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CHAPTER 17

W ilder

I wasn’t the kind of man who enjoyed surprises whether in business or in pleasure. But the moment I’d laid eyes on the butterfly mask, my cock had stiffened.

Was there such a fucked-up thing as karma?

Not in my world.

Fate?

Not a chance in hell.

And I certainly knew all about hell.

I’d learned the hard way that while everything might happen for a reason, I could easily crush the fates in my palm when and if I wanted.

After learning my sweet Cassandra had every intention of poking holes in my life, I’d done a deeper dive on her career and her background. She’d single-handedly put away some very nasty criminals, several other murderers included. She’d gone above and beyond with her investigative skills, using her knowledge of psychiatry as a weapon much like I used a sharp blade.

She’d ceremoniously cut through their arrogance and self-righteous attitudes, subsequently peeling away their protective layers of armor. After that, it had only been a matter of time before she’d cracked their hard shell, revealing the scared little boys and girls inside.

I’d had a short conversation with my brothers, putting them on notice. Not that I was that worried. Our corporation’s books and business were all held to the highest level of diligence and decency.

But the Obsidian Society was something else altogether. It was possible she’d manufactured an invitation to the hunt, but given her strong reaction, even if that were true, she’d discovered a part of herself that had been missing. You could always tell by the look in someone’s eyes.

As far as my family, it was best leaving the dead rotting away in their graves. I’d come to the conclusion that dredging up additional horrific memories would only create a significant need to rip people apart with my hands.

We couldn’t have that, could we?

Perhaps she truly believed she could unravel my dark secrets. Alas, she had no understanding of what I was capable of, let alone my brothers. If I had my way, she’d be in for a treat, a true taste of everything I had in my powers.

In my mind, she wasn’t a threat, but a challenge.

I shifted on the stool, studying her more intently than before. She was putting a few pieces together, thinking she could pretend she hadn’t. She was frightened of me, but more so because of my power over her will and conscience.

From where I was sitting, I could smell her hunger.

In discovering she was also a product of the foster care system, I’d begun to see why she’d been chosen for the case as well as her tenacity in learning more about my family.

We were kindred spirits.

My Lady Butterfly was everything I’d ever craved, her boredom and dispassionate attitude toward the event almost as intense as my own. While so many of the other women were screeching, pawing each other to get closer to the stage, she sat quietly in her seat. But she was watching me as I was doing with her.

It was actually quite impossible for me to force my gaze elsewhere.

The woman wearing her long hair in curls, her crimson lipstick matching her flaming red dress wasn’t a complete mystery any longer.

Yet she still had several layers I myself wanted to peel away one at a time, exposing every yearning and every vulnerability. Just thinking about her nighttime activities brought a stronger edge to my thirst.

I admired her tenacity, her attention to detail, and her doggedness with handling every case. Almost every attorney had a damn good track record, but hers was exemplary.

To date, she’d lost few cases, her most recent a work of art from what little I’d seen after reading a couple of articles. Cameras weren’t allowed in the courtroom, so I hadn’t experienced the joy of seeing her face in action, but her drawn attire had filled in certain blanks.

She was cautious in her appearance wearing suits and mid-rise heels, which helped her exude confidence, even an air of arrogance. She knew how damn good she was and didn’t mind flaunting it. However, with the types of cases she’d fought to win, most attorneys would need to gravitate toward lightness in their private lives.

Not with Lady Butterfly. She’d gravitated toward a deeper shade of obsidian to whet her appetite.

I shifted on the stool, taking and holding a deep breath. My thoughts were even darker than before, my needs for her all-encompassing. Even if there remained a question in my mind about why she’d answered the questionnaire in the first place. Had it been for business or pleasure?

Perhaps this was my chance to discover all her hidden secrets in a less formidable way.

Even if that meant I’d need to forgo another game. I’d also need to maintain some level of control lest I feast until there was nothing left.

It was fascinating, the effect she had on me. The hunt had been entertaining, but had left my hunger unsated, and I’d spent the remaining hours of my night inside my home gym. Even after three hours of intense weightlifting, boxing, and use of the treadmill, the adrenaline had continued to act like a drug.

The four glasses of scotch hadn’t dulled my senses or controlled the ache either. My drug was all about tasting and touching the woman sitting only a few feet away.

