Page 16 of Stalker (Legacy of Kings #3)

CHAPTER 15

C assandra

“I’m watching you, Lady Butterfly. Do you see me? Do you feel me? Soon, you’ll belong to me.”

The whisper was jarring, but almost instantly I knew it wasn’t real.

Or was it?

My mind was ravaged with strange thoughts, my bedroom filled with his scent. Had he been in my house? I’d awakened in the dark, certain I felt him. The crackle of electricity had been unmistakable. Yet as I’d crept downstairs, searching every corner of my house, nothing had seemed amiss.

Had I been dreaming about him?

Had I just been hungering for him?

It was as if I was seeing the wolf’s face everywhere I turned. In every shadow. In every corner of my home. At least my rational mind was still in place, the inner voice reminding me that with every horrible detail I’d read about the case against Cain Demarco, I’d relived a brief moment of every woman’s murder. That’s what made me a damn good prosecutor.

But I was ready to lose my mind, the visions occurring more frequently.

“This is incredible,” Josie whispered from beside me as we walked into the room.

I barely heard her, my concentration toppled.

“There’s nothing like a bachelor auction to jazz up an evening,” Penny said, her laughter bouncing off my eardrums.

In my warped mind, there were dozens of questions about why the children had been dumped into a system then shoved under a huge rug. Who would do that shit to babies?

Still, before I felt comfortable enough to sit down, I scanned the room. Since leaving the hunt, I’d been certain on at least three occasions I was being watched.

Followed.

Or in legal terms, being stalked.

I took several deep breaths, almost certain eyes were on me. God. I’d been a bundle of nerves since the hunt a couple of nights before, sleep evading me. I could still feel the wolf’s hands on me. Except he wasn’t a creature of the night. Or so I believed.

Even as intoxicating as the night and the hunt had been, the feeling my privacy had been invaded provided an entirely different backdrop. I scanned the room again, doing my best to shove aside my concerns. This was my night off, a chance to embrace being young and single.

Yeah, right.

Of course after searching the area, nothing had corroborated the tension I’d felt or the shivers I’d experienced. My rational mind that had been with me through college and every brutal legal case insisted I was simply reeling from the rush of adrenaline I’d felt.

But the darkness in my mind was reminding me every few hours the werewolf had promised he’d come for me.

What had he meant when the time was right?

I closed my eyes and finally eased onto the plush chair, sucking in my breath to calm my nerves.

What if he’s here? What if the time is right?

I’d spent time going over the file offered by Mr. Wells. Too much time. I’d become so absorbed in the material that I’d lost track of day turning into night. I’d taken my work home with me, fascinated by the limited story I’d already pieced together.

The boys had been stripped from their home, their last name eliminated. The supposed experts in the system had attempted to protect them by hiding their true identities. But they’d been uncreative in their methods, using their mother’s maiden name. Didn’t they guess eventually the boys’ true identities would be discovered or did they simply not give a damn?

My bet was on the latter.

Perhaps the administrator of the program had believed the children would be adopted easily given their ages. But that hadn’t occurred. They’d been in a group home for several months before one by one they’d been given to people in the foster system.

From what I’d been able to piece together, there were still some people who acted as if they cared, taking in multiple children for the money provided for the child’s care. While records had been kept of the changes over the years, the multiple homes the kids had been forced into, the notations had become shorter and less detailed as time had gone on.

What I hadn’t spent but so much time on was the father. Just seeing the single picture of the man in shackles after he’d been captured had kept me from digging. His eyes were dark, full of control, and cold as ice.

Completely devoid of humanity.

Even now as I thought about everything I’d read, I shivered from a strange feeling of anxiety. The man was behind bars, yet what if his legacy had continued in three boys who’d had no choice about the family they’d been born into?

A strange noise dragged my attention back to the moment. I tried my best to push aside what I’d learned. But the images remained vivid, what few there were.

I was vaguely cognizant I’d ordered a glass of wine, my mind so preoccupied I wasn’t certain if I’d ordered red or white.

Red, the color of blood.

God! I couldn’t get the damning photograph of the boy’s mother lying in a pool of blood out of my mind.

“Everything looks so glamorous,” Josie said as soon as a waiter brought our drinks.

“And the Waldorf Astoria,” Penny said, sighing as she glanced around the room. “Look at all the beautiful people. Every woman who is rich, famous, or highly addicted to sex is here.”

I almost spit out a sip of my merlot, giving her a harsh look. “You’re terrible.”

