Page 58 of Body and Soul

I stared at Algerone, my mind reeling as I processed his words. The implication was clear. There was no part of Eli's life that was hidden from this man. He had eyes and ears everywhere, an insidious network of informants reporting back to him. Eli was exposed, vulnerable... and it was all my fault.

My fault for thinking I could keep him safe. My fault for being arrogant enough to believe that caring for Eli wouldn't put a target on his back.

Algerone watched me, sipping his wine with a smug, knowing look. He had me cornered, and he knew it. With a few choicewords, he had neatly boxed me in, using my feelings for Eli as a weapon against me.

I swallowed hard, forcing down the impotent rage and fear churning in my gut. I couldn't afford to let my emotions rule me, not now. Not with so much at stake.

“I'll do as you ask. But Eli remains unharmed. That is non-negotiable.”

Algerone's smile was a razor's edge, sharp and cutting. “Of course, Doctor. I'm a man of my word. As long as you uphold your end of our bargain, no harm will come to your precious pet.” He tucked the phone back into his jacket, his movements casual, almost lazy. As if he hadn’t been threatening to hurt Eli right in front of me.

I met Algerone’s cold gaze, jaw clenched. “Tell me exactly what you want me to do.”

The fluorescent lights buzzedoverhead as I wiped down my station, the sharp sting of disinfectant filling the air. It had been one hell of a day.

Bad memories clawed at me—campfires, tear-streaked faces, raised voices. My grip tightened around the rag as I scrubbed harder.

The need coiled low in my gut, a familiar ache, the urge to lose myself and forget. I could already picture it—some faceless hookup found on Grindr, rough hands pinning me down, using me until I was nothing but a receptacle for their pleasure. Until my mind went quiet and numb.

I squeezed my eyes shut, willing the craving away. I was better than this—stronger. The sins weren’t mine to atone for.

The bell over the tattoo shop door jingled and my head snapped up. Relief crashed over me like a wave when I saw it was Shepherd.

“Hey there,” Shepherd said in an unusually cheerful tone.

Something about his demeanor made me pause. His posture was looser, more relaxed, lacking the rigid control Shepherd usually exuded. The smile on his face was easy and bright, crinkling the corners of his dark eyes.

I blinked, thrown by the change. “Uh, hey,” I replied eloquently, tossing the rag into the nearby laundry bin.

Shepherd strolled over, hands in his pockets. “You must be Eli,” he said, voice lighter than Shepherd’s usual baritone. “I’m Bryce, one of the alters. Glad we can finally meet!”

I stared at him, trying to process what he’d said. I’d met Keres, and I knew there were other parts in there, but this was the first time one of them had come to the forefront in my presence.

“Cat got your tongue?” Bryce asked with a cheeky grin. “I know, I know, I'm a lot more fun than the big boss man. Don't worry, I'll try not to blow your mind too much.”

He winked and fired finger guns at me. Honest to God finger guns. A surprised laugh bubbled up from my chest. I couldn't picture Shepherd ever doing something so ridiculous and carefree.

“No, sorry, I just...” I fumbled for words. “It's nice to meet you too, Bryce. This is new for me.”

Bryce grinned wider. “No worries, man. DID takes getting used to.” He clapped my shoulder, warm and brief. “Shepherd needed a little break from the stress. We talked it over, and both thought it was high time I introduced myself properly. Sorry for throwing you for a loop.”

I nodded slowly, still processing. It was a lot to wrap my head around, but I reminded myself that at his core, this was still Shepherd. The man I'd grown to trust and care for, even if he wore a different face at the moment.

“It's okay,” I said, mustering a small smile. “I'm glad you felt comfortable enough to come meet me. Guess this means I'm officially part of the inner circle now, huh?”

Bryce laughed. “Welcome to the club, my dude. We should get matching jackets. Or tattoos!”

His eyes sparkled with mirth and I found myself grinning back, charmed despite myself. Shepherd's intensity could be a lot sometimes, but Bryce's lighthearted energy was infectious.

“Come on, let’s blow this popsicle stand,” Bryce said, jerking his thumb toward the door. “Unless you’re still disinfecting. I can keep busy—maybe get a tramp-stamp tattoo that says ‘Juicy.’ Thoughts?”

“Shepherd would kill us both if I let you do that.”

With a final glance around my station to ensure everything was in order, I headed for the door. Cherry and Ketchup were huddled over the reception desk, poring over a new tattoo magazine.

“I'm heading out,” I announced.

Cherry looked up, her hair almost glowing under the buzzing lights. “See ya tomorrow, Eli. Don't do anything I wouldn't do,” she said with a wink.

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