Page 205 of Fatality

I glance at Jules and Charlie, they understand immediately.

The three of us grab the edge of the crate and shove. This time, it tips onto its side, spilling its contents across the asphalt.

We circle around it and start stuffing everything into our backpacks.

We don't waste time checking what any of it is.

We don't have that luxury.

If the shipment's been delivered, someone will be coming to collect it.

And I don't want them caught in the middle of this, even if they already are.

How much goddamn shit did they pack into this thing? For fuck's sake, it's taking too long.

Charlie stops abruptly, her head snapping up like an animal catching a scent.

“What?” Jules asks, stopping too as she follows Charlie's gaze.

“Riven,” Charlie whispers.

I keep stuffing the shipment into my backpack. It's getting so heavy I'm probably going to pull a damn muscle trying to carry it.

Then I hear Charlie's breathing turn quick and uneven. Jules doesn't breathe at all.

I freeze.

The fact that neither of them is moving isn't normal. I don't even have time to look up before a voice cuts through the docks.

“Well, well, well,” a deep, rough voice drawls with a mocking laugh. “Would you look at that, boys? Three little thieves had the same idea we did.”

I don't recognize the voice. It doesn't belong to anyone from Crimson Velocity I'd heard while working on Evren's car.

I finally lift my head, the man has Electric deep blue, layered medium hair with golden-hazel eyes that moves like he is seeing every detail a mile away.

I straighten instantly, putting myself in front of Jules and Charlie.

“Who are you?” I ask bluntly, gripping the crowbar as I rise to my feet. I lower my voice, forcing it deeper so they won't realize I'm a woman.

It's ridiculous. Still too high to pass for a man, but I'm trying.

“Oh.” The man tilts his head. “I'm Renji Akuro, leader of the Golden Kitsune. And you are?”

My eyes narrow, another gang leader. What the fuck am I supposed to do?

I don't know him.

He could be dangerous enough to disappear in a blur and snap our necks before we even react.

We don't know what kind of mods—body modifications—he, or any of them, might have.

“My name is—” I start, but I'm cut off as he's suddenly standing right in front of me, as if he just teleported.

He grips my chin through the balaclava with his thumb and forefinger, tilting my head back until I'm forced to look up at him.

I frown, making it clear I'm not backing down but I'm not stupid.

I'm stubborn, vengeful and bitter even but I'm not stupid. Not with Charlie's and Jules' lives on the line.