Page 34 of Marked

Eleven

After three more days of researching and calling other police departments, we have a total of six victims. There’s a very strong possibility that there are more, but if there wasn’t any media coverage it’s like finding a needle in a haystack.

Jack stands next to me in front of a white board, the victims’ locations taped in place. Once again, they are all female and have yet to be identified. “The only thing we know they have in common is that they’re female.” He sighs. “That, and the fact that five of them showed up in cities they’re not from. Well, what we assume is a fact. There are no missing persons reports that match the Jane Does that appeared in their city.”

I nod, running my hands through my hair in frustration. “If only we knew who they were. Maybe that would at least give us something else to work with.”

He rubs his forehead. “What made Stephanie Browne different?”

Shaking my head, I catch on to his line of thought. “I’ve been thinking the same thing. She’s the only one that was killed and left at the scene. Why was she an exception?”

“What if she wasn’t? What if they were just interrupted?” Jack cocks his head at me. “What if you scared them off?”

I blink at him. “Me? I doubt that. She was killed so publicly.”

“We don’t know that the others weren’t,” he points out. “Remember the camera interference? We both agreed it was magic. What if it applied in person as well?”

The blood drains from my face. “That’s a terrifying thought. You think a powerful warlock could be behind it then?” As the words fall from my mouth, I instantly think of one person. No, there is no way Seth can be involved. I left him at his apartment the night Stephanie was killed. It would be highly unlikely that he would have beat me to the club or showed up after without me knowing. Relief sags my shoulders.

Jack shrugs and reaches for the suit jacket draped over his chair. “It’s a thought. Either way, it’s clearly a very strong individual.”

I watch him slide his jacket on, eyes lingering on the flex of his shoulders. I blush when he turns to me and catches me ogling him red-handed. Looking away, I begin mindlessly straightening papers on my desk. “Time to go already?”

“Yes, and we’re going out to dinner.”

I whip my head back towards him at the statement. Amusement lifts my brow. “Oh, are we?”

“Yes.” He’s so smug and sure of himself. “I believe I still owe you enchiladas.” When I visibly perk up, he lets out a laugh. “That’s what I thought. Grab your coat.”

A small part of me wants to bristle at the order, but a bigger part of me wants enchiladas. We’re not going to talk about the other part that wants to please Jack.

Jack smirks at me as I follow him to my office door. “What? No fighting me on this?”

I lift my chin in an air of defiance we both know is fake. “You mentioned enchiladas. You’ll learn that I’ll fight you very little when it comes to Mexican food.”

He presses his hand to the small of my back, and I feel it throughout my body. “I look forward to learning more about you,” he all but purrs.

“You suave bastard,” I mumble, cheeks flaming as we head to the elevator. A smile spreads my lips when Taylor rushes to meet us. “You out of here too?”

She scoffs as we file into the elevator. “As soon as it’s 5:30, I’m out.”

“Hot date with Bryan?” I tease.

She shakes her head with a smile. “I’m meeting him tonight at the pack house. We’re doing a pack run in the desert.”

“Well, that sounds like fun. I know you enjoy those,” I comment.

Her grin turns coy. “What about you two, hm?”

Jack gives her his charming smile. “I’m taking Valkyrie to get her enchilada fix.”

She claps her hands together as the elevator lands on the first floor. “Good man! Treat her well Jack, or I’ll cut off your balls. Have fun you two!” She blows us a kiss before practically skipping out of the lobby.

“Well, the lady has spoken,” he muses as he leads me to the parking lot.

“She may be cute and cuddly, but don’t underestimate her. If she says she’ll cut your balls off, she probably will.” I laugh as I follow him to his car.

“Ah, now I see why you two are friends,” he teases.

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