My feet was feathery light as I prowled through the cobble stone floor of the baron's residence.

Unlike the exterior of the house, the inner was dark. The lights probably switched off when they were about to retire to bed. It was a good thing my shadow blended well with the darkness.

"All clear." Rex's voice came through the transceiver attached to my ears. "Are you in?"

"Shut up," I snarled. I let the displeasure bleed through my tone. It was bad enough that I had to let him disable the  feeble security men at the entrance. I could have handled it just fine.

What I couldn't take was small talks and irritable chirping.

"Xanda you have-"

With a silent growl I pressed the button that clipped off the transmitter, cutting off the rest of his speech.

My blood pounded hard in my chest as I rounded the corner to the master's bedroom.

I was still edgy and pissed from my last chase.

For the second time in four years, I had gotten a trail on the man I hated and haunted with all the cells and tissues in my body. The man I hated with every drop of my blood - Kallas Vance,  the man who killed my brother. I had been so close, damnit. I could almost feel the taste of his pain as I peeled the skin of his godsdamn flesh.

But my boss gambled with my chase. He had sent Rex after me with a picture of the baron and the time he was expected to be dead.

It was a real struggle to come off my chase but Mazedon comes first. He owned me.

I turned the door knob and it opened without resistance. Stealthily, I crept into the room and stopped short. Right in the middle of the room, a lone figure was tangled beneath the sheets of a wide bed.

I didn't have to move close to know the person isn't my target. The picture I had studied was a bald stocky man, and the mass of hair sprawled about the bed was a complete opposite.

I frowned. There was no noise from the adjoining washroom so I knew he wasn't there. Information was that he would be at home. Was it false?

I quietly backed out of the room.

Damnit. I couldn't have two useless mission in a day, I was already stretched too thin. I would snap.

Already, I can feel the pressure of a bristling wildness in my veins, it was building too fast and I needed to let out steam.

I reached for the button on the bug attached to my ears to confirm from Rex.

"Please, don't."

I halted at the sound of the soft whisper, my hand hanging by my ear.

I took off in the direction of the noise. The file Rex gave to me stated that the baron had three sons and a daughter. It could be  a nightmare from one of them, but what are the odds?

I was running out of time and shouldn't do this but the cry was so much

alike Iris's that I couldn't ignore.

The smell of fresh paint tingled my nostrils as I followed the noise down the hallway, stopping at a room sandwich between a washroom and what looked like a storeroom.

The door was slightly ajar. It must be why the sound easily carried through the quiet of the night air.

Squeezing through the small space, I let myself in.

The loud slap of flesh against flesh hit me before my eye adjusted to the dark room.

A man was fucking a female.

The blue florescent candle light reflecting on his bald head was all confirmation I needed to know that it was the baron.

I stepped behind a lacy drapery to my left, although I doubted I would be noticed even if I remained at the doorway.

The baron was pressed into the lithe figure from the back, pounding into her while her cries was muffled by the pillow.

Fucking a whore while his wife was just a few distance away? I wasn't surprised. A man wanted dead was by no means a saint.

Prepared to get it over with, I angled my pistol and reached to pull the trigger -

"Too much," the female cried. "Your wife may hear."

I raised a brow.

"Shh!" The baron grabbed her hair. "Take it, you slut."

I could go ahead with it. But there was going to be a mess. And the female couldn't raze down the house with her noise.

Fuck, I had no time for all the delay.

Tough decision, but I slowly lowered my gun.

Since there was no adjoining room in the room, I quietly moved to the washroom close by.

He would want to clean up before returning to his wife.

It wasn't up to a minute when the sick sound of his pleasured groan filled the house.

Fucking hell, he wasn't even quiet about it. What are the chances that his wife wasn't aware of what he was doing...

My straying thoughts faded at approaching footsteps. My heartbeat picked up and my blood thrummed in my veins. Not from fear, no.  It was from the anticipation of my next kill.

I reached into my camo pants and unsheathed a knife. It was new, specially sharpened for Kallas.

The door jerked open and the baron walked in. I waited till he got into the shower and lathered himself before stepping up behind him.

He went still. "Sara?"

A smile dragged across my face when I saw the vanity mirror right in front of us.

"Christ, Sara." He blindly reached for a switch and the washroom was illuminated. "What are you doing-"

His eye widened, the rest of the words died on his tongue when he saw our reflection on the mirror.

Good. I wanted him to see what death looks like.

Me.

I was the fucking predator.

If I could, I would purr at the fear reeking off him. It was a balm to the raging in my heart.

Faster than the speed of light, my hands came around him, the knife sinking into his fifth rib in a single move.

