Shifter Wars (Mind Sweeper Series Book 3) Read online

“A hidden camera. Kyle McKinley just used the word compromise. This has to be a trick.”

  I laughed. “No trick.” I held out my hand. “Deal?”

  “Deal. But for something this momentous a simple handshake won’t do.”

  He reached out and drew me to him, and I gasped like a silly schoolgirl. And I normally did not act like a silly schoolgirl.

  “Do you think everything is forgiven so easily?” I asked, trying to maintain a stern expression.

  “Probably not, but we can work on it, right?” He nuzzled my neck.

  “This is not a good idea. I’m going to smell like you.”

  “You can take a shower and scrub. I’ll help.”

  “Again, not a good idea. How am I supposed to get Eau d’Griffin off my skin if you take a shower with me?”

  “You’re right. No shower. I’ll just help you undress.” He ran his hand down my side and dipped under my shirt, skimming his fingertips along the waistband of my jeans.

  Shivers ran up my body, and every reason we shouldn’t do this evaporated. I pushed his hands away and unzipped my pants, shoving them and my underwear down my legs. Then I reached up and yanked off my shirt and unhooked my bra, flinging it onto the growing pile of clothes. His eyes flared and ran over my body, taking in every nuance. It was scary and exhilarating at the same time, exposing myself to him.

  He locked onto my eyes and smiled. “You are breathtaking.”

  I let out the breath I’d been holding to suck in my stomach. “I bet you say that to all the girls.”

  He stepped closer. “Just you.”

  I gasped when he ran his fingertips over my lips and down my neck onto my collarbone. My skin was coming to life under his touch, tingles shooting out from the rough tabs of his fingers, zipping along my body like static electricity.

  He continued his exploration, and I moaned when he caressed my breast, his palms coming into play when he cupped them. I arched toward him, and a predatory gleam shone in his eyes.

  “Why are you still wearing clothes?” I demanded.

  He laughed. “You said we couldn’t take a shower together.”

  “I’m rethinking my position.”

  He leaned toward me and toyed with me a bit more. “Are you sure?”

  I squirmed in his hold. “Yes!”

  He grabbed my hand and led me into the bathroom, stripping as he walked. He was an amazingly talented shifter.

  I turned on the shower while he finished undressing, and I stepped into the tub first. The water was warm, but I shivered when I turned toward him. He was impressive and, for the moment, mine. His eyes were glowing orange, and it was empowering to know I had such an effect on him. He watched as the water ran down my body, actually flexing his hands at his side, as if he was holding himself back from touching me.

  I held out my wet hand, and he grasped it, smiling sexily as he stepped into the shower with me. He reached for the soap and rubbed the bar into a lather. When he smoothed his hands languidly down my sides, I arched toward him. The slick soap and his talented hands had me panting within seconds.

  He was extremely thorough in his cleaning, especially so when he knelt in front of me, and I almost melted down the drain. Once the soap washed away, he picked me up, and I wrapped my legs around his waist, his erection already searching for home. He turned, pushing my back against the tiles while he sank inside me. God Almighty, he was spectacular. I held on for dear life, and he started to move. The phrase “like putty in his hands” made sense to me for the first time in my life.

  He kissed me, his tongue finding entry and mimicking the party below. I was not going to last for long, and when his mouth moved south, my orgasm rammed through my body like a tsunami, and I lost control. Flashes of light buffeted my eyes, and I actually howled before we were done.

  My sanity finally returned when the water turned tepid. I released my hold on his waist, and he nibbled on my neck for a few more seconds before he let me go. The look he gave me was full of pure male pride, and I laughed.

  I pushed him lightly. “Get out so I can shower your smell off of me.”

  “You’ll miss me when I’m gone.” Grinning wickedly, he pulled the curtain open and stepped out, and the pompous, but gorgeous, ass was right. I missed him immediately, and I didn’t like that I did.

  I showered thoroughly and turned off the water. Griffin stood in the door, holding a towel open for me. “Let me dry you off.”

