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should
know… But saying that wouldn’t help me get what I needed.
Besides, if I got the guys to come with me and do what I wanted,
those women would be better off.
    “What if I told you guys I could get them to
go out with you—later tonight—with just a few words?”
    Alex laughed.
    “Nat, you must’ve heard about my history,”
Miles said with a wry grin.
    “You mean the story where you’re barely a
wingman?”
    “You look much better than they do. You sure
you wouldn’t want to hang out with me tonight?”
    “We could hang out. On the way to the
factory, that is.” As much as I didn’t want to manipulate him, I
scooted close enough for our legs to touch. Like any attractive
werewolf, Miles was decent enough to look at. His dark brown eyes
glowed faintly, and his scent reflected one of desire. Whether it
was for the women at the bar or me, I’d rather not speculate.
    Alex observed our exchange with a smile. “I
gotta see this. So you’re saying if we’ll help, you’ll get those
ladies to spend some time with us.”
    My gaze never left Miles’. “Exactly.”
    “You’ve never picked up women for me before,
so you got a deal.” Alex slapped the table. “We got ourselves some
real fun tonight. Especially if they need someone to tuck them
in.”
    I left the booth and headed to my target. The
women continued to chat among themselves, only glancing my
brother’s way once in a while. The crowd around the bar was loud,
and the increased scents of perfume and cologne made my eyes water.
Some folks had doused themselves a bit too much tonight. I
swallowed my rising nervousness. If I leaned in enough, I could
talk to them. Seemed like an easy enough task if I focused.
    One of the girls, a leggy blonde with cutoff
shorts, saw me first. She got out of the way, assuming I needed
something from the bar. I spoke to her first.
    “I have a message from the guys over
there.”
    “Really?” Up close, I noticed her shirt
barely covered as much as her shorts. It wasn’t summertime yet
outside, so she must’ve been cold. I had a feeling she didn’t care
though.
    She whispered in her friend’s ear. Quite
clear to a werewolf like me. “Those hot guys over there want to
talk to us.”
    “What did they say?” The second blonde had my
attention now. At least she had a dress on that left things to the
imagination.
    “They said they’d like to hook up with you
ladies later tonight. The blond one’s willing to buy all your
drinks for the rest of the night, too. They have to leave for a
bit, but they’ll be back. Around midnight.”
    “No way! We’d love to!”
    Bingo. “Tell the bartender to use Alex
Stravinsky’s tab.”
    I walked back over to the men with my victory
in hand. My wide smile had to have said it all. “Come back at
midnight so you can pick up the ladies.”
    And be sure to bring your wallet , I
thought with a grin.
     
    * * * * *
     

Chapter Three
     
    The open road to Philadelphia loomed. I sat
between Miles and Alex, hoping Miles didn’t put his arm around me
again. He’d tried to be slick before we’d stopped at his friend
Stan’s house for the ID badge, but I pushed his arm away.
    “Well, where do I put it?” he asked with
innocence.
    “Somewhere safe. You might find it broken
otherwise.”
    He leaned against the passenger door—still
too close for my comfort.
    The ride was quiet for the rest of the trip.
Until we reached the house.
    “Is this the place?” Alex asked.
    It wasn’t much of a place. Just a trailer
that seemed like a perfect projectile if a tornado came by. We
parked under a tree and walked up the dirt path to the house.
    Miles had told us in the car that Stan, a
fellow werewolf, would give up the badge for a smile and case of
beer. Based on the sad state of the trailer, he probably was a
loner like myself. All Stan had in the living room was a futon,
coffee table, and an entertainment center. There were no pictures
of family. Nothing personal on the walls. Other than