Free Dead Shifter Walking by Kim Schubert

Darren’s stormy brown eyes. “I don’t really want
to kill you.”
    They both let go of the breath they were
holding. Yep, I have that effect on people; the title executioner
should pretty much explain it.
    “That’s a relief,” Darren said, sitting back in
the sofa. “I would never do anything to harm Kass or Hannah or…” he
smiled at Kass, placing his hand over her stomach, “the new baby.”
He returned his attention back to me. “I understand your position,
and while I am sure I will make mistakes, I will do everything in
my power to keep them safe.”
    His demeanor may have seemed relaxed, but I
didn’t mistake the determination or sheer will power he was kicking
out in protecting his family.
    I nodded. “First order of business: you need to
acquire a home not in your brother’s name. Until that time, we will
put you up in a safe house. Be ready to move Friday night. Second,
you will all be assigned new cell phones.” I stood up, stretching.
“I’m not taking any chances.”
    Kass and Darren stood as well, walking me out.
Darren started to say, “This house and all assets of
representatives of the Clan belong to the Clan. I…” He paused,
correcting himself. “we”―he smiled lovingly at Kass―“will
undoubtedly catch grief for this breech of protocol.”
    I nodded. “I can see that, but―”
    Darren raised his hand, stopping me. “I
understand, Olivia; the first priority must be my family, and if
something does happen to me, I wouldn’t want them homeless,” he
said, taking my concerns seriously.
    I nodded, reaching the door. “I’m glad we’re in
agreement about that.”
    “Olie,” Kass said, taking my hands, “one more
thing…”
    I mentally was screaming what now?
    “Will you be my bridesmaid?” she asked
hopefully.
    My mouth opened; I squeaked. Then I closed it
and tried a second time. “What? Kass, you have so many friends…” I
trailed off, “who would be far more qualified in the girlie
arena.”
    She rolled her eyes. “Yeah that’s why I’m not
asking you to be my maid of honor. Just think about it, okay?” she
said, opening the door. “It would mean a great deal to both of
us.”
    I walked through the door, glancing at the happy
couple, shocked out of my comfort zone. “Yeah, I will.” I sighed.
“So this means I’m back on as the replacement at Kitten?”
    She smiled. “Yep. Good news is, the doctor
cleared me for another week or so, since my body is already used to
the constant dancing.”
    I nodded, making my way to the car. “Bye!” Kass
yelled from the door. I lifted my hand in farewell, still not sure
how I felt about everything.
     

Chapter 5
    The really awesome and kick-ass feature about
having a driver is that I could process everything that had just
happened without having to also concentrate on my surroundings. It
was less than two weeks of being spoiled by Jerry and, already, I
considered him vital to my survival in the city.
    I sighed, changing the radio station to the
local country one, smiling as I thought about Mercer listening to
the same. Rolling my shoulders, I shifted my mind back to the
murders. There were so many unanswered questions, and I wasn’t much
of a stealthy detective. I was more the kind of girl who started
pounding on doors and getting into others’ dirty laundry while they
were hog-tied. Part of my job as the executioner was to determine
complete guilt before I killed. Did I need it personally? Nope,
sure didn’t; however, running around murdering anyone who I had a
slight dislike for did not boost morale. It was a fine line,
leading by fear.
    Kass and Darren seemed so happy, overjoyed by
the new addition and the survival of Hannah. I was jealous of their
life; while they certainly had challenges to overcome, they would
do it together, fight by each other’s side, and raise two little
angels. For only a moment, I let my mind question if I didn’t have
to be this way: a violent, short-tempered dancer. What would I