The Demons Apprentice

Chapter 5: Shifter Shelter

Hailey blushed as she followed the unknown shifter out the door. His mere touch was making her ache in places that she didn’t know existed. Her body stayed pressed against his until they were out the gates and at that time she dared to look at him.

He was a tall man with light brown hair and streaks of blonde seem to pop out at his hairline. The shifter serene bluish green eyes we’re memorizing as she took a look at his lips and her heart quickened.

As soon as the man broke contact with her she notices expression changed. “Get in the car,” he said as he opened the door for her, waiting for her to get in.

The drive was nearly silent as Hailey looked out the window. Seeing the shifter watch her through the rear view was the only action she got until they got closer to town.

Realizing what the shifters had said before, they told her that she could never return to her human life. Hailey was about to voice her concern until the man interrupted her.

“ I know most shifters live outside the city but mine live in a compound near here,” he said. “And it’s dangerous for you to go home or you’ll be hunted.” Then he heaved in a sigh. “ I’m sure you were looking for a happy arrangement but this isn’t one.”

A part of his mouth hitched up into a smirk as he forced himself to speak. “But I’m not savage. First we will eat and then I’ll speak of arrangements with you.”

Nodding her head, she couldn’t agree more as her stomach rumbled a yes. The sound seemed to make the man smile as if she knew what she needed.

After a much needed break Hailey sat in the back seat nearly asleep from the food and exhaustion. She surely hoped they were at their destination preferably with a bed in mind. The only thing that bothered her was thinking of what kind of arrangement he had on his mind, and his name. It would make things easier if she knew his name, for sure. That would definitely be her first question once they arrived.

Past downtown, Hailey could recognize the area faintly as the shifter pulled into a back alley. A three story duplex was on their right as the man pulled into the garage. Hailey could only assume this was the place she was going to have to call home.

Hailey couldn’t help but walk up to the front door until the man rested his hand on her shoulder. “Not this way,” he said, gesturing her to follow him. “Side door.”

Tailing behind him, Hailey couldn’t help but stare as he opened the door. She was expecting a lot of rooms and a plain space. It actually looked like a home.

“This is the boss’s level. We’re above,” he stated as she followed him up the stairs. All the doors she came across had locks on them.

Hearing a key jiggle, Hailey kept her eyes ahead until the door opened. There was a bed, a computer, and a bathroom.Then the male waved the keys toward her. “If I can trust you I won’t leave you locked in here. But tonight I’m staying here to keep an eye on you.” Then he forced a smile. “What do you think?”

“It’s fine,” Hailey stated as she shrugged her shoulders. “What is your name?”

“They all call me Liam,” he answered. “I’m a warrior shifter and you are Hailey.”

“Mmhmm,” Hailey muttered as she felt uncomfortable with him shutting the door. Feeling bold for a second, she made her way to the bed and claimed it by plopping down before staring up at him. “So what’s this arrangement?”

She could sense the man becoming uncomfortable as his Adam’s apple bobbed as he stared at her. It seemed to take him a moment to regain his bearings.

“Well for starters you’ll be organizing case files,” Liam said thoughtfully as he put a finger to his lip. “You will also answer to my boss. Like coffee, doing laundry, etc. Then I offer in exchange our protection and resources to help you. I’ll introduce you to the boss tomorrow.”

Watching him sit in a chair and yawn, Hailey couldn’t help but do the same. Feeling her eyelids close she could still make out the mans protective gaze. Maybe this won’t be so bad after all.