Page 7 of Wolf Queen Ruin
“And I want the contract to specify that I get to use the Shadow Fang before you take it,” I added, watching his reaction.“Then I’ll give it back.”
Something complex passed behind his eyes—calculation, perhaps, or conflict—before he nodded.“Fine, as long as I can come with you when you use it.”
That confirmed my suspicion that he wanted the artifact for more than just helping his mysterious ill friend.The Shadow Fang, if real, would be worth a fortune to the right buyer, or it could be a powerful bargaining chip in supernatural politics.
“One last thing,” I said.“I work alone for a reason.I don’t want anyone else involved or at risk.Just you and me.And just this once.”
“Agreed.”Damien extended his hand across the table.“Do we have a deal, Ms.Rookwood?”
I studied him for a long moment, taking in the perfect composure, the careful neutrality of his expression, the subtle but unmistakable aura of power that surrounded him.Everything about Damien Cross screamed danger, not the obvious kind, but the insidious sort that pulled you in before you realized you were drowning.
But desperation made for strange bedfellows.
I-I mean…what?Not bedfellows.Partners.
I took his hand.That unmistakable sensation hit me again, recognition of something inhuman and powerful, in the cool glide of his fingers.
“Deal,” I said.“But I swear, if you’re playing me, you’ll discover why they call me ‘The Ghost.’I can disappear with your money and make sure you never find me.”
For the first time since we’d met, Damien smiled fully.A predator’s smile.
“I would expect nothing less,” he said, his fingers lingering against mine a moment too long.“Shall we begin researching tomorrow?There’s much to prepare.”
As he released my hand, I couldn’t shake the feeling I’d just made a deal with something far more dangerous than I understood.But for something like the Shadow Fang, I’d dance with the devil himself.
And looking into those blue eyes, I had a feeling I might have just done exactly that.
“Tomorrow,” I said.“I’m staying at the Repository…but you probably already know that.”
“I hear the Repository has quite an extensive medical library in the basement.Perhaps Dr.Felix will let us start there.”He stood and took his jacket from the back of his chair.“I’ll have the contracts drawn up and delivered to your residence this evening.Be ready to begin tomorrow morning.”
“I’ll be ready,” I said, remaining seated as he gathered his things.“But Damien?Don’t think for a second that being a ‘collector’ gives you any advantage here.I’ve dealt with your kind before.”
He paused, looking down at me with an unreadable expression.“No,” he said softly, “you haven’t dealt with anyone like me before.”
With that, he turned and walked away, moving with that fluid grace unique to the very dangerous.As the café door closed behind him, I let out a breath.
What the hell had I just gotten myself into?
“Jade,” I whispered into my earpiece.“Did you hear all of that?”
“Of course.”
“Remember when you said my impulsiveness would get me killed someday?I think I might have just proven you right.”
“Well, at least he sounds hot.Is he hot?”
“Not helping,” I muttered, gathering my things and leaving a tip that made the waiter’s eyes widen.
What the hell, right?Whether we found the Shadow Fang or not, I was about to be rich.
Or dead.
Or both.
Chapter three
Luna
