Page 58 of Reaper

“Even if it works,” Scar continues while glaring at Matrix, “it won’t be a walk in the park, Reaper. We can’t just storm in and expect to find Blackstone. The mansion’s full of guards. Lexi knew their schedules, but her details were too vague. Also, Blackstone could have changed things already. There are too many variables, too much that can go wrong.”

“What if we snatched one of his goonsinstead?” Matrix asks, always the strategist. “We could use one of the guards to gain an intel advantage. If we can figure out how to navigate the minefield of alarms in the mansion, then we’ll have a way to get to Blackstone without tripping every damn sensor in that place.”

I consider his words, and something dark stirs within me—the thrill of the hunt. The idea of dragging one of those guards down to our turf, making him sing for his life … Yeah, that gets my blood pumping.

“I like it.” I flash a dark smile at Matrix. The taste of vengeance is sweet on my tongue. “I’ll grab one guard and make him squeal like a pig.”

“Easy, bro,” Talon chimes in with a crooked grin. “You’re about ready to bust a nut thinking about your little torture chamber. Save some fun for the rest of us.”

“Shit, Talon,” I chuckle wickedly. “You’ll get a few swings in too. I know you won’t let me have all the fun. Maybe we should grab two of them, huh? Double the pleasure.”

“Keep it simple,” Scar cuts in, standing firm. “One guard, no complications. We do this fast and clean, and no one will know he’s gone till sunup. Got it?”

“Got it,” I echo as the image of a lone figure bound in our basement forms in my mind. The anticipation is explosive, like adding gasoline to the fire burning in my soul. Although we won’t be grabbing Blackstone, we’ll be getting someonealmost as evil as him. It’s enough to satiate my demons for a few more days.

The clubhouse air crackles with charged energy as Scar lays down the law. His voice cuts through the haze of bloodlust in my head, forcing me to focus on the plan.

I lean across the table toward Matrix’s laptop as he points to a map of Blackstone’s mansion. The others discuss possible breach locations, but I know which door to use.

“This one in the back near the garage.” I gesture to the small black line on the side of the house. “We go in here. There’s a long hallway on the other side. We can easily hide in an alcove and snatch a guard.”

“I like it,” Scar states with unwavering conviction. “Tonight’s plan is simple. We’ve got two objectives. First, we confirm the keycard works. Second, if it gives us access, we bag ourselves one of Blackstone’s guards.” His finger jabs at the drawing of the mansion at the perimeter where shadows will cloak us in their darkness. “Is everyone clear on the plan?”

“Yeah.” Nitro nods.

“Gotcha,” Matrix adds.

“Yup,” Talon says, grinning at the prospect of fucking up a guard. I’ll let him get a few punches in. I’m not a complete asshole.

“We ride at midnight.” Scar lifts his gavel and bangs it on the table.

Murmurs of agreement ripple through theroom. There’s something about the dead of night, that silent hour when the world holds its breath, that’s perfect for this kind of work. It’s the time when even demons sleep, oblivious to the retribution prowling toward them.

Meeting adjourned, the men disperse, fueled by purpose. The thrum of anticipation sends a familiar itch through my bones, but there’s something I need to do before suiting up for tonight’s mission.

Back in my room, the scent of leather mixes with something sweeter, more intoxicating. Lexi. She’s lying there on my bed, a fairy nymph that has no right to exist in a place like this. Her presence hits me like the softest punch, all curves and warmth in stark contrast to the hard edges of my life.

“Hey, babe,” I greet her, pushing off from the doorframe. My cut feels heavy on my shoulders as I approach, the weight of the night ahead bearing down on me. But first, she needs to know what’s going down. Well, most of it.

“Babe, I’ve got to tell you something …” I start, sitting beside her on the bed. My hand finds hers and wraps around it. “Matrix and Daisy got the card to work.”

“They did?”

“Probably.”

“What does that mean?” She pulls her hand away as fear flickers across her face.

“Matrix doesn’t fuck up. Well, unless he’srunning DNA without asking people first,” I growl. “Anyway, we’re going to Blackstone’s mansion tonight to test out the keycard.”

“Just test it?”

“That’s it,” I lie. I hate that I can’t tell her the whole truth, but the less she knows, the better. Normally, I’d never tell a chick about club business, but this involves her, so she’s got a right to know.

“Just be careful, okay?” Her eyes, deep and full of fire, meet mine. There’s fear there, but understanding too.

I squeeze her hand, a silent vow passing between us. “Always am. But brace yourself. It’s gonna be a long night. I don’t want you worrying yourself sick while I’m gone.”

“I know the stakes,” she says, steel lacing her voice. “Just make sure you come back to me.”

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