Page 13 of The Reaper's Vow

Viktor, the club’s head of security, is stationed by the VIP entrance, his stature intimidating even to the wolves who approach. He straightens when he sees us coming.

“Sir,” he says, nodding to Elias. “Is everything alright?”

“Did you see a woman in a cat mask come in? She a regular?”

“I wasn’t working the front door. Bobby was. Why?”

“I need to talk to Bobby,” I growl, already moving toward the front entrance.

Elias falls into step beside me, his presence a constant reminder that I'm not handling this situation the way I should.The Reaper doesn't get rattled. The Reaper doesn't lose control. But here I am, practically running through the club to find a woman whose face I haven't even seen.

Bobby's manning the front door, checking IDs and scanning the invitations of those entering the club. He straightens when he sees us approaching.

“Mr. Bellandi,” he says, nodding respectfully to Elias before turning to me with considerably more caution. “What can I do for you?”

“Woman in a black cat mask,” I say without preamble. “When did she come in? Was she alone?”

Bobby's brow furrows beneath his crew cut. “Cat mask? There've been a few tonight, sir.”

“This one would have been memorable,” I press, leaning closer. “Black cat mask, cherry red lips. Came in within the last two hours.”

Recognition flickers in Bobby's eyes. “Oh, her. Yeah, she came in about an hour ago with Britney. Friend, I think. Never seen her before.”

“Britney?” Elias perks up beside me. “The redhead who works here?”

“That's the one,” Bobby confirms. “They came in together, but I haven't seen either of them leave.”

My wolf stirs with renewed interest. If she came with Britney, then she's not some random club patron. She's connected to someone who works for the family, even if Britney doesn't know it.

“Where does Britney live?”

“I...I don't know her address, sir.”

I turn from him. Fucking useless human. Elias is hot on my heels.

“Tell Viktor to pull the employment records. Find the fuck out where she lives.”

“Dom,” Elias catches my arm again. “What's your plan here? Show up at her apartment and what, interrogate her?”

I shake off his grip, my patience finally snapping. “My plan is to find the woman who saw me put a bullet in Marco's head before she decides to share that information with the wrong people.”

“And if she's already shared it?”

If she's already talking, then it's too late for damage control. But my wolf refuses to accept that possibility, snarling at the mere thought of her betraying us.

“Then I'll handle it. Like I always do.”

Elias studies me for a long moment. He knows me well enough to recognize when I've made up my mind. Finally, he sighs and pulls out his phone.

“I'll call Nate in HR. He'll have Britney's address.” He steps away to make the call, leaving me alone with my thoughts and my increasingly agitated wolf.

I pace the small area near the entrance, every muscle in my body tense. The woman in the cat mask shouldn't matter this much. She's just another loose end to tie up, another potential threat to eliminate. So why does the thought of putting a bullet in her head make my stomach twist?

Karina

The taste of blood and terror floods my mouth as I streak through the forest, my paws barely touching the damp earth. The night air burns in my lungs, my heartbeat thundering like a war drum against my ribs. I am nothing instinct now, vanishing between ancient redwoods.

I shouldn't have gone to that club. Shouldn't have let Britney talk me into it. Shouldn't have lost her in the crowd. Shouldn't have opened that door even if the alternative was far, far worse.