Page 93 of The Reaper's Vice

“No freaking way…” Her eyes go wide as Savyne crawls toward her, nudging her side and nearly knocking the girl clean over. “Hey!” She giggles, reaching her free hand out to pet Savyne as well. “Don’t be jealous, girl. I have two hands for a reason.”

“That’s what I tell them.” I match Sloane’s grin, the weight on my chest easing as I take in her awestruck expression. “Careful, they might not leave you alone now.”

“I hope theyneverdo,” she whispers, leaning down to place a kiss on Sviato’s nose like I had earlier.

Shuffling footsteps bring my attention back to the doorway, and I find Ghost leaning against the frame casually. “I knew it wouldn’t be long before she won them over.”

My eyes fill with tears as I look at him. “Thank you… thank you for keeping them safe.”

He shrugs. “You should thank Orion. When he was at Vee’s place, he noticed two men mauled to death, but no big cats in sight. He told me they were probably out in the woods and the one who asked me to find them.”

I gaze at Orion, at the smoldering look in his eyes. “I… Thank you…”

He shakes his head. “It was nothing. I only… only wanted to make sure the things you loved were protected.”

I stand, walking over to Orion and throwing my arms around his middle. Pressing up onto my toes, I place my lips on the tip of his nose, my heart fluttering at the contact.

“What was that for?” he whispers, his voice low and husky.

“You have a very kissable nose.” I smile, loving the way his arms tighten around me.

“I think I’ve heard that somewhere,” he murmurs, brushing his nose against mine.

A loud, gagging noise breaks the tensions between us. We snap our heads over, finding Sloane’s face buried in Sviato’s fur. “Oh my God, ew! Get a room!”

Laughter fills the space as Ghost steps toward Sloane, pulling her from the ground and into his arms. A large yawn pours from her mouth, and a loving smile tilts Ghost’s serious mouth. “I think it might be time for bed, little one.”

“Nooooo!” she protests, her little arms reaching toward the tigers. “I’m not even sleepy!” Another yawn interrupts her words, and Ghost lets out a little chuckle.

“Whatever you say.” He presses a kiss to the top of her head as he reaches into his pocket. He throws a small silver key into my hand, then turns and walks from the room.

“You can let the tigers out now that I know they won’t maul anyone to death. And meet me upstairs… we have to finish our conversation.”

Orion and I share a glance. I move toward the tigers, unhooking the collars chaining them to the wall, and follow Orion back up to the main room. We wait on the couch for about ten minutes before Ghost reappears, looking far more tired than he was when he left.

He rubs a hand over his face, plopping down into one of the chairs opposite us. “Sorry about that. Sloane wasnothappy she wasn’t allowed to hear this conversation. Brett’s in there with her now, so she doesn’t feel so left out.”

I nod, and Orion’s hand finds mine, giving it a gentle squeeze as Ghost takes a breath.

“As you know, your position is now compromised. The Sanctum will be looking all over the city for you—and they won’t stop until you belong to them. Not only does this putyourlife in jeopardy but also every person around you. Meaning myself, my family, and Orion.”

I look to the side, guilt squeezing my chest. “I know that. If you want me to leave, I will?—”

“That isnotwhat I am saying.” Ghost’s eyes pierce mine. “Ten years ago, I tried to rid this city of the Sanctum once and for all. I thought I was successful, but like the damn weeds they are, they’ve clung to the filth of this city and grown back. And if nothing is done to stop them, they will take over anything good that’s left.”

He lets out a heaving sigh. “But we cannot just hide and wait for the storm to pass. If we want to stop them for good, we have to do somethingdrastic.”

Orion and I pin our gazes on Ghost. “Just how drastic are we talking?” Orion asks.

Ghost shrugs. “Phenomenally. And you won’t like it, but it’s the only chance we have.”

45

ORION

“A DOLL RETURNS”

The smellof stale liquor and cigarette smog assaults my senses as Seraphina and I step through the doors of the Neon Flamingo. My eyes scan the crown, blinking past the flashing neon lights as I try to find that familiar face in the crowd.

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