Page 138 of A Wild Darkness

CHAPTER THIRTY-FIVE

STEVIE

Sebastian pulls the car into the back of the dark parking lot at the old library downtown. The trees hang low, casting the same eerie sentiment as a few weeks ago when all this began. There is only one more event scheduled before this killing season is complete, and I couldn’t be more eager for it to end.

“Here we go again.” Sebastian grabs my hand from the center console, threading his fingers through mine. So much has happened since the last time we were here.

I blow out a puff of air. “I’m ready. After this, we only have one more event to go.”

He slides the car into park, then turns to face me. “We won’t be able to wear the SEs tonight because of security. But Christian will be nearby.”

Rubbing my lips together, I nod in acknowledgment. Then Sebastian exits the car and walks around the front to open my door. My heels hit the hard asphalt as I step out. Together, we walk across to the back entrance of the library. As we ascend the short stoop, the heavy metal door creaks open.

“Good evening,” Clara greets us with the same smug, fake smile permanently plastered on her caked-on makeup face.

“Good to see you again,” Sebastian greets her first.

I follow close behind him into the building, offering her a curt smile.

The hard close of the door behind us cuts through my chest.

“Right this way.” She steps in front and gestures for us to follow.

I notice there isn’t a security station to search us this time. Maybe Silas doesn’t think it’s needed. But then my eyes loop across the dark hallway to find a man standing in the corner with dark clothes on and a gun hanging at his side. The security guard’s prying eyes follow each one of my moves as I follow Sebastian and Clara down the hall.

Clara takes us into the large dining room. The cold stone walls and bookshelves in the corner remind me of that first night. My pulse quickens with a mix of emotions. Bob, Dan, Harry, and Silas all sit around the grand oak dining table. The air is thick—it’s suffocating, and I know right away something is off.

Sebastian gives my hand a quick double squeeze to let me know he’s reading the room the same way I am. Whatever it is, adrenaline floods my veins, because there’s no going back.

“Hello,” Silas greets us.

Clara pulls out two chairs at the end of the table.

Sebastian smiles at the group, preparing to play the part. “Good to see you guys. Looks like everyone had an eventful wine country weekend.” Then he gestures for me to take the seat next to him while he sits close to my right. His leg pushes against mine as if he’s not close enough for his liking and keeps his hand firmly on my thigh.

The men each glance at each other their eyes circle back to us.

“We did.” Silas clasps his hands on the table. “But it seems to be we’re missing a few members. Don’t you think?”

Oh my god. Do they know?

Sebastian’s forehead furrows. “Yeah, where’s everyone else? Aren’t these events mandatory?”

Silas shrugs, arching a brow. “We don’t know.” A dense silence surrounds us before Silas speaks again. “Wendy and Larry have only been with us a few seasons, but Pete has been a member of the Black Veil Society for some time, so his disappearance is unsettling.”

“Is it common for members to vanish like that?”

“No,” Silas answers coldly with his lips pursed.

My heart picks up speed, fearful of the direction this conversation is going.

“Okay?” Sebastian says. “So, what should we do?”

Silas leans back in his chair, clearing his throat. “I’m in a bit of a predicament. My other members…” His arm comes out to wave across the air at the killers who are seated with us. “Need to have reassurance their disappearances have nothing to do with the two of you joining.”

Oh fuck. My lips part to suck in a gulp of air.

Sebastian’s shoulders square, and he sits straighter in the chair. “Are you accusing us of something, Silas?”