  I held up a hand and took a step back. “This is going to get us into trouble again.”

  “I won’t touch you. I promise.”

  I shook my head and took a step toward him, even though it was a mistake. I was right. I had to take another shower when I got back to my room an hour later.

  Chapter 42

  I scanned the bar, fighting to keep my mouth from hanging open. The walls were rough paneling, and the tables were heavy slabs of pockmarked wood. There was even a wagon wheel hanging on the wall behind the stage. “We’ve died and gone to honky-tonk heaven.”

  Jason snorted, almost choking on his beer. “It’s a country western bar, Kyle. Honky-tonk is a bit 1980’s.”

  “What are you, an expert on bar terminology?”

  “I’m ex-military. I’ve spent my fair share of time in bars all over the world.”

  “Woo-hoo. Aren’t you special?”

  Griffin’s determined voice echoed through our earpieces, “How about less talking and more watching?”

  I rolled my eyes, and Jason grinned. I scoped out the room. It was just getting crowded. Jean Luc sat in the corner, women already surrounding him like Tramac demons circling raw meat. It was time to go to work. I took a swig of beer for strength.

  Jason tapped my shoulder. “A group just came in. I’m going to talk to them.”

  I stopped myself from turning to stare and let him track their movements.

  “They’re sitting at a table in the corner. Two of them are heading up to the bar. That’s my signal.” He stood and wove through the tables, walking over to them.

  I glanced over my shoulder. He had made a point of standing next to the two men at the bar. I smiled. The man was relentless. The bartender was busy filling orders, so the lull gave Jason the opportunity to strike up a conversation. I closed my eyes, straining to hear what they were saying and jumped when the band returned from break.

  A voice chuckled next to me. “Does country music scare you that much?”

  I looked up into the brown eyes of a large man. He was wearing a plaid cowboy shirt, jeans, and boots. Where did you even buy cowboy shirts? I smiled. “No, just startled me.”

  He nodded while cleaning the table next to me. “You’re not a local. Are you lost? Do I need to give you directions back to the strip?”

  He was a real smartass, so I had no trouble giving it back to him. “No, again. I’m not lost.” I swept my arm around. “The ambiance of this place calls to me.”

  He laughed. “Well then, I must need to make it a bit uglier. Maybe a steer’s head over the bar, or a mechanical bull?”

  “What do you mean?” I asked, confused.

  “The ambiance, as you call it, is designed to keep the tourists out.”

  “It’s working. I’m not a tourist. I’m looking for a casino job.”

  “And you thought hanging with the locals would give you some insight. Smart.” He wiped his hand on his jeans and held it out. “I’m Gerry. I run this place.”

  I shook his hand. “Kyle. So do you have some advice for me?”

  “Yeah.” He scoped the room and then indicated a guy to his left. “You see the guy over at the two-seater drinking tequila?”

  I looked over at a thin man in a dress shirt and pants. “Yep.”

  “Bob is a hiring manager at The Casino. Decent guy. But it might be a lost cause.”

  “Why?”

  “Word is hiring into The Casino is next to impossible. They’re very picky there. If it doesn’t work out, I’ll keep an eye out to see who else wander
s in tonight.”

  “Thanks.” I got up and walked over to the small table.

  “Hi, I’m Kyle. Can I sit down?” I asked.

  He looked up, surprised, and gestured for me to sit. “What can I do for you?” He wasn’t bad looking, maybe a bit too skinny, with blond hair and blue eyes.

  I smiled. “I’m not trying to pick you up. I understand you’re the hiring manager for The Casino.”

  His grinned slightly. “My loss, then. Bob Francis, and yes, I work for The Casino.”

  “I apologize for bugging you during your downtime, but I was wondering if you have any openings? I tried to check online, but you don’t have a website.”

  “No, we do things a little differently.”

  “Then how do people find out about jobs?”

  “If we have a position open, I research the best candidates and approach them.”

  I tried to look impressed. “You recruit the best from other casinos.”

  “Exactly.”

  “And it works?”

