SHIFT (Mackenzie Grey #1) (2 page)

“What about it?”

“Well for starters, when are we leaving? My last final is on the last day so we can’t leave early this year,” he said matter-of-factly and I sat there stunned, my mouth ajar. I slumped in my chair thinking how to respond. I was trying to kill time and hoping he’d say he was kidding. No luck. He raised a brow, prompting me to answer and I had to squeeze my hands tighter before I lashed out.

“Are you on fucking crack? You must be high on something if you think we’re going back home
together
.”

“Stop acting so immature, Mackenzie. We’ve been friends since kindergarten, this is no big deal.”

I choked on my response. “No big deal? Fuck all that noise Jameson Theodore,” I said his full first name just like he did to me. That rat bastard. “Go carpool with Diana. I’m sure she’s dying to meet your family.”

He shifted uncomfortably in his seat—averting his eyes and adjusting the collar of his coat. Oh no…no no no no! “I haven’t told my folks we broke up.” NO!

Before he could say what I would bet my unborn child, he was about to say, I put my hand out to stop him. “So tell them, it’s a simple solution.”

“It’s not that simple Kenz and you know it. My whole family thinks you and I are going to get married after graduation. I just need some more time to figure out how to tell them we broke up.”

“So what? Are you seriously asking me to pretend to be your girlfriend during winter break?” He nodded sheepishly and I could feel fumes coming out of my ears. “You are one sick son of a bitch if you think I would ever agree to this. Go bring your porn star girlfriend, I’m sure Nana will love her,” I said with a smirk, knowing damn well she wouldn’t. James family is filled with very strong-minded and outspoken women. They’d send Diana Stone packing before she even made it to the front door. And it’s not that Diana was ugly or anything—she’s pretty, unfortunately—but she dressed like a cheap escort.

“You know I can’t bring her. If Nana doesn’t tear into her, my sisters will. Please, Kenzie, I swear I’ll make it up to you. It’s only two weeks, please?” He begged and shot me with those puppy dog eyes. I couldn’t believe I was even contemplating this but, I hadn’t even told my own parents. Which was no big deal in the grand scheme of things since we rarely spoke and they really wouldn’t care but…ugh, fine.

“Two weeks James, that’s it. Don’t come sniffing around during graduation or I’ll personally introduce them to Diana myself.”

I caved. Amy was going to kill me.

Once James left and I was able to finish my paper, I went back home to bury myself into a book before work. I was never big on reading fiction, but when I went through my first Change, I couldn’t “google” symptoms of lycanthropy. So I delved into paranormal fiction and familiarized myself with some myths. I hadn’t met another werewolf yet, but I doubted I was the only one. I better not be at least, because if I am, it was going to be one solitary existence.

After a shower, I combed out my hair and pulled it into a messy bun. I was too pissed off at the world (mainly at James) to care about my appearance. I put on my usual “work” attire, which consisted of leather leggings, a long sleeve black tunic and my spike-heeled boots. As a bouncer at a nearby bar on the weekends, it could get pretty rowdy when those losers drank too much. I was fortunate enough to have the strength and a permanent resting-bitch face to scare them into behaving. Once in a while I got a brave soul who wanted to test the waters with me but they learned to regret that decision by the end of the night. I hoped for some idiot tonight; after my encounter with James, I wanted to punch someone in the face.

While I tried to distract myself this evening, I couldn’t help but be miffed at how dumb I was to even agree to his plan. Who in their right mind would do this? Going home for the holidays was supposed to be a break from everything in the city and all I did was add more work for myself. I was too angry to think it through earlier today, but now all I could think about was when he holds my hand again or tries to kiss me—am I going to be able to handle that?

I walked the few blocks it took to get to work when I got a text.

Amy:
PPPPAAARRRTTTTAAAYYY 2NITE?!

Obnoxious much? Geez…there was nothing that would get me to go to a dirty and smelly frat house. Gross.

Me:
No.

Amy:
JAMES WILL BE THERE!

Me:
HELL NO.

If she thought he was going to change my mind, then I didn’t know what planet she was living on. He was the last person I wanted to see, much less talk to. I hadn’t even called to tell her about him and winter break so that was more than enough reason to avoid partying with Amy. And I’ll have to tell her soon since she stays with me and my family during the holidays. I couldn’t blindside her at the last minute.

