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This dance had been building to a crescendo since she first threatened Chanel, since she orchestrated Morgan’s death, and since she aligned herself with Marisol Lopez.

Teresa laughed when there was nothing to laugh about. “You took Marisol from me. I’ve taken something from you too. I want closure.”

“Fuck you. Fuck closure.”

“You asshole. You will be sorry. You got to see what I’ve done.”

A chill spread across my skin. “What else have you done?”

“Nothing yet.” She said, too quickly. “But I have plans that will make burning Marisol look like a child’s tantrum.”

“Fine. Where?” I asked, cutting through her threats. “Where do you want to meet?”

There was a pause. I could almost see her smile spreading, victorious and cruel. “Let’s meet by the Lakefront.”

“Where?”

“Belmont Harbor.”

My jaw tightened unwillingly. Of course, she would choose that spot. It was a desolate stretch of Lake Michigan’s shoreline where I disposed of Lonzo Lopez’s body months ago. The symbolism wasn’t subtle. She was telling me she knew what I’ddone. I’m sure her spy, Layla told her. How did Layla know? It was clear there were gossipers in my ranks.

“On Recreation but not the Marina. After two.” Her voice was different now, businesslike. The negotiations were over. “Just you, the nurse. And as a show of good faith, no more than three of your people. I’ll bring the same. I don’t want you to think this is an ambush.”

“An Ambush.” I refrained from laughing. “I’ll be there.” I confirmed, knowing even as I spoke that we were both lying.

“Oh, and Zand?” Her voice turned saccharine again. “Don’t be late.”

The line went dead. I set the phone down. Teresa’s choice of location wasn’t random. She was telling me she knew about Lonzo. But how much did she know? Did she know I ended his miserable existence the night he came for Chanel at her apartment? Layla did me a true disservice. If I could kill her all over again, I would.

The door to my office opened, and I looked up to see Natasha entering. Her face was professionally blank, as always. I loved that about her. Behind her were Harlen and Morgan, both wearing a new change of clothes. Their eyes were bright with the particular satisfaction that came from executing a traitor.

“It’s done.” Harlen reported unnecessarily. He had proven to me that he could get the job done.

“Good.” I rose from my chair, my decision already made. “We’re meeting Teresa tonight at 2 AM.”

Natasha’s posture shifted subtly. “Where?”

“The Lopez disposal site. Due to our traitor Layla, Teresa knows where I dumped his body.”

“Shit! She told her everything.” Natasha raged.

“Teresa believes I’m bringing only three vampires with me. Fuck her. I want everyone there—you, Donté, Josh, Marco, thebest of our security team. And I want everyone armed with Cripo Glocks.”

Morgan stepped forward. She was leaning into her new role in intel. “You’re walking into a trap.” She volunteered.

“Of course I am,” I agreed. “And so is she.”

Harlen grinned. “This ends tonight, then.”

“It does.” I confirmed. “One way or another. I’m over this bullshit.”

“We should position people early.” Natasha suggested, already strategizing. “I can have snipers in place by midnight.”

“Make it happen.” I told her. “I want every advantage.”

As they began discussing tactical positions and weapon distribution. I sensed a presence at the door. I turned to find Chanel standing in the threshold. She looked well rested and refreshed. I should’ve been home a long time ago. I hadn’t realized it was late morning.

“You’re going after Teresa.” She said, not asking. She heard enough of our conversation to piece it together.