Page 110 of Power of Shadow

My head shakes in disapproval, even though these bastards are making my job easier.

Taking the route I know so well, I head upstairs.

“Another one down,” Theo brags, pride clear in his voice. The last thing I need is for the guys to compete over the number of kills, but I won’t take that fun away from them.

When I emerge from around the corner, I come face to face with a tall man. We look at each other at the same moment, and I almost feel sorry for him. Almost.

Before he can make a sound, I lunge. He doesn’t even have time to draw his weapon before I grab his face. With all my force, I twist his head, and the silence is broken by the crunch of his spine snapping.

My ideal fun involves more dirt, mess, and blood, but this will suffice.

The bastard’s heavier than he looks, as I find out when his limp body falls. With a quiet motion, I took hold of him beneath his arms and laid him down on the floor. The carpet is greatly appreciated, as it helps to reduce noise even more.

After making sure no one else is nearby, I whisper to my brothers, “One for me too.” One of them chuckles, and I grit my teeth.

By the time I reach the double doors of the master bedroom, the boys have already taken care of six people. Here, a lock awaits me, locked every single night without exception. I know this all too well. At thirteen, I could already pick it, although I got a good beating for it at the time. Since then, I’ve learned a lot, and now I can do it without leaving a trace, with the locks making only a slight click.

Pulling a toolkit out of my pocket, I get to work. Thirty-two seconds is exactly how long it takes before that distinctive sound rings out and the door swings open in front of me.

I put away my tools and take out my favorite knife. A knife that was specially ordered for my beloved father.

Quietly, I slip inside. Despite the darkness, I can see his figure lying still on the bed. I wait to see him reach for the weapon he always keeps under his pillow, but it doesn’t happen. Only darkness and his snoring fill James’s bedroom.

More than once, I’ve imagined this moment, sneaking in here and killing him without even a shred of regret. But this isn't that night.

I approach the right side of the bed where he’s lying on his back. His hand is under the pillow, and I can assume that point finger is resting on said gun.

James’s eyes only open when my blade is at his throat. Surprise flashes across his face, followed by anger.

Out of the corner of my eye, I see the veins in his forearm tense up. “Ah. I wouldn’t do that. Pull your hand out and put the gun down.”

He blinks, recognizing my voice. Anger turns to rage and hatred. Didn’t he expect me?

He does as I say when I press the blade harder against his jugular. It’s tempting to pull it and see him bleed like the rest of us, except he deserves much, much more than a quick death. We both know that.

I’m sure he’ll try to knock the knife out of my hand, do something, but he obeys and puts his hand on the bedspread. He’s so fucking sure I won’t kill him.

Keeping my eyes fixed on him, I retrieve the gun from beneath the pillow. He probably has a few more hidden in this room, but I don’t care. Holding the handle, I grab my mask and lift it up to my forehead.

“Nice disguise,” my father growls. “I didn’t know it was Halloween already.”

“Did you think I wouldn’t accept your invitation?”

He smiles mischievously. “I didn’t think you’d come so late. I was sure you’d rush here as soon as you got my message.”

That photo is before me again, showing that scoundrel with his hands around Ash’s throat. My blood boils at the mere memory.

“Where can I find him?”

James knows perfectly well I want that fool who dared to lay a finger on my woman.

“Unfortunately, you’re too late. He bled out in the car before he’d driven a few blocks. I’m sorry he ruined your fun. By the way, how is Ash doing?”

“Shut up,” I snarl, pressing the blade even harder. A thin trickle of blood flows as the blade pierces the top layer of skin. “Erase her name and herself from your memory.”

“I can’t do that, Ryker. You gave me that gift yourself. She’s your weak spot, you fool. Now we both know it.”

There’s no point in denying it. That he sent me that picture proves he saw through me.