Page 7 of Remi's War (Four Dark Horsemen 2)

James thrashes in his bindings, whimpering and crying, his mouth mumbling something, and he shakes again, fear coming from him in spades, but I just salute him before winking.

He wiggles in the ropes and then croaks something through his dry throat as the ring finally closes, leaving him alone with my python nicknamed Anguis, which means snake in Latin. She’s already settled her gaze on her newest toy, sliding toward him, and James once again whimpers, since his face twists so much that more blood comes.

She never eats them, even my python finds their smell despicable, but she loves to rile them up, and the likes of James deserve nothing less for all the horrible shit they’ve done.

Sipping my whiskey and enjoying the burning sensations in my throat, I watch Anguis reach James’s feet and then glide over his legs, wrapping tightly but not using all her strength since James is still breathing. James’s gaze becomes glassy, his heart probably going into cardiac arrest, unable to operate due to his fear and all the wounds.

After a few more seconds, James stills with his mouth wide open, and Anguis slides away, hissing a little before disappearing between the trees until the next time.

Snatching out my phone, I press on the display, and the ring opens again and raises the body I’ll soon have to bury.

Spinning around, I gulp a greedy sip from my glass and zero my gaze on the board several feet away from me, which holds pictures of eleven men.

Ten in the circle around the main one in the middle, their latest pictures remind me of the monsters who could never hide their nature, even if they got a new name.

Putting the glass back on the table, I pick up my pocketknife and throw it straight at James’s picture located just above the boss, marking the picture. Every single person in the circle has a knife in them to announce their death.

Only the one, the alpha—or as they affectionally called him, the boss—in the middle still roams this earth, deeming himself invincible and believing in his absolute power.

Familiar rage pushes back, but I squash it, concentrating only on the goal. Because kidnapping and killing the boss won’t be enough—oh no.

I want his despair, humiliation, and suffering to be so strong… and so vocal every person in this fucking city will know about his alter ego and the deeds he does.

A man who stole my identity from me, my heritage, and my real family name.

Because I was born an heir to the throne and instead became no one but the help’s son.

He has to pay for everything.

Only then will the boy within me find peace.

When one wants to destroy a monster, he must find his vulnerable spots and deliver a blow that even evilness cannot survive.

To accomplish that, I have to take away what he loves and values the most.

Power and his reputation.

And for that, I have to have a wife.

As she wears the name of the dynasty that holds the key to my victory.

I’m done waiting to claim what rightfully belongs to me.

And if an innocent creature ends up being collateral damage in it all?

Well, then so be it.

After all, la vie est injuste.

Life is unfair.

And so am I.

Chapter Two

“Every family has their dark secrets.

Some are surprising.

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