Chance Lost Read Online Free Page A

glimmer of knives in a few hands. Chance moved to watch them, and so did he, staying at her back. She never looked to see who was behind her, but she seemed to know it was an ally. Sy growled loudly, asserting his authority over all shifters.
     
    Jerking his chin towards the Alpha he said, “You boys need to go pick up your man and leave now. I can’t promise you’ll leave here unharmed if you don’t.”
     
    The pack attacked. Chance, Jack, and Sylas worked together like dancers, taking them down, one by one. Knives were thrust and knocked away. Punches were thrown and returned. Right when they thought it was over the Alpha stood back up, blood seeping down his face from where her boot caught him, ready for more.
     
    Sylas stepped forward to take him on when a hand on his arm stopped him.
     
    “He’s mine, stay back,” Chance said quietly. 
     
    It wasn’t in his nature to allow a woman to be in danger, but she seemed determined and capable of taking care of herself. He backed off and so did Jack after she gave him a look. Jack shrugged; a silent gesture that he was ready to take action if this went south.
     
    Craven rushed her but didn’t get far. Her hand flew out when he was close enough and she caught him in the throat with a stiff fingered hand, nails first. Craven had too much momentum going and couldn’t stop. She grabbed both shoulders when he tried to slow down and kneed his groin. Craven doubled over and she finished with a sharp elbow to the back of the head, knocking him out cold.
     
    She was seething with anger. It rolled off her so thickly he could literally taste it in the air. Sylas admired her fearlessness.
     
    She stood over Craven and whispered, “No one touches me, no man touches me and your lowlife ass will never touch me again.” Then lower, so low that Sy thought he had imagined it, he heard, “Never without my permission.” Bristling, she walked back to her table, sat down, and downed the rest of her beer.
     
    “What the hell was that all about?”  Jack looked over at Chance shaking in rage.
     
    “I haven’t a clue, but I’m going to make it a point to find out.”
     
    He helped Jack escort Craven and his pack out of the bar. Jack told all of them they were no longer welcome, but not before he collected all the money he was owed.
     
    Sylas pulled off his sunglasses and walked over to Chance’s table with a fresh cold one. She didn’t look up but nodded her thanks. Sylas wanted to lift her chin so he could look in her eyes.
     
    Catching his hand halfway there he thought better of it. Instead, he sat down and waited for her to break the ice. No need to spook the woman before he even got to speak with her. Chance took the beer bottle and placed it against her cheek and neck in an effort to cool down. He quickly became jealous of the bottle, wanting to caress that silken cheek.
     
    After a grueling ten minutes of silence, she finally looked up. Sylas hadn't taken his eyes off her “Thank you. It’s been a long time since anyone had my back. I'm not quite sure how to react. I’m glad I didn’t hurt you. That would’ve been… bad.” He nodded once, not sure of what to say. She smiled at him and Sylas forgot how to breathe. Baffled by his reaction, he told himself to wake up. He couldn’t help but smile in return.
     
    Jack walked up to hand her the winnings and started laughing when he saw the look on their faces. His laugh was infectious and then they were all laughing deep, tension relieving belly laughs. When they could laugh no more, Jack made formal introductions.
     
    “Chance meet my best friend, Sylas. Sylas, this is Chance. If you both will allow me, I’m ready to lock this place down. Fights always make me hungry. Late dinner on me, okay?”
     
    Sylas waited for Chance to decide. She looked up and seemed unsure.  Her emerald eyes had the tiniest bit of a spark to them, not quite a glow, and they glittered in the light. He smiled and shrugged one