“It’s true. Look at these women. They are practically foaming at the mouth with anticipation.”

Both Josie and I surveyed the guests. There were at least three hundred women and a few token men sitting at the various round tables. Everything was draped in red and gold as if this was a Valentine’s Day event. If it had been, I definitely wouldn’t be here. I hated the holiday more than any other. With hundreds of balloons and glitter everywhere, I envisioned how long it would take for the staff to clean the room.

With the anticipated prices in the thousands, I could only imagine how much the charity would glean from the illustrious event.

“I can’t believe you managed to drag me out to this,” I said gruffly, more uncomfortable than I’d been in…

A flash memory of the hunt rushed into my mind.

The experience was nothing like I’d imagined it would be, over with too quickly. While I’d been scared to death initially, after the werewolf had crept from the darkness and touched me, I’d actually enjoyed the game.

Did the Blackwell Group truly believe that they obtained more qualified employees by testing entirely different skills? Maybe so, given the games they’d designed. From what I’d read, Dark Nights was a spectacular piece of development, using artificial intelligence in a way the competition couldn’t yet compete with. My legal mind had already suggested a need to play and learn the game, but with what time?

I’d ventured into watching the teaser video on the game, easily comprehending why so many were addicted to it. I’d toyed with creating a profile and purchasing a subscription, but knew once I started, my addictive personality would push me to reaching the pinnacle of success.

Like I did with everything else.

I had no idea about the results of the bizarre contest. The wolf had disappeared after leaving me tingling and my pussy throbbing. I’d found the finish easily enough and had had my own personal driver. While still required to wear a blindfold, I’d been allowed a drink. The chatting had begun, and I’d heard similar stories from the other contestants.

Yet not a single person had been afraid of what they’d been put through.

It had all seemed very… strange. And erotic.

That had been two days before and I’d heard nothing from the company since. Not that I’d expected to. I wasn’t a decent submissive candidate and that’s what it appeared they wanted.

Although without learning about the perks, I couldn’t be certain. Everything about the game being played should keep my red flags raised and my feminine hackles ready with claws. I’d convicted two sex traffickers in my career, loving every minute of watching them sweat while losing their empires.

Why should this be any different?

“Oh, come on. What’s not to love?” Josie countered. “Hot men in tuxedos. A dream come true.”

I’d seen enough men in penguin suits in my life. They didn’t exactly impress me any longer. I rubbed my fingers across my lips, unable to pull my mind from a few nights before. The hunt had been ridiculous, completely surreal.

Get your mind off it. That’s not real life.

No, it wasn’t, but the game was truly exciting.

“This is all about paying big money for a date. Doesn’t that seem desperate?” I hated the idea more and more.

Penny hadn’t wasted any time ordering us drinks. “All for a good cause. Remember?”

“A stunning guy, a dream date of his choosing, and who knows, maybe hot sex.” Josie was having way too much fun with this. She was a psychiatrist and had a way of bringing aspects of her job into every conversation. Right now, the last thing I needed was for anyone to psychoanalyze me.

“For all we know, the date could include being taken to some dark location, tied and kept as a prisoner.” While my body trembled after making the statement, it was for a totally different reason than should be occurring.

The idea was tantalizing instead of terrifying. Maybe this was exactly what I needed to clear my head.

“Yummy,” Penny purred.

I sat back, trying not to think about the experience. If I told my besties what I’d allowed to happen, they’d commit me. Who wouldn’t, for God’s sake?

“You look like you’re a million miles away,” Penny said. “What gives? New case?”

“Sort of. Just some research that’s driving me crazy.” That wasn’t a lie. I’d read every article in every magazine, online newspaper, and everything on Google about the Blackwell Group. I felt as if I knew them better than any reporter. Yet, it also seemed as if there were two distinct sides to the men, which mirrored what Mr. Wells had told me.

I’d also read the single article written a couple of years before on the Obsidian Society, a subsequent one that had been retracted. Everything mentioned, while alluring, had been vague. Quite frankly, I remained shocked the Blackwell attorneys hadn’t filed a lawsuit for defamation of character.

Maybe that had been beneath them. God knew if I was to believe what Fortune magazine said about their combined wealth, they could purchase a large country.

There were a few pictures, but for the most part, they were of eager customers while standing outside a big box store or taken with their headsets on. Several of the brothers had creatively managed to keep their faces out of the press. In my experience, anyone who kept their lives that private either had something to hide or were simply not interested in notoriety.

