Page 167 of Monstrous Serpent

Her eyes widen. “Oh.”

“That was exciting.” Rua lowers the gun, moves to step around her, but stops halfway. He raises the Glock, leveling it at her head. “Let’s try the introduction one more time. Sound good, Shyanne?”

I pull the knife from my waistband and step toward her. She takes a step back, but Rua presses the barrel into her temple. My gaze cuts to my teammate. “You know her?”

“In a way.” His smile spreads slow and wide. “You can say she’s a coworker.”

Shyanne’s eyes widen for a second, then she whirls on him, not caring about the gun trained on her. “Fuck you, Raiyne.”

“Oh, wouldn’t you like that. Saw you checking me out at the last event.”

“Enough.” I jut my chin at her bag. “Take that from her.”

He does.

She sneers, turning to look at me. “What do you want? Why are you here?”

“Sit.”

“I’m perfectly fine—”

“I said sit.” My voice comes out deep, commanding.

Rua prods her with the gun when she refuses to move. “Poke monsters, and this is going to turn into a really fun party. For us, not you.”

“Fuck off, slut.”

“Did you just—me? What does that make you, Ms. Bukkake Queen?” He winks, smirking wider. “Oh, I heard all about how you sabotaged Mia to take her session. Heard they left quite a tip so can’t really blame you for being opportunistic.”

She spins fast, her palm cracking across his cheek. “You don’t know shit.”

I grab her arm and yank her toward the couch. “Sit the fuck down, or I slit your throat. Won’t tell you again.”

Natalie—Shyanne—whoever the fuck she is—finally sits.

“Was the alias part of the plan?” The fingers of my free hand curl into a fist, eyes narrowing. “Another way for you and my brother to get closer to Atlas and me?”

Her brows furrow. “What? No.”

My upper lip twitches. “So you knew what he had planned. You help Wade get out?”

She shakes her head, and for the first time her nerves show in the tremble of her hands. “No idea what you’re talking about. I–I know your uncle murdered him. The police came to my job a few days ago to ask questions. But . . . they were working together? It wasn’t your uncle who killed Garrett?”

“Ugh. Stop with the theatrics.” Rua not only rolls his eyes but his neck as well, like the dramatic fuck he can be. “You really expect us to believe you had nooo idea what they were up to? Please.”

Shyanne kicks her foot out, but he gets out of the way. “Why don’t you go find a dick to suck?”

“And leave you alone with him?” He points his thumb at me. “You’d be dead already if it weren’t for me.” Rua taps his chin with his forefinger. “I am curious though, why are you here, in Toledo, with Garrett? I saw the type of men you could pull.”

Wasn’t thrilled when Rua offered to take the ride out here with me. The team decided not to let me come alone. Most of the drive I wanted to strangle the talkative fucker. But now, I’m glad he came.

After tucking the knife into my waistband, I cross my arms. “Answer him.”

Her fingers grip the cushion, probably the only thing keeping her seated, based on the sneer she shoots me. “Go to hell.”

My arms flex, a low growl rumbling from my chest. “Answer.”

“Garrett was just a means to an end. A way to find my little brother.”