowing as she sent a bolt of lightning streaking toward one of the attackers. The blast hit its mark, sending the cloaked figure flying into a wall, but more kept coming.

Riker gritted his teeth and nodded. He didn't like relying on magic, but right now, it was the only thing keeping them alive. He shifted into his bear form, the transformation fast and brutal as a dark, swirling mist shrouded his body as it reshaped and expanded into the massive form of a prehistoric, short-faced bear.

In his bear form, Riker charged through the chaos, his hulking frame knocking over tables and scattering the cloaked attackers as he made his way to a group of civilians huddled near the back of the club.

His roar echoed through the room as he swiped at one of the attackers, knocking them to the ground with a single blow. The civilians scrambled to their feet, and Riker herded them toward the nearest exit, making sure they stayed low as they fled the building.

Another blast of dark energy shot toward him, but before it could connect, Catalina appeared at his side, her hands glowing with lightning. She threw out another shield, deflecting the magic just in time.

"I've got your back!" she shouted, her wings flaring as she sent another surge of electricity toward the attackers.

Riker didn't have time to respond. He could feel the weight of her magic in the air, crackling with power, but he was focused on getting the civilians out. Together, they fought their way through the club, Catalina's magic and Riker's brute strength creating an effective combination that tore through the attackers.

He barreled through the room, swiping at another cloaked figure before catching sight of one of the patrons cowering beneath a table. Riker roared again, once more surrounded by the mist that concealed his transformation as he shifted back to a human, shifting just long enough to pull the man out from under the debris.

"Get moving!" he growled, shoving the man toward the exit.

By the time the last of the civilians had escaped, the remaining attackers were either down or retreating, their dark magic flickering out as they fled into the daylight. The air in the club was thick with the smell of burnt wood and magic, and the once-vibrant interior was now a mess of overturned furniture and shattered glass.

Catalina lowered her hands, her breathing heavy but steady. "That was… unexpected," she said, her voice edged with both adrenaline and relief.

Riker stood in the middle of the wreckage, his body aching from the fight. He was alive. They both were, but he was naked.

Catalina muttered a quick spell and restored his clothes.

Riker nodded. "You might be handy to keep around," he said, admiring the leather jacket she'd conjured for him. "I'll grant you, you saved lives, and you had my back. That's something.

"You're welcome," Catalina laughed, giving him a sideways glance, a flicker of amusement in her eyes. "And you're not so bad yourself, Detective—not to mention lovely eye candy."

She wasn't absolutely sure, with the permanent three-day stubble and ruddy complexion, but it almost looked like Riker blushed. He didn't say anything, just nodded. For the first time since they'd started working together, she felt as though he might have a sliver of respect for her. She wasn't sure she liked how that made her feel. Maybe he didn't trust magic, but she'd proved herself in the fight. And in a city where magic and danger lurked around every corner, he might be coming around to the idea that he couldn't do this alone. And for what it was worth, she was beginning to believe the same.

"We're not done," Riker said, his voice firm. "This shapeshifter is still out there, and the demons are still pulling the strings."

Catalina nodded; her expression serious. "I know. And we're going to stop them."

As they stood there, side by side in the wreckage of the Thorny Rose, Riker couldn't shake the feeling that they were standing on a precipice of something new. The city was on the brink, and if they didn't find a way to stop the rising tide of dark magic, everything they knew could be destroyed.

But for now, they had survived. And that, at least, was something.

T he air was thick with anticipation as Catalina and Riker found themselves leaving via The Thorny Rose's underground labyrinth of tunnels after their encounter with what took place in the bar. The tunnels were of magical origin and showed up, moved, and were destroyed randomly. It could be confusing and dangerous—especially if you were caught in one of the passages that were demolished. New Orleans might prove to be the perfect backdrop for their unconventional alliance. She, a lightning faery with a fierce reputation for demon hunting, and he, a prehistoric bear with an uncanny ability to transform into a rugged and imposing cop, were an unlikely duo.

"You're one stubborn, ferocious faery," Riker said, breaking the silence, his voice deep and commanding. "But you and your sisters can't take on every demon in this city alone. It's time to let the professionals handle this—the department has its share of supernaturals. It's best if you girls lay low."

Catalina smirked, her blue eyes sparkling with defiance. "And what makes you think I need your help, bear? I've been hunting demons longer than you've been a cop. I don't need some overbearing cop slowing me down."

Riker's dark eyes narrowed, and for a moment, Catalina thought she saw a hint of admiration in his gaze. "You might be a force to be reckoned with, but even you can't take on a shapeshifter backed by demons looking to take over the world single-handedly. I think this thing is more powerful than you or anybody else realizes."

The tension between them was palpable, a volatile mix of desire and animosity. As they walked, the arguing morphed into banter. It was as if they were using their repartee to get to know one another and establish the beginnings of something more solid than a partnership neither had wanted. As they were heading to one of the exits, a group of minor demons emerged from the shadows, their eyes glowing with an unholy light. Sensing the danger, Riker's body began to shift, his muscles bulging as the swirling mist surrounded him, and he transformed into the form of his bear once again.

