Page 8 of The Sea Witch’s Son (The Villains of Wolf Hollow #1)

Chapter 7

MARLIN

The skull shatters beneath my foot.

Grimacing, I look down at the bone fragments now covering the polished surface of my shoes. It’s such a waste, walking through the bone grave my mother insists on leaving at the entrance of her playroom. Every time I’m forced to exchange a perfectly good suit for another simply because this woman refuses to clean up the mess her clients leave behind.

The eels swim over my head as I walk along the grated bridge suspended below the tank. Despite what people think, it is possible to enter the Sea Witch’s cove without swimming through the mass of water serpents. There’s a land entrance located just beneath the aquarium, the large sewer pipes running along each side are part of the disguise that helps ward off unwanted guests.

Those who aren’t welcome tend to find themselves swimming with the eels .

“Mother? Do you have company?”

Ducking under the entrance, I make my way past the shelves stocked with organs of all shapes and sizes. Ursela went through a short-lived stint of selling human organs to the black market, pocketing a little bit of extra cash on the side.

Once the contract from the Drache family came through, my mother was quick to abandon her side hobby.

Too messy, she said. And far too inconvenient to package for shipping.

I tap the jar holding dear Delta’s eyeball and make my way into the darkened cavern. Only lit by candlelight, the room is kept dim to help keep the ambience for my mother’s clients.

Typically, there’s two or three decomposing bodies strung up in the corner, directly beneath a cooling fan to keep the smell down, but at the moment, the beaded chains hang empty.

Business must be slow.

“I’m looking for the box of tongues you had, is there any chance… Ah, you do have company.” I sigh, tucking my hands into my pocket, “Would you like me to come back later?”

The man strung up by his ankles looks at me with wild bloodshot eyes. A gag holds his bleeding mouth together while his arms are strapped to the board behind him. Water splashes from buckets nearby, the dark ripple beneath the surface telling me the eels have come out to play.

“Mommy’s a little busy right now.” She heaves a sigh, patting her ample bosom, “But I suppose Triton here isn’t going anywhere. ”

The man makes a gurgling sound when the Sea Witch turns around. Her black dress swishes across her knees, the plunging neckline and tight fit making her look like a plus-sized pin-up girl long past her prime. Long fake eyelashes blink at me, her white hair pulled into an elaborate up-do that showcases the gold pendent swinging from her neck.

It's the shape of a seashell. I asked her once, what was inside, and she told me it held the last piece of my father.

I didn’t ask what body part it came from.

Tilting my head, I watch a vein bulge out of the man’s purple forehead, “You’re working late tonight.”

She waves off my comment, “The night is still young. Triton and I have so much more to talk about before he’s free to go.”

The man jerks his head back against the boards. Ursela chuckles, turning her eyes back to me, “Well, if I decide he can leave, that is.”

“Charming as ever, mother.” I pause, taking another look around the room, “I was wondering where I can find the box of tongues? You seem to have moved it.”

“It's over by the kidneys. I found the fish were getting too excited when I kept them next to the blood worms.”

“Naturally.” Stepping over the crate of fish pellets, I wander over to the makeshift pantry.

“Did you hear Anton has called for an early election? It will be held two years from now.” Pale eyes glitter at me, “I can’t help but wonder if you are still too young to take on such a role. Boys with too big aspirations tend to end up like… well, like Triton here.”

Pushing aside the beakers of colourful liquids, I poke around the pantry until I find the box. The tongues have been dried out and salted, making them look eerily similar to pieces of beef jerky.

Shuddering at the thought, I carefully pull two out and drop them into my bag.

“Many things can happen in two years.”

“Mm, indeed.” She purses her plump lips, “Are you going to tell Mommy what your great plan is, or will she have to find out like everyone else?”

I smile, “Hunting for my weaknesses already? Mother, you wound me."

“I can’t help it. A woman of my grandeur is inclined to wonder what a mayor with a backbone could do with a town like this.” Her face splits into a grin, “Imagine if the Seaborn family became the rulers of Wolf Hollow. No more orders from the Drache women.”

“That would mean no more paycheques. Try not to let your ambition bite the hand that feeds you.”

Ursela sighs dramatically, throwing up a hand as if I was about to hit her, “My only son refuses to give me the simplest of satisfactions. Why couldn’t I have had a girl like I wanted?”