“Lady Butterfly,” I whispered and was almost certain she’d heard me even from the distance.

She dragged the tip of her tongue across her bottom lip, doing her best to act nonchalant. All the while I sensed the pull toward me, the unexplainable need that had exploded between us.

The ridiculous mask I’d been asked to wear wasn’t able to hide my features just like the butterfly mask was unable to ghost her identity. Maybe our magnetic chemistry was the real reason I’d recognized her immediately.

Her recognition of me hadn’t been instantaneous. Yet I knew the subconscious mind very well. I’d studied the minds of monsters and decent humans over the years in my effort to try to relinquish the demons burrowed inside of me.

My sweet butterfly was putting the pieces together, yet her confusion of whether it was a coincidence or a planned event had already begun to weigh heavily on her mind.

Had my scent lingered in her home? Had she awakened wet and hot knowing someone had been inside her personal space?

I’d wanted to be angry with her, instantly feeling as if her investigation was betrayal, but it was so much more.

While I hadn’t planned on seeing her in any formal event or pretending to run into her at her favorite coffee shop, it would seem fate was enjoying fucking with me.

Maybe it was because I sucked at compromise.

Everyone on earth would suffer through reincarnation until they finally learned and accepted the one thing required by some higher being. It could be anything. The love of mankind. Patience. Kindness.

But in my case compromise had proven to be an Achilles heel.

I blocked out the ugly noise in the ballroom, concentrating on one thing and one thing only.

My Lady Butterfly.

I could almost hear her breathing, could feel her rapid heartbeat in the palm of my hand. Was she wondering if somehow her friends had found out, luring me to the event as they’d done with her? She was even questioning her sanity, concerned about how much she’d enjoyed the hunt, worried she was losing control of the very darkness she’d been searching for.

And anxious that I was capable of breaking her resolve.

If fate was involved, the being had no understanding of what this could mean for the both of us. However, who was I to look a gift horse in the mouth?

The announcer briefly drew my attention, his supposedly charismatic attitude grating on my nerves. He was selling me like I was a prized poodle in the window of a local pet store. Meanwhile, he knew nothing about me other than the glossy fabricated stories found on the internet.

I’d managed to avoid a single clear photograph.

I only wondered how long it would be until my name and picture was splashed across the news. Not that I should care other than from the annoyance.

“Alright, ladies, I have eight thousand dollars on the table. This has been a particularly lively auction.” The auctioneer pointed toward me again. “Remember, ladies. This man has remained in the shadows. Can you imagine the secrets he’s hiding? Come peel them away and enjoy the forbidden fruit inside.”

The women squealed.

I envisioned peeling away his skull like the very fruit he was tossing out like candy.

“Ten thousand dollars.”

Very briefly I shifted my gaze to the woman standing to the side. She was lovely but had no full comprehension that if she won the bid, she’d be sucked into the lair of a predator. No one else in the room could handle me.

Only my Lady Butterfly.

But what would she do?

I leveled my gaze on her once again, the vibrant electricity we shared transcending the thirty feet between us.

When she raised her paddle, my balls tightened.

“Twelve thousand.”

“Fifteen,” the other woman countered.

While Lady Butterfly’s two friends were both whispering in her ear, likely pushing her to continue, she wasn’t paying any attention to them.

She was only watching me with an added ferocity from the desire she’d left with after the hunt.

I shifted on the stool, never blinking. Barely breathing.

“Twenty.” My Lady Butterfly had shifted to the edge of her seat still tense, but her expression had changed.

She was intent on winning.

A few gasps drifted past the dull hum in my ears as I thought about all the filthy things owning her for even one night would allow me to accomplish.

Even if she believed that for the single night of passion, she owned me.

That would never happen.

“Twenty-five,” the other woman countered.

Lady Butterfly slipped her hand down the length of her neck, anxiety written all over her face. One of her friends whispered something in her ear again and my lovely creature shook her head. Finally, a smile crossed her face as she studied me. The woman was picking me apart, her eyes finally reflecting her acceptance of just how close we’d already become.

“Fifty.”

The entire crowd of women were on their feet, gasping as if just hearing of a cure for cancer.

Perhaps it was nothing that dramatic or decent, but it was enticing enough my upper lip curled in a smile.

Fifty thousand dollars.

My Lady Butterfly was becoming more enticing than ever.