His mouth opened wide but no sound came up.

I pulled out the knife and brought it back down. Again and again. Till my anger started to ebb.

Then I left him. Eyes glazed over, mouth open and lying stark naked under the shower.

Going out of the baron's residence was faster than it took me to get in. I found Rex beating his hands against the car's headboard and got into the backseat.

"What the fuck," Rex flared even as he started the car. "You cut me off, Xanda," he gritted his teeth, speeding out of the driveway into the main road. "If Mazedon had called-"

"Shut up."

"Lyxanda!" He turned furious eyes to mine. "You think you're all powerful...." he trailed, eye going round.

"Why are you dripping wet?"

"Drowned a certain male who did not know when to shut his guts," I barked, the euphoria from watching the baron's blood pooling in his bath fading.

Rex took a deep breath and returned his gaze to the road. "You used fifteen minutes, Xanda. You never take that long," he said quietly.

True. I had spent extra time dismembering his filthy cock and locking up the washroom so his daughter doesn't venture in. They would need the help of a blacksmith to unlock the door.

"Are you certain the baron has only sons?" I broke the quiet in the car.

Rex nodded. "One help I think." He met my gaze in the car mirror. "Why do you ask?"

"He was fucking her."

"And how's that your business?"

I arched a brow then slammed my mouth shut. Men were the same all over.

"Tell me you completed the mission at least," Rex finally said as we pulled up into the driveway of the Vault.

Maybe more than a number. "Trust me," I said simply.

2 Need a break.

I jerked awake to blinding light filling my room.

Squinting my eyes, I adjusted to the harshness when I realized I wasn't in my room.

Tartarus! I sat upright. I had fallen asleep on the three seater in my office. Papers was strewn around me in a disarray.

I groaned, twisting my head from side to side to relieve the knots in my shoulders.

Again, I wondered if it was a good choice to have my workstation in my home.

"Good morning, my prince."

Lucas popped his head into my office, looking presentable in his two piece suit.

"Lucas," I croaked, "what is the time?"

If he noticed anything about my wiped out look, he didn't say. He only glanced at his watch.  "8:05am."

I nodded and he retreated, returning moments later with a cup of steaming coffee.

"Thank you," I said, making quick work of putting my office in order. "How's my schedule for today?" I asked.

"Occupied."

When was it never. I glanced at him, waiting patiently as he scrolled through his smartphone.

"You have a zoom meeting with Joe Rimony in 30 minutes." Lucas started. "The luna expects you to call before 10:am. You have to be at the Sebastian's anniversary by noon..."

"Represent me," I cut in. I had no interest in visiting events where the chances of running into Anna was high. It would be a mess. 

Lucas paused. "They have been a major financiers for our many charity events."

In other words, he wanted me to go. "You will represent me," I said firmly.

Lucas straightened, detecting the authority in my voice. "Of course, my prince.

Fuck, I resisted slamming my head on my work table. Lucas had been nothing more than helpful and I was using the alpha tone on him.

He went on, "the sheriff wants to know if I can squeeze in time for a meeting with you."

"The sheriff?"  My brows drew low, cutting a crease between them. "You have any idea why?"

"Not really but the baron was found dead in his house this morning."

"What?!" Quickly I booted my computer, my eye bulging at the news of the baron's death. It was everywhere.

It was clear why the sheriff wanted to visit. As the council leader in charge of the werewolves in the human lands. He wanted to rule out the possibility of our involvement in the case. I downed my coffee in one go, already feeling the sign of a coming headache.

"What else?" I asked groggily.

"Ben stopped reporting to work yesterday," Lucas revealed.

Gods, I had almost forgotten that the head of my security team was getting married just like I would have. I gulped loudly.

"We are short staffed?" I said, recalling that my receptionist had retired and another of my security men was on leave.

Lucas nodded.

Ideally, it wouldn't make sense to have any more on the security team. Especially as I was well able to take care of myself. But as someone who ran a private investigating firm, a secret rescue organization and the council leader to the werewolves welfare, I have learned not to underestimate the enemies.

"I already put out vacancy position and I wanted you to be aware," Lucas said.

"You're a life saver." I told him and waved him off.

"What?" I asked, surprised he was still standing.

Lucas shifted his weight to his other foot.

I arched a brow. "What are you nervous about? Spill."

He cleared his throat. "My prince, the management of hotel de Nuit, called.."

"I told you to cancel every reservations that had to do with that wedding," I growled.

"Yes but Anna isn't making it easy. She keeps calling to ensure it is still reserved."

