Chapter 1: Lucas Kane

I had been driving for what felt like an eternity. My jet-black 1967 Ford Mustang, Bella, blended perfectly into the night, almost invisible against the dark highway. The radio was tuned to a local rock station, humming a faint, nostalgic track from yesteryear—maybe Def Leppard, maybe Queensrÿche. Honestly, I wasn't paying attention. I was on my way back from a case in Hartford, Connecticut, a place I absolutely despised. Too many people, and I really fucking hate people.

Fortunately, the low, steady rumble of the engine was finally beginning to soothe my nerves. The case had been a standard demon infestation. It felt like that was all I got tasked with lately. Then again, maybe that was just because the entire world had gone to hell in a handbasket.

“Waterbury, Connecticut. Twenty minutes,” my GPS chimed.

Perfect. My stomach rumbled aggressively, craving a basket of Mango Habanero wings. Right on cue, Bella started sputtering a little bit. She was tired and needed a rest. Forcing a faint smile, I gently stroked the dashboard.

"It's alright, Bella," I murmured. "A few more miles and you can nap for a while."

Those last twenty minutes were going to feel like forever. The car shook beneath me, vibrating so violently at times that it felt like it might just fall apart on the asphalt. Of course, it was only shaking because I was pushing it far past the speed limit. I pressed the gas pedal a hair harder anyway. The engine roared in defiance, and the car took off like a bullet fired from a gun. On the passenger seat, my cell phone lit up, chiming continuously with a barrage of notifications and text messages. I had absolutely no intention of pulling over to check that shit right now.

My stomach growled again, the sound nearly rivaling the roar of the motor. I tapped my midsection with my free hand, laughing softly as I shook my head. "We're stopping soon, buddy. You can get your grub on then."

I glanced sideways as the phone screen flared brilliantly into the darkness. I sighed. I could pull over; it might actually be important. But as I watched the screen dim back to black, I decided against it. I wasn't stopping to answer the goddamned phone for anyone.

About twenty minutes later, I pulled into the Buffalo Wild Wings parking lot in Waterbury. Naturally, it was packed out; the restaurant was right next to the Brass Mill Center mall, so crowds were a given. I twisted the key, and Bella finally fell silent. It felt like she had been running straight for twenty-four hours. Shifting in my seat, I sighed. I needed to unwind before I subjected myself to whatever kind of bullshit was waiting for me on my phone.

Taking a minute to compose my thoughts, I rubbed my eyes. Dealing with a demon-infested family took a toll on a man. Shaking off the residual tension, I threw the door open, stepped out into the cool night air, and slammed it shut.

As I walked toward the restaurant, I watched a few people stroll past me through the entrance. My eyes automatically scanned the perimeter, looking for anything out of place. It was the curse of being a hunter—always on edge, always hyper-vigilant, even when there was no reason to be.

I finally stepped inside, welcoming the blast of noise and heat.

"Booth or bar?" a hostess asked, offering a polite smile.

"Normal spot for me," I said, pointing toward the bar.

She nodded, and I made my way through the crowd toward an empty stool. After sitting down, I was handed a menu. I glanced at the guy sitting next to me; judging by his glazed eyes, he was on his fourth or fifth beer. I silently prayed he wouldn't be trouble. I'd already hit my quota for trouble today. Turning my attention back to the laminated menu, I realized I pretty much had the entire thing memorized. I was only looking at it for performance's sake.

"She should be here," I muttered, setting my phone face-down on the bar next to the menu.

Even if Emma wasn't working tonight, I was still going to order. Though, to be fair, that woman was half the reason I ever ate here. The food was just okay—I swear some of the chicken arrived frozen—but I absolutely loved the fried cheese curds.

Hoping to keep to myself, I unlocked my phone and started doom-scrolling through Facebook. In hindsight, it was a terrible idea. I stumbled upon a local supernatural group where people were confidently debating things they knew absolutely nothing about. Shaking my head, I tossed the phone back onto the counter and looked over the menu one last time.

"Ready for a drink?" one of the bartenders asked, sliding over.

I nodded. "Beer." I dug my ID out of my wallet and slapped it onto the bar. The bartender gave it a quick glance before walking away. I slid the card back into its slot just as a heavy mug was placed in front of me. The foam head was thick and prominent, sending a few stray drops of liquid sliding down the glass.

"Do you ever eat anywhere else, Luke?" a familiar, melodic voice teased from behind the bar.

A genuine smile broke through my gruff exterior. I lifted the mug to my lips and took a hefty swig before looking up.

"Eh," I shrugged.

It was Emma. She was a striking blonde with piercing blue eyes and more curves than an old country back road.

She leaned against the bar, her blue eyes locking onto mine as I pretended to study the menu. I knew that she knew my order by heart—probably better than any other ticket she'd handle tonight. She cast a quick glance around the immediate area, checking to make sure no other customers or managers were within earshot. It was her universal sign for I'm about to spill some serious tea.

I leaned in slightly. "Got something on your mind, Emma?"

"It's probably nothing," she said, shaking her head with a slightly dramatic flair that sent her blonde hair flying. Then, she leaned in closer, bringing us near enough to share a whisper. "There's this reporter named Emily who's been coming in every single night I work. She's been asking around about the Legend of the Bog Lady in Ash Hollows."

Emma’s voice was barely a breath, meant for my ears only. I nodded slowly, absorbing the information. To be completely honest, I hadn't heard anyone mention that old legend since I was a kid.

I shook my head grimly. "There's always someone sticking their nose where it doesn't belong. I'll probably end up dragged into this bullshit anyway."

"The usual?" Emma asked, smoothly transitioning back to her work persona.

I flashed her a real smile. "Yup. The usual."