“That wouldn’t solve the problem of you being a terrible mother, now would it?” I step back over the crate and kiss her cheek, “I’ll leave you to it. Try not to keep me up tonight with his screams.”

Ursela huffs, shifting her attention back to Triton, “Children are so demanding, aren’t they?”

The splash of water and a gurgled moan are the last thing I hear as I leave the cavern, cautiously stepping around the human bones scattered along the floor.

I bypass the main house and take the exit that leads to the forest at the edge of our property. The Seaborn Mansion is the only house in town that sits on the waterfront, the rolling waves of the ocean smashing onto the rocky shore.

There’s a dock near the end of the beach that was once used for international shipments, but ever since the Dragon took over the town, it has laid dormant.

The dense trees mark the end of the Seaborn property and from them leads a narrow path that disappears into the thick wilderness. Not many residents venture to this side of town, partly for fear of the wild beasts lurking in the forest, but mostly because the Sea Witch enjoys tricking unsuspecting travellers to venture back into her cavern for some one-on-one time.

I walk along the trail, listening to the crows chant overhead. Leaves brush my suit jacket as I push branches aside, stepping over falling logs and hostile weeds. By the time I make it to the clearing, the crows are circling overhead, watching closely for their next meal.

The growl comes from the trees to my left, low and threatening as I head towards a large bolder. The moment I get within two feet of the rock, the beast attacks, snarling and snapping its teeth as it comes tearing out of the forest.

With a sigh, I reach for my bag and toss it at the animal. The beast jumps, catching it midair, and wastes no time tearing through the paper.

“Why do you insist on keeping such a savage animal as a pet?” I direct the question at Calista, who slides out from behind the rock with a grin.

“Ronan is not an animal. He’s my precious boy.” She coos at the dog shredding into human flesh like it’s his favourite pastime.

I grimace, watching the animal finish his meal and trot happily over to his owner. A bright, sparkly collar decorates the Doberman’s muscular neck, the diamonds spelling out the rabid beast’s name.

“I hate Ronan.” Gus grumbles, walking out from behind the rock, “He always goes for my balls.”

Calista laughs, bending down to press a kiss on the mutt’s face, “My baby knows to go for a man’s weak spot. He takes after his mama.”

Ronan purrs against her touch, thumping his tail against the ground.

“A vile creature.” My comment receives a growl, “But I do enjoy watching him chase Gus around the yard.”

“He didn’t chase me around the yard. I remembered to bring meat this time.”

“Took you long enough. ”

Calista grins, watching us interact, “Salted tongues are Ronan’s favourite. Well done, Marlin.”

Gus scowls at the ground like an overgrown toddler. He didn’t grow quite as tall as I expected, falling just short of 6’1 and well below my height, but his bulk and brawn both developed according to the plan.

It took a few years, but eventually he grew into the brute Calista needed and the simpleton I wanted.

“Did you regain the four pounds?” A smirk tugs at my lips, “I heard Lionel put up a fight.”

Gus throws his head back and moans, “I’m down two pounds even though I doubled up on the eggs this morning.”

Calista snickers, “Daddy will be so disappointed.”

“You have no idea. He makes me send weight updates every day.” Gus sighs, “I lied and said I was maintaining.”

I tilt my head, studying him, “Your neck does look less swollen.”

“Fuck off, Marlin. You know how Gaston gets.” He lets out another groan, “Why does Lionel have to be so hot? Throw in the fact he’s straight and I can’t get enough.”

“Is he actually straight or is he like you and looks for loopholes?” Calista muses, petting Ronan’s head absently, “The lines get so blurry here.”

“He’s actually straight. You should have heard his screams in the men’s changeroom.” Gus sighs, “I’m getting hard just thinking about it. ”

I frown, thinking about the location of my locker, “I hope you cleaned up afterwards.”

“I had him bent over the bench. Nothing to worry about.”

Calista studies him with a narrow gaze. Ronan sits quietly next to her, his head resting on her leather-clad thigh, waiting for her next command.

I would be hard-pressed to say Calista Drache has a moral compass, but she does have a belief system in place. One that sees violence as a necessary punishment when a crime has been committed.

And for the little princess with scars running up her legs, there is no crime more heinous than rape.

“Try a bicurious one next time. Might keep the cardio to a minimum.”

There’s a threat to Calista’s voice, one that has Ronan baring his teeth. Gus, the blubbering idiot he is, doesn’t seem to notice.

