Page 30 of The Reaper's Vow

My wolf rages at his callousness, but I keep my face neutral. “She's not a stray.”

“We’ll see about that, won’t we? We’ll put a pin in that for now. There are more pressing matters at hand. You haven't told me what information you extracted from Marco before you put a bullet in his skull.”

The abrupt change of subject doesn't surprise me. It's a classic Anselm tactic—keeping me off balance, reminding me who holds the power. I clench my jaw, recognizing the game but having no choice except to play along.

I force myself to focus on the original reason I was summoned. “He confirmed Lockhart's been recruiting businesses from under us. Undercutting our protection rates by thirty percent. Six businesses are meeting with Lockhart tomorrow night at the old Kellerman building. Golden Paw Brewery, Redwood Apothecary, Sierra Supply Co, Blackridge Auto Shop, and Moonlight Diner.”

“And the sixth?”

I hesitate, weighing how much to reveal. “The sixth isn't a business. It's a person. Someone inside your organization.”

The temperature in the room seems to drop another ten degrees. Anselm goes perfectly still, only his eyes betraying the fury building inside him.

“A name,” he demands.

“Marco didn't give one. Said Lockhart never specified, just that it was someone close to you.”

Anselm stares at me for a long moment. “Someone close to me,” he repeats. “That narrows it down considerably.”

“It could be anyone. Marco might have been lying to save his skin.”

“Perhaps.” Anselm moves to the liquor cabinet behind his desk, pouring himself two fingers of scotch with deliberate precision. “But Lockhart has been too well-informed lately. His timing too convenient.” He downs the amber liquid in one swallow. “I want names. Possibilities.”

“I'll look into it,” I promise, already calculating how to use this assignment to my advantage. The sooner I resolve this issue, the sooner I can focus on Karina.

“See that you do.” Anselm sets his glass down with a decisive click. “In the meantime, I want you at that meeting tomorrow night. Find out which of my businesses are betraying me.”

“And after I identify them?”

His smile is cold and empty. “Make an example of them. The way only the Reaper can.”

I nod, accepting the assignment. “I'll make it clear what happens to those who betray your family.”

“Good. Now, about this female of yours...”

My spine stiffens, every muscle in my body tensing at the mention of Karina. “What about her?”

“I want to meet her. Tomorrow morning, breakfast. My private dining room.”

My wolf growls at the so-called invitation, sensing the demand beneath it. The thought of letting Anselm near Karina twists something deep in me; she’s still too shaken from what happened tonight. But I can’t refuse—not when I need his help to keep her safe.

“She's been through a lot tonight,” I say carefully. “She might need more time to?—”

“Nine o'clock sharp.” Anselm's tone brooks no argument. “If you want my protection for her, you will both be present, and she will be wearing your mark. If she isn’t, well, I have two sons who may be in the market for a mate.”

The barb lands as he intends, but I don't flinch. “Understood.”

I turn toward the door, every step feeling like I'm walking through quicksand.

“Damien.”

I pause, my hand on the doorknob.

“If this female proves to be more trouble than she's worth...” He doesn't finish the threat, but he doesn't need to. The implication hangs in the air like smoke from a funeral pyre.

“She won't be,” I say without turning around.

“For your sake, I hope you're right.”