Page 47 of Devour

“I hope you’re not here to demand a favor,” I tease. Cleric is known for two things: nobody knows his real name and he can answer your prayers in gold but he’s owed a favor in return. If you fail to give him what is owed, he becomes your greatest fear.

“Not from you. Although I’ve missed your services.” Cleric and I give one another a warm hug. This man saved my life, and in return, I ended hundreds for him. I don’t regret any of it. Cleric continues speaking. “I’m here because I received a disturbing request.”

“Disturbing for you isn’t really anything new.” Cleric owns a casino that’s basically by a swamp in Mississippi. He’s seen and heard a little bit of everything.

“It concerns Maeve Goodman.” I see red. I rein in my temper enough to let him finish. “Originally, I was going to reach out to Tristan. But then I dug around and learned she’s involved with you.”

“Who wants to kill Maeve?”

Cleric holds his hands up. “They don’t want to killher. They want to destroy her career and pretty face. It’s the worst kind of evil - jealousy. They want Maeve to live and suffer.”

“Who is it? I’ll take care of it today.” The smile on his face tells me that I just fucked up. Cleric now knows he has leverage on me. I’m exactly the type he preys upon. “What do you want me to do in return for this information?”

“Not you. Maeve. Wait – before you lose your shit. My Lani wants to go to this book convention. She usually goes to these kinds of events with her friend, Hazel. But Hazel is pregnant. I can’t take her. Now here’s a marvelous opportunity I’m presenting you with, you can send Maeve to the event with Lani while you eliminate your little threat. My men will be there to protect them.”

“How do I know you’re not using this as an opportunity to complete your bargain?”

“You wound me but I’m proud of you for being cautious. I guess you don’t know.”

“Where is it?”

“Texas. It’s called Motorcycles, Mobsters, and Mayhem. Romance authors and readers get together and get books signed. Penis stickers and all kinds of crazy shit.”

I can send three of my most trusted men and then find out who is set on ruining Maeve’s life. Cleric is many things, but I know he wouldn’t betray me over something this trivial. He’d certainly never involve Lani, his wife. “Deal. Give me the name.”

“Trina Barry.”

The huntress. The one who is with her ex-fiancé. Let’s see how the huntress survives against the wolf.

“Before I go, may I meet my wife’s travel buddy?”

I narrow my eyes at him. “Like you don’t already know everything about her.”

“I still want to meet her. Call me curious, but I’d like to see who could’ve possibly caused your black soul to grow a conscience.”

“She doesn’t seem to agree. She thinks I’m a stalker.”

“There’s worse things than being a stalker.”

“And a murderer.”

“There’s still worse.”

The sound of Maeve’s voice has us both turning around. “Worse than a stalker or murderer?”

Cleric smirks. “Yes. He could be an eavesdropper.”

Maeve’s eyes narrow, but I see her lips twitching. “You must be Cleric.”

“And you, dear, are everything I’d hoped forLe Loup.Be patient with him. He’s a warped son-of-bitch, but he’s loyal. And that’s worth a lot, as you well know.”

The look of recognition on her face tells me her thoughts went exactly where he’d hoped. Her fiancé wasn’t loyal. I rise my eyebrows as to saysee, I would never.Would I kill someone else? Sure. Kiss someone else? Never.

“Anyways, I need to be going. I’m proud of you, Nick.” Cleric’s words has my chest tightening. He isn’t a man who gives compliments freely or speaks without meaning. He’s the closest thing to a father figure I have in my life. I respect him more than anyone. He continues, “Maeve, I hope you’ll consider accompanying my wife.” He nods goodbye and turns to leave us.

Maeve looks at me expectantly. My hand finds the small of Maeve’s back and I lead her through the casino. “Cleric’s come tous for help. He wants to get out of attending a book signing with his wife and thought you might like to attend in his place.”

“I’ve always wanted to attend a reader event, but while I’m sure she’s a very nice person, I don’t know her. This is strange. You see that, right?”

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