  He practically puffed out his chest. “We have the best staff in Vegas with the lowest turnover of any casino.”

  “Good for you. There’s only one problem with your philosophy.”

  “Yeah?” he asked.

  “No new blood. You have to shake things up sometimes.”

  He grinned. “So what type of job are you looking for?”

  “I have a background in Casino Security.”

  “Unfortunately, I can’t help you there. Mr. Chambers hires the security staff himself. I don’t have any say in the matter.”

  “I’m also a dealer. I would be an asset. With my security background, I can spot cheaters a mile away.”

  “You’re persistent, I’ll give you that.”

  “I am persistent. I’ve heard The Casino is the place to work in Vegas.” I shrugged. “Why wouldn’t I want to work for the best? Will you at least hear me out?”

  He stared at me for a moment before he reached into his back pocket for his wallet and handed me his business card. “Come see me tomorrow morning at The Casino. Does 9 am work for you?”

  “Yeah, it works great,” I said. “Thanks.”

  * * *

  “Absolutely not!” Griffin thundered. “You’re not going into The Casino alone.”

  I banged my head back against the chair. This argument was getting old. “What exactly do you think is going to happen to me in a casino full of people?”

  “Anything!”

  Jason and Jean Luc kept mum while Griffin and I sparred. We had regrouped after the bar, and I had excitedly told them about my lucky break, but Griffin was putting the kibosh on it.

  “How about this?” I looked directly at Griffin. “In the spirit of compromise, would you feel better if we called in reinforcements?”

  “Where are we going to get reinforcements by tomorrow morning?” Jason interrupted.

  I grinned. “I have an idea.”

  * * *

  “What kind of trouble are you in this time, Kyle?” Talia asked as she canvassed the motel room, taking in both Griffin and Jason, who sat at the table.

  I ignored her barb. “Where’s Will?”

  “I told him to wait outside. Said we needed to talk first. What’s going on?”

  I stepped aside, and she walked into the room. “I need to tell you Jean Luc—”

  She interrupted me, “Oh, I already know he’s here somewhere. I sensed him when we pulled into the parking lot. Now, why is Will sitting in the van?”

  I shut the door and turned to her. “I need you to be honest. Can we trust Will?”

  Talia’s eyes narrowed on me. “I trust him with my life.”

  “Has he ever talked to you about shifter politics? Said anything about being unsatisfied with the current leadership?”

  “No. Will is not political at all. He does his job to protect supernaturals, regardless of who or what they are. What’s this about?”

  I looked at Griffin before responding and continued after his nod. “Call Will and tell him to come in here. I’ll explain everything to you both.”

  A few minutes later, Will knocked on the door, and I let him in.

  “Hey, Kyle. Good to see you.” He stepped into the room. “You look smokin’ as a blonde.”

  “Thanks for coming, both of you. We need your help.”

  Jean Luc chose that moment to walk through the connecting door between our rooms. He looked directly at Talia, nodding slightly. “It is good to see you again, Talia.”

  Talia’s eyes went blank, all animation in her face erased, and she stood like a mannequin for a moment before responding with a tight nod herself. “Jean Luc.”

  I swore the temperature in the room dropped ten degrees in a matter of seconds.

  Will had a big smile, missing the tension…or maybe not. “So this is the infamous Jean Luc.” He held out his hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”

  Jean Luc clasped his hand.

  Griffin interrupted, “What do either of you know about supernatural activity at The Casino?”

  Talia glared at him. “Sorry, shifter, but I don’t know you.”

  “Ooops! My bad,” I said. “Let me make the introductions. Talia, Will, this is Jason Watson from the Cleveland team, and Seamus Griffin.”

  “Shit,” Will muttered, paling slightly. “I mean, it’s an honor to meet you, sir.”

  “What’s the shifter leader doing in a Vegas motel dive?” Talia asked, skipping right over the pleasantries.

  “My family is under attack. Someone is trying to take over the pack. We’ve traced the potential leader to The Casino. What do you know about it?”

