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Thankfully, the kids were older, and weren’t quite as enamored with the weather. Though I couldn’t help but sneak peeks out the window. The ground outside was soon covered in a layer of white, and parents muttered about the updated snowstorm information, stating that it was meant to drop at least three feet, and that roads would likely close.
My stomach dropped when I realized that I would be without work for a few days. When the last class filed in—a much smaller group than normal—we took our places, stretching and preparing for our warm-up.
A weight settled on the side of my face, and I knew before I looked outside the door that someone was watching me.
The figure was cast mostly in shadow and obscured by the glare on the glass. But from the shape of their body, I deduced they were likely male. I led the poses, running through drill after drill, but my gaze kept returning to the figure outside—until the class ended, and whoever had been there was suddenly gone.
I might have felt relieved, but for some reason, I couldn’t shake the dread that curdled my gut. The teenage students bowed to me and I returned it with a shallow bend, fixing my attention to the front of the building.
“I want all of you to exit in groups. Make sure you get into your cars safely, please,” I called. Their curious glances were not met with any sort of explanation from me. Best not to worry any of them.
Besides, it was me the person was waiting for.
Someone had found me at last. I just didn’t know who.
If it were Romero, I had a feeling he’d have just burst in and hauled me out over his shoulder. Besides, the shadowy shape didn’t feel familiar. I didn’t think it was any of the guys, though I couldn’t be completely sure.
Just as the door clicked shut behind the last student, I rushed for the door to lock it, when the lights went out and flooded the room with darkness.
My ears pricked, trying to detect even the slightest sound. The rush of adrenaline through my veins had me poised to defend myself. I stared hard at the door, focusing on the light from the towering lampposts of the parking lot, but only the few remaining cars slowly rolling out onto the street could be seen.
“For years I wondered how best to get you alone,” a deep, dark voice rumbled from somewhere in the back of the room.
I whirled on a silent gasp, my fists curled and lifted to protect my face. “Who are you?”
“I watched your mother fall into the arms of my greatest enemy. Then I watched you, too, succumb to his charms. He kept you well protected.”
My heart raced so fast I heard it like a drum beat in my ears.
“I wonder what would happen to the creator of the largest global charity for domestic abuse survivors when people discovered he seduced his late wife’s teenage daughter.” There was a hint of laughter in the man’s voice. It sounded closer, though I still couldn’t make out a single thing in the dark.
“Who. Are. You?” I repeated.
“Ah, yes, how rude of me.” A phone turned on a few feet from me, allowing me a glimpse of a middle-aged man with short, slicked-back greying hair and a full, peppered beard. His dark eyes were locked on me, adding to the creepy vibe I was getting.
The man’s lips curled into an ominous smile.
“I am the man that gave you life. My name is Morgan. You are my daughter.”
Chapter Thirty-Four
ROMERO
“Another dead end,” Eli spat, dropping into the diner booth.
My chest filled with an anxious energy that was building through my muscles, winding them tight. I wanted to rip apart every human that stood between me and my prey. It was clear she wasn’t here, but I was tempted to become the next Ripper if it meant sating this thirst for violence.
“I need some air,” I snarled, getting to my feet.
Kieran grabbed my arm, stopping me. “Stay close, Brother. Morgan’s men won’t hesitate to shoot in broad daylight.”
I rolled my eyes. “Yes, I’m well aware.”
Seeming satisfied with his warning, he nodded before I tore my arm free of his grip. I stalked out the door, past the middle-aged waitress who practically panted when I passed.
Out in the heat of the southern day, I looked around, spying people heading to and from their cars. The usual lunch rush. But just because all seemed normal, didn’t mean Morgan didn’t have snipers following us.
One thing was clear: Morgan was not here. Which begged the question, where was he?
