Chapter 1

BEFORE

Leaving my family is one of the hardest things I have ever had to do. After growing up an orphan, all alone, I never thought I would find the people I could call my home.

I know that if I ever do return, things will never be the same again, but I wouldn't change a thing.

Saving Jonas' soul was worth it and I would do it again, over and over. Slinging my duffel bag over my shoulder, I wait at the gates of Holy Cross for the man on the phone to come collect me.

After ditching my phone in my room as I packed, I don't have any way to contact him. It's better this way. I don't think I could handle it if I had the opportunity to listen to the voicemails and texts that are inevitably coming my way.

Levi will understand, but Chas, Bast, and Jonas won't. I should have left a note, but there was no time. They have to be worrying about me by now, after I disappeared outside of the music store.

An old, rumbly muscle car with blacked out windows pulls up beside me and I open the door. I don't look at the man beside me as he exhales a lung full of smoke, filling the air between us in this enclosed space.

"So you're the pissant I'm supposed to mentor?" he asks with a grumble, and I turn to face him while he speeds off down the hill and onto the main road, leaving my lovers and family behind in his exhaust smoke.

My heart aches, but I know I need to put all my emotions into a box and lock it away with a key. Mask firmly in place, I cross my arms and give him a smirk.

He has dark hair and familiar eyes, but I'm not sure who he is or why I feel like I've met him before.

"I'm Ash," I grunt, and he scoffs, flicking his smoke out the window as he cranks the radio, not bothering to say another word.

My fingers fidget, and I wish I had my phone or something to play with. I have never been good with idle hands.

He drives in silence until we reach our destination. I don't recognize the area, but it doesn't exactly look like a nice spot.

Dumpsters line the sidewalks, with a pungent odor that hits me in the face like a right hook to the cheekbone as we climb out of the car.

The man walks over to a door with broken glass that's covered in spray paint. I follow, watching where I step, avoiding the broken needles on the ground.

I'm expecting the inside to be a shitshow as well, and when a man covered in facial tattoos opens the door for us, I keep my mask firmly in place.

Following the tattooed man, we walk through a warehouse and another door, before stopping and waiting in front of a large wooden wall that looks like it slides open.

"Snake, I was surprised to get your call. Who's the new guy?" the man with the tats asks, and I keep my eyes averted from him.

I'm getting shady fucking vibes from him and I don't need to be shot or stabbed today.

I know this job won't be easy, but I'd like to come out of this alive.

"Boss needed someone young, so I found a recruit," Snake grunts and the man nods. Knocking on the door, he then opens a hidden side panel and types in a code.

The door buzzes before sliding open, and I bite the inside of my cheek to hide my gasp.

I think I just found the Underbelly of the Mafia.

Low lighting casts shadows over a large group of men sitting around tables, smoking cigars and doing business.

There is a bar in the corner, and a few women in cages underneath the counter.

My stomach flips and I take a slow deep breath before following Snake and the other guy to a table in the center.

This must be where the bosses are. Two men sit, smoking and laughing, as men with guns stand behind them, watching me closely. The older man looks up and stands, moving over to Snake and shaking his hand.

I am so fucking confused right now. I didn't think I'd be thrown into the job blind. Snake should have told me what was going on during the drive. Fucking dick.

"Richard, Isa told me we needed some young blood around here, so meet Spider," Snake says to the old guy, and I huff out a laugh at the ridiculous name he's given me.

"Ah, yes, she mentioned hiring some new recruits. I assume he's been through all the trials?"

"Passed with flying colors. He's a bloodthirsty bastard with low morals."

My hands fist at his words and I place them in my pockets. The men laugh, and the guy sitting at the table crooks his finger at me. Snake shoves me closer and I grumble under my breath.

"I don't know, Snake. He has shifty eyes, and reminds me of my sons," he mumbles, then laughs and snaps his fingers. One of his goons steps forward and hands him a folder.

He tosses it onto the table and it opens, showing me a picture of a beautiful girl. She has dark hair and blue eyes. Richard smirks and points. "My granddaughter, Patience. She's going to be taking over the business soon. We need you to keep an eye on her and report back to me."

"Seems easy enough," I mumble and Richard nods.

"She has a thing going on with her step-brother, Kian, so I need to know if they are still sleeping together."