I wondered given what Mr. Wells had said if a little of both was plausible.

“Earth to Ms. Attorney,” Josie said as she punched me with her elbow.

“Ouch. Jesus, Ms. Psychiatrist of the year. Like you don’t work all the time.”

“Not all the time. I do come out and play from time to time.” Not only was my other bestie a brilliant psychiatrist, but she was also an amazing painter who spent a good portion of her free time in her studio.

It helped her break free from her own nightmares induced by some of her clients. While she’d never divulged anything about a patient, she’d managed to provide a taste of what she was dealing with, including all the criminal minds looking for a way out of prison.

She worked one side. I worked another.

“I know,” she said. “But I’ve cut back on hours. I had to. I’m glad you were able to join us.”

“Cass knows I would have tossed her into my car, shackled her to the seat, and brought her here under duress,” Penny admitted.

I squeezed Josie’s hand. I could see the strain on her face. “You’re right. I should do this more often. Why don’t we try to get out at least once every two weeks?”

“Dream on, baby. I know you too well.” Penny rolled her eyes.

“Not fair.” But she did know me. They both did.

Josie sighed. “You look hot in that outfit. And the mask is to die for. Where did you get it?”

I’d purchased a new dress because the last time I’d done so had been for my college graduation. I touched my mask. “A little boutique close to the office. This was in the front window and caught my eye.”

“It looks like a butterfly, very colorful and fragile.” Penny used the exact words I had when I’d looked in through the glass.

Of course I knew why I’d selected the mask over dozens of others.

Him.

The werewolf.

Seeing him in dark clothes and that mask, I should have been terrified. Hell, I should have followed my instinct and left when I’d had the chance. But I’d stayed. I wasn’t certain what it mattered, as it felt as if time was ticking.

“And the two of you,” I said, forcing myself to interrupt my silly thoughts. “The angel.” I pointed to Josie. “And the devil.” I winked at Penny who promptly dipped her fingers into her white wine, flicking drops in my face.

“You little bitch.”

“You love me,” I cooed, laughing as I noticed a man had suddenly appeared on stage.

“Ladies and a few gentlemen,” he said as an opening and a solid three dozen women cheered.

Meanwhile, I cringed.

Maybe I would sit here and drown my sorrows. For some reason, events such as this made me realize just how lonely I’d become after breaking up with the dickhead. It was ridiculous after what he’d put me through, but being single wasn’t glamorous by any means.

“We have twelve of the hottest Chicago bachelors tonight for your bidding pleasure.”

“Where’s the brochure?” Penny asked.

“What brochure?” I turned my head toward her.

“You know. The one with sexy pictures and details about the men being auctioned off.” The way she licked her lips made me laugh.

Josie laughed while I lifted my eyebrows. “You’ve done this before. Haven’t you?” I chided.

Penny just shrugged.

There were party horns on the table and some women started blasting them. My grip around the wineglass was much firmer than before.

The women were gaggling and giggling like schoolgirls. This just wasn’t my scene. I hadn’t gone to my prom. I hadn’t been a cheerleader. Hell, I hadn’t dated a single guy in high school. This was far too… girlish. No way.

“I can’t do this,” I hissed.

Penny grabbed my arm as if I was ready to stand. “You can and you will. You’re going to end up old and lonely if you don’t.”

“I’m not old or lonely.” I grimaced, given I’d raised my voice.

She snorted in her cute little way. “Think again. One thing is certain. That pussy of yours hasn’t enjoyed a big, thick cock in months. Maybe years knowing that pathetic whistle dick of a man you were engaged to. Besides, you’re bidding tonight.”

“I don’t have that kind of money.” At least she’d gotten the whistle dick part correct.

“We do,” Josie said from beside me.

Josie came from serious money, although she didn’t act as if her entire family was worth millions, nor did she flaunt her social status. She loathed her father and had insisted she live her life the way she saw fit.

“I can’t take your money.”

She rolled her eyes. “Oh, please. I earn more in interest every month than any of these men are worth. Indulge me. Please.”

Groaning, I glanced from one to the other. “You planned this.”

“We did.” Penny wasn’t ashamed in the least.

“Forget it.”

“Just hold your horses. Maybe one hot hunk will suit your fancy.”

I rolled my eyes. “I doubt it.”

But a tiny part of me, the one that harbored dark desires late into the night, dreaming of tasting the forbidden was trembling with need.

What if the wolf was ready to make good on his promise?