Shifter Wars (Mind Sweeper Series Book 3) Read online

  “It’s McKinley.” I had decided to tell the truth on the name, since it was a good bet his next question would be whether I had a work card.

  He typed my name into the computer. “And your address?”

  “Right now, I’m staying in a hotel off the strip.” He frowned, and I rushed on. “But I’m in the process of looking for an apartment.”

  He nodded and sat back. “Do you have a work card?”

  “Yes. I got it when I was working at the CasaBlanca Casino in Mesquite.” I took the card out of my wallet and handed it to him.

  “Okay, last night you mentioned you’re a dealer.”

  “Yes, I’ve dealt Five Card, Hold ’Em, and Blackjack.”

  “And what makes you a cut above the rest of the out-of-work dealers in Vegas?”

  “Because I know when someone is cheating. I was hired at the CasaBlanca after I uncovered a dealer who was working with a customer to scam the casino.”

  Bob steepled his fingers. “The Casino is a premier gaming establishment. We do not have the same sort of trouble the other casinos do.”

  “Just because someone has money doesn’t mean they’re trustworthy,” I argued. “As The Casino becomes better known, the temptation will be even greater for scammers.”

  Bob looked like he agreed. “Even though we’ve been lucky so far, Mr. Chambers has already anticipated we may run into future difficulties. We have what I like to call a ‘brain trust’ on staff.”

  “And what do they do, exactly?”

  “They study and anticipate ways The Casino could be breached by human or technological means.”

  “Very interesting.” What I wanted to ask was what they were really doing—like building shifter weapons—but I held my tongue.

  I spent another ten minutes answering asinine questions, everything from where did I see myself in five years to what were my strengths and opportunities for improvement. I tried to answer the questions so I would sound genuinely interested in a job. But with Misha giggling in my ear, I had to exert great willpower to avoid rolling my eyes and stomping out of the room.

  Finally, Bob’s questions seemed to run out, and he sat quietly for a moment before standing up. “Ms. McKinley, I would like you to meet with one of our casino floor managers. Do you have time now?”

  “Absolutely.”

  “Wonderful, we’ll go to another office for the next part of the interview.”

  We walked down the hall and then down a flight of stairs. “You have offices in the basement?” I asked, trying to clue in the team to where the hell I was going.

  “Yes, our training center and employee lounge are downstairs. We also have several offices as well.”

  A voice sounded in my ear. “We’ve got you, ma petite.”

  We went into a conference room with a large table and several leather chairs. “If you’ll take a seat, I’ll go check if Walter is ready to see you.”

  I sat down noisily, the leather squeaking as I settled on the seat. This was going well. Maybe I’d be able to convince Walter to give me a tour of the building.

  Bob came back into the room moments later smiling broadly. “Ms. McKinley, I have a surprise for you.”

  Alarm bells sounded in my head, and I stood. “What type of surprise?”

  “Mr. Chambers has asked to meet you personally. He would like to hear more about your security skills.”

  I smiled, even though I had Griffin yelling in my ear to get out of the room. “Awesome. Is there any way I could use the restroom first?”

  A voice came from the doorway. “I’ll take over now, Robert.”

  Chambers walked into the room. He was short, but striking in a regal sort of way—dark brown hair and haughty brown eyes. His suit and shoes cost more than I would make in a month.

  “Of course, sir.” Bob walked out of the room and shut the door. With the click of the door latch, my com piece screeched in my ear, and I jerked.

  “I must apologize for the reverb of your earpiece, I know it can be painful. Once the door is shut, this room is designed to block any type of communication device. I’ll take it, please.” He held out his hand, and I gawked at him, poleaxed for a moment, before pulling the piece out of my ear and placing it in his palm. “And your tracking mechanism?”

  My heart sputtered rapidly, and I glared at him while I removed the tracker I had stashed in my bra. The other one Talia had insisted on was still hidden.