"Richard, don't be dense. Your granddaughter doesn't know how to keep her legs closed," the man snaps, and Richard turns to glare at him.

"That is your future daughter-in-law, Nixen. Have some respect."

A few of the men at surrounding tables quieten, and I know they are trying to eavesdrop. The man with the facial tattoos grabs my arm and pulls me over to the bar. There is a young woman, who can't be older than sixteen, in the cage by my feet. Her eyes are glazed over and I can tell she's drugged.

"Sit. Don't move," the man orders, pushing me onto a stool. Snake sits beside me, then leans over the bar, grabbing a bottle of whiskey. He doesn't bother with glasses, and just starts swigging.

"Spider?" I grunt under my breath to him, and he gives me some crazy kind of smile that makes shivers run down my spine.

"Don't worry, kid. I've got your back," he replies, but I don't feel comforted by his words. They are more like a threat.

"So the job is to babysit some rich brat?" I ask, and he throws his head back and laughs.

"Just wait. The old prick will leave soon."

He doesn't say anything else after leaving me on a cliff of confusion. I watch the people surrounding me, and try not to think about the women under my feet. If I could, I would help them, but I'm here to play some fucked up role and I can't have anything compromising my cover.

Even if I don't know what that is yet.

A presence shadows my side, and I glance over my shoulder. Richard is standing there with that folder and his hand extended for me to take it.

"I'll be in touch with you, boy," he says and I nod.

Once he's left with his goon, the lights get brighter and the music becomes louder. A side door opens and a woman enters, followed by some other barely dressed woman.

"Now the party can begin," she says with a tinkling laugh, and I grind my teeth.

I know exactly who she is, and if I wasn't here undercover, I would find some way to slice her conniving little throat.

"Ah, Isa, good to see you, doll," Snake says, standing and wrapping her into a tight hug. She gives him a bright smile, then looks over at me. I can see how her blue eyes light up with intrigue.

"Oh, Snakey, who did you bring for me to play with?" she asks, and I have to fight not to shudder.

"Spider. He's going to be working for you at the compound."

My eyebrows raise and I open my mouth, but Snake places his hand on my shoulder and squeezes it tight.

"Ah, yes, he will be perfect for the girls. Hell, even some of the guys will want a bite. I know I do," she says with a bat of her eyelashes as she licks her lips.

Nixen stands and joins our little circle. "Forget about what Richard said, boy. We have something better for you to do, and that little whore will soon be joining you."

I hate it here. I despise having to wear this mask while I walk around, forcing drugged up, innocent people to perform for the paying clients.

Moving along the dark stairwell, I grab my keys and unlock Rebecca's chains.

"Please, Spider, not again," she whimpers, and I clench my fist. Rooke grumbles from the corner, and I wish I could escape this hell and bring them all with me. Mother Superior could be a righteous old bitch at times, but she would welcome these people in and take care of them. She's not completely heartless.

Sighing, I lead her to the door where Snake is waiting, then turn and grab Rooke. Ella cries out as we leave, and I whisper softly as we pass her.

"Be good, little one, and I'll bring you a treat." She sniffles, but stops making loud noises.

The guards here won't bat an eye at shutting her up, and she's too innocent. So young and scared. I know how she feels.

"Spider, you need to get me out of here. I have people who can help. They will bring down this place," Rooke whispers, pleading with me, but my hands are tied.

"You know I can't," I grumble as I walk him towards the rooms he's scheduled to perform in today. I don't tighten his chains, as I know he won't try and fight me. I reach into my pocket and hand him a pill.

"I hate these," he mumbles, but takes it anyway.

Knocking on the door, I wait until one of the ladies opens it and ushers him inside. I feel for him, but I mean, jacking off on camera isn't as bad as some of the other shit I've had to witness lately.

I still don't know why the fuck I'm here, or what my assignment from The Society is. Snake only tells me to listen and behave, but I don't think the Dragon, or Eagle, would approve of human fucking trafficking.

No, I'm here for some other reason, and I pray it's to bring this whole fucking ring down. To burn it to the ground and save all these innocent people.

CW: RAPE

I don't think I'm cut out for this. Walking around the building, I feel sick. There are so many men, women, and children trapped here. You'd think after six months, I would start to get used to the constant pleading and crying, but no. If anything, it's just getting worse.

