AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Catalina stood as well, her wings folding behind her. “It’s only going to get worse unless we figure out who’s behind this, and to do that, we’re going to have to work together.”
Riker turned to face her, his dark eyes locking with hers once again. “I don’t like the idea of working with you, Duvall. But I don’t have a choice, do I?”
Catalina smiled, though there was little warmth in it. “No, Detective. You don’t.”
As they stood there, side by side in the dimly lit alley, Catalina couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning. The city was a tinderbox; all it would take was one spark to set everything ablaze.
And the demons, whoever they were, had already lit the match.
Chapter
Four
RIKER
The 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 trusther.
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 patronssat 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’salwayshappening 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.”
