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My jaw clenched so hard I felt my fangs might descend and crack my lower jaw.

“Teresa.” I said her name, but it was barely recognizable through my clenched teeth. I recognized her signature kill, the theatrical cruelty, the message meant specifically for me. Shewas killing women who shared Chanel’s name as a countdown, a sick promise of what’s to come.

“Yes, boss.” Natasha pulled up another screen showing a map of Chicago with five red points marking the murder locations. “The pattern moved inward, closer to the club with each killing.”

“And Marisol?” I asked, though I already knew the answer.

“They are likely working together. But Teresa could be doing these murders all on her own. The latest victim was found this morning, less than ten blocks from The Castle. She was killed somewhere else, but her body was dumped in a gangway.”

“Harlen mentioned a college student that Teresa savagely killed in a dorm room a few days ago.”

Natasha looked me square in the eyes. “Yes, the student’s name was Chanel Taylor. She was victim number four.”

“Fuck! This has been happening right under our noses.”

“Yes, boss, but we didn’t know how vindictive your ex would be. Killing strangers for sport. It’s very childish. It’s very human.”

“I should’ve known she would do something deplorable. If something happens to Chanel, it will be my fault. I’m the one that came into her life and brought this baggage I can’t seem to escape.”

Natasha patted me on my shoulder. “We’re dealing with it now. I will assemble the security team and your employees in the conference room and fill everyone in on our new directive.”

“Thank you, Natasha.”

“Thank me when both of those bitches are ash.” She spewed.

“How many of those guns have you made?”

Natasha’s invention would normally be my last option, but I had to use her new toy. With this new revelation, I didn’t know if Teresa and Marisol had raised an army of vampires to come after us.

“I have ten prototypes of the Cripo Glocks. I’m ready to train as many men as you need to use them.”

“This weapon is very dangerous if it gets into the wrong hands.” I stopped myself from thinking of the worse possible outcome. “Are they locked away?”

“Yes, how many should I disperse?”She asked.

“I don’t want them in everyone’s hands. Me, you, Josh, Matt and Marco.”

“What about Harlen, Viktor, and Donté?”

“I don’t know if I can truly trust Harlen. And Donté is my son, but he’s too new to this vampire life. Viktor will be next in line. Let’s wait to let them in on our secret weapon.”

“Oh, course. I will call the others in one at a time for extra training. I will have everyone locked and loaded within twenty-four hours.”

“Very good.” I groaned. “I’m going back to the loft. I have to explain this new development to Chanel.”

“Are you sure that’s a good idea?”

“It would be better to hear it from me. Some rogue journalists or whistleblower could have this story out in the Times tomorrow. I have to tell her.”

“You’re right.” Natasha agreed. “She should know to watch her back.”

I hated I had to give Chanel this news. “I’ll send Josh back here to get his gun and train.”

“Are you leaving now?” She asked.

“Yes.”

“Boss, I want to arm you first.”