Soar (The Empire Chronicles #1) Read Online Free PDF Page B

there was a story behind the breakup, but it wasn’t the time or place to push for more answers. Besides, it didn’t look like Jess or Emmett had any.
    “I can’t believe you’re going out with him. You’ve been eying Toby for months.” Remy grinned. Of course she brought the conversation back to our date again.
    “Oh. I thought you just served him coffee.” Jess raised an eyebrow.
    I shrugged. “I plead the fifth.”

Chapter Six

Toby
    Had I really just asked out Casey? I didn’t think it through at all. I just didn’t like hearing that worry in her voice, especially when I realized who was behind it. I’d started visiting Coffee Heaven after meeting the owner, Marv, at a Society meeting. Coffee Heaven was run by a family of bears (or as they liked to call themselves, Ursus) that were usually pretty loyal. Still, if bears were in on any of the attacks, which I knew they were, Marv’s family would know about it. I didn’t like the idea of the one bright spot of my day walking into a mess.
    By lunch time, the fact that she hadn’t called was starting to bother me. I debated asking Emmett for her number, but I didn’t want to come on too strong. I just had to wait it out. I squeezed the blue stress ball my grandfather had left behind. It burst open, making an annoying popping sound.
    “Staring at that phone isn’t going to make it ring.” Tim interrupted my thoughts. He’d walked into my office unannounced—again.
    “Do you have an update for me?” I tossed the remnants of the ball over my shoulder into the trash.
    “It’s bigger than we thought.”
    I sat up straighter. This wasn’t good. “In what way?”
    “At least four wolf packs and several bear clans are involved. I’ve also heard there may be some panthers, but I can’t be sure.” Tim slumped down in his usual chair in front of my desk.
    “Fuck.”
    “My thoughts exactly. We’re talking the entire tri-state area and then some.”
    “Do you know what they want? Do they think we’re going to just turn over the city to them?” I felt my anger boiling. I used to be so good at controlling it, but not anymore.
    “It’s more than the city. They’re thinking big picture.”
    “Who’s behind it?” I leaned back in my chair. This job was becoming such a headache.
    “Not who you think.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “It’s the Galvinos.” Tim looked at me nervously.
    “Marv’s clan?”
    “Yes.”
    I slammed my fist on the desk. “They’ve always been trustworthy.”
    “I know. Why do you think I said it’s not who you think?” Tim paced. He didn’t like delivering bad news. “They have to be working for someone bigger, but right now, all the trails are leading to them.”
    “I need a meeting with Marv.” For more than one reason. Were they the ones who set the wolf on Casey? I already wanted to tear Eric a new one for letting her go out in a dark alley alone at night, but to think he may have known what awaited her. I couldn’t hold off the transformation. I felt my back prickle, and I knew my eyes were probably changing color already.
    “Whoa, cuz. Calm down.” Tim stood up, readying himself for a fight.
    I shook myself, breathing slowly, trying to come back around. “A meeting. Set up a meeting.”
    “Here or on their turf?”
    “Neutral. Set something up for tomorrow. I have plans tonight.”
    “Two nights in a row?” Tim smirked. “Is that an all-time record?”
    “Just shut up and get me that meeting.”
    I got up and looked out the window at the people outside. None of them were worried about crazy bears and wolves trying to take over the city. How had my life gotten so damn complicated so fast? Nineteen wasn’t supposed to suck so much.
    My phone rang and I grabbed for it, hoping the unknown 631 number was the call I was waiting for.
    “Toby here.” I used my business greeting without thinking.
    “Ah hey. It’s Casey.” She sounded different on the phone, more timid maybe.
    “Hey. I was wondering