  “We have had very few dealings with The Casino,” Talia replied. “There have been no reports of supernatural activity there. As a matter of fact, we had assumed it was a human casino. We’ve had no supes file with us.”

  “What do you mean?” I asked.

  “If a supe works at a casino, they have to file with our office,” Will explained. “There are certain regulations they have to follow. For example, a vamp or a high-sensory shifter can’t be a dealer to humans. It’s unfair, since they can smell if the humans are bluffing or not. As far as we know, there were no supes at The Casino.”

  “What about Lucas Chambers?” Jean Luc asked.

  “He’s an enigma as well. Reclusive. Not much is known about him, either. Do you think he’s a shifter?” Will asked.

  “My gut tells me yes,” I said. “I think his security force is as well. Supposedly he hires every one personally.”

  Talia took a step closer. “What do you want us to do?”

  “I’ve got a job interview there tomorrow. We could use some more backup.”

  “I’ve got com earbuds and trackers in the van,” Will offered.

  “We’ve got the earbuds, but I don’t need to wear a tracker.”

  Talia lifted an elegant eyebrow. “Humor us. We’re going to put a couple of trackers on you just to be safe.”

  I repeated the statement I made to Griffin earlier. “What exactly do you think is going to happen to me in a casino full of people?”

  “You’re egotistical for a human,” Talia responded. “If I didn’t know better, I’d think you had a little vampire in you.”

  Chapter 43

  I walked into the understated yet elegant lobby of The Casino. The surroundings surprised me, because they were the antithesis of Vegas glitz. Muted blues and grays decorated the lobby, and there were no blinking lights or slot machine noises. I headed for the reception desk, smoothing my jacket. Talia had scored me a simple black pantsuit for the occasion, so I could act the part.

  A young woman who looked more like she should be on a runway than greeting hotel guests looked up at me and smiled. “Welcome to The Casino. May I help you?”

  I placed the business card on the polished desk. “I have an appointment with Bob Francis. I’m not sure where I’m supposed to meet him.”

  She flashed her killer-watt smi
le again. “Normally, you would go through the back door, but it’s okay. I’ll call Bob and have him meet you here.”

  “Thanks.” I turned and walked slowly around the lobby, up to a pair of closed double doors. From the muted sounds I could hear through them, it led to the casino floor.

  “Unfortunately, only guests may enter the casino.” I turned toward the voice, surprised to find a man standing right next to me.

  “No problem. I’m just waiting for Mr. Francis.”

  He nodded and sauntered away, as if walking quickly in this establishment was frowned upon. How did the guy know I wasn’t a guest, anyway?

  My thoughts were interrupted when Bob came toward me. “Kyle. Glad to see you could make it.”

  “Mr. Francis. Thank you for meeting with me. I’m sorry if I wasn’t supposed to come through the front lobby.”

  “No worries. I didn’t give you any specifics last night. This will give you a chance to see more of the hotel.” He gestured toward the back of the lobby. “Follow me.”

  We walked down a hall, our shoes not making a sound on the plush carpet. Modern sconces decorated the brushed gray walls every few feet. “Are these guest rooms?” I asked.

  “No, there are no suites on the first floor. We’re in the office section of the hotel. The first floor houses one of our restaurants, as well as the casino and gym area. We also have a private pool and sauna area along the south side of the property.”

  “So, we’re in the back of the building?”

  He looked over his shoulder and smiled. “It can get a bit confusing once you’re inside, but yes. We’re in the back north corner. Here’s my office.”

  We stepped into a good-sized office with cherry wood furniture and blue-striped walls. “Very nice,” I murmured.

  He smiled. “Yes, since I’m the first impression for our prospective candidates, Mr. Chambers felt my office should give a good one. Have a seat.”

  I sat in the guest chair, while Bob walked around and sat behind the desk. “Would you like anything to drink?”

  “No, thank you.”

  “All right then, let’s get started.” He flipped up the lid on his laptop and typed. “I need to ask a few basic questions first, though. I’m ashamed to say I don’t know your last name.”