Page 31 of Viktor’s Temptation (East Coast Territory #2)

Dave stepped into the dealership kitchen, the dull murmur of conversation halting as his co-workers noticed his arrival. He smirked inwardly at their reactions, masking his amusement behind a casual sip of the coffee he didn’t even like.

“Did you hear about the serial killer?” Laura’s voice cut through the silence as she leaned against the counter, her posture commanding attention.

She cradled a coffee mug in one hand, stirring in cream with the other.

The move was casual, but Laura wasn’t one for coincidences; she knew exactly how the men in the room responded to her figure-hugging red dress.

Dave allowed himself a glance at her, noting the curve of her lips as she turned toward him. “Nope,” he replied lazily, leaning back in his chair until it balanced on two legs. “I’ve been on vacation the past couple of weeks.”

Laura tilted her head, her dark hair spilling over one shoulder. “I wondered if you were the killer,” she quipped, her tone teasing but carrying just enough of an edge to make the comment linger.

“Oh?” Dave asked, his voice light, though his eyes glittered with dark amusement. “And why’s that?”

Her smile widened, the kind that lit up her eyes and sent every man in the room into a quiet frenzy. “Because the killings started the day after you left for vacation.” She took a sip of her coffee, savoring the moment. “Guess I was wrong.”

Dave chuckled, letting the chair drop back to the floor with a deliberate thud. He met her gaze, his eyes trailing over her in a way that would have made anyone else blush or recoil. But Laura held her ground, confident in her allure. She didn’t know how close she was to becoming his next victim.

For a fleeting moment, Dave considered it—imagining Laura shackled, her screams echoing off cold cinderblock walls.

The thought sent a twisted thrill through him.

But no, she wasn’t worth the trouble. Laura was too clever, too loud.

If she survived the transition, she’d become an obstacle rather than a pawn. Dave had no time for obstacles.

“Gotta work,” he announced abruptly, standing and brushing past her with mock nonchalance. “Lots of cars to sell.”

Behind him, he heard the low grumbles of his colleagues, their jealousy practically oozing from their pores.

Dave reveled in it. At this dealership, sales were king, and he wore his crown proudly.

Sure, his numbers weren’t entirely earned.

He used his mind control on customers, steering them toward more expensive cars they couldn’t afford.

He delighted in making them sign contracts they’d regret later.

If a deal fell through because of bad credit or insufficient funds, he simply manipulated the manager into erasing the failed attempt from his record.

It wasn’t about the job, though—it never had been.

The sales gig was a cover, a convenient excuse to interact with humans and identify potential victims. Saturdays and Sundays were the busiest days, bustling with opportunities for manipulation.

But mornings like this one, when business was slow, bored him to no end.

Dave considered wandering over to the big box store across the street, where he might use his powers to lure an unsuspecting customer into his trap.

Then again, the thought of his new hobby—the writhing bodies, the screams, the exquisite agony—was infinitely more tempting.

He’d ordered Johnny and Charlie to bring back nine fresh victims by tomorrow night.

The anticipation alone made his pulse quicken.

Neither of his minions knew the extent of their powers yet.

Dave preferred it that way. Let them think they were just stronger, faster versions of their former selves.

He’d keep the knowledge of flying, running at inhuman speeds, and advanced mind control to himself.

The less they knew, the less they could challenge him.

A sharp voice interrupted his musings. “Dave!”

He turned, spinning his chair lazily toward the source. His manager stood at the edge of the showroom, gesturing toward the glass doors. “Customer! Can you take him?”

Dave followed the man’s gaze, and his lips curled into a slow, predatory grin.

The newcomer was tall, muscular, and exuded the kind of confidence that would make breaking him all the more satisfying.

Dave’s pulse quickened at the thought of this man in the chamber Dave had come to think of as his personal theater.

As he stood and made his way toward the door, Dave thought absently about his future. He’d have to quit the dealership soon. His new hobby was far more thrilling than selling cars. But then again, it also provided him with a steady stream of unsuspecting prey.

“Something to consider,” he muttered under his breath as he extended a hand to the man with a wide, friendly smile. “Good morning! What can I help you with today?”

The man had no idea he was already ensnared in Dave’s web. And Dave relished every second of it.