"Spider, Isabella wants to see you," one of the men here says and I nod, then move in the direction he indicated.

I haven't seen that woman since the night I was given my official assignment, and I'm glad. Everytime I see her lying face, all I want to do is choke her until her blue eyes fade. I don't know why the Dragon decided this was the undercover assignment for me.

Snake is fucking crazy, and I don't think he's really undercover. If anything, he's a double agent, and I don't trust him.

Walking down the marble-floored hallway, I stop at the large French doors and knock. It doesn't take long until I am ushered into an office. Isabella sits behind a desk and gives me a fake, red-painted-lips smile.

"Spider, just the man I wanted to see," she purrs, and I swear, my dick shrivels up inside my body. I have never loathed someone as much as her. "Please, take a seat. I have been meaning to talk with you, but things have been so crazy around here. Would you like a drink or maybe a snack?"

She waves her hand towards a built-in kitchen area that has a personal chef, who is chopping some veggies. I shake my head.

"No, thank you, I ate not that long ago."

Yeah, like I'd ever touch anything that came from her. I've heard about how she likes to drug men and use them for her pleasure. Fucking sick bitch.

"Ah, well, maybe another time then," she says with a pout.

Not if I can fucking help it, psycho bitch. I make sure my mask is in place and nod, giving her a smirk.

"So, I know things aren't quite like we discussed, but I couldn't reveal everything at the club. There are eyes and ears everywhere, you see," she says, and rolls her eyes.

"Yes, I can see why hiding your underground activities would need to be kept secret," I mumble, and she slams her hand on the desk with a screech.

"What?! How dare you speak to me like that!"

Her chef in the corner drops something and it crashes onto the floor, causing a loud noise to ring throughout the room.

"Who is your boss? I think it's time that you start pulling your weight around here. We didn't bring you here to just take care of the auctions, you were supposed to be performing," she mutters, pulling out a phone and typing something while mumbling under her breath.

"Perform?" I croak, and she sighs.

"You were chosen for a reason, Spider, and it has nothing to do with you walking around here with a baton and taser." Licking her lips once more, she orders everyone to leave the room.

Standing, I move towards the door, but she stops me.

"I think it's time we have a proper introduction," she coos, reaching toward her neck and untying the strings to her halter-top-style dress.

The silk falls to the floor and I try not to cringe at her naked body. I keep my eyes on her face. I don't want to see her. The last woman I saw naked was my girl, and I want to keep her image in my brain.

"Ma'am, I don't think this is appropriate," I speak up, but she sashays closer and runs her nails along the buttons of my shirt. I shudder in revulsion, but she thinks it's desire.

I watch as she moves over to a picture on the wall and presses a hidden button. A TV pops up on the other side of the room, and there are people in little squares on the screen.

"Good evening, gentleman. I thought you all may want a little treat while I break in one of our new recruits," Isabella says with a smarmy smile, and I think I may be sick.

I know this is what I need to do, but I was still a virgin not that long ago. Spending time with Chastity and Jonas was the highlight of my life. I don't want her to taint that memory.

Looking over her shoulder at me, she snaps and points to the leather couch. "Sit," she orders, and I shake my head. Giving me a smile, she walks over to a cabinet and pulls out some things.

I can't tell what it is, and frankly, I don't want to know. Maybe I should have just accepted the food. Then I wouldn't need to be conscious for this.

I back away, moving closer to the door, and I'm almost there when she throws something at me. It hits the marble floor, encasing me in some sort of sweet powder. Fuck. My head begins to spin, and I stumble to the wall, using it for support.

"There, there, sweet boy. Let Mommy take care of you," Isabella coos, taking my arm and leading me toward the couch.

"No," I mumble, but as hard as I fight, she's stronger than me. "What was that?"

Isabella laughs as she shoves me onto the couch and straddles my lap.

"That was a new drug on the market. We call it Paradise."

"Now this is a show, Isa," a man speaks from the TV, and I instantly recognize him as Nixen.

I use my hips and try to buck her off my lap, but all that does is make her laugh as she digs her nails into my thighs.

My body begins to react, and I know it's from the drug. There is no way I would ever want this beast.