"In whose name was the reservations made?" I barked, my claws slipping out

"She made the reservation using the joint credit card you share," he said in a rush.

I closed my eyes, taking quick calming breaths. I needed a fucking break. "Let her do what she wants," I said finally. "But inform anyone that reaches out that I have nothing to do with her anymore."

"Yes, my prince." With a low bow, he headed out.

"What?" I barked irritatedly when Lucas returned almost immediately.

"So you slept in here."

I glanced up from going through the report on the baron's death.  It wasn't Lucas. My friend filled the doorway in his sleepwear and a bottle of wine in hand.

"Martin." I said in manner of greeting.

"Wheeew," Martin sauntered in and flopped on my work desk. "Someone's in a surly mood." He took a swig straight from the bottle. "You seen the news?"

"Just now."

"I heard the baron just bought the house and was yet to install a proper security system."

"Looks like an inside job," I said.

"Thought as much. Will you take on the case?" He asked.

"I don't know." I raked a finger through my hair. "I've got a lot on my plate."

Martin took another swig. ''Is it a bad time to say I'm leaving?"

"Leaving to..." I trailed off, my eye bulging out. Martin had popped in the night Anna and I had the big fight. He had stayed since and I was already getting used to his presence.

I sighed. Of course, he had to go back to his life. "when?"

His eye softened and I was grateful when he blinked and the softness was gone. I hated pity.

"Early tomorrow," he said.

"Fine." It doesn't seem like the right thing to say. Thank you would do better but it meant talking and I wasn't in the mood to talk.

Maybe it was a good thing that he was leaving. I didn't need a goddamn babysitter.

"Cole called," Martin blurted. "We're going to party before I leave town."

"Good, I guess. Enjoy the human world one more time before returning to the other side."

"That's it, man." Martin clapped my shoulder excitedly. "I knew you'd be in."

A pause.

"What? No," I shook my head. "Can't join you guys. I've got a lot.."

"You always have a lot on your plate," he cut in. "You need a break."

"Martin,  I really am not interested In..."

His face took on the expression I've come to be wary of.  "Cole and I would put you over our shoulders if  that is what it takes." He winked. "You need to get laid, man."

"Wherever did I know you from?" I groaned.

"You love me, admit it."

"Motherfucker."

"You'll be fucking quite alright by evening."

I pushed through the dimly lit bar, making my way pass a row of merged bodies. The club was thick with it's familiar smell of sweat, buzz and alcohol.

Ted was waiting at our usual spot. The same spot I found him two years ago. The lad crossed burly arms behind his back, feet tapping impatiently on the floor betrayed his restlessness.

He was addicted to me. I sighed, I should probably stop feeding off him but he was a good option. He knew I had an untamed nature  but never breathed a word about it. It was the best arrangement for me. I craved the discretion and his blood.

A female lycan that feeds? Yeah. Something was wrong with me. Only the males are known to live off blood, but the moment I go too long without feeding, my suppressed beast would rage with uncontrolled violence, threatening to blow me up like a storm.

I took his arm and his wide doe eyes lit with unconcealed joy when he saw me.

"Angel," he breathed.

I scoffed, if you knew what I was you would take off in the opposite way.

Leading him to a corner shielded from view, I sank my teeth into his.

His blood filled my mouth, nothing special but the prickling in my veins subsided, the pressure in my chest receded.

Ted let out a groan, his hips rocking into mine. Sometimes I help him get off and on rare occasions I let him get me off but not today. I was in a crappy mood so I held him off, taking long pulls.

I stiffened at movement from the corner of my eyes. I played cool till they moved close. Then I turned around, shoving Ted behind me.

Two men, a brown and dark haired, stepped up on both sides, caging me up.

"Blood sucker," one growled.

Ted shuffled out to a corner, fiddling with his fingers.

I arched a brow. "Ted?"

"I'm sorry," he cried. "They followed me, they wanted to know if I was doing drugs."

Undeniable, he acted like a fucking addict.

"What do you want?" I asked the men, wiping off the blood trickling down my lips.

The dark haired grinned, showing off brown teeth. "You vamps have a lot of money. We want out of it."

"What?" Ted screeched. "You said you wanted her to make you feel as good as she made me."

Idiot.

"Shut up." The brown haired yelled, brandishing his handgun in my face. "Fast, we don't have all day."

"Run along," I said quietly. "And I'll excuse this."

"You think we are scared of you?" The brown haired lunged and I didn't budge.

His fist hit me squarely in the midsection. I felt a burst of pain. It felt good.

When he came at me again, i fell on my knees, pretending to be hurt. The moment he touched me, I grabbed his legs, sweeping him off his feet and barreling him into the wall. He collapsed with a thud.

