Prologue

Prologue

Sex, money, and drugs. Those are the three things that seem to hold power over the human realm. It's pathetic when you think about it, but it also gave me the advantage I needed to expand my family's business. Yes, we're werewolves, with a special connection to the fae world, but every species needs money to survive.

That's how entering this new form of business was a no-brainer.

When I arrived five years ago, I took over everything. My aunt Cass was worn out with the responsibilities of running the pack in the human realm. She didn't have time to keep track of the family business anymore. It was evident in all the stat sheets. The company's traffic was slowing, and the pack was taking the brunt of it.

So when I confronted her about it, she gave it to me without a second thought. Once the money started rolling in, she never questioned it.

After all, what she doesn't know won't kill her. So as long as they're all protected and safe, that's all that matters.

Entering the dark world of business was easier than expected. If humans aren't getting sex, then they're gambling. And when they lose and can't seem to get the high the games once gave them, they turn to drugs. They dig themselves deeper into a hole, and somebody has to come out and collect.

The rich seem to indulge in all three, sometimes, all at once. So I found the biggest, roughest guys of the pack and added them to my crew. I pitched my ideas to the richest and dirtiest of the humans, and it all fell into place.

We started out small, collecting payments that were due, giving warnings when necessary and taking lives when needed.

Slowly word spread about us, about me. I wasn't someone to disappoint. When I came knocking, you paid up, or you suffered the consequences. After two years in the game, I switched it up, took out the weaker gangs, put myself on the top of the black market. Became the king of drugs and pleasure. Now I'm five years in and running the show. 

Stories made their way into the cities, countries. They told tales of a monster who lurked in the shadows. To cross me was a fate worse than death. It was something I prided myself on.

The smell of piss and blood filled the air as I entered the abandoned warehouse. Something about the smell made my heart race, and adrenaline course through my body. Because the only emotion that came after those two things was fear, and it was something I craved.

"I don't know where he is. He told me he would meet me back at the shipyards with the money, and we would come here. He never showed." A male voice pleaded. His voice was raspy as he tried to stay conscious.

The sound of chains dragging across the concrete floor echoed through the empty warehouse. My lips curled up into a half-smile. This bastard was about to die, but we were going to get the truth out of him before that.

I cleared the throat just before my right hand, John, whipped him with the chains again. He dropped the chains stepping back. I stepped forward. The man hanging before me widened his swollen eyes. His body began to tremble as he took me in.

He met me once before. That's how I did business. I gave you the rundown of how I worked. You tell me why you need the money or the drugs, and I lend it in good faith that I'll see my money.

But, if I have to find you, come to you, it's because you crossed me, refused to pay or stiffed me on our deal. Once that happens, you've marked not only yourself but your family and friends, and after I collect you, I go for them. They know the rules when they sign the contract, and the ones who break it pay the price in more ways than one. 

"Oh, Ted." My voice was full of mock disappointment.

"I warned you. I told you what would happen if you didn't come through with the money on time." I shrugged off my jacket, placing it on the chair in front of me.

"I've been a patient man, wouldn't you say John?" I asked as I plucked off my gloves, taking off my fedora and placing them inside.

John nodded. "Very patient, sir." He grunted.

I turned my gaze back to Ted as I took in his bruised and bloodied body. His pants were soaked with piss and blood, cuts and gashes littered his body. I walked over to him as I rolled up the sleeves of my white dress shirt.

"I'm telling the truth, I had the money. I swear it, but-"

"Ah ah ah, it's not my fault you trusted a thief with your money, Ted." I pulled my scarlet hair up into a low ponytail.

"Now, I'm going to ask you one question, Ted. It's a very simple question and requires only a yes or no." He swallowed hard as he looked at me.

"Do you have my money?"

"No, sir." His voice was trembling as he knew what was coming.

"Hmm, you know the rules. You crossed me, Ted. You know how much I hate being crossed. Playing me for a fool only makes me angry. Now tell me the truth, did you have a friend you were supposed to meet in the shipyards or were you trying to buy more time?" He looked at me and then at John.

"I was trying to buy more time." He muttered in defeat.

"Do you think I'm a fool, Ted? Is that why you lied? How's your wife Ted? Had a chance to talk to her today?" I asked. His head snapped up as he looked at me—his heart racing as he tried to shake free of the chains wrapped around his wrist. The pounding as it banged against his rib cage echoed in my ears.

"Leave her out of this. It isn't her fault. I'll do anything you ask. Just don't hurt her." He pleaded.

"That's not how it works. Tell me what you have heard about me in the streets? What did people warn you about when it came to making deals with me?"

"They said never to cross the Deadly one, to do so-" he paused, shaking his head.

"To do so would be a death sentence to not only you but your family. But I didn't think I couldn't pay you back. I was one win away from getting it all back. I can get it all back." I let out a low chuckle.

"You're sick, Ted, and I think it's about time someone puts you out of your misery. Addiction is a terrible disease, and well, you don't seem to want to find a cure." I walked over to a table that had been placed beside Ted. All sorts of tools and blades lay before me. I picked up a dagger and ran my fingers across the edge.

"I'll make sure to send my condolences to Melissa."

"No, wait. Please, I can pay. Just give me a second chance." He begged as I turned and faced him again.

"I don't give second chances." His cries were muffled by the blade entering his throat. Blood poured from his mouth as he choked on it, the life fading from his eyes as he slowly drowned in his own blood. I wiped the blade clean, placing it back on the table. I cleaned off my hands and fixed my sleeves. 

"Clean up this mess and make sure to send Ted's head to his wife. Remind her that just because he is dead, his debt doesn't just disappear."

"Of course, Balor." I pulled on my jacket and gloves and adjusted my hat.

"I would love to help, but I have a rather annoying guest to entertain this evening."