After a few seconds, I didn’t get a text back. She gave up. I’m not one to change my mind once I’ve made a decision. Some call it stubbornness, but I prefer to look at it as disciplined. Yeah, that sounds about right.

The night life in the city can get wild and Pete’s Bar was no different. On the weekends, we get slammed with college kids and have to be careful with the underage drinkers. From the outside Pete’s looks like a dump, a hole in the wall, but inside was a hipster’s dream hang out. It’s constantly packed and overflowing.

“What up, Big John?” I said as I high fived the other bouncer who worked the door with me. He was a big dude who’s an ex-marine, but as soft as a teddy bear. I couldn’t ask for a better partner. He listens to me ramble about all my personal problems (besides wolf stuff) and always offers me advice. Now whether I take his advice was another story.

“Nothing much, Kenz. Another day, another dollar,” he said in his heavy New York accent.

“Right on,” I bypassed him and waved at the two bartenders as I went straight to the back office and got my time card (yes, those things still exist) and punched in.

Sasha and Cole were working the bar tonight which meant things would run leniently. I hopped onto a stool and reached for Cole who smacked a kiss on my lips. I’ve quit telling him to aim for my cheeks, he never listens, so now I just play along.

“Hey beautiful, I’ve missed you.”
Why is everyone acting like I’ve been MIA?

“I worked last weekend with you,” I said as he handed me a bottle of water.

“I know, but I miss seeing your lovely face. The weekends just aren’t enough,” he winked at me and if I would have been any other girl, I might have drenched my panties. Cole’s mojo doesn’t work on me—especially after walking in on him more times than I could count, in the employee bathroom with random girls. Seriously though, the guy needed to slow down before his family jewels fall off.

“Oh please, who have you picked for tonight?” I started scoping out the bar trying to pin-point his target for this evening.

“You know Kenz, I wouldn’t have to do that if you’d just be mine,” he sighed.

I never knew if he was being serious or not but it was better not to play with fire. “Not in this lifetime, Cole,” I said as I got off my stool. His predatory grin stretched across his face and the challenge was set. I knew better than to keep playing this game with him, but after James, I needed some harmless flirting. Don’t judge me.

“So how are you feeling?” a voice seductively whispered in my ear, sending a shiver down my back. I whirled around—ready to go off on the creeper—and came face to face with a very sculpted chest covered in a form fitted sweater. Under heavy lashes, I peered up at the man before me; my breath hitched as I took him all in. Waves of heat buzzed through me as a sly smile exposed the one dimple on his cheek.

“What?”

“I asked, how are you feeling—after the other night?” He was holding back a laugh as he pressed his lips into a straight line. What the hell?

My body tensed and I gripped the seat behind me. “I’m sorry I don’t know what you’re talking about.”

He nodded and smiled like he was in on some joke. “A couple weeks ago I bumped into you. You looked sick but you ran off like the devil himself was after you.”

I quirked an eyebrow and realization dawned on me. The last night of the full moon. How could I forget that face? Well of course I could, I was nearly dying.

“So…are you okay?” He asked for the third time.

“Oh! Yeah, I’m fine. Just had some um…bad seafood.” Did I just admit to having diarrhea?
Get it together Mackenzie!

He narrowed his eyes like he didn’t quite believe me or I just grossed him out. Most likely the latter. He ran his finger down my arm in a slow and leisurely pace. I held my breath as I watched him run his tongue over his bottom lip. “Since you’re feeling better, how about I buy you a drink?” His voice was husky and I had to clear my throat a couple times to get my bearings together. Butterflies tickled my stomach and I didn’t think dating should be at the top of my list. Besides, I sucked at flirting.

“Sorry, I’m on the clock, thanks anyway,” taking a deep breath, I got my shit together and side stepped him.

He grasped my elbow before I could leave, sending shots of electricity through my body. “My name’s Jonah—Jonah Cadwell.” His brown eyes were gentle as he stared intently into mine.

“Mackenzie Grey,” I said, shocked that I even told him my full name. “I have to go. It was nice to meet you.” I slowly slipped away from his grasp and backed up into the crowd. I grabbed a stool from the end of the bar and headed outside.

