Page 10 of Haunted

I seal Mira’s invitation, my decision made. “Either way, she’s about to learn a valuable lesson about boundaries.”

Knox sighs, aware that I won’t change my mind, no matter what he says. “Fine, your funeral. Don’t come crying to me when it all goes to shit.” He downs the last glass of whiskey and then gives me a salute. “See you later.”

I don’t even reply to him; my thoughts are fixed on Mira Sullivan. I stand and walk to my office window to watch the lights of Ravenwood glitter below.

The fearless bartender is seeking her next big story. Playing dress-up in our world, thinking of herself as a hunter among predators. How utterly, tragically misguided.

I’ve devoured people for far less than what she intends. Yet something about her reckless courageintrigues me. She walks into the lion’s den with nothing but her wits and the misguided belief that the truth offers protection.

I wonder what she’ll do when she discovers there is no safety net, when she realizes that in my world, I determine what truth survives and what truth is buried six feet under.

4

MIRA

The employee break room mirror reflects a woman I barely recognize anymore. Dark liner rims my eyes, making the hazel pop against my skin. I adjust the tight black top—standard Purgatory uniform designed to show off assets rather than conceal them. Over three weeks undercover, and I still feel exposed.

I reapply my lipstick, the deep crimson making me look desirable—exactly what this job requires. My fingers tremble. The stakes have risen since I overheard talk of the Hunt. Evidence. That’s what I need. Something concrete to expose the Blackwoods.

The door swings open behind me. In the mirror, I watch Xavier Blackwood enter like he owns the place—because he does. The air instantly feels charged.

“Evening, Mira.” His voice wraps around my name, low and smooth. “How are you?”

I turn slowly, leaning against the counter. “Fine. Just getting ready for my shift.”

“I can see that.” His eyes travel deliberately down the length of me, lingering in places that make heat rise to my cheeks. “The uniform suits you.”

“Was there something you needed, Mr. Blackwood?” I cross my arms, forcing myself to remain professional.

He steps closer—too close. “I think we’ve moved beyond ‘Mr. Blackwood,’ don’t you? After our conversation the other night.”

The scent of his expensive cologne fills my senses. I hold my ground, though every instinct screams to step back.

“Xavier, then.” His name feels intimate. “What do you want?”

He smiles. “At the moment? Just checking on my favorite new employee.”

His fingers graze my arm—light enough to seem accidental if not for the look in his eyes. The spot where he touched me burns like tiny flames were left in his wake.

“I’m not easily intimidated,” I say.

“That’s precisely what I find fascinating about you.” He leans in, his breath warm against my ear. “Most people in this club fear me. You challenge me.”

He’s dangerous, and I know it, yet I can’t deny the magnetism between us.

I take a step back, my lower back pressing against the edge of the counter. “You don’t know anything about me.”

Xavier steps closer, every movement unhurried, like he already knows I won’t stop him.

“I know more than you think.” His voice drops an octave. “I make it my business to understand what makes people tick. Especially people who interest me.”

“And I interest you?” The question slips out before I can stop it.

“Immensely.”

His hands settle on my hips, firm but not forceful, holding me there like it’s the most natural thing in the world, almost making it feel intimate. Heat floods through the thin fabric of my uniform. Every instinct screams to pull back, to put distance between us, but I stay rooted, unmoving as if my body hasn’t gotten the memo.

I look up, which is a mistake. Those eyes lock onto mine—sharp, searching, and lit with something I can’t name. Whatever fight I did have in me immediately goes out the window. The part of me that came here to expose him—the reporter, the observer—feels far away now, eclipsed by something I don’t fully understand but can’t bring myself to stop.