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“Jesus,” Bash mutters and rolls his head back.

“We can always use more bodies to intimate him. He’s human, but if he’s with her, he is aware of us,” I say.

“Awesome. I’m in.” River rubs his hands together.

“We’ll help,” Kerian agrees.

“Was there a reason you came to see me today?” I ask.

“Actually, it’s the same reason Bash is. That woman approached one of our wolves. She offered him a job. She was very mysterious with the details. But she wanted him to meet her at an abandoned warehouse,” Kerian tells me.

“Shit, I was hoping she wasn’t the one killing people,” I say.

“Did you check out the file we sent over?” Kerian asks.

“Shit, I completely forgot. I started the night Samantha attacked Serenity,” I shuffle through the papers on the desk in search of it.

“Totally understandable with such a hot mate.” River blinks at me, surprised when I throw a knife over his head. He looks at me and then at the wall behind him. The blade vibrated from the force. “That was awesome,” he gushes.

Kerian smacks him on the back of the head. “Don’t talk about a man’s mate like that.”

“Sorry,” he says. “It’s still true.” He sticks out his chin.

“What we sent over was a file on Marcus. He isn’t involved. He’s been seeing a woman, not sneaking out to turn and kill humans,” Kerian explains.

“So we are back to Serenity’s mom and a suspicious interaction with my bartender,” I say glumly.

“How’s Serenity dealing with this?” Bash asks.

“Surprisingly well. She doesn’t want it to be true, but she understands we have to do whatever to stop it if it is. She called her mom this morning. She agreed to set a trap,” I say proudly.

“Damn, that’s badass,” River says, respect shining in his eyes.

“Just watch her. She may be putting up a front. Believe me, having a family member turn on you is not fun. She could break down after it’s over,” Kerian says glumly.

“I will. Thanks, Kerian,” I nod.

“Alright, enough of that. Can I help prepare the room?” River jumps excitedly.

***

This is getting us nowhere. John, the bartender, hangs from chains in a room in our basement. He cried, pissed himself, and begged for mercy. Nothing helpful to us. I was correct—he does know what we are. He has a healthy fear, but he refuses to tell us anything. I’m getting sick of humans knowing that we exist and trying to kill us. He’s sticking to his story. He says he met her for the first time that night, and she was just asking for directions.

I watch his blood trickle down his bare chest. We have restrained ourselves from causing too much damage. But it’s not working. He clams up. The only satisfying thing coming out of his mouth are screams.

“This is so disappointing,” River says. “He’s not even putting up a fight.” He is eating a burger with bloody hands.

“Where the fuck did you get that?” Bash asks.

“I’m a wolf. I need fuel,” he says as if that answers everything.

“Just go with it. You’ll never figure him out.” Kerian shares an understanding look with Bash.

I ignore them and move in front of John. My knives are at home on my chest. I toy with the handle of one, briefly flashing back to last night, and smile. John takes this as a bad sign.

“So, you know who I am?” I ask.

“Y…yes,” he stutters.