Page 9

WHAT'S NORMAL?

J EREMY

Back at our apartment, I start to second guess my decision. This week has been difficult for all of us. We learned that my father organized and ran a sex trafficking ring for decades, both Will’s and Luke’s dads were involved, and Emily killed them for it. Now I’ve asked the woman I’m in love with to kill my father, too.

Have I lost my mind? This is insane, right? “I’m just saying, normal people don’t ask their girlfriend to kill their father. That doesn’t mean I don’t want her to do it.” Justifying my feelings is strange. But I’m so conflicted about all of this.

“You have to decide if this is what you want before she does it. It’s not like she has the power to un-kill him. I don’t think necromancy is real,” Will argues.

“I mean, vampirism is real, and that’s kind of the same thing,” Luke jokes. I glare at them both.

“I know. My decision stands. He deserves to die for what he’s done,” I declare, pausing for a moment. “I just can’t help thinking about when we were young. He seemed so different then. That’s the man I’ll mourn. Not the monster who’s taken his place.”

The decision is easier to stand by when I see how this is affecting our mothers. The three of them are holed up at Will’s family home, since his dad’s death was ruled natural causes. Even if we know the truth, there’s no reason for the rest of the world to find out. The paparazzi are already camped out on the lawn, hoping to get pictures or video. It’s distasteful and wrong. And I have the power to make it stop; or at least, to have Em take care of it.

“Our moms are safe for now, but we can’t let them be victimized again,” I say. And that’s what it boils down to. I will do what it takes to protect what’s left of our families.

EMILY

There isn’t much for me to do after the guys leave. I need to figure out the best way to dispose of Franklin. Thanks to Brynn dropping knowledge into my brain—which I may never get used to—I know the jail’s schedule. The only way to get access to him is through his son, though. I don’t like involving Jeremy or any of the others, but he asked me to do this.

With seized assets, there’s a real chance that any of the families could lose everything. I won’t let that happen. I’ve already set up trusts for Will and his family, so I do the same for Jeremy, then make one for Luke as well. What am I, an assassin with a soft spot? I laugh at the idea. If I’m honest with myself, I know that soft spot is what got me into this business in the first place. It’s never caused me a problem before.

Until I fell for these men. I nearly gave up a job, and my life, to keep from hurting one of them. Relief washes over me, taking the feelings of guilt I’ve been carrying with it. I know they’re not as okay with everything as they want me to believe, but I’m glad that they don’t fully hate me for what I’ve done.

Locking myself in my secret room, I review blueprints and schematics for the jail. I go over the guards’ schedules, even though they’ll have very little effect on my plan.

Then I stare at the screen while I consider my options. Jer suggested making it look like suicide. I’m not sure Franklin is the suicide type. I dig into his past more and discover a connection to my own father. I’ve never been able to find the leader of the ring Daddy dearest worked for. Until now. Rage boils just under the surface, begging to be set free.

I’m even more invested in seeing this through. I need to take this man out. I’ve never tried to control someone from inside before, but I’m considering it now. If I can make him tear out his own throat with his claws, or hang himself with a bedsheet, on camera, there will be no investigation into his death. No one will bat an eye.

That idea sends me down a rabbit hole, researching wolf shifters and how their abilities work. There are tons of articles explaining the biology and magic of it. I wonder if I can pull this off.

LUKE

Jer sleeps a little overnight. His decision weighs on him. I haven’t said much to Em about all of this, because I’m not exactly sure what to say. I never would have imagined my dad being involved in any of this. If I hadn’t seen the proof with my own eyes, I wouldn’t believe it now. But even before she told us, my mom had left a message that she needed to tell me some things, and I’m certain this is what she meant.

I can’t say how this new knowledge will change things, simply because I don’t know yet. What I do know is that being a vampire is not easy. Dad taught me that forgiveness is key. Other supernaturals and even humans don’t live nearly as long as we do. I can choose to hold a grudge and stay angry, or I can forgive and enjoy my time with Em.

There will be plenty of time later to be angry. For now, I will support and care for my friends. After checking on Jer again, I head to Will’s room. He’s always been an insomniac, and it’s gotten worse since his father’s death. I know he’d never admit it, but he’s not as okay with all this as he pretends to be. I’m not saying he’s mad at Em or going to do anything to hurt her. He’s just conflicted, even if he doesn’t see it.

I poke my head inside his room and find him fast asleep. It’s the first time in months that he looks peaceful. Maybe he’s not as conflicted as I thought.

Em sends us a group text, letting us know what time we need to head down to the jail. I check my watch and realize that Jer and Will still have a couple of hours to sleep before we need to get ready. I set an alarm and head back to my room, settling onto my bed with a book.

