Page 147 of A Wild Darkness

“I didn’t know we were supposed to come masked,” I bite, but roll with the change in plans, which is all I can do at the moment.

“You’ll find out why,” Silas says, alluding to something specific.

I want to get this fucking over with, and I feel my patience growing thin.

“Please, sit down.”

I guide Stevie over to one of the chairs in the circle. She reluctantly sits down, and I can sense her energy and the unease settling into her bones. But she doesn’t need to fear anything because I am here.

Once we’ve taken our spots, my eyes land on the three empty chairs across from me, holding a presence in the room. The damage we’ve done so far and the evidence of the casualties to these serial killers give me an arrogant pride.

“As I am sure you’re all aware, we’re sad about this year’s killing season coming to a close.” Crossing one leg over the other, he glances at the chairs, presumably for Larry, Pete, and Wendy. “And for our fellow members, may they find peace wherever they are.”

“You don’t think they bailed, do you?” I can’t tell which member is speaking.

“No.” Silas shakes his head slowly, confident in his words. “I can’t figure it out, but perhaps our friend, who Annabel kindly took out over here, is involved.”

Silas stumbles over Stevie’s moniker, and I swear it sounded like he was about to say Stevie. It put my instincts on high alert. Why would he make that mistake? Or am I more restless tonight because of the rumbling inside me to end this group once and for all?

One member claps his hands together. “Thank you.”

“Of course,” Stevie returns. She’s doing a good job of staying calm, even though I know her insides buzz with adrenaline.

“Well, shall we get started?” My hatred for his upbeat fucking voice grows by the minute. “I’d like to formally welcome Annabel and the Dark Prince to our group, as they have now completed their first killing season with us.”

The remaining members give us a round of applause.

I force a smile. “Thanks.”

Stevie simply nods and gives a weak grin.

“Every season we open masked up, and we end the same way. It’s symbolic of being able to step out from the darkness of the real world, hiding our true identities and double lives, and enter a safe place with other like-minded individuals free of judgment or persecution. To close, we reinstall our masks to prepare for returning to our hidden state, which is what most call life.”

I can relate to the notion of darkness and secrecy, but I differ from those around me.

“Now”—he clasps his hands and jumps to his feet—“I have something for both of you.”

I watch with guarded curiosity as Silas retrieves a pair of black cloaks and two masks identical to the ones the rest of the members are wearing.

Silas gestures for us to come up.

My eyes scan the room, glancing over each crevice and nook, searching for a sign of Hayden and Christian, as confirmation that they’re already in place.

“Here, let me help you.” I hear Silas’s voice and whip my head around to see him holding the cloak out while Stevie cautiously steps into it.

“I don’t think so.” I step in, ripping the fabric from his hands. “No one touches what’s mine, Silas.”

Stevie breathes a sigh of relief as I slide it over her head, but not before shooting me a smirk. Once hers is on, I grab mine. Gripping the seam as if it’s poison, I jerk it over my head, my impatience on its last thread. Fuck, I’m tired of this act and want to kill these monsters already.

The other members congratulate us from their seats. Stevie’s eyes meet mine in a panic as soon as Silas gestures for her to put on her mask.

How are the guys going to tell us apart if we all look the same? Hayden and Christian will shoot from the rafters, but will hesitate if they can’t tell who’s who, which will delay the entire operation and give the killers a chance to get away.

Fuck.

Then an idea forms.

I help Stevie cover her face, but move my hands along the base of her neck in a swift motion, pulling her hair out at the same time. Making sure it sticks out and is resting on her back, she won’t be mistaken for one of them. Nevertheless, my situation could be more complex. The only hope I have is standing as close to her as I can, hinting it’s me and not one of them. I have also noticed that the other members have remained seated in the same spots since we arrived. If Hayden and Christian are already on their marks, they’ll be tracking each movement.