Page 6

T here were people everywhere. Everywhere she turned, every hallway she walked into, there was a high chance she was going to collide with someone. It was maddening.

“God’s sake, Melinda, that’s meant to go outside .” Raylene snarled at the woman who hissed in her direction just as she hustled past her with glass plates in her hands. Ray scoffed and rose her hands in the air,

“ You’re in the wrong here Melinda!”

Ray turned on her heels and narrowed her gaze in the direction of the man carrying balloons, “The hell?” she snapped, grabbing the balloons out of his hands. His eyes widened and he took a step back, slightly terrified at her appearance, “Does this look like a kid’s party? Why do we have balloons?”

He spluttered and Raylene groaned, “Go,” she snapped at him, “Get out of my sight. Go!”

The poor man scrammed.

“You look like you’re enjoying yourself.” A voice said from behind her, and Raylene turned on her heels, her eyes ablaze as she faced Kyle.

“Do I look like a fucking event manager?” she hissed, and Kyle rose his hands in surrender, taking a few steps back as a small smile twitched his lips,

“No.” he said, and she let out an annoyed sound, “But I come in peace.”

Ray’s murderous gaze snapped to his but he only smiled handsomely .

His blonde hair glittered under the light as he slowly put his hands on her shoulders and looked at her beseechingly,

“Go upstairs. Get ready for tonight.” He said and Raylene sighed.

They’d all arrived on their island about five hours back, and she knew both the Lions and the Ravens were here.

She’d been assigned with the task of preparing for their announcements of the alliance but somehow had gotten roped into event preparations after Verana bailed.

Raylene shook off his hands and stepped away, looking behind him to see the stairwell that led up to their rooms.

The mansion belonged to Larsens, but today it was being used to host the Ravens as well. At first glance, the house was almost beautiful, with its white glittering walls and multiple rooms that had been designed as if they were kings and queens.

But Raylene knew all the hidden ways of this place. Knew every inch of it was armed, was bugged with devices to hear every word that was being said. She was standing in the living room that had been cleared for the preparations. On the opposite end was the large kitchen which was bustling with people that went in and out.

In the middle of the living room that overlooked a backyard and the kitchen was a large staircase that wound up like a snake curling up. She’d seen the magnificent chandelier that hung from the top, jingling at times, had almost lost her mind at its size. The mansion had two more floors, each lined with rooms that overlooked the sea.

Raylene could walk through this place with her eyes shut. Had spent multiple sleepless nights remembering every nook, every corner and every place where the bugs were hidden .

She breathed out now, remembering how careful she had to be while she stayed here with the Ravens for a week.

Martin De Santos and his men and women had already arrived. Their black sheep, however, was nowhere to be seen. Raylene turned to Kyle, who was eyeing her behind his glasses with a light tilt of his head. This close, he looked so innocent, so friendly, that Raylene had to remind herself about her priorities. About her mission.

“Has everyone arrived?” she asked and Kyle’s eyes darkened.

“Everyone’s here.” He said, his voice quieter, “We proceed as decided. The Ravens are all here, they stay for a week, while the others arrive tomorrow for the functions.”

Raylene nodded, bracing her free hand against her hip as she tilted her chin to look up at him. He gazed down at her, eyeing her outfit with a light upturn of his lips.

“You look comfortable.”

Raylene frowned and looked down at her baggy jeans and her tight tank top that she’d covered with a brown cardigan. She looked up at him again and eyed his outfit in disdain. He was wearing a light blue shirt that was loosely tucked into the waistband of his jeans. She could see the glint of his gun tucked in his pocket and scowled at its sight,

“I didn’t ask.” She snapped.

Instead of waiting for his response, she shoved the balloons into Kyle’s hands and walked past him. Heard his light laugh echo in the air behind her as she stepped out of the living room and grazed her fingers on the cool wooden surface of the railing. Forcing herself to breathe through the million voices that crowded her mind, Raylene started climbing the stairs .

It had been a while since she’d had a moment to herself. These past few months had been her in a new place, all alone, trying to figure out how she could prove herself. So many sleepless nights, so many wounds, so many scars, all so she could get to this point. All so she could live amongst people she could one day–

Raylene blinked as her fingers closed around the cold knob of her room. It had often been like this now. Since she’d walked out of her hometown, there were times when she would lose herself to her surroundings and would just...walk.

Now, however, as she twisted it and opened the door to her room, she breathed a sigh of relief, back to herself.