I stood to the feel of the gun pressed into my head.

"Devil from the pit of hell," the man cursed.

I turned to face him, the gun resting right at my temple. "Run off or I swear I will chew your flesh together with every piece of your bone."

Whatever he saw in my eyes made him shudder. Gun still pointed at me, he scurried backwards till he disappeared out of sight.

My hunger was satiated but I somehow headed out of the club feeling way worse than when I came in.

I needed an urgent solution to my edginess apart from killing, feeding and letting out my blood.

"Hey," Ted ran after me. He didn't know my name.

"I'm sorry, I didn't mean.."

I shot him a cold glance and he trailed off.

"I may call you," I said, walking away.

I rounded a few blocks to my apartment and stopped short. "Crap," I took a shuddering breath. "Not today."

I winced as I stepped in. Music blared from the sound system. Every corner of my living room had a girl backed into the corner by some guy, swaying madly to the music, rocking and fondling each other.

The empty bottles and filled ashtrays scattered around showed that they'd been at it for long.

Iris met me at the doorway. "Xanda," my roommate screamed over the loud music. "We having a party." She looked so beautiful and happy in a shorts and halter top. "They are...colleagues from work," she slurred and rounded wide innocent eyes to me "You don't mind right?"

Like I could hurt her feelings when she looked at me that way. I shrugged. "What's the occasion?"

"Who needs a reason to party on a Friday. Join us?"

"No, thanks. I have someplace to be," I lied, moving pass the chaos into the quiet of my room.

Quickly I shred off my clothes and got into the tub. The loud music drove me insane. What would a night with someone that could match my energy look like?

Suddenly I knew where I wanted to be.

I opened my closet which was filled with dark and neutral colors and dressed quickly.

****************

"Seen nothing you like?" I asked Martin who watched the stage with a slight disinterest.

He downed a glass of tequila. "The humans do not get it to rise," he said, cupping his crotch.

I threw back my head and laughed. "I refuse to believe that." Although I knew it was true. I've never seen my friend with a human female. Since we arrived the club his eye had taken a piercing look and I knew what he was searching for.

"The humans have a wild streak too, you know," I told him.

He raised a brow. "How would you know that?"

I tipped my chin at Cole. He had ventured off to the opposite table immediately we arrived. The two girls sitting with him were now laughing and putting their hands over him provocatively.

"Nah," Martin shook his head. "Cole's the playboy. How would I explain it when I'm nutting and my claws spring out? Or my face morphs?"

I shrugged. "Any human with the guts to walk into the onyx nightclub would know what they are getting into." I nodded my head when he filled my glass. "Our existence isn't much a secret to the human race as it once was."

I tipped the glass to my mouth, and the liquid burned my throat.

"Well, today's about you. Go get laid," Martin shot at me.

"Seen nothing I like too," I confessed.

I tipped my hand to the barman for another bottle and froze, my muscles locking in place.

Martin was saying something but I couldn't make it out.

There at the bar was the most stunning beauty I had ever set my eyes on.

With a structured leather pants that showcased a great pair of legs, fitted black long sleeved top that housed perky boobs and a fuck me riding boots, she stood like she had no care in the world.

Gods, she looked like sex.

"Zephryy?" My friend called my attention. "Is something wrong?"

I glanced at him. "I think I just found something I really like," my voice turned low. "Just by the bar, dressed in black."

His eye widened and he turned slowly.

"Wheeew," Martin whistled. "She's hot but looks like trouble. Heck, she looks like run-as-far-as-you-can-away-from-me."

When I turned back to look at her, a pair of blue eyes stared straight at me. My dick twitched in my pants.

I raised my glass at her and stood.

"Excuse me," I told Martin, leaving our table.

Whatever Martin said, I didn't catch. I was too focused on the stunner before me.

I approached her and she didn't tear her gaze. Gods, if she knew what that action was doing to me.

"Beautiful," I purred. "I am Zephryy," I offered my hand because she didn't look like the kind of female whose hand you just take and kiss.

She took it, clasping soft palms in mine in a surprising firm grip. "Call me Lily."

Fuck, her voice was like velvet silk. It slid over me, caressing my skin. I was so hard I could drive a nail.

Lily. It didn't fit her. I just knew it wasn't her name.

"What are you drinking?" I signaled at her glass, buying time to soothe my raging hormones.

"Dark rum."

"Ahh, a woman after my heart."

"Do you want to fuck me?"

I coughed, caught unaware by the question. "Come again?"

"You heard me."

Every drop of blood in my body headed south.

Hell yeah, the night just took a good turn.