Nic Read Online Free PDF Page A

nice cold one. For that, he’d put up with the loud music and the boisterous crowd.
    “Hey, Derek,” Nic said. “How’s it going?”
    The burly doorman grinned, flashing long canines. “Different day, same shit.”
    “I hear you. Lucien Bellard working tonight?” Nic asked.
    His best friend bartended most nights, but he did get off work on occasion. When that happened, he didn’t show up here. He took off for the mountains.
    “Yep, he’s behind the bar, keeping a close eye on the pups,” Derek said. “A bunch of them came in earlier itching to test their claws. Remember when you were that young?”
    Nic laughed. “Hell no! I was never that young.”
    Derek chuckled. “Me neither.”
    It was common for young Weres to come to Sticks. The place allowed them to blow off steam and test their skills. Pack life was all about hierarchy. Young wolves were constantly looking for ways to better their positions. Nic didn’t have to worry about that anymore. He’d earned his spot in Aidan’s west coast pack through blood, brains, and brute strength.
    Nic leaned forward and waited for Derek to sniff him. It didn’t matter who or what you were, everyone got sniffed on their way into Sticks. It was a surefire way to keep out the troublemakers and to identify the humans. If you weren’t pack, you got your hand stamped with a wolf paw. It was an inside joke that only regulars recognized.
    “You’re good to go.” Derek hiked his thumb over his shoulder. “You came on the right night. The band’s supposed to be good tonight.”
    “Probably won’t stay that long,” Nic said. “Just here for a beer.”
    The bouncer shrugged, then gave him a look that said “suit yourself.”
    The inside of the bar was even more crowded than the parking lot. Most of the worn tables were already occupied, and the only stool available sat at the end of the long, polished oak bar. Weres lined the bar three deep. They kicked up sawdust beneath their feet as they waited to get served.
    Nic made his way to the end of the bar and scanned the crowd. He didn't think many from Aidan’s compound would be there, but it didn't hurt to check. He wouldn’t mind shooting the breeze with a familiar face.
    A dark head popped up above the crowd. Lucien waved to him, his green eyes glittering mischievously.
    Nic nodded in acknowledgment. It had been a while since he and Lucien had had a chance to catch up, but it didn’t look like that would change tonight.
    Two pups knocked younger Weres aside as they pushed their way to the front of the crowd. Nic didn’t recognize them, which didn’t mean much since the west coast Moonlight Kin were spread out over several states, but he did recognize the type.
    Impatience oozed from their pores. Some pups naturally fell into their pack position. Others fought for purchase. These two fell into the latter camp. Their stance screamed aggression. In a shifter bar, that was a good way to get your ass kicked.
    Nic watched dispassionately as they stopped at the bar and waved money in front of Lucien’s face. I wouldn’t do that if I were you, he thought. His best friend didn’t have a lot of patience for assholes.
    Lucien’s lip curled and a growl rumbled out of his wide chest. The Celtic tattoos that started at his neck and encased both arms rippled as he tensed. Smart pups took a step back to give Lucien space. The two with the money in their hands didn’t move.
    Some pups just had to learn the hard way.
    A claw came out and speared the money, yanking the bills from the closest pup’s hand. Lucien tossed the money into a tip jar, then yelled, “Next!”
    The startled pup opened his mouth to complain, but must’ve got a look at Lucien’s expression and changed his mind.
    Nic sighed. He wasn’t in the mood to put up with this kind of crap tonight. He turned to leave, but before he could go, a beer slid down the bar and stopped in front of him.
    He looked over in time to see Lucien grin, then his friend went