Soar (The Empire Chronicles #1) by Alyssa Rose Ivy Read Free Book Online Page A

guard. We’re doing that already.”
    “Nothing concrete yet, but you’re thinking exactly what I am.”
    “Which is?” I turned the corner.
    “The attacks relate. Casey being targeted ties in somehow.”
    I nodded. Not wanting to admit I agreed, but having the same logic moving through my head. “Maybe, but what could an ordinary human have to do with it?”
    “I don’t know but I plan to find out.”
    “Does your uncle know?” I already knew the answer, but I had to ask.
    “He knows something. He’s not talking about it though.”
    “And the attacks?”
    “I don’t know. I can’t imagine he’s behind them. He’s not for hurting humans. Especially not women.”
    “I can agree there. He definitely enjoys them.” Marv would probably never settle down with a mate, human or otherwise. Lots of bears mate with their own kind, but more often, they’ll pick a human. It’s a much larger pool to choose from.
    My mind swam with questions, but I knew I wasn’t going to get any answers from Eric that night. “Keep me posted, but don’t screw with Casey.”
    “Why? You can’t handle the competition?” he taunted.
    “You’re not competition, but you scare her. I don’t want her scared.”
    “Who would have thought old grandpa killer could have a heart?”
    I resisted the urge to punch him. “Shut the hell up.” I wasn’t proud of what I’d done, but I had no other choice.
    “Gladly. If you hear from Casey, tell her I expect to see her at work tomorrow bright and early.”
    “Not if I have anything to do with it,” I grumbled. Who was I kidding? Would I ever tell her to quit her job? And if Eric was telling the truth at all, she was safer there than any other coffee shop. When a Urusus decides he wants a girl as a mate, he doesn’t let her get hurt. The same can be said for a Pteron. I stalked off. I had three men watching her place. I’d know if anyone got too close.

Chapter Seven

Casey
    For the first time ever, I was late for work. I’d slept straight through my alarm, and I wasn’t even fully awake when I left the apartment. I didn’t remember much about my first date with Toby the night before except for the amazing coffee and how incredibly attractive he was. I’d had the most sensual dreams ever that night, and I woke up disappointed to find my tiny bed empty. I also had a vague recollection of him asking me out again. Hopefully he’d follow up on the offer. I definitely wanted to see more of him.
    I tried to slip into work undetected but, of course, Eric caught me.
    “You stood me up.” He stood there with his arms crossed, his massive biceps visible underneath his t-shirt.
    “I specifically told you I wasn’t interested.”
    “You take playing hard to get to a new level.”
    “It’s because I’m not playing at anything.”
    He laughed, and it didn’t sound forced. In fact, it sounded more natural than any other time I’d heard him. I looked up at him, wondering what had changed. He noticed my perusal and his face immediately went hard. “Get to work. You’re staying later to make up for your tardiness.”
    “Right.”
    “You’re lucky I don’t fire your ass.”
    “Should I be kissing your feet too?”
    “Not my feet.” He grinned and stalked off. So weird.
    “How was it?” Remy asked eagerly when I got back from stowing my stuff in the break room.
    “Probably the best coffee date ever.”
    “I thought you were getting dinner.” She set down an Americana for a customer.
    “I chickened out on it. I thought coffee was more casual.”
    “And was it?” She leaned in expectantly.
    “Yes, mostly.” I really wanted to remember more of the evening. I wondered if the forgetfulness was tied to hitting my head. If so, I really needed to suck it up and see a doctor.
    “Mostly?”
    “I could barely control myself, I wanted him so bad.”
    She burst out laughing, scaring the customer who was retrieving her drink.
    “Sorry,” I apologized to the woman who practically