“Not
with me it won't,” I spat.
“You
belong to me, Storm. And you better not forget it.”
He
was very, very sick. It took a few seconds for me to be able to speak. “Exactly what type of fucking drugs are you on?” I bit out. “You and I will never happen.”
His
look was sympathetic. “It's really sad you think you’ll win this battle when the truth is written in stone. You are mine. The only one who doesn't know it yet is you.” He smiled before strolling away whistling, leaving me standing there gaping.
* * *
I ran my hands through my hair, hoping that I didn't look as stressed as I felt. I hadn't seen Light all night, which was strange. Luke suddenly materialized from the past like some crazed psycho. And I was standing around looking for my current fling like some strung-out junkie looking for her next fix. This did not bode well for things to come.
Feeling
a tap on my shoulder, I swerved to see Luke standing behind me with a champagne glass in his extended hand. “For you, love.”
Yeah
, like I was going to drink anything he gave me. “No thanks.” I tried to step away from him when he blocked my exit.
“Don't
be rude. I'm trying to be polite here,” Luke said through tense lips.
“And
I'm trying to do the same.” I looked around quickly, clenching my fists. “Please don't spoil this event by making me make a scene,” I said through gritted teeth.
“You
don't have to. I'll do it for you,” Knox said, flanked by three of Ryker's enforcers. He started removing his jacket and the crowd parted curiously.
Luke
smirked. “Déjà vu! Haven't we done this before? I believe last time it ended with you losing the girl.” He looked at me slyly. “I believe that this will end in the same way.”
I
stepped between them. “I think not, Luke. This has to stop.” I nodded toward the enforcers. “Can you please escort him out before Knox does something that I know he won't regret?”
“Storm,
step out of the way,” Knox growled.
I
wrapped my arms around his waist. “No! Not this time. I don't want to see you all over the evening news. Let Ryker's guards throw him out.” They shoved Luke.
“Don't
touch me. Do you know who I am?” Luke hissed.
One
of them said, “We know who you are. You're an ass who's making a scene. Now either move on your own or be carried out. You decide.”
Luke
brushed off his jacket and then looked at me coolly. “I'll see you soon, Storm.” He walked away, his head held high.
Knox
nodded toward them. “Ensure that he gets out.”
“On
it,” they both said in unison, walking quickly after Luke.
Knox
turned back to me with icy eyes. “What was that all about?”
I
rolled my eyes with exasperation. “I didn't invite him, Knox. So stop with the caveman tactics.”
“It
didn't look like you were trying to stop him from practically pawing you either,” Knox said quickly.
“Okay
, I'm not doing this. First, I'm not your girlfriend. Secondly, despite the obviously low opinion you have of me… I only sleep with one man at a time. Third, if you don't trust me, then there’s no point in taking whatever this thing is any further.”
His
eyes narrowed. “You don't leave me feeling warm and fuzzy when you’re fucking ex-boyfriend shows up to my damn party, pawing my property.”
I
looked at him incredulously. “Is that right?” I asked flatly. “I'm not your
property
.” I sighed heavily. “Damn, just when I thought we were making progress, you take us fucking five steps backward.” I was tired of having to explain myself. My eyes narrowed coldly. “Knox, it's hypocritical to talk about me trusting you when you’re unwilling to trust me. Please let me know when you’re willing to do that and take whatever this thing we have going on to an acceptable level of civility.” I shook my head with disappointment before walking away with a heavy heart.
I
awoke with a start when my bed tilted. My eyes were too heavy to lift after spending a sleepless night working late just to take my mind off my argument with Knox. It wasn't a productive night. In fact, it was kind of depressing. I had gone through my laptop, trying to figure out what records the thief had stolen.
I
looked over at Light who was extending a large mug of coffee that smelled absolutely scrumptious. I sat up, crossing my legs yoga-like before snatching it greedily. I looked at her accusingly. “Where did you go last night? No support as I lay out like some buffet table—and no support when Luke the Stalker made an appearance,” I said snappily.