It was a breathtaking view no matter how many times she saw it. A room so huge that it put her own house to shame. The walls were colored a royal shade of beige, its pastel hues merging and contrasting against the darker setting of the furniture. As soon as she entered, there was a couch, a seating to her right. And right ahead was the soft, most regal bed she’d ever seen. Beige curtains hung around it from all four corners, bunched at their ends. The bed was supported by wooden stands that were coated with a dark shade of grey black. And on the bed’s left was her closet.

But what made her want to die was the wonderful window on the bed’s left, coated with beautiful silk curtains that were pulled back. The first thing Raylene did when she stepped into her room was throw open the windows. The wind hustled in, making her hair sway violently as she breathed in the salty air.

It was insane how this mansion stood on the edge of a privately owned beach, so completely in contrast to the beautiful, easy life a beach house would hold .

This place, however, reminded Raylene of a castle. Reminded her of the power the Larsens wielded. And how she was stuck right in the middle of it all.

Inhaling one last time, Raylene shut the windows reluctantly and pulled the curtains close. With no light peeping in, the room would’ve been almost scary if she wasn’t used to the darkness. Knowing her way, she went around and switched on the lights. The bright white light fell upon the room like a halo, making her eyes fall upon the box sitting on her bed.

Raylene sighed and removed her boots, stepping on the carpeted floor as she went closer to her bed. There was a note pasted on its top, making her blink in surprise as she leaned down to pick it up.

As our mediator, you are now a Lion and a Raven.

You will wear both our colors.

Such a direct demand.

Raylene shook with the amount of excitement that rushed in her veins at those simple words. Gulping that fear, that adrenaline, she braced herself before touching the ribbon bow on the cardboard box.

Grabbed hold of the ribbon’s end and pulled it open before opening the box. As the lid of the box fell aside, a faint sort of thrumming began in her blood. For a moment, everything around her stood still. Every sound numbed into silence as she gazed at the fabric in wonder. In amazement.

She knew how formal, how highly the attire was regarded in these meetings. Tonight, she would dress in a suit, obeying the orders and showing herself as the mediator of both gangs. But on the last day here, when the real show would end, she would wear this .

And tomorrow, she would finally, finally , begin.

* *

It was a wonder how houses like these could be built at the very edge of land, right before the waterfront. Angel had always despised the way everyone always bragged about their wealth. These mansions, these cars, these islands, what use did they have in the end? Why show off your money, your power through material things when you could use it to scare the entire world?

Despite his contradictions, despite all his questions, as Angel walked through the hallways of this large house, he couldn’t help but admire the sheer beauty of this place. It was like a beautiful cage designed to make anyone who lived here believe that yes , they were living in a castle.

When in reality, they were simply living in a gilded cage.

He was alone, the first to have gotten ready for tonight’s dinner, when he walked out of his room. There had been a guide in the beginning, a short, firm man with round glasses, who had shown them around the place. The second floor was forbidden, quite literally barred off to anyone staying downstairs. Angel clicked his tongue as he tucked his hands in the pockets of his trousers and strode ahead. As he walked, his gaze fell to the paintings that were aligned on the walls, some beautiful, some haunting.

Some both.

He would’ve kept walking if it hadn’t been for the soft clicking sound that had snatched his attention. Angel’s eyes, that were glued to the painting on his right, snapped ahead in an instant.

And stilled.

Oh, he thought with twinkling eyes when he saw the familiar set of dark black hair tied into a rough bun peep from behind the door, there she is . Angel could see the faint blue highlights in her hair, shining under the white light of the hallway .

His lips twitched into a faint grin as Raylene Walker walked out of the room with her honey eyes glued to her phone. He saw her close the door, strands of her hair falling forward as she bent her head and peered at the screen.

So she was on their floor, he realized and crossed his arms, leaning on the wall beside him, all alone, amongst vultures who posed as ravens.

It was as if she could hear his thoughts, could feel his presence because her eyes snapped up to his. Angel felt his own widening in pure amusement as sudden goosebumps woke upon his skin. How amusing . His grin only widened when those honey eyes narrowed. He ran a hand through his hair. Raylene Walker looked like hell on heels. The first time, she’d been in her pajamas, looking almost childlike with a gun in her hands. Now, though, Angel huffed, now she looked like danger.

And who knew danger looked so fine?