Big John was out front waiting for me—rubbing his gloved hands together for some warmth.

“What took you so long Kenz?” He asked as I plopped myself next to him. I didn’t have an answer for him because I really didn’t know what happened. The encounter with that Jonah guy was weird. Maybe Amy was right: I needed to get laid.

“Sorry.” I shrugged. “How’s the crowd looking tonight?” I changed the subject and settled in for the next few hours.

“I think we’ll slow down in an hour or so. How’s your internship at the precinct?”

I sighed.

Instead of taking twelve elective credit hours, I decided to do an internship during the week at 1PP—One Precinct Plaza in Manhattan. It was going great and I loved going there after school. The only thing that sucked was the research paper I had to write at the end of the year about my experience and what I’d learned.

“It’s going,” I said solemnly. “This paper is just kicking my butt, that’s all.”

“Have you finished?”

“Yeah, but only the first draft.”

“Well look at it this way, at least you get to go home for the holidays and take a break. When you get back you’ll be refreshed and ready to kick that paper’s ass,” Big John said and I laughed. “Is your brother coming home for the holidays also?

“No. Ollie doesn’t have enough leave time,” I said and it dropped my mood even lower than it already was. My older brother Oliver was an active duty soldier based in Fort Hood, Texas. This was going to be the first time in many years that he would be stateside during the holidays and we still weren’t going to be able to see him. I might not be real close to my parents—not that anything was wrong with them—but I was attached at the hip with my brother. We were only two years apart and Skyped each other at least once a week. I hated that he was so far away and that I could never truly tell him everything about myself. He’d freak out if I told him what I was.

“Well at least you’ll be with your parents and Amy. You’ll be fine, Kenz.” Big John lightly punched my arm and I gave him a fake smile. This day just wasn’t getting any better.

The night flowed smoothly and we weren’t as busy as a normal Friday night. Some no-name band was playing inside and they sucked. All I could hear was someone shaking a tambourine and I think there was a banjo in the mix.

I popped two Advil’s and swished them down with water when a group of three guys walked up to the door. I couldn’t make out their faces but their masculine builds were a sure giveaway. The one in the middle was the biggest of the bunch, but they were all extremely muscular and they approached us like they were stepping out of a Calvin Klein ad. They’re definitely not the kind of people who come to Pete’s Bar.

One of the guys—the farthest to my left—came up to Big John, with a hundred dollar bill between his fingers. The only light above the front door illuminated his face and I tried to keep my eyes from bugging out. He was the thinnest out of the three, but still had a pretty face. Flawless actually. His brown eyes were piercing as he zoned in on Big John.

“You don’t have to pay to get in. We just need to see your I.D.’s,” I said as I noticed Big John was stock still—not saying a word. There’s no way he could be intimidated by these fools, he was bigger than all three of them combined.

“Sorry cookie, we’re talking to him. Why don’t you run along inside and drink a Cosmo,” he said but he didn’t even look my way. What a sexist pig! Drink a Cosmo? Cosmo my ass—he’s about to get my foot in his.

“Excuse me? You—,”

“Please excuse my brother, he can be tactless at times,” a familiar voice whispered in my right ear and I froze in place. His strong hand fell on my shoulder in a friendly hold. With a slight tilt of my head, I was face to face with a guy who resembled the douche bag in front of me—Jonah. I hadn’t even seen him walk towards me—where did he come from? Better question: what the hell was he doing?

“First off, don’t touch me. Second, you guys need to back the fuck up. And last, what the hell are you doing here?” I moved to stand next to Big John and away from the guy who I was starting to think was stalking me. I discreetly nudged my partner to snap him out of whatever la-la-land he was in, but it was no use. He didn’t move.

Jonah furrowed his eyebrows and cocked his head to the side. His chocolate eyes bore into me with an unspoken question. His douche bag brother was still looking up at Big John as he whispered “Go.” Without missing a beat, John robotically turned and walked into the bar, leaving me alone outside.

Whoa…not cool. We may have a problem.

“Now why are you being so difficult?” Douche Bag asked as his gazed locked on me. His brown eyes darkened to black orbs and I took a step back.