EMILY

With all my research done, I decide that a few hours of sleep are a good idea. I don’t want to be groggy when I try this for the first time. Hopefully it works, otherwise, I’ll have to switch to plan B. I lay in bed for a little while, staring at the ceiling. Part of me wants to send a text to my guys, but I won’t interrupt their sleep, if they’re actually getting some.

I drift off slowly, having time to check my alarm to be sure I’m not late. Luke was the only one to respond to the group text, so I’m hoping the other two are sleeping.

It doesn’t take long for the nightmare to take hold of me, like it normally does. This time, every man I’ve ever killed appears. As I stab, slice, and tear at them, their faces morph into those of the men I love. In my dream, I kill Jeremy, Luke, and Will over and over. I can’t stop myself from completing the missions, and I enjoy every kill. I think that’s what scares me the most. I know I’m killing them, and I’m relishing it.

Can I trust myself with these men? The thought crosses my mind as I stake Luke in the heart. He dissolves in front of me, and something changes. I bolt upright in bed, tears streaming down my face. It was just a dream. None of it was real. That’s a lie, and I know it. The elation I felt when I killed each man was very real, and it didn’t matter to me that the men had my lovers’ faces.

I truly am a monster. I don’t deserve to be loved by these men. I should leave while I have the chance, before things get more complicated.

I can’t do that to Jeremy, though. I promised that I would take care of his dad for him, so that all three of their moms can live in peace. I’m protecting them from the fallout that’s coming. More than that, I’m selfish and want to keep the three of them for myself. I can’t let my nightmares drive a wedge between us.

Knowing that any chance at sleep is gone, I get up and shower. I’ll be ready early, but it’s the only thing I can do right now.

JEREMY

I can’t stop the nightmares. They’ve been attacking me since I found out what a horrible beast my father is. I don’t want the details in the media, but in my dreams, it’s already there. As I walk through the streets, I see it everywhere.

Videos play on billboards, showing the depraved things my father did to women as they begged him to stop. Photos display in storefront windows, depicting the shady deals my father made. Exchanges of money, women, even drugs, are pasted up where everyone can see.

Mortification isn’t even a strong enough word for what I feel at seeing these things. And somehow, every citizen I pass knows exactly who I am. Their mocking haunts me.

“Oh, there goes the Franklin boy. I wonder if he’s as awful as his father.”

“Look, it’s the son. I bet he’s gearing up to take over the old man’s operation.”

“You know that boy is in just as deep as his father. How could they treat women that way?”

I fist my hands in my hair and run, trying to escape it all. The voices echo in my head, accusing me of being part of it all, laying out my future, speculating at whether I’ll be worse than my father in the end. I scream as I race away from them all.

As long as I’ve been running, I should be outside of the city, but I’m not. I stand in front of our building, staring up at the windows I know mean home. Safety calls to me, begging me to return to the people I love. I enter the building and climb the stairs quickly. With my wolf speed, it’s faster than waiting for the elevator. I reach our floor quickly and dart inside the apartment.

I expect to find my chosen family waiting for me. Instead, I find their lifeless bodies, with Emily standing over them. Will’s glossy eyes stare at me from beside a charred pile of ash I know has to be Luke. The wicked smile on her face terrifies me, and I have the desire to run again.

But I have nowhere else to go; nothing to live for. My life is ruined. So, I stand there, waiting for her to kill me too. Part of me welcomes it. I want to die because of how screwed up everything is now.

“Jeremy! Wake up. You’re having a nightmare. Come on, man,” Will’s voice permeates the dream, pulling me toward consciousness.

“What happened?” I ask, opening my eyes to see Will standing over me.

“You were screaming. This nightmare was a bad one, huh? Do you wanna talk about it?” he asks, sitting beside me on the bed.

I shake my head. I can’t tell him that seeing his dead body is what made me freak out like that. It’s not fair to anyone for me to share that. “I’m okay. This one was just a lot. The media had everything and everyone knew who I was. They all accused me of being in on it.”

“Wow, that does sound awful. It was just a dream, though. We should go ahead and get ready to leave, since we’re already up. Em texted to let us know what time to get there. Luke has been dressed and waiting for hours. I don’t think he slept at all.” I sit up at Will’s words.

“Does that mean you actually slept?” I know how much he’s struggled with that, especially since this all started. He nods with a sad smile.

“Better than I have in years. I think it’s knowing the truth that helped me with that.” The quiet conviction on his face tells me that I have nothing to worry about. Emily would never hurt us. She loves us, and we love her. We’re all in this together. It was just a dream.

I let a hot shower wash the remnants of the nightmare away as I prepare to see my father for the last time.

EMILY

We meet up for breakfast so that Jeremy has time to call and arrange a visit with his father. We sit in the coffee shop, drinking the delicious warm brew and munching on pastries while he makes the call.

