Page 3 of The Reaper's Vow

“Yeah, he's gone,” I confirm, watching as Britney makes herself at home on my couch, kicking her feet up on the coffee table. She's been in my apartment maybe five times total, but she always acts like we've been best friends since childhood.

“Thank God,” Britney says, reaching for the TV remote like it's her own. “That guy gave me the creeps. Always staring at my ass when I'd check my mail.”

I settle into the armchair across from her. I'm not entirely comfortable with how she makes herself at home.

“So...” Britney wiggles her eyebrows at me. “This calls for a celebration, right? Please tell me you're not just going to sit in this apartment all weekend eating ice cream and watching Netflix.”

I smile thinly. “That was exactly my plan.”

She groans dramatically, throwing her head back against my couch cushions. “Karina! You're free now! You need to get out there and remind yourself what fun feels like.”

“I'm not really thegoing outtype,” I say, the same excuse I've used countless times in the past when she has asked.

“Which is exactly why you should come with me tonight.” She sits up straighter, excitement practically radiating off her. “Look, I know we’re not, like, besties or whatever. But I’ve lived next door to you for almost a year, and you never leave. It’s time to expand your horizons, babe. Explore your newfound freedom.”

“I appreciate that, but that’s not really my style?—”

“I’ve got an idea,” Britney cuts in, leaning forward, her grin sharp enough to set my wolf on edge. “I work at this exclusive club called the Crimson Howl. It’s members-only, but I can get you in tonight.”

“A club?” I try not to grimace. “I'm not really in a partying mood, Britney.”

She waves her hand dismissively. “Not just any club. It's a sex club.”

I nearly choke on air. “A what?”

“A sex club,” she repeats, completely unfazed. “Look, before you say no—which I can see you're about to—just hear me out.” She slides closer on the couch. “You've spent the last year with an absolute asshole who didn't treat you right.”

My wolf bristles at the assessment, not because it's wrong, but because someone else noticed.

“That doesn’t mean that I need to jump from one bad situation to another,” I say carefully.

“That's exactly my point!” Britney's eyes light up. “There's absolutely no pressure at Crimson Howl. Everyone wears masks—it's mandatory. You can...watch. Observe. Remember what desire looks like when it's not wrapped up in someone else's control issues.”

I feel heat rise to my cheeks. “I don't know...”

“Just come out with me.”

“Britney, I appreciate the offer, but?—”

“No buts!” She springs from the couch with a dancer's grace and grabs my hands. “I've got this incredible black dress that would look amazing on you.”

I try to pull away, but Britney holds tight. The wolf inside me twitches, not threatening, just uncomfortable with the physical contact. I'm not used to people touching me so freely.

“I don't have the right shoes for a club,” I offer weakly.

“Size eight, right? I've got these killer stilettos that'll make your calves look spectacular. And don't worry about makeup. I'll do it for you. I used to work at Sephora before the club.”

“I really don't think?—”

“Look. I get it. Breaking up sucks, even when the guy is garbage. But sitting alone in this apartment is not going to help. If you hate it, we leave. I promise. No questions asked.”

The monster inside me is curious now. She's been caged for so long—not just by Travis, but by my own fear of discovery. A night out, wearing a mask no less, might be the closest thing to freedom we'll get before the full moon.

“You promise we can leave whenever I want?” I ask.

“Cross my heart.” She makes an exaggerated X over her chest. “But I'm telling you, you'll love it. The atmosphere is...intoxicating.”

I study her face, looking for any sign of deception. My enhanced senses pick up only excitement and genuine concern. No malice, no hidden agenda. Just a lonely neighbor who wants a friend to play with.