Catalina's eyes widened at the sight of the massive creature before her. Things weren't moving as fast as they had upstairs, and there were no civilians to protect. It gave her a chance to really look at him. She had heard tales of the legendary prehistoric bear, but nothing had prepared her for the raw power emanating from Riker. As the demons advanced, she unleashed a bolt of lightning from her fingertips, sending one of them flying. Riker roared, charging at the remainder with primal fury.

Together, they fought back-to-back, a deadly dance of claws and lightning. Catalina's agility and precision complemented Riker's brute strength. As the battle raged on, they began to understand that their partnership, however reluctant, was undeniably effective.

In the aftermath of the fight, they stood amidst the wreckage, both breathing heavily. Riker, still in his bear form, nuzzled Catalina's side, a gesture of gratitude and respect. She placed her hand on his massive head, her heart pounding with a mixture of adrenaline and something more.

"I guess we make a pretty good team after all," she said, her voice soft.

Riker shifted back into his human form, towering over her. "We do, but don't get used to it, faery. I still don't trust your kind." His voice was gruff, but his eyes betrayed a hint of desire.

Catalina's defiance melted away, replaced by a smoldering heat. She stepped closer, her body pressing against his. "And what if I want to get used to it, Riker? What if I crave the thrill of our partnership?"

Riker's breath quickened, his alpha male instincts taking over. Without a word, he backed Catalina into one of the rooms off the tunnel, grabbed her by the waist, and lifted her onto a nearby table, the wood creaking under her weight. He pinned her with his gaze, his eyes burning with intensity. "You want to play with fire, faery? Isn't that your sister Phoenix's thing? I doubt you'd be able to handle the heat."

"First, Phoenix has all the heat she can handle with Griff. Second," she said, raising her hand and letting small bolts of lightning fly from her fist, "I can make my own damn heat. Trust me, creating a heat or fire has never been a problem for me." Catalina's response was a seductive smile as she wrapped her legs around his waist, pulling him closer. "I think I can handle you, bear. I've faced demons far scarier."

With a growl, Riker claimed her mouth in a kiss that was both punishing and passionate. His tongue demanded entry, exploring every inch of her mouth as if it were a territory to conquer. Catalina moaned, her hands tangling in his hair, encouraging his aggressive display of desire.

Riker's hands roamed over her body, the leather of her outfit doing little to hide the evidence of her arousal. He cupped her breasts, his thumbs brushing over her hardened nipples, eliciting a gasp from her lips. Catalina arched her back, offering herself to him, her lithe body trembling with need.

With a swift motion, Riker tore at the leather straps holding her outfit in place, baring her breasts to his hungry gaze. He bent his head, taking a taut peak into his mouth, suckling and biting gently until Catalina was writhing beneath him. His hands traveled lower, skimming the moist heat between her thighs, making her hips buck against his touch.

"Please, Riker," she whispered, her voice hoarse with desire.

He growled in response, his fingers delving into her wetness, stroking her sensitive flesh. Catalina cried out, her body trembling on the edge of release. Riker positioned himself at her entrance, his thick length pressing against her. With one powerful thrust, he filled her, claiming her body as his own.

Catalina cried out, her nails digging into Riker's shoulders as he began to move, his strokes deep and relentless. The table creaked with each thrust, adding a primal rhythm to their passionate dance. Riker's control slipped as he pounded into her, his prehistoric nature taking over.

"You're mine, faery," he grunted between thrusts. "I don't know that I trust you, but you're mine. Mine to protect, mine to use, and mine to pleasure."

Catalina's eyes blazed with a mixture of passion and defiance. "Oh god, that feels good, but you can't claim me, bear. I will never be yours."

Their bodies moved as one, driven by primitive instinct. Riker couldn't help but feel there was an underlying growing emotional connection, but as he pounded into her those were secondary to his primal need to claim and dominate her. Riker's thrusts became more urgent, his own release building. Catalina's inner walls clenched around him, milking his cock as she soared toward her own climax.

With a final, powerful lunge, Riker buried himself deep within her, his roar echoing through the cavernous tunnels as he spilled his seed, marking her as his own. Catalina's body convulsed around him, her own orgasm ripping through her like a lightning strike.

As their hearts pounded and their breathing slowed, they remained entangled, sweat-soaked, and sated. Riker, still inside her, gently brushed the hair from her face, his expression softening.

"You're a force of nature, Catalina, just like me," he whispered as he nuzzled her neck.

She smiled, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "I'm nothing like you, Riker. However, you may be the first one to make me question my solitary ways. But don't get too comfortable. I still have demons to hunt."

Riker chuckled, his amber eyes glinting with amusement. "And I have criminals to catch. But, perhaps we can make an exception for each other, just this once."

In that moment, they understood that their unlikely partnership had forged a bond that went beyond duty and desire. As he withdrew, Catalina waved her hands, and he was clothed once more.

They found their way back to the surface, and as they parted ways, each with their own responsibilities to fulfill, she could feel his eyes on her as she walked away, unfurling her wings and allowing them to lift her into the darkening skies. Catalina shivered, her magic faltering for a moment as she realized Zane Riker might prove to be a greater threat to her solitary freedom than any shapeshifter might ever be. The dark and dangerous nights of New Orleans had just gotten a whole lot more threatening.