The so-called shack was basically an oversized hunting shed, one used to store equipment and hunting gear. The room smelled like rotting meat and mildew and something else that Gavin couldn’t quite identify.
In the center of the room was a large table—no doubt used to skin animals after their hunt.
A chill ran down Gavin’s spine when he spotted the brown and black discoloration on the surface of the table. Years of skinning carcasses and not properly cleaning their surface, no doubt.
Was this the place where he was going to die?
Pain shot through the back of his head as stars danced in front of his eyes.
Gavin stumbled to one knee, caught off guard by whatever it was that had struck him in the back of his head.
Angry hands grabbed him from the floor and dragged his disoriented ass toward the blood-stained table.
Struggling to focus, Gavin was suddenly lifted and dropped on the table like he was nothing more than a sack of potatoes.
Rough grains cut across his wrists as his arms were quickly tied down with some sort of rope Gavin hadn’t seen before.
Realizing he was being tied down, Gavin tried to struggle, but his head felt all fuzzy and spacey.
“Shh, shhh, shhh. Don’t struggle. You don’t want to leave behind such a bruised and broken body, do you? You’re so perfect.” The Valentine Killer gently caressed the side of Gavin’s cheek. “I’ve been obsessed with you ever since I first spotted your picture online. You were sipping a piña colada by a pool in San Diego. That tiny red Speedo against that perfect tanned skin…” His eyes rolled back in his head. “It was in that moment that I knew I had to have you.”
Rough hands dragged across Gavin’s skin. He forced himself to stay still, to keep the look of fear off his face, but deep inside, he was screaming, begging for someone to come. He didn’t want to die. Not like this. Not alone in a cold, dark shed.
Staring up into the Valentine Killer’s cold, dead eyes, he listened and tried to remain strong.
“So, I began to follow you online, learning your habits and becoming obsessed with your life. It wasn’t hard to figure out where you liked to go regularly, where you got your morning coffee, where you went to the gym, and even what type of men you found attractive. That was when Robert Ashford was born.” The killer leaned forward so their faces were just inches apart. “Out of all the guys I stalked and killed, you were the only one I took the time to get to know. You were my favorite.” He gently caressed Gavin’s cheek once more. “I had so many plans for you that night after our date. I had a special room set up where I was going to enjoy your body for days and days. I was even going to let the Rohypnol wear off so I could stare into your gorgeous blue eyes as you became aware of me penetrating your body. It was going to be so beautiful.”
Gavin turned his head and closed his eyes. The thought of this man on top of him, forcing himself into his body and having his way with him, was more than he could bear.
“Now, thanks to that ogre of yours and his band of merry men, you’ll just have to settle for a quick one-timefuck. I had this whole romantic weekend set up. I had rented a cabin not far from here. It was perfect. Secluded, right by the water—the perfect place for me to enjoy your body, then dump your remains once I was done with you. But, once again, my masterful plans got spoiled. I wasn’t planning on your caveman boyfriend bringing his entourage of friends, so unfortunately, I can’t get us to my escape van without one of them noticing. Sorry, babe. That means that this is our palace of love… and unfortunately, we don’t have all weekend to enjoy ourselves.”
The man dragged his nose against Gavin’s cheek as he inhaled his scent. “You smell so delicious. I wish I had more time to make this evening last forever.”
“You’re a monster,” Gavin whispered, tears sliding down his cheek as he waited.
“Yes. I’m an alpha predator, and you're next on my list.”
The Valentine Killer leaned forward and pressed a kiss to Gavin’s cheek.
31
MARCUS
Throwing his leg over his bike, Marcus was just about to light her up when he heard the whimpering yelps of Puppy.
Heart pounding in his chest, he got off his bike and watched as Puppy came charging out of the darkness and leaped into his waiting arms.
“Puppy! Where did you come from?” Marcus asked, turning his head away as Puppy peppered him with a million kisses. It was hard not to laugh as he got his face molested.
Pulling the dog away, Marcus scanned the dark, hoping to see Gavin’s figure stumbling after him.
Nothing.
No sign of Gavin or anyone else.
“Where did he come from?” Nikolai asked, resting his arms on his bike as he waited for Marcus to answer.
“Not sure,” Marcus answered, still staring at the dark trees ahead of them.