“What the fuck is wrong with your eyes?” I questioned, but it was a really cool trick. The two brothers in front of me halted to a stop and they stared at me with mouths agape. Their similarities were uncanny and I felt stupid for not recognizing it at first. His brother should have looked familiar to me, even if they weren’t identical.

“I don’t have time for this crap, so can you idiots just go already. Whatever you’re looking for, it’s not here,” I folded my arms across my chest and huffed out.

“Enough,” a deep, raspy voice boomed from behind the two brothers and I flinched. After I’d become a werewolf, I lost my fear of many things—which made my reaction much more shocking. My gaze dropped to the ground and I watched as the third guy’s boots made their way towards me. The two brothers stepped aside.

A pull in the pit of my stomach tugged at me and kept me from looking up. It kept me still until the boots stopped just inches away from me. I wanted to put space between us, look at who he was—hell, I wanted to punch these bastards in the face. No matter how good looking Jonah might be, that asshole needed to get his ass handed to him. But I couldn’t. The pull in my stomach was like strings puppeteering me. I’d lost all control. And what I feared the most—the wolf was making its way out of my subconscious.

“Heel,” the man in front of me said with his husky voice that vibrated like a wicked secret in my ear. My insides melted at the sound and my mind had to do a double take.
Say what?
What the hell was wrong with my damn hormones?

My body swayed in place, wanting to obey his command but my mind was in full-on defiant mode. The tug in my gut was getting stronger and I felt a weird energy encompass me. I held on to the logical part of me that was screaming
no
. The concrete sidewalk was spinning as I focused on one spot on the dirty pavement. Clenching my jaw shut, I breathed in and out of my nose as I tried to break this odd layer of energy that was pressed on top of my skin—making me want to obey.

With a final deep exhale, I let out a bloodcurdling scream as I pushed against the hold on me and stumbled backwards. Hands on my knees, I gasped for air. Sweat beads rolled down the sides of my face and the cold air warmed my skin. As I steadied my heart rate, I was finally able to look up at the man with the boots. I opened my mouth to speak but snapped it shut.

Son of a bitch.

He wore fitted, dark wash jeans with a tight black t-shirt that accentuated his muscles—and boy did he have muscles—the body of a fighter and the face of a fallen angel. All square jawed and Roman nose—I couldn’t tell the color of his hair in the darkness of the night, but his icy pale blue eyes were unmistakable. And they were pissed.

Finding my voice—and attitude—I straightened my back and narrowed my eyes, looking directly at him with just as much intensity. “I’m not a damn dog,” I gritted out through clenched teeth. Nobody moved and the noise of the city cancelled out. I no longer heard the hustle and bustle of the Big Apple.

“Your name,” he barked as if it was an order.

“Fuck off,” I said as I fought the urge to comply. What was going on with me?

His nostrils flared and his hands tightened into fists. Either he was cold and wanted to warm his fingers, or he wasn’t used to being defied. Most likely the latter and he was in for one heck of a fight with me. The night was way too quiet anyway.

“Who’s your Alpha?” he clipped out. I was testing his patience—and I didn’t even have to guess at this question. I’ve got enough paranormal books under my belt to know that he was talking about a leader of a wolf pack. Some of the pieces of this encounter were starting to make sense but wolf or not—I didn’t take kindly to rudeness.

“Say what?” I scrunched up my face in confusion.

I’d always wondered what I’d do if I ever met a pack of wolves. While their loyalty and obedience was admirable—it’s just not my cup of tea. Nonetheless, I didn’t know why I played stupid. Nerves, I guess.

They exchanged looks between each other when a car door slammed by the curb. Perfect timing.

“Hey babe,” Amy walked towards us as the taxi drove away, “Who are the hotties?” She exclaimed. My eyes widened and I couldn’t hide my concern. This was the
worst
timing. After four years of friendship, Amy had learned the ins and outs of yours truly. When she got closer, she furrowed her brows and started to eye the three guys in front of me. My facial expressions weren’t easy to conceal and she knew something was up.

