Bitter Vows (Crimson Falls 1)

“Uhm, is right,” I tell her, my attention now torn between catching up with Aelin or following Dad to find out what’s going on. My gaze snaps back to where my mother seems completely oblivious to everything as she laughs and flirts with someone in a suit who looks like he’s got one foot in the grave.

The emcee announces that dinner will soon be served and requests everyone to take their seats. All the while through dinner, Dad’s face is a picture of pure dread. I lean over and whisper in his ear, “Are you okay?”

He chuckles. “Of course I am.” The fake smile is back, lying to me directly to my face. It’s the second time in my life he’s done it, and my gut churns with unease. “Why don’t you enjoy your dinner, sweetheart?” he tells me, nudging my chin with his knuckles in a gesture that usually would calm me down. But after what I’ve witnessed, it leaves a sinking feeling in my stomach.

3

Lycan

The paperwork is in place. There’s nowhere to run now because tonight, I’ll be meeting her. I’ve been flicking through her social media for a few days now, taking in every photo I can. I’ve devoured her with my hungry ogling, and my predatory fangs are ready to sink into the sweet, supple flesh of Scarlett Bardot.

The one photo I’ve saved is of her in a beautiful red dress, the color of blood. The sleek, silky material hugs her curves like a second skin. Her long hair is draped over one shoulder in a thick, auburn braid. The thought of her with those flowing locks over her voluptuous tits makes my dick hard. She’s not skinny, with curves enough to grip and manhandle, but even so, I’m certain she’ll be able to bear children. All I need is one son.

Horatio didn’t know what he was setting his daughter up for when he walked into my world and wanted to play with the big boys. The dollar signs in his eyes flashed as he learned about everything that Heaven could gift him, a place to delve into the darkest fantasy, but also a place you could lose your soul to the devil. To me.

When Kahn arrived back from the gala, he told me exactly what Bardot had said; he gave Horatio the ultimatum. The payment will be his daughter’s hand in marriage.

And then Kahn informed Horatio Bardot I will be bringing the contract to him personally. While we dine with the beauty, I’ll assess her to ensure she’s completely oblivious to who I am and why I’m there.

I should have been at the gala to hammer the final nail in the coffin, but having my right-hand man do it, allowing me time to prepare the contract, was necessary. And I wanted to meet Scarlett in her home for the first time. Not at some fancy party that had nothing to do with me.

Picking up the phone, I dial Alex’s number. Two rings later, I hear his voice. “Do you have news for me?” The eagerness in his tone is the only giveaway that he’s been waiting on me. It’s only been a few days since he called, but Kahn and the team moved quickly.

“They walked into the convent, found a basement of fifteen girls, all new to the church. My men are looking into a chain of convents they’d been moved through posing as real churches. The nuns have young women join, all the while training them for more sinister futures. I have a few names. One, in particular, stands out.”

“Lorenzo?” Alex asks, naming the person in question, no surprise in his tone. He knew we’d find it. He knew I would send Kahn to do this job, and that’s why he called me.

“You realize this is going to blow up before the month is at its end?” I lean back in my chair, ignoring the paperwork I need to get through before dinner tonight. I have a couple of hours, but I’m intrigued to know why Alex really allowed me to take the lead with this.

“That’s the idea. Once the Cartel knows we’re onto them, we’ll have started a blood war. Something I’m looking forward to because I want that man’s life in my hands, and when I finally get it, I’ll ensure to snuff it out.”

And there it is, the underlying promise. There’s nothing I’ve ever done for the mafia that didn’t come with another hidden agenda, and this time it’s no different. I should feel used, but I enjoy when justice is found.

“My man taking the lead on this won’t stop until he’s found Lorenzo,” I tell Alex. “If he does…”

“I know. It’s not Lorenzo I want. Tell your team they have permission to take what they need, a pound of flesh, or more, but I want the leader.”