Force of Nature by Kathi S. Barton Read Free Book Online Page B

Phil put his hand on hers when she made to move.
    “Don’t,” was all he said before Austin sat too. “We need to have a conversation with you and you’ll do much better sitting down.” Phil looked over at Austin before he continued. “I think it’s time we both come clean with her. She needs to hear it from us so that she’ll better understand what we want from her.”
    Austin nodded. “All right. But I haven’t a clue what to say or even how to start this. It’s going to be one hell of a shock for her to—”
    “Hello, right here,” CJ snarled at them. “If you’re going to talk around me then I don’t need to be here for it. If you don’t mind, as I was saying, I’m going to—”
    “I’m a vampire. He’s a werewolf.” She looked at Phil as he made his statement then over at Austin who nodded at her. “We need to make you understand what we are because it’s going to become important that you know. Especially now.”
    “Especially now. Now why? No, don’t tell me,” she told him when he started to speak. “It’s because of the zombies and they won’t touch me because of you two. Or I know, I have to know now because…you’re pregnant and having Austin’s baby. No, that doesn’t work either. Let me think.”
    CJ felt her mind race. She had heard of people believing they were vampires and werewolves, but she’d never actually met one. The other day she had been reading something about dentists who were implanting teeth in the mouths of their patients to make them appear to have canines or fangs. There were even contacts that made their eyes turn to a golden hue or glow.
    “He’s not lying, CJ. He’s really a vampire, though he’s a day walker because he’s a half breed, no offense meant,” Austin said to Phil. “He didn’t tell me how old he is, but I would say…well, nearly three hundred give or take.”
    “Very good. I’m nearly three hundred and twenty-six. And none taken. I think I look good for my age, don’t you?” Phil looked at her and winked. “How you doing, kid?”
    “Peachy.” CJ got up to pace. “So you’ve been my friend for nearly ten years and I’m just now finding out you have an alter ego? Is that what you call it? I’m not sure.”
    “Hummm, a little tense yet. You’ll work it out.” Phil got up and refreshed her tea as he explained. “I don’t have an alter ego, love. I’m just me.”
    “So, do you turn into a bat? And you.” She pointed to Austin. “Do you turn into a dog or something once a month?”
    “I’m a wolf, not a dog. And yes, I turn once a month with the pull of the moon. But I can shift when I want.” His tone made her mad.
    “Look, buster, you two just told me a wild tale of mythical creatures and I’m supposed to buy it. Back off.” She started pacing more. “You guys really believe this crap and you want me to go along with you. I should be locked up. All of us. I think I need a drink.” She started for the stairs when she suddenly turned around and looked at the men. “You both should go home. I’m going to be awhile.”
    She went to the bar and went around to the business side of it. The liquor had been delivered yesterday. She had planned to open tomorrow night with the televisions on to all the games and serve drinks all night. But when she had sat down and tried to tell herself she was going to make it, she felt an overwhelming need to run. And then Phil showed up. And not ten minutes later, Austin. She grabbed the first bottle she saw and started to read the label. She knew the moment Austin entered the bar.
    “I asked you to go away. The going away part is out the door upstairs. Not down here where I am.” She turned to see Phil come through the door as well. “Now I know I said leave. I’m reasonably sure that you both are smart enough to figure that one out.”

    She set the bottle of Wild Turkey on the bar. Seemed appropriate enough since it was turkey day tomorrow. The glasses were all cleaned and