“Going once. Going twice…”

I offered a slight smile and Lady Butterfly took a deep breath.

“Sold,” the auctioneer called and there was a collective groan from the audience.

I’d heard the basic rules although I hadn’t been paying much attention to them. Whether or not the charity auction was a lady’s choice simply meant nothing to me.

I’d originally had no plans of allowing the evening to go further than sharing in a single drink. Long enough for the winner to obtain what I considered her money’s worth while not wasting any of my valuable time.

But now things were different.

Now I had my prize.

I stood, buttoning my jacket. There was no one else in the room but the woman I craved.

“Ladies. For those of you who were the winning participants, please bring your checks to our cashier located just outside the room. As you might imagine, there is some paperwork, and signatures needed. After that, please return to the ballroom where you’ll be met by our event concierge who will walk you through what occurs next. After that, well, ladies, you’ll have a chance to select your evening of choice to spend with the bachelor you’ve chosen.”

The man should be a game show host.

Women had already begun leaving, others determined to enjoy what was left of the evening.

My Lady Butterfly had yet to turn away, keeping her heated gaze locked on my face. Her mask remained in place while others had removed theirs. The mystery was no longer as attractive as before.

Her attention was drawn away by one of her friends, who already had a checkbook out. I ripped off my mask, heading toward one of the two bars in the room. A tall scotch was definitely in order.

I was forced to remind myself that on this night I wasn’t the hunter and she wasn’t my prey. There were too many people watching, too many pairs of eyes paying attention to everything I was doing, more than curious as to the identity of the woman willing to spend fifty grand on a mutt like me.

Well, a mutt with expensive tastes and a bank account to fund my every desire.

People had become a nuisance, including the press determined to obtain their fifteen minutes of fame. As my annoyance grew, so did the dark thoughts in my mind. I could easily end their careers with a snap of my wrist. They’d never know the shadow in the night was prepared to end their miserable lives.

While the mental imagery was delicious, tonight I’d forgo my anger.

My needs were far too significant to be ignored.

I watched as she remained right where she was, drumming her fingers on the table. She was now second guessing her decision. Meanwhile, her lovely friends were pushing her, chatting and laughing. They had no understanding of what their cheering had caused.

Lady Butterfly looked back toward the stage, obviously checking to see if I was still there.

Chuckling, I remained right where I was as she slowly stood and scanned the room. When she found me, she tried to act as if I wasn’t who she was looking for.

But we both knew better.

I could feel her pussy vibrating from where I stood.

She grabbed her clutch, following her friends toward the exit. I polished off my drink, left a twenty as a tip for the bartender, and headed out the second set of doors. She was standing in line, prepared to drop her check off to charity.

What would she do afterwards?

When she headed back into the room after sharing goodbye hugs with her two friends, I took a deep breath before pulling out my cellphone and dialing my brother.

The two women didn’t notice me lurking in the shadows while they walked away. Not that they would.

“Let me guess. You bailed from the charity event,” Xander challenged.

“Not at all. You think so badly of me, brother.”

“I don’t think any worse of you than I do of our beloved Zach.”

“How very brotherly of you.”

He laughed. “Did you call to tell me you’re not as hot as you think you are and not a single woman bid on you?”

“Quite the opposite. The winning bid was cast by the beautiful attorney I mentioned the other day.” I’d shared the moment of learning about Cassandra’s investigation.

“There is no way that’s a coincidence. What is she really attempting to do?”

“I’m not certain yet, but I do plan on finding out. I’m only calling to let you know I doubt I’ll be at the quarterly meeting in the morning.” I grinned and headed for the door leading to the ballroom.

“Well, at least you’ll get your dick wet.”

“One crude bastard.”

“Crude, but truthful. Incidentally, I had a call from a buddy of mine at the police department.”

He had a ‘buddy’ almost everywhere, perfecting the art of using his charming personality to his benefit. I usually used force instead. “And?”

“Drew Monahan is insisting he was only hired to locate the women for the Bondage Killer’s playtime.”

“Bondage killer?”

“Some whacked-out name for a fucking serial killer, at least according to Drew himself. I guess the imaginary friend he has uses bondage to subdue before killing his victims.”

I gritted my teeth as I thought about finding proof Cassandra had possibly been considered a victim. What if another fucking asshole hiding behind hunting was invading our turf, abducting and killing women indiscriminately? “The guy is fucking delusional.”