“I don’t like it when they don’t fight back.” His lip juts out in a pout, “There’s no point in fucking a man if he’s not going to challenge me."

“Then fuck a girl.” Calista sucks in a breath, resting a hand on Ronan to soothe him, “The reason I summoned you both here is to discuss the next shipment. Twelve boxes in total, Dragon Fire is mother’s latest obsession and she wants to get it out as soon as possible.”

I glance at her, “How soon does she want it gone?”

“First half by the end of the week, the rest of it by the end of the month. ”

Gus sighs, “Why do I have a feeling this one’s going to be messy?”

Calista ignores him, “Marlin, I need you to update the algorithm to market the new product. Offer half price for the first hundred buyers and any other incentive you feel necessary.”

“My pleasure.”

“And Gus,” She flashes her teeth, looking just as ferocious as Ronan, “I need you to throw a party this Friday. Help give the students a taste for the new party drug.”

“Cool. Does that mean I get a free shipment?”

“No.” Calista smiles sweetly, “But you will be the first person I call should there be any problems.”

Gus frowns, “Being a thug for hire is so lame. Why can’t I help Marlin generate sales and Ronan can take care of the nuisances?”

Flicking a leaf off my sleeve, I look at him, “Have you taken a coding class recently?”

“No.”

“How about a marketing class? General management?”

He blinks, “What would I need those for?”

Truly, it must be dreadful walking around with an empty head all day.

Calista snaps her fingers and Ronan jumps to his feet. Gus immediately takes a step back, his shoulders tensing when the dog prowls towards him .

“Until you suddenly find yourself a brain, Marlin will take care of the distribution and you will punish those who do not fall in line.”

Stilettos pierce the fallen leaves as Calista flicks the knife out of her sleeve. The curved blade glistens in her painted talons, the dark red nails a perfect match for her lipstick.

“Don’t forget your place, Gus.” Running her tongue along the blade, Calista flashes an equally sharp smile, “Or I will find a replacement.”

He sucks in a breath, no doubt feeling the sharp blade suddenly pressed tight against his balls.

“And while we’re on the topic, be sure to find yourself a bicurious partner next time. I find it displeasing when your dick ends up in places it doesn’t belong.”

She tilts her head, nudging the knife a little bit deeper. Sweat breaks out on Gus’ forehead.

“I would hate to castrate you like I did with Ronan.”

“N-Nope. No castration needed.” He stutters, staring at the woman less than half his size, “And I’ll stick to the knuckle side of the business. We’re cool.”

I chuckle, watching the fear sink through his thick skin. Gus is a fool, but he’s a fool who knows better than to cross the most vicious creature in Wolf Hollow.

Ronan’s manners are quite tame compared to his owner.

“I love to hear it.” Calista purrs, giving her knife one final twist before pulling away .

Gus immediately reaches down to cup his treasured jewels, making sure everything is still in place.

“Are we inviting the new girl to the party? She’s kind of hot.”

“She is adorable .” Calista licks her lips, casting a glance my way, “How about a proposition? We all throw our hats in the ring and see who she chooses.”

Gus immediately brightens, “Dad would love those little skirts she wears.”

“As do I.” She gives me a sly grin, “What do you say, Marlin? Care for a little competition?”

I stare her down, watching the amusement dance through those wicked eyes.

“I don’t share my toys.” My lips ease into a smile, “Until I say otherwise, the saint belongs to me.”

“Possessive already? Oh, dear.”

Calista reaches up and strokes my cheek, her talons scraping the edge of my jaw. She does this sometimes, uses physical touch as a way to invade a person’s psychology, but it’s never worked on me.

Mostly because I’ve gotten used to it over the years.

“Gus might end up being right after all.” Her lips brush my neck, “This one is going to be very messy.”

“Then I hope you bring a bucket to clean up the pieces.”

Her laughter cracks through the clearing, making Gus shudder and Ronan bark. I step away casually, tucking my hands into my pockets as I turn back the way I came .

Calista’s challenge pricks my skin, an unwelcome reminder that there is another man fighting for Melody’s attention. Finley is not what I would consider adequate competition, his small stature and brown eyes are far from fetching, but I suppose he has a boyish charm.

In a dismal sort of way.

But none of that matters because Melody has a more important role to play. One that will determine whether or not Finley secures a spot on the team.

All my little saint has to do is trigger the man’s passion and I’ll handle the rest.

I’ve got the bait, now I just need the hook.