Page 9 of Twisted

“Florence,” Marco starts, gaze locking with mine.There’s an unreadable expression on his face, and the energy is swirling with negativity.“Make sure Gia stays upstairs.”

I shake my head, looking at Leo, but he’s just as confused as I am.“If there’s a problem I can—”

“Go!”Marco booms, right as the doorbell rings.“Keep Gia quiet.”

I look at Leo one more time and then get my cards and rush up the stairs.Gia is still sound asleep in her room, and I stand in the threshold of the door, listening.Several people have come into the house, and I hear a man’s voice drift up the stairs.

“Is this everyone?”he asks.“The report says you have two daughters.”

“No!”Vivian cuts in.“She’s only eleven!”

“Mom!”Larissa cries.“Don’t do this!”

I make my way silently down the hall, slowing at the top of the stairs, and taking in the sight of a man dressed in all black.I can tell just by looking at him that the suit he’s wearing cost more than everything I own combined.He has an air about him that is intimidating, like he has a sense that he knows he’s better than anyone in this house.

His thick dark hair is casually swept back and he stands with his broad shoulders pushed back slightly.He’s a good looking man, that’s for sure, but there’s something…off…about him.He’s human, and yet everyone else is staring at him with fear in their eyes.

Two armed guards stand behind him, at the ready.They have guns and bulletproof vests and tasers on their hips that could take down a horse.

What the hell is going on?What does this man want with Larissa…or Gia?

“It’s been this way for centuries,” Aunt Darcy says and I see tears run down her face as I edge closer.“It has to be done.”

“Why me?”Larissa sobs.

“You appear to be the best fit,” the man in the black suit says, voice loud.

“Danielle is older!”Larissa counters.

“She’s past her prime,” the man replies in a level tone.I take a few more steps closer to the top of the stairs.Marco is clutching Vivian’s hand, and she looks sullen in shock, standing perfectly still.Leo and Antonio are next to their mother, both with looks of horror on their faces.“The deal specifically states the trade is to be of age but no older than twenty-eight.”

“Wren!”Larissa says with desperation.“Wren is twenty-six!”

“Wren?”the man questions.He takes a step forward and Marco flinches.What the fuck?“Do you have another daughter, Mr.Russo?”

“She’s not my biological daughter,” Marco sputters and looks at Vivian.Her eyes widen and she gives him a look.

She’s a witch, she mouths, not in a protective way, but in athe-gig-will-be-upkinda way.

“I want to see her,” the man demands and makes a small motion to the bodyguards.They both move their hands to their weapons and the man leans forward, almost snarling.And everyone backs away.

Again…what the ever-loving fuck is going on?

“Don’t forget what happens if you break the agreement,hunter,” the man spits, using the word hunter as an insult.“I don’t think your fellow members will appreciate it.”

“He’s right, Marco,” Darcy says solemnly.

“Florence is…” Vivian starts.“Exceptional.The best hunter the Order has ever seen.”

“Hmmm,” the man ponders.“Is that why she was left off the report?You didn’t want to lose your best hunter?Now, where is she?”

“I’m right here, asshole,” I say.The man looks up, and his dark eyes pierce mine.I take in a sharp breath, but I get no air.There’s something familiar in his gaze, yet different and dangerous.

“There she is!That’s Florence,” Larissa tells him loudly, over Marco’s plea for her to stay quiet.“She goes by Wren for short.”

“Florence,” the man echoes as he looks me up and down, inspecting every inch of my body as if I’m a horse at an auction, judged solely on my appearance as to whether or not I’ll make a good ride.“I wanther.”

“What?”I ask, slowly shaking my head.No one but Vivian, Marco, and Darcy have any idea what the hell is happening.Gia’s bedroom door creaks open behind me, and I take another few steps forward, coming into the top stair.