“Holy
shit! Luke?” Light leaned back with wide eyes. She shook her head. “Sorry, Storm, I got a call from Reason. She had a lead, or so we thought, on the thief. So she swung by to pick me up so we could chase it.” She sighed. “It turned out to be a dead end.” She kissed my cheek. “You know that I’d never leave you hanging like that.”
I
knew that. I was being a bitch. “Sorry, I'm just jittery about everything. I had an argument with Knox and had his driver take me home. I ended up going through the records to see exactly what was stolen, which was pretty much everything of importance. I got an instant headache.” I sighed heavily. “Not to mention we have a ton of voice messages with irate clients complaining about that reporter asking them uncomfortable and embarrassing questions about Celina.”
Light
snapped open the newspaper on her lap. “Well, I don't think that you're going to like this, then.” She handed over the newspaper. “Turn to page five.”
My
eyes widened as I read it aloud. “The rich and famous rocked by Credence O. Corporation scandal. After the recent unsolved murder of Celina Rouse, employee of Credence O. Corporation, a confidential informant has reported that the headquarters of Credence O. Corporation, alleged image consultant to the rich, was robbed. Stolen items include a black book containing the clientele names, powerful and influential figures in politics and entertainment, including ultra-wealthy families. A source has come forward providing a copy of their client list. Among the names on the list, none other than mega rock star Knox Gunner.
“
Is this robbery linked to Celina's murder? And is there any truth to the rumors that Credence O. is running a little bit more than an image consultant company? Several calls have been made to Credence O. and their alleged clients, but so far, no calls have been returned.”
I
literally wanted to throw up. “Bloody hell! The business is ruined. No wonder none of the escorts returned my calls.” My cell buzzed and I immediately recognized the number. “Hello, Ryker,” I said tiredly.
“I
gather you read the newspaper this morning, so I'll get straight to the point,” Ryker said coolly. “We have issues to talk about. Needless to say, the Other Council is not pleased with the recent developments. I expect you and Light at my penthouse in an hour.” He hung up sharply.
I
scooted off the bed. “We've been summoned. The Other Council is screaming bloody murder and now we have been summoned by Ryker to provide answers we don't fucking have.”
“This
is not happening,” Light said testily.
“I'm
afraid it is. I'm going to take a shower,” I said tiredly before walking into the bathroom. For the first time in years, I fought not to break down in a fit of hysterical tears.
* * *
The elevator opened directly into a grand foyer leading to a magnificent living room and dining room with floor-to-ceiling windows that hosted panoramic views of Central Park and the city.
Bones’
s face was the most solemn that I've seen since meeting him. “Follow me.”
Light
and I walked into the luxurious penthouse side by side, not uttering a word. We followed him past an impressive collection of artwork into a large living room with a small gathering of wolf-shifters standing around. All eyes focused on us. Ryker turned around to look at Light. His eyes lingered on Light curiously; then he turned to me.
“Men,
leave us. I need to have a private conversation with the Credence women,” Ryker said without taking his eyes off of us. The men stiffened and an uncomfortable hush came over the room before they left reluctantly.
“Ryker,
I know what you're going to say,” I said flatly.
He
tilted his head as he considered me. “No, you don't, Stormy. You have no clue about the shit storm that’s brewing as we speak.”
“We
do, Alpha,” Light snapped.
He
looked at Light sternly. “I would advise less tone and more humbleness for your current predicament.”
Light
arched a brow. “We're not your pack minions. So my advice is that you tone down that bass in your voice, Alpha.” She plopped down into a chair, crossing her arms defensively.
His
mouth twitched into a smile. “No fear, I see. That's what happens when you’re sober. And judging from the last time I saw you, that's not too often.”
Light
looked at me with outraged eyes. “Storm, I don't care if he is Alpha. I'm not dealing with this jackass. Handle him.”
I
held out a placating hand before saying, “Look, Ryker, what would you have us do? The documents are gone. And we did everything in our power to prevent such a situation.”
