Page 100 of Like A Moth To A Flame

“First?” she asked.

Craning my neck, I looked through the crowd. Our first suspect was an easy one to pick out. I could have spotted Sheriff Banner from a mile away. He dressed like the phantom of the opera, and with only a half mask to obscure his face, he was easy to identify.

“The sheriff,” I said, pointing him out,

“Right.”

“And there. See the blonde with the red suit?”

I pointed toward the bar, where Carl Lee leaned against it, chatting with a female bartender, with deep red waves and a dashing smile.

“Noted.” She nodded. “Stay here. Let him come to you. I’ll keep an eye on you, and when we know he’s found you, we’ll know who it’s not.”

I nodded, and she shimmied off through the crowd.

Minutes ticked by, and Amelia continued her rounds, while the mysterious figure in black seemed to be lurking just out of sight. I tried to ignore him, but now and then, my gaze would drift towards him and I would catch him staring at me. I knew I had to be careful.

Sheriff Banner finally approached, an exaggerated smirk on his face. I felt my heart racing, but tried to keep my composure.

“Vanessa!” he said, taking a seat beside me, but not too close. I flashed him a smile. “Good to see you here!”

“You too!” I said, fighting to keep my voice steady, but inside, my heart danced to its own beat, so fast that I felt breathless just sitting here. “What are you up to?”

He laughed, taking a deep drink from his champagne glass.

“Same as you! Same as everyone else,” he laughed. “Havin’ fun! You havin’ fun, Vanessa?”

I nodded.

“Oh, yes! I’m having a great time. The music is amazing, and the people here are so friendly,” I said, trying to keep my voice steady and my smile genuine.

Sheriff Banner seemed to buy it, nodding and sipping his drink. I quickly glanced around, looking for any sign of the mysterious figure in black. He seemed to be staying hidden in the shadows, but I couldn’t shake the feeling that he was getting closer.

“Glad to hear it!” he said, flashing me a warm smile.

Looking towards Amelia, I watched her at the bar, smiling and laughing as she talked with Carl. Clearly, he was captivated by her.

That answered that. Carl Lee was not my stalker.

Sheriff Banner exchanged a few more pleasantries before standing up to mingle with the crowd, disappearing into the crowd as he continued his rounds, leaving me alone and a lot more confused.

Not Sheriff Banner either.

I wracked my brain, trying and trying to think of who it could be when I felt the weight of a hand slink across my shoulder, a pair of gloved fingers dancing across the front of my throat and caressing the collar locked around my neck.

I froze, my heart pounding, and my eyes widening as I turned to look over my shoulder.

I didn’t need to look up to know who had put their hands on me. I could smell the familiar scent of citrus, smoke, and something deeper, and a lot more primal.

“My beautiful Little Moth.” A familiar voice poured into my ear, sending a shiver down my spine. “I’ve been waiting for you.”

The mask covering his face was sleek, black patent leather, stretching over his features like a second skin. It was shaped like the snarling face of a wolf, with tall, pointed ears and a long, lupine muzzle. It was a mix of darkness and sharp edges, like a shadowy creature made of shards and blades, ready to pounce and devour. A pair of stark white fangs were barely visible on either side, tipped in red and adorned with dangling red gems, like drops of blood from a fresh kill.

“Hi.”

Despite my fear, I kept my voice steady.

He chuckled, that deep rasp that made the hairs on my arms stand up. He leaned in closer, his breath hot on my ear as he whispered to me.

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