She was wearing a burnt ivory pantsuit. A vest that was brisque and cut-throat with its sheer deep neck and button-downs sat atop similar colored trousers that accentuated her long legs. The blazer with its peck lapel was the perfect addition. But what had Angel intrigued was that choker around her neck, a thick collar colored a soft orange. Some leash.

His grinned widened.

She must’ve noticed him looking at her neck because she clicked her tongue and his gaze snapped up. His lips switched to a small smirk as she cocked her head to one end and rose an elegant brow,

“Lost?” she asked, but her tone was anything but mocking.

It was her voice. Her twinkling and dangerous eyes, that brought forth an unholy sort of rage and irritation rushing through him. Still, he scoffed, maintaining his composure as he faced her .

“Yes.” He said when he so wasn’t. And saw her fingers rise and curl around the back of her neck as he continued, “I was hoping you could show me the way.”

Raylene didn’t give him a thing and he pushed off the wall at the lack. Uncrossed his arms and strode in her direction. He saw her eyes dip to his outfit as well. Angel had ditched the blazer and had tucked his black shirt in his trousers while leaving the first two buttons open. He saw her eyes come and rest on the red glass that hung from his neck and he almost balked. Almost hid it away, before finding himself.

He was closer to her now, his eyes glittering under the white light as he stopped until he was right in front of her. Angel didn’t know what he was expecting her to do when he raised his brows and placed his forearm right above her head to lean in closer.

But it wasn’t her leaning back against the closed door and tilting her chin up to gaze up at him.

This close, Angel could smell the faint scent of perfume that touched her neck, her shoulders. And a wave of nostalgia washed over him.

“So, you’re the mediator.” He started and saw her cross her arms. She blinked once, “We’re going to have a lot of fun.”

Her eyes didn’t show an ounce of emotion. Not a single ripple or dip into her feelings when he leaned in closer, and she said politely. Softly.

“Welcome to the manor.” He almost started laughing at the way her back straightened, the way her calm gaze matched his and she continued, “I hope you’ll enjoy your stay here.”

“Why so formal, storm?” he asked quietly but didn’t touch her.

Raylene looked up at him through hooded eyes .

So professional, so quiet and subdued compared to the raw anger she’d shown him the first time. It pissed him off. Made him want to–

First, she was a wildcard in his plans, and now she was being like this?

“I’m afraid we should move now, Mr. Santos.” She said and another wave washed over him. How annoying , he thought as he pushed away from her, it was almost as if she were given instructions.

He blinked. That’s it.

Angel was about to say something when Raylene walked past him, not a hitch in her steps as she rolled her shoulders. He scoffed and hurried his pace to walk beside her. She didn’t look up at him as he followed her silently, looking at her erect pose. Her professional stride. And all he wanted to do was ruffle that rough, poised exterior.

Be either scared or angry, he wanted to say. Instead he just looked ahead and said in a low, deep voice,

“I like your hair open.”

Raylene saw his hand rise behind her, but she was a second late because he was already pulling the claw clip and her bun was coming apart.

Angel’s head tipped sideways, his eyes darkening at the look on her face. She froze and turned, her heels screeching against the marble as her dark hair spilled over her shoulder. Ah shit, he couldn’t help but think when those waves fell back.

He really did like her hair open.

She didn’t glare up at his actions. Didn’t give him a think, regardless of her obvious surprise. Angel sighed, the claw clip slightly limp in his fingers when he saw her unfazed. But then she was walking right towards him, and his eyes widened as she leaned in closer .

He didn’t do a thing. Couldn’t as she gazed up at him through cold eyes and grabbed the claw clip from his hands. Thought he might be dreaming when he saw the small twitch of her lips when put it in her pocket and whispered,

“Such a child.”

Angel scoffed and was about to snap back when she stepped away and ran a hand through her waves, her eyes unfocused as she said,

“I like them open too.”

That shut him up. This time when Raylene Walker started walking ahead and Angel strode behind her, he was rendered so surprised that he didn’t even realize when they’d stepped into the dining area. Angel blinked in surprise when he heard the clatter of the dishes and heard his father’s voice snap through the air,

“Ah, there he is.”

The words were like a slap to his face, and it cut through whatever daze he’d conjured in his mind. Angel blinked and found himself standing in a large dining area, its main feature, the large glass table that sat right in the middle. He could already smell the savory tinge of the food that sat on the table, piping hot and steaming. They’d already begun eating, he realized with a scoff in his head, how insolent.

“Angel De Santos.” A familiar voice said, and Angel’s heart calmed. His entire previous mischief disappeared completely as he raised his eyes to the origin.

