Page 146 of A Wild Darkness

A devilish grin transforms his features. “Now, turn around and grab the headboard.”

CHAPTER THIRTY-EIGHT

SEBASTIAN

We spent last night at Stevie’s apartment, and I think it was exactly what she needed to go into tonight with a clear head. It probably helped after the seven orgasms I gave to her. She could barely walk by the time I was finished. If I hadn’t started to get hungry, I’m convinced I would have been able to get more out of her.

The drive and ferry ride out to the small island that Moore Mansion sits on was traveled much like the events before it—in a dense silence. The water calmly rocks the boats back and forth as we approach the dock.

With my arm wrapped tightly around Stevie, the distance between us could not be vaster. I understand the range of emotions she’s going through, because the last month has been a lot for her—and me, if I’m being honest. Not only have I led this entire operation, but I’ve also been a key participant. That, coupled with my surprisingly growing feelings for Stevie, was not something I expected. A simple infatuation—sexual tension that could be cut with a knife since the first time I met her that night—has grown into a deeply intense obsession.

The dark night does nothing to satiate my infatuation as it once did. Engaging in nighttime activities is my life, and when the Black Veil Society is no longer a threat, I refuse to imagine it without her. But as I glance at the weary expression on her face, which is even clearer through the shadows from the dim lights around us, there’s no longer denying she has become a part of me that I will not allow myself to lose.

“It’s all or nothing tonight,” Stevie mumbles, staring at the old mansion on the hill.

A yellow hue illuminates the lower level of the structure. I keep looking around at the various locations where the night crew is stationed around the premises.

“Everything is going to be fine.” I take her hand, leading her off the boat and onto the dock.

“Tell me again where everyone will be.” Stevie’s voice cracks as she searches for additional reassurance. We’ve gone over the plan multiple times in the last twenty-four hours, but if she needs to be reminded, then I don’t mind telling her a million more times if it brings her peace.

When we’re out of earshot of the ferry captain, I begin. “One guy will be stationed at the northern entrance. Another will be on patrol, walking the perimeter of the mansion the entire time we’re here.”

She tucks herself into the crook of my arm while we stroll through the grass, pretending as if we don’t have a care in the world.

“Two guys will take out the security guard at the entrance, because we know there will be one. After he’s secured, they’ll stand watch along the south side, inside the building. Christian and Hayden, as you know, will case the second level before they set up with their sniper rifles in the rafters.”

We approach the stone steps leading to the large wooden front doors, but Stevie stops. “And you have full trust?”

“I do. I’ve worked with these guys for years, and they’ve been on some fucked-up jobs with River and me. Not to mention their individual backgrounds.”

“All right.” She nods. But I sense she’s still unsure.

“Stevie, their background before they even began working with us makes them more than qualified for this operation. Yes, this is scary, but we have the absolute best men working for us.”

Her lips rub together, quivering slightly. “Okay.”

“They have trained for this the entire week,” I continue. “All we have to do is keep up the act as long as we can. The guys will handle the rest.” I cup her face, forcing eye contact. “And no matter what happens, they have direct instructions to get you out first. I will never let anything happen to you.”

One of the wooden doors swings open. The same familiar security guard at all the Black Veil Society events stands in the doorway.

“You’re the last to arrive. Please come in.” He sounds annoyed, and I hold back a sharp comment. I’m not in the mood to be tested.

I grab Stevie’s hand tight in mine and step inside the foyer first. My eyes scan our surroundings as we’re led through the hall. As we pass the empty ballroom, I recall that first night with Stevie at the masquerade ball. Since the night we met the masked members of the Society, my vow to take them down has only intensified. After hearing what they do and how much they take pride in the killing of innocent people, I’m ready to put an end to all of them.

The guys and I knew the event space would be vacant tonight, and after Christian and I hacked into their internal system, he confirmed it on their event calendar. Although I’m not part of the internal communication between them, I sense the guys are getting into place as we speak. Jamming the security system is on Christian for tonight, and we discussed waiting until the last minute so he could easily splice the ‘blind’ spot it would cause with the rest of the footage.

“Right this way.” The man leads us into what looks like a large entertainment space, not quite the size of a ballroom.

As we round the corner into the room, the members in their masks and cloaks put me on high alert.

What the fuck? Silas never told us to conceal ourselves.

Who I assume to be Silas stands in his usual spot at the front of the room while a collection of chairs is positioned in a circle next to him. I quickly notice there are ten seats—three are taken by who I also assume to be Bob, Dan, and Harry, which means Silas brought out a place for the dead members as well. Kind of weird.

“Come in!” Silas waves over Stevie and me. I recognize that bastard’s voice.

As we slowly enter the room, I note the rafters high on the second story. Christian and Hayden definitely noticed where we are by now and already know where they need to be. My eyes drag along the walls, decorated with old paintings and large ceramic vases holding wide tree trunks in place.