He
regarded me coolly. “I'm disappointed you didn't come to me with the fact that the documents implicating Others were stolen.”
I
sat down beside Light, crossing my legs calmly. “Come on, Ryker. This is bullshit.”
“No
, what's bullshit is that I have my own pack business to deal with and now I have to deal with the influx of fucking complaints from Other families demanding immediate Council action.”
“And
what action is that?” Light asked.
“Closure
of Credence O.,” he stated firmly.
“They
have no right, Ryker. This is bullshit! They have been chomping at the bit to close us down for centuries,” I snapped.
“And
your carelessness has given them the ammunition to do it. This is all your doing. Information has been stolen. The exposure of what we are could be next. Don't you think the Others have a valid concern?” Frustration was written all over his face. “But lucky for you, I'm a fair man. I've convinced the Council to conduct an investigation before rushing to judgment with the full understanding that after the conclusion of such an investigation, if Credence O. is found guilty of negligence, it will mean closure of Credence O. Including a hefty fine and expulsion from Other society.”
“Why
don't you just order us to be executed while you’re at it?” Light spat.
He
glared at her. “As the bearer of the Sword of Souls, that possibility is not off the table,” he stated flatly.
Shit!
This situation was going to get real ugly. “Just so we're clear, we’ll fight any move to close us down or expel us. So this investigation better be conducted by a neutral party.” I looked at him coldly. “We have many enemies among the Others and I’d hate to have this process contaminated and us railroaded by centuries of unfounded hate.”
His
eyes went cold. “If you’re implying I’m among your enemies”—he looked at Light, then back at me—“then that couldn't be further from the truth. But I have a responsibility as leader of the Other Council to ensure order is kept. This investigation must happen. I also have a responsibility to my pack. We are already going through troubling and dangerous times with an impending war. I cannot risk further damage by exposure of our kind. Fix this!” Abruptly, he turned his back, staring through the window without another word.
I
shrugged at Light before we hustled to leave. His voice stopped us at the elevator.
“And
Fae-witches… I’d advise that you go visit that reporter. Convince him using any method you deem fit to cease his dangerous investigation. His meddling is adding tension to a very contentious situation.”
* * *
I ended the call quickly, looking over at Light with a smile. “Reason got his address.” I punched it into the GPS, letting it take us to a not-so-great part of Manhattan. We pulled up to the house, looking at each other apprehensively before hopping out of the car.
“Okay
, so what's the plan?” Light asked as we walked to the stairs.
I
shrugged. “We find out what he wants and take it from there. I have a feeling there's not much that we can do to stop him from digging. But if we warn him of the folly of printing something without substantial evidence, we might have some leverage.” When we got to the door, I held Light back when I saw the door cracked open. My senses were ringing off the hook. Something wasn't right. I nudged it open with the tip of my shoes. “Come on.”
The
brownstone apartment was very quiet and that's when we noticed the total disarray of the apartment. The place was torn apart. Papers were scattered around, the furniture was ripped to shreds, and glass was everywhere. And last but not least, Jeff Hunter was lying facedown in the middle of the living room in a pool of blood.
I
rubbed my eyes. “Damn! Someone got to him first.” I kneeled down by his body when I saw the paper clutched in his fist. Pulling it out carefully, I examined it. “It's a copy of our contract.”
Light
seemed on the edge of hysteria. Taking her face in my hands, I stroked her hair, bringing her back from the brink. “It's going to be okay. Let's get the documents and leave.”
Light
swallowed hard, nodding her head. “Okay.” She moved away from me quickly and started picking up the scattered papers with jerky, disconnected motions. Her ability to maintain some semblance of sanity was getting worse. And there was nothing I could do to stop it.
I
walked around, quickly picking up all of the papers in my path. “Hurry, get everything.” We fanned out, snatching everything that we saw. “Let's go.” We ran out of the apartment like the hounds of hell were at our feet.