And found himself staring into a pair of green, lethal eyes.

Angel’s eyes hardened even as a practiced smile rose on his face.

Alessandro Saint hadn’t gotten up from his seat, had chosen to cross his arms and lean back instead .

Angel had met Alessandro only a handful times, but it was enough to render him speechless every single time. His entire presence was overpowering, and if that wasn’t enough, Alessandro was built like a beast. The complete opposite of his father, who looked like a fucking rat compared to him.

In fact, it was men like Alessandro that crushed men like Martin De Santos.

Despite all this, Angel wasn’t fazed. He couldn’t be. The Ravens and the Lions had a long-standing relation. So, Angel felt nothing but the eerie calm of his heart as he carefully poised his hand against his abdomen,

“Pleasure to meet you again Mr. Larsen.” He said evenly and saw Alessandro’s eyes narrow by an inch. A faint screech filled the air as Raylene pulled her chair and plopped down on it, her eyes still on her phone. She was sitting beside Kyle Larsen, who was seated beside his father. Angel watched as Kyle leaned in closer to see Raylene’s phone, a faint smirk on his face as he looked back up at Raylene and said something inaudible to Angel’s ears.

Intrigued, Angel looked away and toward the person sitting on the other side of Alessandro. If that man was a beast, his wife was a snake that hid in his shadow until it was the right time to strike. Maya Larsen smiled at him like one, her eyes quiet and subdued, unlike her entire erect posture.

“Angel,” she said sweetly, and his heart thumped in his chest in response. It was natural, being in their presence like this, to feel as though he was choking. Angel smiled though, his eyes crinkling,

“Mrs. Larsen.” He replied and heard her chuckle before pointing to the seat beside her.

“Have a seat.” She said, not a waver in her voice and he obeyed .

It was when he sat that Raylene kept her phone down and looked up at him, her honey eyes calm and poised. Liar.

“So,” Maya began from beside him, and Angel leaned back in his seat, crossing his legs as he turned to her. Maya was looking at her Raylene when she spoke,

“I assume you’ve met our newest addition?” she asked, and Angel nodded. He saw Kyle’s gaze snap up from Raylene’s phone, and drill right through Angel’s.

“She’s going to be our mediator,” Alessandro’s gruff voice cut through their conversation. He inclined his chin in Raylene’s direction.

“Raylene Walker.” she responded, her tone calm as she looked at Angel without a hint of emotion in her eyes. She opened her mouth to continue but was interrupted by a sudden sound of the door slamming open. Everyone except Angel’s gaze cut to the door to see him walk in.

“Luke Hawthorne.” Angel announced and grabbed his fork and knife to cut through the hot steak on his plate. There was no way they would poison him so soon, but Angel didn’t want to take any chances. Nor did he want any questions to arise.

Luke’s presence was like a soft breeze, with his calm smile and his slicked-back bronze hair. He stood behind Angel with a hand braced on the back of his chair. Angel sighed and put the piece of steak in his mouth, almost moaning at the flavor.

“I’m his second in command.” Luke said evenly and grabbed the seat beside Angel before plopping down on it with a loud sigh, “This place is awfully big. I was lost until your very helpful guide got me here.”

As if in response, the loud footsteps of a very angry person filled the air before he heard an unfamiliar voice snarl .

“You dick –”

“Oh dear.” Maya murmured from beside him and Angel smiled, grabbing the napkin to dab his lips as the female voice swore behind them. Luke chuckled beside him, and leaned forward, lacing his fingers as he looked at Alessandro.

“As I said,” he said, “ Great guide.”

“Shut–”

“ Enough .”

A sudden silence descended upon them. Angel’s brows shot up in surprise. It was Raylene Walker who’d spoken. Her cold eyes glared at the girl behind them,

“Sit down.” She said, but her tone bode no argument. Angel heard the footsteps nearby and saw a girl their age come around the other side of the dining table. She was beautiful, he realized and blinked when her name came rushing into his mind. Verana Smith. She had short hair compared to Raylene and was well-built. Her dark eyes cast glares upon both him and Luke as she pulled her chair back with a loud screech and sat down on it. From the corner of his eyes, Angel saw Luke’s grin widen and shook his head, looking back at Raylene.

