Page 26 of Eternal
“You’d like her,” Vik finally says, leaning in. “Same taste for blood.”
I shrug, a smile creeping onto my lips. “I never thought I’d see the day the Lebanese would be our allies.”
Kat laughs, shaking her head. “Times change. Plus, she’s apparently with the Pakhan. The men around her?” She smirks, her gaze flicking over to the group of men across the table, their laughter booming as they swap stories about their latest deals. “Dogs on a leash.”
I wonder if she’s ever grappled with the same questions I have, whether there’s anything left beneath the anger, or if the anger is all we are now, known only because of our violence.
It’s as sad as it is comforting. Pity never works; fear always works better.
Vik lets out a dramatic sigh. “Yeah, now we have two insane women in the club, as if having us wasn’t already madness.”
I caught a glimpse of Kat who just left us to talk to someone at the far end of the table, engaged in what seems like a heated discussion with a couple of smaller enforcers.
Their voices rise and fall like a symphony of anxiety when she screams at them about something.
A real tyrant.
I roll my eyes at Vik, as I chuckle softly. “And your sister too. Makes us three insane women.”
The waiter glides by, serving up more wine for me.
I really should stop.
The people at the table dive into their meals, but I hate it.
It’s too loud. Too much. Toohuman.
I glance at Vik, who meets my gaze with a knowing smile before saying, “The dogs are where you left them. They miss you, you know.”
A genuine smile spreads across my face.My dogs.Even if they technically belong to the Bratva’s Vegas crew. “Okay, I’ll go see them.”
Vik’s smile broadens as he looks at Kat. “You stay here. I need emotional support tonight. Too many things are about to go down.”
I laugh, and Kat joins us, perching next to Vik while I head for the door. “Be careful out there,” she calls after me, her voice laced with concern.
“The dogs love me enough,” I shoot back, raising an eyebrow.
Vik chuckles, shaking his head. “Predators knowing other predators, I guess.”
“I guess,” I reply, stepping outside and letting the night air wrap around me.
The courtyard opens up before me, and my dogs come barreling toward me, all long limbs and wagging tails, skidding adorably on the tile as they race to reach me first. I drop to my knees just in time.
Mischka pushes her head into my chest like she always does, aiming straight for contact, tail going wild. She likes to sit practically on my feet, like she’s guarding them. She was already bigger than I was, even when I first met her.
Notch, her brother, hangs back for half a second longer, then leans in gently, pressing his shoulder against mine. He’s quieterabout his affection, a bit like me, but I know where to scratch to make this affection louder. Behind his left ear, where the fur gets a little softer.
His eyes flutter shut, and he lets out this small, content sigh that feels like home. “Hey, my little monsters,” I whisper, running my hands down their backs. “Did you miss me?”
I sit on the cold grass, feeling the damp earth seeping into my dress. “It’s been a while. Are they treating you well?” I ask as if they’d reply, and they kind of do, their eyes sparkling as if to say yes.
“I hope they do; if not, I’ll kill them all.” A smile creeps onto my face as I caress their soft fur.
I stay there for a few minutes, inhaling the fresh scent of grass and smoke while gazing at the distant city lights.
Vegas.
This year has to be better than the last. I’m going to focus on my mission now that I’m back. I need to find the next name on my list.