  “Now your team is unable to hear you. I’m sure I only have a few minutes before they come storming in.”

  “How did you find out about me?”

  “I have a contact in Ohio who has been keeping me apprised of your team’s activities. You were supposed to be in Switzerland.” He stepped around me slowly. “When Robert entered your name in my computer, I could scarcely believe you’d had the audacity to simply waltz in here. My first thought was to kill you and disappear, but now that I’ve gotten a whiff of you, I think you’re more valuable alive for the time being.” He stopped in front of me, and I stiffened.

  “What the hell do you want?” I asked.

  He ignored my question, running his fingers along the wooden table. “When I designed this hotel, I created this room for many purposes. The storage closet in the back of the room has a hidden door which leads to a tunnel. You and I will be leaving shortly, as soon as my men arrive.”

  “Why are you doing this to Griffin and the pack?”

  He tensed at the sound of Griffin’s name. “Seamus is not worthy to lead them. Someone needs to step up and take over before he completely destroys everything.”

  The door opened, and a guard walked in. I shoved a leather chair at him, slamming him in the middle, then darted around him and almost made it out the door before another shifter stood in my way. He made a grab for me, and I kneed him in the balls. He grunted but didn’t let go of my shoulders. A sharp pain radiated in my arm, and I looked down at a syringe sticking out of it. My legs buckled, and I went down hard on the carpet.

  My earlier words echoed in my ears as my eyelids drooped shut. What could happen to me in a crowded casino? I would never live those words down. If I survived at all.

  Chapter 44

  My head jostled against something soft, and I opened my eyes slowly. I was propped up on a seat in a moving SUV. The desert whizzed by outside the window.

  I would bide my time until we slowed down, when I might be able to find a way to escape. I looked down. My clothes and shoes were still intact. If they hadn’t found the other tracking device, my team would be able to find me, and I would owe Talia a pint of AB negative for insisting I wear a second one.

  Lucas turned in his seat to look at me. “Don’t try anything, I know you’re awake.”

  “Where are we?” I asked.

  “Heading to a safe place.”

  “They know who you are now. You won’t get away with this.”

  He shook his head. “You didn’t stop my plans by finding me. I just had to move them up a bit.”

  “And your plans are to take over the packs?”

  “Yes.”

  “But why the subterfuge? You were working with poachers.”

  Lucas smiled, and my skin crawled. “Simply a means to an end. What better way to hide my true motive than to use them as scapegoats?”

  “And your own people. Simon killed himself for you.”

  He shrugged. “Sacrifices must be made during times of war.”

  My holy shit meter went off. This guy was crazy, and sporting a God-complex to boot. “And how exactly do I fit into your plan?”

  “You were a bit of a surprise. When I was informed about you, I couldn’t believe Seamus would be fucking a human, and yet I smell him on you.”

  “Your mole has been busy.”

  “And I will use you as insurance to get what I want. Seamus’s head on a pike.”

  I rolled my eyes, although my stomach knotted in fear. “You’re a real drama queen, aren’t you?”

  Lucas bared h
is teeth, his eyes sparking. “And you’re an opinionated bitch who needs to be taught her place.”

  “If I had a dollar for every time I heard that from some egomaniacal supe sporting a Napoleon complex, I would be rich.”

  He laughed, but the humor did not reach his eyes. “Don’t think your taunts will get me to kill you sooner. I want Seamus to suffer while you die.”

  “I don’t have as much power over him as you think I do.”

  “Let’s find out.” He handed me a cell phone. “Call him.”

  “No.”

  He glared at me. “Do it, or I’ll have my guards kill the next person we meet on the road.”

  I clenched my fists. “That’s on your head, not mine.”

  He turned to the driver. “Find the nearest playground.”

  “Give me the phone.”

  He handed it to me and told me what to say. I dialed the phone, and it rang once before Griffin answered it.

  “Hello?”

  “Griffin, it’s me.”

  “Are you okay?”

