Dead Shifter Walking Read Online Free PDF Page A

explanation as to why and how I was able to
manipulate emotions, but I knew Grams would ride my ass until I
answered their questions. If I were lucky, it would just be to
satisfy their curiosity. If I were unlucky, hell, I didn’t want to
think about that. The twinkling lights of the manor came into view,
pinpoints of light breaking through my dark thoughts, and I smiled
at the intrusion. It was peaceful, tranquil, and undisturbed by the
madness of the world outside.
    “I’ll need a ride to Kitten in about an hour,” I
said to the driver.
    “Very good, ma’am; I will wait here,” he
replied. I was about to leave when a thought struck me.
    “Um, do you want something to eat?” I asked. No
one had ever waited on me, and while having a chauffeur was
kick-ass, I had no idea what was expected of me.
    Oh crap, I didn’t even know his name. Fuck
it.
    “Hey, just park and come in. Oh, and what’s your
name?”
    Five minutes later, Jerry, the tall lanky
chocolate-skinned driver, and I were seated at the pine table
consuming whole-wheat pasta and salads.
    “It’s nothing exciting,” I said to Jerry from
across the table in the empty kitchen.
    He smiled pearly white teeth that contrasted
with his dark skin. He was older than me but had managed to keep
the carefree nature of his twenties intact.
    “Ain’t no matta,” he pointed his fork at me.
“Although it is mighty odd you don’t eat meat,” he stated,
returning to his meal.
    I shrugged. “Never appealed to me.”
    “You ain’t never had fried chicken?” he asked,
leveling a fork knowingly at me.
    I made a face. “Actually, I have; they make the
same out of tofu.”
    He made his own pained face. “That just ain’t
right.”
    I leaned back in my chair, my stomach full,
wanting nothing more than a soft bed for the night. I didn’t have
time for even a nap; hell, I didn’t even have a bed at the moment.
Pulling in my annoyance, I pushed away from the table.
    “I need to get a few things before we leave,” I
said to Jerry.
    He nodded, finishing his pasta. “I’ll meet you
outside.”
    True to form, I was late; thankfully, I wasn’t
on first, which gave Gunther enough time for my makeup and hair for
the “Return of the Kitten” routine.
    He smiled, admiring his handiwork. “Good to have
you back,” he said. I grinned behind the half cat mask, making my
way to the stage. Kitten was designed with a stage that could
dominate the center of the room but also could be broken apart and
moved as needed. It was currently in the middle of the room, and
for a surprise entrance, I climbed into the lighting system,
managing not to break an ankle in my high-heeled boots. I heard a
few soft whistles and “welcome home” from the techs as I made my
way above the center stage.
    The announcer boomed loudly, “Ladies and
gentlemen, we have a very special surprise for you tonight. The
namesake of Kitten has returned home and…” The lights focused down
as I swung myself onto the stage with a soft thump. “Here she
is.”
    The brilliant lights captured me along with the
gasps of surprise from the crowd. I smiled slowly, seductively
shaking my curled hair around my shoulders.
    “Hello, dolls,” I whispered alluringly into the
earpiece, enjoying my sultry voice reverberating around the
floor.
    Enthusiastic applause greeting those two words;
my smile widened. I couldn’t lie; it was fantastic to be loved,
even by these pleasure-seeking, overinflated moneybags.
    My particular skill set, which Grams had alluded
to, was the simple fact that my dancing was a natural aphrodisiac,
so much so, that those attending had to sign disclaimers releasing
us from consequences of their actions after the show. Tonight was
no different; if anything, it was more powerful, given my extended
absence.
    After a few refrains, the others joined me as
the stage began its slow circular motion, ensuring everyone got a
fair view while they enjoyed their gourmet dinner. I felt the
energy of my