She had her eyes on Luke, visibly taking in his outfit, his features. As if noticing her stare, Angel saw Luke’s eyes move to hers and settle. But then he heard a faint chuckle rise in the air and turned to look at Kyle, who was pushing his glasses up the bridge of his nose,

“Luke,” he said smoothly, and Angel leaned back in his seat. Kyle turned to Angel as well, his eyes calmer now. Almost friendly, “And Angel. It’s such a pleasure having you both here. ”

Luke’s answering grin was equally friendly, “It’s been a while, hasn’t it?” he said, directing his question towards Angel, who shook his head and smiled a small smile.

“It has.” He responded and saw Kyle’s eyes brighten.

In their world, Angel and Kyle were enemies. Both of them, however, had gone past simple hatred and had come to respect one another.

Their relationship, if not filled with competitiveness, was borderline friendly. It was all they could afford.

“Well, it’s great having you here.” Kyle answered and Angel nodded, “I’m glad we’re finally putting those rumors to rest.”

Luke laughed from beside him and Kyle turned his grin towards Raylene, who was listening in with a faint grimace on her face, “It’s all thanks to our newest addition.” He said and Raylene blinked. Angel raised his brows, so that’s how they worked? By putting all the focus and pressure on their people?

Raylene, to her credit, didn’t flinch as Kyle continued, “I’m afraid you’ll be spending each waking moment with her for the next six days.” He said and Angel crossed his arms. Their eyes clashed just as she leaned back in her seat. Angel took that as a chance to shoot Luke a side glance, “That simply won’t do now, would it?” he started, masking a sheet of worry and concern on his face, “I thought we were meant to have someone more…”

“Qualified?” Luke offered and Angel snapped his fingers, looking at Kyle.

“Qualified.” He said and Kyle threw his head back to laugh out loud.

“Ray?” Kyle asked, turning to look at her through amused eyes, “Anything to say? ”

He saw her inhale a deep breath. Her gaze snapped away from him at that very second, turning to look at Martin, who was sitting quietly beside Luke. A blatant ignorance.

“All your conversations, your plans, your business deals, everything, will be carried out through me. Every meeting you have that involves us, involves me.” She said, and Kyle snorted from beside her. Angel almost balked at the way she disregarded him. Disregarded their entire conversation. She had the audacity to lean forward in her seat and keep her eyes trained on his father, ignoring his presence altogether.

“I’m afraid you’re misunderstanding,” Angel’s voice was serene, all previous pretence of amusement dying. As calm as he could let himself be. It wasn’t every day he got disrespected like this.

“I handle those meetings. I handle our alliance’s details and our people. You want to talk to anyone, you talk to me.”

“And yet, it was your father who came to us in need.”

Angel clenched his teeth, a small tick in his jaw as his gaze hardened. His eyes turned away from hers and settled on Alessandro’s, “And it was you who agreed.”

Alessandro finally showed a reaction. His lips curved into a dangerous smile as he looked at him. Angel could feel his skin crawl with anticipation as he heard Raylene’s annoyed exhale, and she replied,

“Unfortunately, we have this nasty habit of helping strays.” She said and his gaze snapped to hers, his amber eyes flaring. She raised her chin and stared him down, leaning back in her seat and crossing her arms,

“I’m just here to make sure they don’t bite.”

Angel was going to pounce. Her words, minced with such mirth and deadly mocking made him lose his cool .

It had been a long time since he’d lost his composure like this, long since he’d let anyone entice such emotions from him. But this girl. She ripped those walls with her bare nails and killed him.

“That’s enough.” Maya’s amused voice slipped through their conversation. Her taut and calm tone had both him and Raylene snapping away from their matched glares. Maya looked at them through her lashes, smiling as she turned to gaze at her husband in amusement,

“This is quite brilliant I suppose.” She continued and turned to her son. Angel saw Kyle smile back and felt his blood calm in response as Kyle’s eyes rose to his. Those green eyes probed and mocked, but there was an undertone of hatred burning through both their gazes. It didn’t matter though. They’d won this round.

“We’re off to a great start.” He replied sarcastically and grabbed the napkin from beside his plate, “Let’s leave it all aside for now, and dine.”

Maya laughed at her son’s words and raised her wine glass in response. Everyone except Raylene and Angel followed her actions. But she didn’t seem to mind for she sang loudly,

“To our bright futures!”

Clang.

Angel was still thinking of ways to ruin her when Raylene Walker picked up her glass and stared straight at him.

“To the alliance.” She mouthed and tipped the glass back with a soft smirk. Angel grit his teeth but he didn’t dare show any other reaction. Not even as he followed her movement.

And drank without looking away.