  “I’m fine. Listen. Lucas wants to meet you tonight at 7 p.m. He’ll follow up with the location closer to the meet. If you don’t come alone, he’s going to kill me.”

  “I’m sorry, Kyle.”

  I clicked off the phone and handed it to Lucas. “It’s done.”

  His eyes roamed over my body. “You follow directions well.”

  I directed him with a few choice hand signals.

  * * *

  Forty-five minutes later, we arrived at a large hacienda-style home. The SUV stopped, and two shifters came out the front door just as we reached the end of the long driveway. One opened the passenger side and jerked me out of the vehicle.

  I didn’t get much time to take in the surroundings while I was shoved down a long hallway and into a bedroom. The room itself was bare of everything but a bed and a chair. Chambers walked in behind me and stood while the guard pushed me into the chair.

  “I’ve had the room stripped so you can’t use anything as a weapon. The door there leads into a bathroom. I’d suggest you freshen up; you’re looking a little worse for wear.”

  “Why are you doing this? Griffin has done nothing to you.”

  His smug face reddened. “Seamus is the reason why I am here and not in my rightful place as leader. No matter what lies he’s told you about me, he’s not innocent.”

  I stared at him for a moment until my brain finally processed what should have been obvious. “You’re William.”

  He stalked over and backhanded me, pain shooting through my jaw.

  “You do not have the right to call me by my first name.”

  I sucked in a breath to stop the tears. “You’re supposed to be dead.”

  “The rumors of my passing have been greatly exaggerated.”

  “Why are you going to war, then? If you’re alive, you should already be the rightful leader.”

  “Griffin stole everything from me. He worked with the Council to remove me from power. But he underestimated me—then, and now.”

  I shook my head. “Option number two in this scenario is Griffin relieved you of power because you did something truly slimy. After spending time with you, I vote for slimy.”

  He glared at me before opening the door. “There are guards posted outside. Don’t do anything stupid.” He stormed out of the room with his guards in tow, and when the door closed my knees gave out. I slumped back against the chair and took deep breaths.

  “I was right, that mouth of yours is going to get you killed one of these days.”

  I jumped at the voice as Marie materialized in front of me. “He’s going to kill me anyway. I refuse to cower to the SOB.”

  “Take a couple more deep breaths, and then get your butt off that chair.” She floated over to me. “You need to get it together and figure a way to get out of here.”

  “Any suggestions?”

  “There’s a guard in the hallway and several in the main living area of the house. I would say your best bet is to incapacitate the guard in the hall and make a run for it.”

  I stood and paced the room. “I need a weapon.”

  “Attagirl!”

  Chapter 45

  A thud sounded from outside the door, and I motioned for Marie to disappear. The guards were moving. I had been listening to sounds in the hall for a while so I’d be ready to act when opportunity struck. I grabbed the toilet tank lid—the only weapon I had been able to find—and stood to the side of the door to allow for some swinging room. My only shot was to try and escape and get word to Griffin and the others so he didn’t have a showdown with his crazy-ass brother.

  The door cracked open, and a head poked through. I let the porcelain fly as a familiar voice whispered my name. I jerked my arms to the left, barely missing Jason’s head.

  He flinched. “Jesus, Kyle, you almost took me out!”

  “Damnit, that was close! I didn’t know you were you.”

  He looked me up and down, and I did the same. He was carrying a tranq gun.

  “Are you okay? Can you run?”

  “Hell, yeah. I take it the tracking device worked. Where is everybody else?”

  “Jean Luc, Will, and Talia are outside dealing with the guards and creating a diversion.”

  “Where’s Griffin?”

  “He’s looking for Chambers.”

  “We have to find him.”

  “Nope. No side trips. I’m getting you out of here. Once Griffin knows you’re safe, he’s going to take out Chambers.”

  “Jason, listen to me. Chambers is actually Griffin’s brother, William. We have to tell him.”

  “Shit. Let’s move before someone wonders why the guard outside your door decided to take a nap.”

