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Her eyes hardened. “Not going to happen, dick wad.”
There was a flicker of emotion in his eyes. Sadness. Amusement. Hunger. She wasn’t sure, but something about it seemed wrong on the ancient reaper’s face.
“Killian is waiting for you.” He dissolved, entering a pathway and disappearing into the night.
“You gave us quite a chase,” Killian said from behind her.
Dannika turned. The stacks of crushed cars opened into a semicircle, sheltering a fire. Killian stood before it. The flames flickered in his red eyes, making him appear more of a devil than a reaper.
“You ain’t seen nothing yet.”
Killian smiled. “I’m afraid your running days are over. You were always destined to join your family.”
Dannika approached the fire. “I figured out I’m related to Steele. I know he’s your brother.”
Killian’s eyes roamed over her. He appeared to look for something. “Steele was more deceptive than I give him credit for. I fell for his ruse. That his family died during their voyage. You are not the only family member I will track down, although you’re the only one I plan to keep alive.”
She placed her hand over the fire, allowing the warmth to seep into her skin. “Why? There’s nothing special about me, other than being female.”
“You’re wrong. Your blood is unique. More than you realize. You will help me destroy the shadow clans. I will be king, and you will stand by my side.”
She feigned laughter, holding her stomach with her good hand. “Wow, the delusions never stop. You should have a little chat with Ferguson. I’m not much of a follower.”
Killian’s lip curled, revealing his fangs. “Ferguson informed me of your little stunt in the pathway. He has agreed to ensure your safety. No reaper can oppose him.”
She scratched the skin on her stump, surprised when she felt the five bumps forming under the skin. “Ferguson has agreed? Don’t you order your subjects to obey?”
Killian glanced away, but the muscles in his jaw ticked. “Ferguson is unique. He outlived two previous leaders and had the opportunity to take leadership of the reaper clan. He has never sought power. I suppose it’s his one failing, but it works to my advantage. Just know that while you’ll experience pain and torture, you will not be allowed to die.” His eyes glowed. “But you will beg for it.”
She huffed. “I’d ask if your animal was a pig, but that’s too good for you.”
Darkness consumed the fire as Killian dissolved. He shrouded her body, sending shards of ice scraping along her skin before reforming behind her. His hand circled her neck. “You are a disrespectful wench, but I need you. I have the means to destroy the shadow clans, and you are a key component.”
She put her hand to his arm, attempting to dislodge his grasp. His hand tightened over her throat, making it difficult to speak.
“I don’t believe you.”
He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I can show you.”
“I wouldn’t believe anything you say or show me. You’re a reaper. Their leader. All you are capable of is lies.”
“I’m a king!” he hissed.
She focused on the yellow spray paint on a crushed door panel. “You’re pathetic.”
She expected an outburst. Anger. She shivered when he stepped away.
“This is going nowhere.” He motioned in the air. “Julius, join us.”
Dannika turned as the young reaper formed beside Killian. “Yes, father.”
She’d heard the story about Killian’s son. He had forced Julius to turn reaper before he was fourteen. She saw none of that inexperienced youth. His eyes were a cauldron of red hatred. While the other reapers had looked at her with distrust, he held retribution. If she sought death, this was where she would find it. “Well, aren’t you a chip off the old block?”
Julius snarled. “I long for the day I’m allowed to kill you.”
Dannika put her hand to her heart, her face one of mock sweetness. “I didn’t realize you were the warm and fuzzy one in the family.”
Killian’s arm shot out to restrain Julius. “Don’t let her bait you. Annoying her family is one of her specialties. Isn’t it, Dannika?”
