Chapter 5: Fallon

It’s astounding how careless an emotional man can be. Following Liam to his own apartment and then out here to the suburbs, child’s play. I’d stood on his small balcony, hidden by the shadows, his lack of flicking on the lights aiding in shielding me. With curious eyes, I watched him breakdown, the whiskey burning his throat in hungry gulps. I may not be the demon who ruined his life, but I know the one who did. His unhinged nature one even I refuse to fuck with.

Keeping my body tucked into the tall, perfectly sculpted hedges, the entire scene unfolds before me. The barked orders and chorus of wandering werewolves, humans and vampires creating an organized frenzy. Each of the four bodies are wheeled out in black body bags, one distinctly larger than the others, with the last being no more than the length of my thigh. It’s my job as queen to know every werewolf in a five hundred mile radius, anyone close enough to threaten my territory. Even I would not have gone after such a prominent family so boldly. Not without a careful plan.

The Illucian family is one that’s had roots in the suburbs of Illinois for hundreds of years. Their surname sparking fear in even the mob bosses of major cities around the country. Although they were never officially attached to mob activity, it’s a given that’s where their wealth came from. DeMarcus Illucian, with his deep mahogany skin and brooding attitude, has kept those who rule the underground out of prison. There are a number of werewolves and humans alike thrilled to have him ready to be buried six feet under, but his two-sided nature has always benefited the demons. So which one did he piss off enough to lose his life?

As the unmarked transportation vans and cop cars begin to filter away from the scene, the forensics experts are still hard at work. Even once that Vampire detective drove off, Liam stayed behind, hands in the pockets of his sweats, toned arms rippling. He really is quite the specimen, but now is not the time to let my libido guide my actions. I already did that tonight and it didn’t work in my favor. The scene empties, Liam finally making his way into the house, dipping under the yellow crime scene tape, bright against the spiced double doors of this monstrosity of a home.

He doesn’t bother closing the door behind him, knowing any and all have filtered away. It’s unlikely the demon will still be around. We often like to watch the aftermath of our handiwork from afar, not up close. On tiptoes I creep across the gravel, doing my best not to disturb the pebbles. I may be stealthy, but werewolves have hearing even the shadow of a soul escaping can’t evade. Slipping out of my boots just outside the door, assuring the coast is clear, I slip into the illuminated foyer.

It seems every light is on, showing off the fine Gothic arches lining every hall and the entrances to each room. It’s unexpected, reminiscent of churches from times long since passed. Tracks of crimson splash across nearly every surface, as I move further into the house. Splatter and streaks, with small hand prints that could only have been from DeMarcus’ youngest daughter, Melody. I met the girl once, sneaking up on her in the park. Her instincts told her what I was, that she should run, but she stayed. Swinging high next to me with a tiny smile on her face. She didn’t deserve such a cruel fate.

A sharp thud and bellowed curse, pull me into a room to the far right, the overturned lamp casting the space in a eerie glow. Liam has his back to me, rifling through papers on the cluttered desk. The demon who did this wasn’t just here to take lives or souls, they were looking for something. Closing my eyes, I do my best to find the signature. Searching my senses for a tell of who did this. Partially to pat them on the back, but also to see who my competition might be.

“I can hear your heart beat,” Liam sighs. His perusing of everything on the desk not faltering for even a moment.

His body shifts as I step into the room, the typical dark wood of a manly desk coming into view. Where there would normally be bookshelves lining a wall, there are none. Only pictures of him and other pack leaders, with two leather arm chairs of sangria beneath. The rest of the room is clean, void of character or possessions. A place really meant for business and no pleasure.

“What are you looking for?”

Ignoring my question, his chin drops to his chest. His desperation for answers rolling off him in waves. “Did you do this, Fallon?”

“No.” My voice even, calm. Why I feel offended at the accusation makes no sense. From what I heard amongst everyone who was here, these kills looked just like mine the night before.

“Do not lie to me.” The veins popping in his neck, papers crumpling in his fist.

I owe him no answers, but I give them to him anyway. The truth flying from my mouth before I would even have a chance to stop the words. “I was watching you all night. I followed you home and then here.” My hands slap against my leather-clad thighs as I plop into one of the leather chairs, his gaze finally drifting towards me.

Exhaustion pulls at his features. Those lips that I now know intimately pulled down into a deep frown. Still, through his grief, anger bristles below the surface, itching to break free. Shoulders rolled forward and brows knitted tight, he falls back into the desk, his ass knocking over several items that had been teetering on the edge. Large hands cup his face, his emotions breaking free.

“Look wolf, we may not be on the same team, but I won’t have someone infiltrating my territory. I will give you any information I might find.”

“Even if I wanted your help, demon, I still wouldn’t ask for it.”

With a tut, my hands fly up before they slap back down. “You men are all the same. So busy sitting on your high horses you won’t accept a woman’s help.”

With two quick steps, he’s leaning in front of me, his face way too close. It’s intriguing that he trusts me enough to get so close. Rage radiates off him, his already warmed temperature making me sweat in my seat. His proximity, the closeness, I need to take what I want. Yet, I don’t take advantage, eager for his retort.

“It’s not women, soul sucker.” His hands fall to the arms of the chair. A crazed animal trapping his pray. Though I feel no fear, involuntarily my body leans back, lengthening the distance between our chests. “It’s you. You disgust me. I meant what I said. Stay the fuck away from me.” He moves closer still, the tip of our noses nearly touching. “The next time you see me, it’ll be for me to rip out your throat and heart.” His eyes trail to both locations before they find mine again, those pupils dilating once more.

With heavy steps, he backs away, leaving me in a stupor. His boots clomping across the marble floors let me know he’s moved far away from the study and up the stairs near the front door. I don’t follow him. I don’t need to. With new-found determination, I slip back into my boots and back into the night.

I’ll give Liam enough intel, he’ll have no choice but to think he can trust me. It’s all part of my new game. When I’m done, that dog will be wrapped around my pinky finger.