“Yes, officer. I’d like to see my father this morning if I can.” Jeremy pauses, winks at me and crinkles his nose. “Lloyd Franklin. That’s right.” He listens for a minute as the officer speaks. “I’m not planning to bring him anything but my disdain, sir. I just want to tell him face to face that he’s no longer my father.” Another short pause. “Thank you so much. I’ll be right over.”

I know that Jer had originally wanted the guys to go with him, but he must have changed his mind. “The guys are gonna meet us there,” he says, as if reading my mind.

“Oh, okay,” I respond, unsure how he knew what I was thinking.

“That officer said I can go in to see him as soon as I get there. What do you need to do to get ready?” he asks, pulling me from my thoughts.

“I just need a private spot to shift, then I’ll hitch a ride in your phone. Once we’re inside the precinct, I can come out. It won’t matter if they make you lock it up or not. Either way, I’ll be good to finish the job,” I say, without realizing that I haven’t told them about the guild or the assignment to kill Franklin.

“You take all of this very seriously,” he replies. I nod and head toward the bathroom. I might as well see if I can shift there instead of having to go home. The bathroom is empty, so I shift, send a quick but cryptic text to let the guys know I’m going into Jer’s phone, and float back to the table where I left him.

From the waiting room, Will texts Jer, and I know that’s my signal to get out of the phone. I try not to think about how this entire plan makes them all accomplices. I can’t afford to get distracted by the risks my guys are taking to help me with this job. I have to focus on getting this done and getting out of here.

I’m annoyed that Jeremy wants to be there when it happens. I’ve tried to explain to him that it’s better if he doesn’t see it. There’s no arguing with him, though. His mind is made up, and I’m sticking to the plan.

I hang over his shoulder as we move to the interview room where he’ll get to talk to his father. Of course, there will be officers in the room to ensure Jeremy’s safety, and that he doesn’t pass anything to the prisoner. The moment we walk into the small space, I know I have a problem.

Franklin’s hands are cuffed. There’s no way he’s going to be able to rip out his own throat if he’s chained like that. Fuck. Now what am I going to do? I spent so much time prepping this plan, and it’s an amazing one if I can pull it off.

I stay in my place on Jeremy’s shoulder as he takes his seat. From that vantage point, I scan the room. Two guards, one stands by the door, and the other is in position behind Franklin. Both men stand with one hand on their gun. It’s an intimidating picture, and for a moment, I reconsider my plan.

I should just wait until Franklin is in his cell alone and take him out then. But I can’t do that. I agreed to do this Jeremy’s way, with his help. I can’t change things now when I don’t have the ability to explain what I’m thinking.

In my research, I read about how strong wolf shifters are, especially alphas. I wonder if I can manipulate Franklin into breaking the cuffs that hold his hands. And now I’ve turned my problem into a challenge. Much better.

I take a deep breath, then slide across the table. Franklin flinches when I enter him, and I push away the idea of how dirty that sounds. I’ve never attempted to control someone from the inside, but with all the research I’ve done, I think I can do it.

“Are you okay? You look annoyed,” Jeremy begins the conversation that should keep his dad distracted while I work.

“Just a cold chill. What do you want?”

“Gee, Dad, aren’t you glad to see your only son?” Sarcasm drips from my lover’s voice, and pain stabs through my heart. I hadn’t expected Franklin to be so cold and distant toward his son.

“Jeremiah, I don’t have time for games. Now, either tell me why you’re here, or leave so I can get back to building my defense,” Franklin responds.

“Okay, then. I just wanted to tell you that we’re not going to your trial. Mom and I will not support you through this. You deserve to be punished for what you’ve done, and I hope you get the worst possible sentence.”

He pauses, and I settle into Franklin, stretching myself into the areas I need to control. I straighten his fingers, then curl them into fists. I can see through his eyes, and Jeremy’s reaction tells me that his father is freaking out a little from not being in full control.

“I have one question for you, though. I know you won’t answer, but I’m asking anyway. Why did you do all of this? Was it just for the money?”

I uncurl and curl Franklin’s fingers again, noting that the officers on guard duty don’t budge during this conversation. “You’re ridiculous, son. I’ve done nothing wrong.”

“I expected that response,” Jeremy says, nodding to me. It’s time. I take control of Franklin’s hands, forcing them to shift into elongated claws. They almost look like his shift has gone wrong somehow. I wonder if it’s because he’s fighting my control.

Jeremy stands up, moving back against the wall. “What are you doing, Dad?” I’m not sure if he’s feigning terror or if he’s actually startled by what I’m manipulating his father into doing.

