CHAPTER 3

Crap! She instantly understood that he recognized her. It didn't matter that her eyes had become blue or that she had dyed her hair a hideous hue that did nothing for her light skin. It didn't matter that she wore her hair straight as uncut grass, thanks to a hair straightening iron, although her sister's and hers was naturally wavy, or that the heavy padded leather jacket gave her wider shoulders and made her seem heavier. She was unable to conceal the appearance of her mouth, eyes, or face. They all resembled her sister in appearance.

However, his expression was perplexed. He looked to be perplexed by the hat and spectacles. Perhaps wearing fake pierced earrings that appeared to be real accomplished it as well.

She was the first to break eye contact, her hands shaking and her skin perspiring. God, he was bigger and taller than the wolves she was used to dealing with. His guilty determination prevented him from averting his gaze from her or making a concession. It is understandable why Freya was drawn to the attention-grabbing gray. Ravena couldn't help but ponder the experience of having a romp with a boisterous wolf like him. However, damned if it hadn't resulted to Freya's death. Keep company with those of your own type, as her father would have advised. No humans; only the red type of lupus garou.

No one raised a cup to take a sip of their beverage, and not a single person moved. She fought the need to swallow and pushed herself to glance at Lucian to see what he was doing right then.

I'm still fixated on her. She desired to disappear into the ground like hot day mop water. She clinched her teeth, picked up her glass of water, and took another gulp, praying nerves wouldn't cause her to unintentionally choke on the ice drink. But before leaving Silver Town, she had to get revenge on Freya's killer.

Sam gave a shoulder shrug and handed Lucian an empty glass as he caught his attention. She had to be moved if Lucian wanted her out of his chair.

Macho gang leaders had to assert their authority and ensure that no one, especially women, could overshadow them in their region. None were more well-known for it than Lupus Garous. Unless another lupus garou was trying to take over the pack and succeeded in doing so, no one opposed them and won.

She didn't belong to his pack. She was a woman. She also wasn't gray. Even worse, she reminded him of his deceased mate. On the other hand, he didn't seem to be certain of what he was seeing.

Once more, she was the focus of frigid eyes that also showed sadness. He swung the glass off the table and strode over to where Jake and Tom were sitting. Lucian was able to get a better view of her and the entryway when he persuaded Tom to relocate to the chair with his back to the door.

If the pack leader was watching her, how could she monitor the other members of the pack? She was certain he could still smell her terror at this moment. She reassured herself that she didn't fear him, but any Lupus Garou worth his pelt would be cautious when approaching a pack leader.

She stayed in her seat, frozen with uncertainty. Let him believe that she was too terrified to get up from her chair—or his chair, for that matter.

A woman wearing mid-thigh leather boots and short shorts with a turtleneck top entered the bar for the first time this evening. Her sable hair was piled on top of her head in whirls of black curls.

One of the four men seated at the bar remarked, "Hey, Silva," and whistled. I'm "looking hot."

She flashed him a dazzling red-lipped grin before casting a quick glance Ravena's way. Her expression revealed her amazement. Silva's focus changed, and she noticed Lucian close by. She said something to Sam while crouching down at the bar so the boys could see her ass better. He turned to face Ravena. Yes, she was certain to come up in conversation this evening.

Sam gave a shrug. Silva, you're drawing a sizable audience tonight. Why not check to see if the boss needs another beer?

Tom raised the drained pitcher. Need to restock. It appears like the lady needs another drink.

Ravena sunk into her seat, wishing she could be anywhere except under the spotlight.

Silva grinned sourly at her. "Well, well, it appears that word has spread to many far locations. Guess it won't be long until the town will be swarming with—"

Sam pounded the counter with a pitcher of beer. Silva, look after the clients and be kind.

She gave him a smirk before grabbing the pitcher. That's what you pay me for, sir, boss. She delivered the drink to Lucian's table with a swing of her hips before grinning broadly at him. "All right, boss. Whistle if you require more.

Without saying anything, Lucian simply sat back in his chair and turned to face Ravena.

Silva scowled and moved toward Ravena's desk. Need another bottle of water, please?

Drink time has come. Have some margaritas? Ravena said quietly, but not quietly enough.

Tom swallowed his drink hard. A few of the patrons at the pub laughed. Sam grinned as he poured a man a drink of whisky.

I'm not sure, sweetie. Silva then looked at Sam. Hey Sam, fancy cocktails for a visitor from out of town? How about a margarita? She spoke the phrase as if she were referring to a pretty female name.

More giggles followed.

"I can make anything the little lady wants," you say.

Little. She was well characterized by it. The size of a red lupus garou female at five four. Her seat was higher.

Is that what you want, Miss...? Silva drew it out and questioned, looking for a name.

"Yes," and "thank you."

Goodness, dang it. In front of the grays, Ravena wished to project a more intimidating appearance. What did she do after practicing endlessly? acted like a damned squeaking mouse. Since she was used to being with people of her own kind, she seldom felt intimidated. Double black belts in jujitsu and kung fu made her feel more at ease with brutish people. However, these individuals were neither human nor of her own type, and if she gave them the chance, a pack of them might eat her alive.