"Ah, see, that's not so bad now, is it?" she moans while grinding on my cock. Tears prick my eyes and I close them. I don't want to see what she does to me. I don't want to hear as she unzips my pants and tugs them down.

I don't want to feel as she licks down my cock and hums. I don't want to smell the scent of her sweat and perfume as she uses me.

No, I keep my eyes closed and try to remember the best morning of my life.

Chastity smiles sleepily in the bed next to me, and I grin back. We woke her up several times throughout the night, and she didn't mind a bit.

"How are you feeling?" I murmur, my hands needing to touch her tousled hair.

"Good," she says, letting me slant her face for a kiss.

"Mmm. Me too. I want some," Jonas says, making me chuckle against Chas' lips.

She grins up at me. "I love that sound," Chastity says shyly.

It's not until Jonas pulls her head back for a kiss that I realize she means my laugh. I wish I could laugh more for her.

Kissing down her body, I decide an orgasm is just as good. Chastity moans, writhing between us as I suck and grope my way down to her pussy. Levi snores and I smirk. The old man clearly can't keep up with us.

Licking up her core, I lift her leg over my shoulder, pushing away the blankets.

"Mmm, I need you to tell me if you're sore, Baby Girl. Because I can't think of anything better than fucking you while Ash eats your sweet pussy," Jonas groans.

"Yes… I want that so much." Chastity sighs as I push two fingers inside of her.

"So damn tight," I growl, sucking hard on her clit as she bucks her hips.

"Be a good girl for Ash," Jonas whispers, attacking her mouth again to keep her quiet. If one of the guys wakes up, they'll make us get up to do something mundane, like eat breakfast. This is the only meal I need right here.

Jonas plays with her tits, and I watch them as I torment her from below. As Chas starts to tremble, I push a third finger inside, adding a hint of teeth as I suck and tease her.

Mewling, Jonas swallows her cries as she comes hard for me. Pulling my fingers from her, I reach over to pump his cock, enjoying the surprised grunt. Chastity's acceptance of us is making it a little easier for me to show Jonas outward affection around her. It's not going to happen overnight though.

It's just not fair to make Jonas feel like a dirty secret, so I'm willing to work on it.

Lining his cock against her entrance, I chuckle darkly as Jonas slams his cock home. Chastity cries out in pain and pleasure, and I soothe her with my tongue.

Inadvertently, I'm also licking Jonas, and he groans. "Goddamn, that feels so good. Don't fucking get weird and stop," he begs.

A slap across the face has my eyes popping open, snapping me back to the present moment, and Isabella is pissed. Her face is red, and I don't think it's from exertion. She glares at me and shifts her hips against my lap, but I'm no longer hard for her.

Looking over her shoulder at the TV, she winks, then begins to grind on me more as she fakes a moan. Turning back to face me, she snarls as she has an ‘orgasm', then climbs off my lap and grabs a robe.

I still can't move. I don't know how long this drug lasts for, but when Isabella says goodbye to the voyeurs and shuts the TV off, I know I'm in trouble.

"How dare you try and embarrass me like that," she snarls. I try to smirk, but my lips won't even twitch. I feel paralyzed. "Nothing to say, huh?"

No, you crazy bitch!

Leaving me on the couch, she grabs her phone and calls someone.

"Get in here and remove this piece of shit!" she barks, and I try to move. My dick is still out, and all I want to do right now is scrub my skin raw and crawl into some hole.

I feel sick, and I can't stop the vomit from spewing out of my mouth, covering my chest.

Isabella scrunches her nose, then rubs her temple as three men walk into the room and grab me, pulling me through the hall and down to the basement where the cages are. I know I should try to fight, but my body has no fight left to give.

Snake is there waiting for me, and he nods to the men as they chain me to the ground.

He waits until we are all alone before he speaks.

"What is so fucking hard about you following orders and being a good little pledge?" he hisses, picking something up from in the corner. The feeling is starting to return to my limbs, and my knees shake against the cold concrete.

My body feels like someone is pricking me as the sensation returns and I shudder.

"Why?" I croak, and he sighs.

"I have to punish you or they will get suspicious, but listen to me good, Ash. If the boss lady wants you to fuck her, you rail her good and hard. We all have a role to play here, and that boy from Holy Cross no longer exists. You are Spider, and if you don't start doing your job, you will be taken out."