I don’t think I can control his words, so I don’t try to. Instead, I jerk the cuffs, snapping them in half. Then I force Franklin to stand up, facing his son. I can see his expression in the two-way mirror on the wall. He’s terrified for probably the first time in his life. And the last.

Franklin fights harder against my control, and the guards pull their weapons, training them on him. “Prisoner! Sit down and put your hands on the table.”

Before they can shoot or even think to taze him, I force his clawed hand up and grip his Adam’s apple. The claws dig into the skin, blood pours from the wounds. I see the tears falling from Jeremy’s eyes as I force Franklin to rip his own throat out. I remain standing as he falls to the floor.

Jeremy stares at the body, then looks around the room. I know he’s looking for me, but I’m pixelated, so there’s nothing to see. I make my way back over to his shoulder, making sure to tap him so he knows I’m there.

From here, everything goes crazy. Franklin is clearly dead, and there are three witnesses to say it was self-inflicted. Add that to the cameras that were recording the whole thing, and I should be safe. They take him to a different room and question Jeremy for two more hours before letting him go.

Will and Luke stand up as Jer enters the waiting room, with me hitching a ride. I warned them that there would be lots of questions, even if the cops watched it happen this way.

I can’t help feeling guilty for putting Jer through all of this, even if it was his idea. With as smoothly as this job went, I wonder for a moment if the guys would be willing to be my team. Maybe I’ll bring it up to them later.

A few minutes later, we’re back in the apartment ordering lunch. “Are you sure you can eat after watching all that?” Luke asks Jeremy.

“I think I’m okay. It was surreal to watch. Dad was so scared and confused. He had no idea why he did the partial shift, or why he couldn’t control his hands. The whole thing was kinda like watching a B horror film.”

“Cheesy and overrated?” Will offers.

I roll my eyes and smack his arm. “Stop. This isn’t funny.” But Jeremy and Luke are laughing at Will’s joke. I have to admit, it really did play out like a weird movie. I won’t tell them that, though.

“You know how I said I kill for money, right?” I figure now is as good a time as any to admit what I’ve already done with the money.

“Yeah, I mean, you said they were jobs. We assumed that you’d get paid for them,” Luke answers.

“Well, what I didn’t say before is that I got recruited by an assassin’s guild, and they sent me each of your dads as a job. And, yeah, there was compensation involved.” I pause and wait for a second while they process. “I did something with the money, and I need you guys to know about it.”

“What did you do?” Will asks. Jeremy stares at me in disbelief.

“How could you not tell us?” he asks.

“I didn’t want you to think I was only doing it because of the contract. I took your dad out because you asked me to—before the contract came through. I’m telling you about the guild and the money now, because I trust you guys. I pooled the money for all three jobs and split it between your families. There’s enough money for each family to make up for what you’ve all lost with your fathers’ crimes.” I pull up the info on my phone and hand it to Will.

“That’s a lot of zeros,” he says, handing the phone to Luke.

“Holy shit,” Luke exclaims, passing it to Jeremy.

“Is this the total? Or is this what each family got?” Jer asks.

“That’s what each family got. Your moms will be taken care of and there will be a lot of money left for you guys. I hope that’s okay.” I start to panic, thinking that they’ll get angry that I’ve given their families blood money.

Will drags me into his arms. “That is a very generous thing to do, especially when that was your payment for doing a job.”

“I can’t believe you did this. Mom can get the house back now. Thank you,” Luke says quietly.

Jeremy just looks at me. “I don’t know what to say,” he whispers.

“Look, you guys don’t have to say anything. I didn’t do it so you’d thank me. I did it because it felt like the right thing to do. Given everything your moms and families have been through, they deserve to be taken care of. I want them to have this money. And it can’t be traced to me at all, so no one will ever know where it came from. It’ll look like your moms were hiding money from your dads, and the cops will let it go.” I buried my tracks very carefully to ensure that the police would not be able to confiscate this money or seize it in any way.

“Now that all of this is behind us, we should really talk about that vacation you mentioned,” Luke says.

“Oh, you remember that, do you?” I tease.

“We all do. And we’re hoping you wanna go somewhere sunny and warm,” Will says.

“Why’s that?” I ask, curious at their reasoning.

“So, we can see you lounging around in a bikini when we have to leave the room, and nothing at all the rest of the time,” Jeremy answers.

My cheeks turn red, and I dip my head to avoid their eyes. These three are a handful, but they’re mine. “Tropical vacation it is, then. Have you guys looked into any resorts or cruises?”

“There are a lot of options,” Luke says, pulling up some info on his phone.

A poof of pink in the corner reminds me of what Brynn said yesterday. “I actually have a line on a deserted island, if you’re interested,” I admit. “My boss said that the guild has one.”

I can tell from their reaction that the guys are intrigued by the idea.