Page 103 of Stalker

“There’s no idea what happened?” Xander asked. “How is that possible?”

“They know exactly what happened, but it didn’t mean shit then and doesn’t now.” Which was the truth, which also meant we had no way of knowing how or where to begin the hunt. But it had to be done. What we knew about monsters.

More killing would occur.

It was necessary to feed the beast.

“Fucking sons of bitches. This is what we pay taxes for?” Zach demanded. When neither Xander nor I answered, he slammed his hand against the window.

Xander glanced in my direction, obviously as perturbed as the two of us. Usually, the three of us were more easily able to hide our anger, yet at that moment, the air thickened with malevolence.

“We hunt until it’s done,” I said casually, while the hunger to spill blood was stronger than ever before.

“Until it’s done,” Zach repeated.

“Until it’s done,” Xander finally agreed. “It would seem serial killers are all the rage.” He tried to laugh as I glared at him.

“He’ll kill again. Won’t he?” Zach was experiencing more difficulty with this than either Xander or I were.

“I think so.” In fact, I was certain of it. “If I’m right, then we could be on the hunted list.”

“Fuck.” Xander looked away. “We’re not going to allow that to happen.”

“No, we are not. No one can beat us at our own game.” I laughed softly, eager to begin the chase.

The sudden quiet in the room was thick, but I could easily tell what my brothers were thinking.

The need for bloodshed was greater than any normal desire for business or anything personal.

“Then we take steps to protect our families,” Xander added. “I will not allow anything to happen to Jessica.”

“If the fucker comes near Sara, this entire goddamn earth will be scattered with his flesh and blood,” Zach snarled as he glanced from one to the other of us.

My thoughts once again drifted to Cassandra. “What are the odds we’ve been tasked to fulfill our father’s legacy?”

“Meaning what?” Xander asked.

I turned my head, locking eyes with his. “Don’t you remember?”

“I don’t remember anything,” Zach said, not bothering to turn in our direction, but his shoulders had tensed.

“We heard him. All three of us. Maybe you were too young to comprehend what our fucking father was saying, but I will never forget his words.” I shook my head as the image of our father’s face formed in my mind. The bastard was smiling just as he’d done while still holding the bloody knife in his hand.

Xander’s heavy breathing was followed by a haunting, very guttural sound that I’d likely never forget. “He said one day he’d return to nurture the fruits of his loins.”

Zach slowly turned around. I’d never seen his expression so conflicted. “He killed our mother.”

“And others,” I reminded him. “Brutally.”

“As we’ve done all through our lives.” Xander laughed, the sound full of anger.

“Yes. We already fulfilled his legacy.” My words were little more than scattered whispers.

“The legacy of kings.” Xander glanced from Zach back to me. “That was the last thing he said.”

We had indeed fulfilled our destiny, one our father had nurtured from the beginning. There was only one way to stop the continued madness.

Eliminating the source.

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