64. Scythe

Chapter 64

Scythe

Three Years Ago

" H e's a terrible beast. Evil as they come." Beak spits on the grass, off to the side to show his contempt. "Executed my regina and brothers just because she refused to remove the organs out of a very alive and healthy beast."

"Scumbag," Savage says. "We knew it."

"It's too early for us to take him on," Xander says. "We're not ready for something that big yet."

"Please," Beak urges. "I'll fucking do anything to see that fucker's head roll."

I consider Halfeather. A powerful, wealthy beast with a tenuous connection to Serpent Court. He'd built his empire selling organs on the black market using the cover of professional medical and healing services.

I consider this young eagle who calls himself Beak.

Underneath the sick and morbid grey, the American eagle's aura is fiery for an avian. He has strength enough to live on and plot revenge for his flock. There is no fell spot of grey indicating deception or falsehood in him.

"It will take some time to set up his demise," I warn. "Taking down a crime lord this big takes considerable effort."

"However long it takes," Beak says, his fists clenched. "I can hold out for years if it means at the end of this, Charles Halfeather is completely destroyed."

"Swear to me." I take my cigarette case from my pocket. "Swear your allegiance to me, stay undercover at Halfeather's, and I will see your revenge done."

"You have my loyalty," Beak says ferociously, dropping to his knees and holding out his tanned, untattooed hand. "And I'll pretend to remain loyal to him."

I decide then that I will find Beak a new regina. A bird of prey who is missing her flock that he could learn to love and cherish like he did his real regina. A woman worthy of him and his strength.