“Yeah, well, I only hope you didn’t leave any evidence lying around. His father isn’t going to allow his prized son to go off to prison without a fight.”

“I’m more cautious than that, Xander.”

“Good to hear. I’d hate to waste time having to replace you. I kind of like having you around.”

His laugh forced me to roll my eyes. “I’m good at what I do. Better than you are. I’d keep that in mind if I were you.”

He was still laughing. “Enjoy your night. Just don’t forget women are breakable.”

“That’s what I’m counting on.” I ended the call and slid my phone into my jacket.

Yes. Karma was on my side.

I whispered Lady Butterfly’s name in my mind, mulling over the filthy things that I could do with her this evening.

After weaving through the crowd, forced to play nice with a few of the powerful women in the room, I headed in Cassandra’s direction.

She was standing alone, holding a glass of wine in her hand, her back to me. Yet when I approached, she sensed my advance, her entire body tensing. I took a long whiff of her perfume, enjoying the effect she had on me. My balls were tight yet eager to fill with seed.

Her dress was spectacular, the bold red design both low cut and backless. I gingerly placed my fingertips on her back, inhaling her perfume. The fragrance was powerful in a very subtle way, the hints of spices and a dash of vanilla and citrus igniting my senses.

I was mere inches away, my fingers tingling, and her only reaction was to slowly tip her head over her shoulder.

“How very generous of you,” I told her. “Fifty thousand is a lot of money under any circumstances.”

“All for a very good cause.”

As with everything I did, I took my time, brushing the rough pads of my fingers across the small of her back. I was rewarded with a visible shudder, her voluptuous lips pursing. I also noticed her grip on the crystal glass was much firmer than before.

The stunning woman was still nervous around me, uncertain of what I would do. She had a knowing smile on her face as I moved in front of her.

“We meet again,” I told her.

She laughed. “Only we didn’t allow the formality of learning each other’s full names before.”

“True, the mystery was delicious in of itself.”

“But every mystery is worth solving. Wilder Blackwell. Vice president of a highly respected virtual reality gaming company. You have millions of followers, almost every one of them acting as if your games are crack cocaine.”

“I’ve never heard it put that way, but I guess you’re right. You’ve done your homework. Cassandra Penticoff, esteemed attorney. I understand your track record is exemplary. The bad guys are all afraid of you. Too bad you don’t handle corporate law.”

A tiny nervous tic in the corner of her mouth indicated she wasn’t thrilled I’d learned her name.

I laughed. “Oh, come now. You know my name. Shouldn’t it be fair I learned yours?”

“Why do I have a feeling you’re the kind of man who will go to great lengths to get whatever he wants?”

“Because you’re right. I’m not wrong about your esteemed profession, am I?”

“No, you’re correct. I’m an attorney and prefer taking down notorious criminals. I assure you I’ve been responsible for capturing and convicting a few white-collar criminals over the years.”

“Hmmm… If I didn’t know better, I’d say you were… warning me to watch out.”

“Only if you have anything to hide, Mr. Blackwell. Do you?”

“I guess there isn’t a human being on the face of this earth who doesn’t have something to hide. I like to think of it as a hunger to taste what lingers in the darkness.”

She laughed. “Touché, werewolf. Creature of the night. That was you. Wasn’t it? I’ve often wondered what a man needing to wear a mask had hidden in the dark corners of his closet.”

“I never hide, Lady Butterfly. Given my position, there’s no need to. Now, imagine my shock in learning that you’re stalking me.”

Her laugh lilted throughout the room. “Why do I have a feeling that’s an action fitting squarely into your domain?”

“Be careful categorizing me, Lady Butterfly. You could be wrong on every account.”

“We have one thing in common, Wilder. I’m never wrong.”

“Well then, you’re correct in that I take what I want without question.”

I took a purposeful deep whiff, holding my breath in my lungs. She had yet to take her eyes off me. I already knew more about her than she realized, including the fact the auction had been way out of her comfort zone. Yet she’d learned the art of wearing a mask without the hindrance of any suffocating material pressed against her face.

She’d done so for her profession yet there was something else. Something much darker lurking just under the surface.

“Well, then I guess you’ll find yourself disappointed when I don’t succumb to your every whim.”