“Hey, go inside and wait for me by the bar. Tell Cole to give you a drink on me,” I whispered to her but she didn’t move. “Please,” I begged with my eyes and edged her behind me to the door. Whether she left or not, I didn’t check. I focused on the blue-eyed devil who was now staring at me with interest. His eyes burned every inch of my skin. I wet my lips and my heart raced as waves of desire washed over me.
This can’t be happening
. I wanted to look away but was locked in his slow perusal of my body. As his gaze reached my lips in mid lick, a small grin appeared at the corners of his mouth as if he knew what I was thinking, what I was feeling. A shiver ran down my spine and I was seriously wigging out.

He turned to the douche bag brother and nodded. He gave me a curious look and walked away, probably following some silent order from who I’m guessing is their Alpha? I didn’t know, this was all too confusing at the moment.

“Follow me,” Blue Eyes barked out, scaring me from my inner thoughts.

“No,” my response wasn’t as loud or assertive as I wanted it to be but his presence loomed over me like a dark cloud.

“I said, follow me. Do not make me repeat myself.”

Building up my confidence again, I gave him a smirk and crossed my arms. “Not in this lifetime buddy. Didn’t your mother ever teach you not to talk to strangers?” I was being a smartass but serious all the same. There’s no way I was going anywhere with this looney. Stranger danger, hello? While he may be appealing to the point I’d been smashing my thighs together like I needed a potty break, there was just too much crazy seeping out of his pores. I had enough of that going on with my schoolwork and fake boyfriend, I didn’t need anymore.

A black SUV with tinted windows screeched to a stop next to us and Jonah, who’d been quiet in the background, walked towards it—opening the passenger door. Great, their ride was here. Good riddance.

“You’re coming with me either by choice or by force.
Do not
make me fling you over my shoulder.” A scowl marred his god-like features.

My left leg stepped back and I crouched my body in defense. Before I could respond with a retort, his whole face transformed and a small gasp escaped my lips.
Holy shit.

Standing in front of me was no longer the man I ogled not too long ago, but a half man, half wolf. He growled at me and I couldn’t help but stumble backwards and run into another body. Amy. Without having to look back, I knew it was her. Being the loyal friend she was, there was no way she was leaving me out here alone. Damn it.

For the first time since The Change, I didn’t know what to do. This was a whole other kind of dangerous situation. I faced someone like me who was stronger and had more control than I did. I could barely keep my canines and claws from coming out on my own but to wolf out like this guy? Yeah, he had me beat. But being the hardheaded person I am, if I was going down, then I was going down swinging.

“Amy, run!” I yelled as I rushed towards the man-wolf. I heard Amy’s little feet shuffle out and the door to the bar slam shut behind her.

He swung an open clawed hand to my face and I leaned back, just missing it. But I wasn’t fast enough. Another hand came from the other side and hit my right cheek. The force threw me a couple feet to the left by the door and for a moment I thought I was seeing stars. My hand checked my face and I could feel the indents of four claw marks that stretched across. I stared at my bloody hands, wide eyed. I froze. He took the opportunity to pick me up with his grip fastened around my neck and squeezed. My toes grazed the pavement.

“Shift!” He yelled in my face and I was inches away from his, close enough to kiss his deformed mouth. His blue
stilted eyes bore into me as his lower canines peeked over his upper lip. His jaw and muzzle jutted out in an unnatural, human-like way, sending tight ripples of skin over his forehead and cheeks. He looked like a monster as he yelled in my face.
I couldn’t respond and I was starting to choke as his hand cut off my air supply. My hands reached for the wrist that held me and I scratched at him for release. My body temperature rose and I felt a heat wave consume me. Panicking, I closed my eyes and tried to grasp at anything.

“Shift, damn it!” He yelled again and this time a growl so loud and fierce, cut through the night air. It took me a moment to realize it was me. My claws emerged and I reached for his neck. A new course of adrenaline kicked in and I rammed his head to mine in a head bump that made him release me. I fell a few feet away on all fours. I managed a look at my arms and I wasn’t a wolf, but I wasn’t necessarily human either. And it wasn’t a full moon.
What was happening to me?

My momentary victory didn’t last long. A needle punctured my skin at my neck as I stared at the blue-eyed half wolf shift back to his human form. My vision grew blurry as he rubbed at his forehead with a scowl and I fell into a pair of strong arms.