Page 18 of Finn
Had we really crossed that line?
Had the Guild sunk so low that they would align themselves with the very monsters we killed for a living?
I kept my hand on the knife hilt, even though I knew that using it would probably turn the whole pard against me.
One wrong move, and I’d be fighting my way out of here.
“Lead the way,” I said, keeping my voice cool.
“Good.” Scar gave me a nod, then turned, motioning for me to follow. “Keep close.”
He led me through the crowd with ease, parting the sea of people effortlessly.
We reached a door markedPrivate, and I followed him up a narrow, darkened staircase.
With each step, the sounds of the club below faded, replaced by the low hum of quiet conversations and the creak of floorboards.
At the top, plush VIP rooms lined the hallway. Scar stopped in front of one and ushered me inside, closing the door behind us.
The room felt insulated from the chaos below. It had plush couches, a sleek bar, and a large glass window overlooking the crowded dance floor.
I could see everything from here, yet no one could see me.
Scar poured himself a shot of whiskey, glancing my way.
“Want anything?” Sear asked.
I shook my head, keeping my eyes on him. “No, I’m good.”
“Let’s get down to it,” I said, my tone sharper than I intended.
“Direct. I like that.” He gestured to the couch. “Sit.”
I sat, but my body stayed tense, muscles coiled and ready.
Scar took a seat across from me, swirling his drink as if this were a friendly meeting, but his eyes never lost their predatory glint.
“My boss wants a particular bloodsucker dead,” he said, his voice low. “One who goes by the name ‘Angel.’”
I gave a curt nod. “Why? What’s he done?”
Scar’s eyes gleamed, a sly smile tugging at his lips.
“That’s the question, isn’t it? Our relationship with the Nest isn’t what it used to be. Angel is Beric’s new favorite toy. You know who Beric is, right?”
I felt my pulse spike. Of course I knew.
Beric was Queen Arabella’s second-in-command. He was a powerful vampire in the Craven Hill Nest, the most dominant supernatural group in the city.
The lions were their biggest allies, so what had happened to put them at odds?
This job didn’t feel right. The Guild didn’t typically involve itself in supernatural politics.
“Why Angel?” I pressed. “If your problem is with Beric, wouldn’t it make more sense to go after him?”
Scar chuckled. “You think it’s that easy? Beric’s untouchable. Always has been. But Angel?”
Scar leaned forward, lowering his voice. “Take him out of the picture, and we weaken Beric’s power structure. Angel’s dangerous and ambitious.”