I tilted my head, savoring every second of the increased electricity. “I assure you that as I experienced before, you will find yourself not only easily surrendering, but enjoying every moment of doing so.”

“Then you don’t know me very well.”

“Perhaps I don’t, but we’re about to correct that. Unless you’ve changed your mind about your generous donation to such a worthy cause.”

She laughed again, but there was added tension in the tone. The slight hint of crimson shifting across her jaw was an indication I’d not only struck a nerve, but in reminding her of our slight history together, I’d reawakened hungers she continually attempted to shove aside.

Perhaps because of that prick she’d been dating.

“Oh, I intend on going through with the date, Mr. Blackwell. I can’t wait to see what you have in mind for the perfect romantic evening.”

“I never said I was romantic.” When I grinned, she shook her head.

“Duly noted. You’re fairly well known, Mr. Blackwell.”

“I don’t think we need to be that formal any longer. Do we, Lady Butterfly?”

She smiled and pulled away from my touch, attempting to take control by acting nonchalant. There was an intense gleam in her eyes, her expression one of defiance. This was much more her element, not the wounded creature being abused by her ex.

“No, I guess we do not. I’m surprised you allowed yourself to become a bachelor.”

I shrugged. “All for a good cause. Yes?”

“Very much so. But what would a hunter be doing at a more pedestrian event?” She was goading me into exposing the predator inside of me.

“Tonight, I am merely a lowly bachelor in need of a date.”

“Right. So we’re playing that game.”

“And what game is that?”

“Pretending we aren’t who we truly are.” A slight wicked smile followed her statement.

“I don’t think there is anything wrong with role playing. Do you?”

She tried to act as if she was disinterested, but as always, her eyes gave her away. “I suppose. As long as the players know the rules beforehand.”

“Ah, you’re one of those.”

“Meaning?”

“Meaning someone who is addicted to right and wrong, and utter organization where anything straying from the center is unacceptable.”

Was it possible her hand was shaking as she brushed a strand of hair behind her ear? “Being well prepared is the best defense.”

“You have me curious. Against what?”

“Against anything unwanted, Mr. Blackwell.”

I took the wine from her hand and she was surprised or perhaps annoyed. “I think you know by now you have nothing to worry about. Unless, of course, it’s with regard to the hunger festering inside of you.” I placed the glass on a tray and took her hand. There was no surprise she didn’t pull it away. “Playing the game is up to you. Only there are no rules other than your acceptance of the inevitable.”

“Which is?”

“That for tonight, you belong to me.”

Her eyes flashed as if she was issuing a warning to me.

She would do her best to remain indifferent.

For now.

“Be careful attempting to cage a wild animal.”

Her answer only proved to tighten my balls more than they’d been before.

“We’re leaving,” I told her. “Since I’m in control of our date, it begins right now and will last all night long.”

Cassandra gave a quick glance around the ballroom. For some women, they’d be looking for a way out. My special butterfly was ensuring her friends weren’t in the room, bearing witness to her surrendering so easily.

“Where do you plan on taking me?” She pursed her lips, her act of continue defiance providing a wondrous aphrodisiac. “We have yet to agree on the terms of my date.”

“The terms are simple. You will come with me and savor every moment spent together. I assure you that you will enjoy your time with me.”

“Such arrogance.”

“Self-confidence, Lady Butterfly.”

“I was the winning bidder. Or did you forget that?”

Did she have any idea how much her challenge aroused me?

“Yes, you were. Trust me, I never forget anything.” I closed the distance until we were standing only mere inches apart. “However, from this moment on, you will obey me.” I cupped her face, experiencing another incredible rush of hunger.

“And what if I don’t?” She jerked her head away, but her eyes were daring me to push her.

Didn’t Lady Butterfly know it was dangerous to tempt a carnivorous beast?

“Then I guess you’ll learn what true punishment feels like. And if I had to guess, I’d say that’s exactly what you crave.”

“Then you truly have no understanding what makes me tick.”

I lowered my head, taking my time before I whispered in her ear, “That’s where you’re wrong. I know exactly what you crave and what you need. Soon, you’ll have everything you desire.”

“For a price,” she whispered.

“There’s always a price.”

I took her hand into mine, leading her away from the event. The fact she didn’t try to stop me was a testament to our connection.

Tonight, she’d learn what happened to someone who attracted a soulless predator.