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Then I saw that bitch!

Teresa provocatively danced in the center of the dance floor. Her body gyrated to Mi Gente by J. Balvin and Willy William. She was wearing a black leather dress that clung to her form like a second skin. It was the skin of a snake that needed their head cut off.

Beside her were the faces of humans, oblivious to the predator in their midst. How many of them would she feed on tonight? How many more Chanel Taylor’s would die if I didn’t end this soon?

As if sensing my predatory gaze, Teresa turned in my direction. Our eyes locked across the crowded floor. Surprise flickered across her face. It was quickly replaced by delight. Her lips curved into a smile that held no warmth.Was she happy to see me?

She beckoned me with a single finger, inviting me to join her on the dance floor. The gesture carried all the arrogance I remembered about her. She thought with absolute certainty that she could control any situation, manipulate any person. Even me. Especially me.

I felt Harlen tense beside me, his hand reflexively moving toward his concealed weapon.

“Be cool.” I murmured.

“That bitch killed Morgan!”

I looked my brother in his eyes. “Harlen, we’re going to get her. But not here. Not now.”

He conceded with a head nod. I removed my Cripo Glock, discreetly passing it to Natasha with a look that communicated more than words could. She took it with a nearly imperceptible motion.

“Cover me. Don’t intervene unless I give the signal.” I told Natasha and Harlen. “This needs to play out a certain way.”

Harlen’s jaw clenched. “Be careful, brother. If she kills humans so freely, vampires are next.”

“We’re not going to lose any of our people. Don’t even think it.” I sternly replied.

I straighten my suit jacket and stepped forward, moving toward Teresa with long strides. The crowd parted instinctively before me. I’m tall, and humans subconsciously recognize me as a predator. Teresa watched my approach. Her smile widened. Her thin body was still moving to the beat of the music.

I glided into Teresa’s space. My hands found her waist. We’ve danced this dance before, in a different place, at a different time.It was our wedding day when the steps were romantic rather than hostile. I gripped her tighter than necessary, my fingers digging into the fabric of her dress. It wasn’t made of real leather. The fabric was cheap, just like the bar I picked her up in, just a few years ago.

“Zand.” She purred my name from her lips. “This time you came to me. I’m flattered.”

The Latin beat drove our movements. I danced in my own controlled way just to fit in and not look suspicious. I guided her roughly, my steps aggressive and forceful. There was nothing seductive about the way we move together. This was a fierce battle choreographed to music.

Teresa leaned in, pressing her breasts into my chest. Her hair brushed against my cheek. The high heels lifted her just a few inches below me.

“Stop being so rough with me. Save that for the bedroom.” She whispered up to my ear.

“You think this is rough?” I clawed at her shoulder, causing her to stumble.

“I do. Stop it now, or I’ll start killing random people on this goddamn dance floor.”

“You’re bluffing.” My jaw clenched, but I eased my grip on her shoulder and back. I refused to give her an excuse to spill innocent blood. “Always the same threats, Teresa. You haven’t changed.”

She laughed. It was a delightful sound to anyone who didn’t know the darkness behind it. We turned in perfect synchronization.

“Turning Marisol crossed the line.” I said, keeping my voice low enough that only she could hear. “And killing innocent women named Chanel Taylor is diabolical.”

Teresa’s eyes flashed with amusement. All around us, humans continued to dance, unaware of the predators in their midst.

“You have no idea where the line is.” She moaned while her fingers dug into my shoulders. “I will stop at nothing to make you feel pain, and I won’t stop until you lose everything you love and have worked for here in Chicago.”

The music shifted to a deeper bass line. Teresa moved closer to me, although that seemed impossible. Her body pressed against mine felt grotesque. My eyes scanned the club over her shoulder. I located each member of my team. They were maintaining their positions and watching with alert vigilance.

“Why kill innocent humans?” I demanded an answer while spinning her abruptly. “They have nothing to do with us. It seems beneath you or any vampire.”

Teresa’s face hardened. “No human is innocent. They are sheep. Prey. Food. Nothing more.”

“You were once a human.” I reminded her.