Book One.
The world has become a different place since the attack on New York. People have been forced to accept a reality filled with superhumans, machine men, and alien races. Earth has become a playground for the universe with humans getting los...
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Juliette's feet were killing her - it had been a long eight-hour shift at the Diner. She'd love nothing more than to be at home in bed, but even with tips, her diner job wasn't enough to hold down her side of the rent. She squinted against the sunlight as it broke through the late afternoon haze. The smell of the Hudson river drifting in a gentle coastal breeze.
This was the address that Chloe had given her when she'd called - she looked down at the scribbled ink on the inside of her palm, double checking. Juliette had to admit this wasn't what she had been expecting. The building looked like it was on the edge of being condemned. Most likely an old fishing warehouse converted into a bar. She doubted it drew in the type of crowd she would be comfortable surrounding herself with - but they needed the money.
Juliette rubbed her forehead, feeling the echoes of an oncoming headache.
"We don't open for another hour or so."
She turned startled to find out she had an observer. The young woman looked like she had been cut from obsidian - her skin smooth and dark, while the angles of her face were sharp. Her eyes were a rich brown like coffee, with a glimmer of hidden wisdom. She laughed at Juliette, looking a little apologetic. "Sorry. I didn't mean to scare you."
"You didn't..." She mumbled, furrowing her brow.
"That's not what your face said." The woman approached the door, opening the side bag that hung from her shoulder. She pulled out a key ring. "So, why are you standing out here like a total stalker?"
Juliette grimaced - She should've gone home and showered before coming here. "I heard you guys were looking for more help."
The woman worked with the lock, the door opening with a heavy groan. She turned to Juliette with a curious gaze. "I'm Aisha. I'm the main bartender here."
"Juliette."
She nodded her head. "You ever work at a bar, Juliette?"
Her lips pursed and shook her head. This was not off to a good start.
Aisha snorted then smiled, waving her free hand. "Wonderful. Come on, you can wait inside - Jimmy should be here soon if he isn't already here."
Juliette hesitated for a moment before crossing the distance and walking through the open door. It slammed heavy behind them, darkness falling. There was the rush of hurried footsteps before the room was illuminated by large hanging lights from rafters. "So, what made you want to work at The Kraken? You don't look like the type - no offense."
Juliette looked down at herself, smoothing out her blouse before tucking some stray hair behind her ear. "None taken." She watched as Aisha walked to the bar, dropping her bag on the counter. "I need money, my other job doesn't pay enough. Beggars can't really be choosers."
"I hear that." She gave Juliette a sympathetic smile. "I work here most nights, but I just got my masters and I'm working on my Ph.D. while I'll part-time at NYU."
