Chapter 4

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To hear the news of Soren going completely unhinged tickles me. Our country mouse has returned home. Doubtful the twins are going to let her stay there, even if it would be in her best interest. They're so obsessed with being her saviors, yet they're too selfish to actually do what will ensure her safety. And they're supposed to run The Illicit. It's hysterical, and also tragic at the same time.

This plan has gone far better than I anticipated. It's all because of her. If those two hadn't chased her like dogs in heat, they might have caught on a lot sooner. And I thought killing Steffan would be the only thing to make Soren suffer, but no, now we have another and far easier sacrificial lamb. I owe her everything, and in return, I'll free her from the horrific life those boys would guarantee her.

The next phase of my plan is going to be far trickier. I've decided to keep them. In fact, I'm borderline desperate to form an alliance. For the first time in all of this, I'm nervous. Rejection cuts deeper than any knife. Vulnerability in removing a mask is more frightening than any boogie man. Caring is more venomous than any snake bite.

Putting myself out there has me feeling the victim in my own game. This is a twist I didn't see coming, but it will definitely be a game changer if they accept my offer. It's difficult for me to trust. Then again, they should definitely not trust me. Some of them have done nothing wrong, except care for the monsters who run The Illicit. Sometimes I have moments of worry that my anger is misplaced, but then I remember my darkest days. I've learned the hard way to only trust myself and my instincts. I feel a crushing sensation in the center of my chest. No. They hurt me and others, it's time someone hurts them back. And I've been patient and far too generous with my guests. But if I could recruit them… maybe – no. I can't let hope sink its ugly claws into me. I am down numbers…

My cell rings breaking me from my morbid thoughts. I swipe the screen.

"Everything still going according to plan?" His deep voice asks.

"Of course. Unlike those other misfits you took under your wing, I'm capable."

"That's true. Unfortunately. This has taken some tragic turns."

I hold in an inward grown. "Anything else?"

"I know this hasn't been easy. It's almost over."

He has no idea. After this is over, what will be my purpose? I've spent years driven by anger and revenge. It doesn't matter, I'll figure that out once our list of enemies are six feet under. "It's been a fucking honor taking them down with you."

"The honor is mine. I wish I would've stopped all this before it got to this point."

You mean before they wiped out entire families? Ruined lives of thousands? Murderous rage fills me. "That's in the past. We've learned from the past, and now we can correct it. Like when the foundation of house is broken. You bulldoze it and start fresh. Build it better than before."

"I worry your lust for revenge might burry you with your enemies."

"I'll happily be buried just as long as it's after them. And I want them to know it was me who put them there."

There's a pause and then he sighs. "I'll see you soon."

I end the call without another word. He hasn't let me down so far, and I pray I can still trust him. Only time will tell how all this ends. For now, I'll focus on if my guests are going to become allies or if I need to plan a playdate for them and my snakes.