  We hurried down the hall toward the back of the house. A voice called out behind us. Jason swung around and fired, hitting one shifter in the chest with a dart, but another fired at Jason, and the bullet hit his shoulder, dropping him to his knees. I screamed and dove for his gun, but a pair of rough hands jerked me back against an iron chest.

  Another guard yanked Jason to his feet, and we were steered toward the back of the house, into a large, enclosed courtyard. William stood in the center and watched our approach. The guard holding Jason pushed him to his knees in front of the asshole.

  William’s nostrils flared slightly. “So you’re the whelp.”

  Jason shot him a puzzled look. “What are you talking about?”

  “Priceless! He doesn’t know, does he?”

  “Know what?”

  “Tell him, Kyle, or I will.”

  I looked at Jason. Blood ran down his arm, and I knew what I was about to say would hurt more than the bullet in his shoulder. “You’re part shifter. Trina and Griffin smelled it on you. Griffin is trying to track your lineage.”

  “That’s not possible.”

  William chuckled. “I’m afraid it is. Your blood definitely has shifter in it. There’s no mistake.”

  Jason’s face flashed numerous emotions, but the one directed at me was betrayal.

  I couldn’t deal with it now. I turned to William. “Give yourself up. There’s no running now.”

  “I agree. Which is why we’re going to wait for my brother to find us. My guards will keep the vamps out front busy, so we should have time for some fun.”

  A voice bellowed from somewhere within the house. “Chambers!”

  The shifters guarding the door stepped back and allowed Griffin to stalk into the courtyard. They then closed ranks behind him. William didn’t turn around to face Griffin.

  Griffin looked at me and Jason for a split second before turning to the man in front of him. “Let them go. This is between the two of us.”

  William spoke as he began to turn. “I’m afraid not, brother.”

  Griffin froze. Shock flashed on his face before he quickly tamped down his emotions. “William, but you’re—”

  “Dead? No, sorry to disappoint you.”

  “What ar
e you doing?” Griffin demanded.

  “Taking back what’s mine. You’re not fit to lead.”

  Griffin growled, and sparks flashed in his eyes. “I’m not fit to lead? You killed our father to gain the throne.”

  William surged forward. “That’s a lie!”

  Holy shit. I looked from Griffin to William and knew without a doubt Griffin was telling the truth. The shifter guards also looked warily between the brothers.

  “And how are you going to explain your resurrection, William?”

  He shrugged. “I’ll simply tell the pack I’ve been running for my life from you. Your attempt to murder me was unsuccessful, and I’ve been biding time, raising the money and resources to overthrow your leadership. After I show them evidence of what you’ve done to the pack, stealing money and working with the poachers, they’ll understand why I had to fake my death.”

  “Why try to kill your own son? What would it accomplish?”

  “You raised Tim. He is no son of mine.”

  “And Trina? What about her?” Griffin pushed.

  I interrupted them. “He wasn’t trying to kill Trina, he was trying to kidnap her.”

  William’s eyes widened in surprise. “Trina is young and has not been misled about me yet. She will be my successor.” He jerked his head toward Jason. “Grab the whelp and take him to the car. He’ll be useful later.”

  Two guards carried a struggling Jason away.

  “Bring me the girl.”

  Griffin surged forward but two guards grabbed him. William unbuttoned my jacket, and another guard yanked it off me. Luckily, I was wearing a tank top underneath. William wrapped his arm around me, placing his hand across my stomach and I couldn’t stop the tremor that ran through me.

  “I’ve been thinking for a long time about how to destroy you, brother, and I’ve finally come up with the perfect solution.”

  His hand lengthened and claws appeared. Griffin tried to wrench away from the guards but they stopped him again.

  I held my breath as William lifted his claws and ran one down my neck. The sharp pain made me gasp, but it was over quickly. It wasn’t a deep cut, but warmth ran down my neck, and blood stained my tank.