Bound to Kill

Alexa

There’s only one choice I can make. Running to save the asshole Alpha earlier proves I don’t want to see him hurt or worse. Plus, the secrecy surrounding his supposed wrongdoing is a red flag. I can’t find any skeletons in his closet—not for lack of trying. He wasn’t involved in Kayleigh’s disappearance, and as far as I can tell, the pack isn’t into any illegal activities. From day one, I’ve doubted an assassination is just.

On top of that, the Agent threatened to send someone else to finish the job. I’m left with no choice but to warn Darius about the target on his back. But the possibility that he will reject me after I reveal the truth has my palms sweating. Get a grip, Alexa. If he rejects the bond, so be it.

Human, make sure mate doesn’t reject us, or I will be the bane of your existence, my wolf snarls.

You’re already the bane of my existence. I roll my eyes.

She huffs with indignation. Truth is, she’s the only constant in my life. I’d be lost without her, but she doesn’t need to know that. Using my training, I regulate my breathing and use cognitive behavioural techniques to remain calm and in control.

“I’m a contracted killer for the SEB.”

The silence is deafening. Darius remains deadly still and far too calm: no spike in heart rate, muscle tension or emotional reaction through the bond. I can’t get a read on him.

“And you just happened to be here precisely when a hybrid goes feral?” His tone is cold. Methodical.

“They sent me here to take you out. They wouldn’t give me a reason for the hit, which is unusual. Something felt off.” My brows furrow. Nothing about this job is conventional. “My surveillance didn’t uncover anything sus from you or the pack. I told my handler I wouldn’t do the hit without cause, but the SEB are determined to take you out. The Agent has another assassin lined up. We have six days to discover why you’re on the hitlist and clear your name.”

“We?”

I don’t know whether I’m impressed or concerned over his lack of emotion.

“I’m not gonna sit back and let them kill an innocent. If we work together—”

“You need to leave,” he growls, the first indication he’s pissed.

“Darius, I can help—”

“LEAVE!”

For the first time since we met, I drop my gaze in submission, deflating like a balloon. With my shoulders slumped, I turn on my heel and rush out the door.

Back at my hotel, I obsessively think about what I should have said or done differently. Was there a way to avoid him shutting me out? Between the overwhelming need to protect him and feeling suffocated by my wolf’s grief, I’m beginning to lose my mind. I bury my face in my pillow and scream, pissed off at the universe for fucking me so thoroughly.

Goddamit! Snap out of it. It is what it is.

For a distraction, I head to the hotel gym and beat the boxing bag for over an hour, pretending it’s my handler’s face. Screw him for sending me into this blind. When I’ve exhausted every last bit of energy, I hit the shower, then let sleep claim me.

The following day, I’m more like myself, composed and determined. I have five days to save the Alpha, whether he likes it or not. My first order of business is getting the SEB to terminate the job.

Alexa: We need to talk!

Handler: Is the hybrid handled?

I know he’ll ghost me as soon as I confirm the hybrid’s status, so I ignore his question completely.

Alexa: I have information about the Alpha. He didn’t kill the girl or have anything to do with her disappearance.

Handler: What girl?

Alexa: Cut the shit! That pack and their Alpha are squeaky clean. The only shade on his name is his tie to Kayleigh. He’s innocent.

Handler: And how do you know he’s innocent? Did you solve the murder?

I can picture the smirk on his face.

Alexa: What makes you think she’s dead?

Handler: Call it a hunch.

My jaw just about hits the floor. The fuck? Does he want to kill someone on a hunch?

Alexa: This is some bullshit! I can’t work like this. I want you to assign me another handler, or the SEB can kiss my ass!

My heart thumps erratically, and my nails turn into claws as my wolf forces her way to the surface. Calm down. I’m handling it. The words “I hope” go unsaid. She retreats, trusting me completely.

Alexa: I’ll get to the bottom of this one way or another. And before you go getting any ideas of silencing me, I have insurance in the case of my untimely demise. Let’s say the council would receive information the SEB would rather keep to themselves.

Threatening a powerful organisation like the SEB isn’t my brightest idea, but I never claimed to be clever.

As my temper rises, I throw my cell onto the bed, forming a solid plan to keep the Alpha safe and my mind occupied. I need to find Kayleigh, dead or alive. I’ll solve the damn case if it protects my mate!

Another task I have to undertake is digging into the Agent. Tricky, without his name. But I won’t let that stop me. He has something personal against Darius. I have to figure out what with the Alpha’s help. Having no desire to face Darius anytime soon, I leave that part of the equation until last. I reach out to a man I once saved from a succubus.

She was seducing men at pubs across Dublin. Her hunting grounds changed each night, but she always returned to her den—a cave just off the coast—to feed. I waited in the shadows for her to arrive with her next victim.

He was in his early twenties. Dark, shaggy hair covered his face but didn’t hide the frantic way his eyes darted around the cave. There was a slight tremor in his voice, but his Irish accent was adorable. “It’s creepy in here. Why don’t we go back to mine? Or the pub?” he asked.

The succubus was stunning: long auburn hair, green eyes, high cheekbones and wore a tight mini skirt that showed off a pair of long legs and a tiny waist. She fired a disarming smile his way. “Don’t worry. I’ll protect you.”

The red glow in her eyes confirmed she was a demon. That was all the evidence I needed. To me, her voice sounded hoarse and scratchy. It raised the hairs on the back of my neck. But it captivated males. Lured them to their deaths. The innocent’s hesitation vanished in an instant. She pulled him in for a demanding kiss. Within seconds, his eyes glazed over; he was in her trance, so I made my move.

“Hey, demon! I know it sucks when someone interrupts your meal, but I thought we could skip to me killing you. I have a flight to catch.” I gave her a sinister smile.

She screeched and launched ten feet in the air, claws out for maximum damage when landing on me. I waited until the last second before rolling out from under her. The demon lashed out, leaving deep claw marks across my arm.

I hissed at the burn. “Watch it, she-devil, those nails will take an eye out!” After pulling out my demon blade, I charged her, satisfied by the high-pitched scream I earned by slicing into her thigh.

“You will pay for that!”

I smiled wider. “Oh wait, I know this one. I’ll pay with my blood, right?”

She feigned right, and I fell for it, allowing her to claw me from ear to chin. I pulled back before she reached my throat.

Too cocky! I berated myself.

Hunched low, I sliced across her stomach while kneecapping her. Her scream reverberated around the cave, making me wince.

As she fell, I stood over her with a smile. “Time to go home, demon bitch. I hear it’s lovely and warm this time of year.”

Her eyes widened as I plunged the demon blade into her heart. I watched the ground open and swallow her—taking her back to hell. The human snapped out of the succubi trance and witnessed the finale.

“Jesus, Mary and Joseph, was she a demon? Did the ground just eat a DEMON?” All colour drained from his face.

I supported his weight. “Hey, you’re okay! She’s gone now; you’re safe. Just breathe.”

After walking him home—still shaking—he gave me his number. “T-tanks. C-call me anytime ya need anyting.”

It turns out I do need his help from time to time. He’s the best hacker around and never charges me for his service. I never ask his name; he never asks mine. I dial his number.

"What’s the craic?”

"Hey, buddy!" The sound of his voice always brings a smile to my face. He’s like my kid brother at this point. ”I need you to dig into a couple of people."

"Anyting for my hero,” he laughs.

"The first is Kayleigh Higgins. She went missing a couple of years ago. I need to see what information the police have about her disappearance: last sightings, suspects...”

Rapid tapping on a keyboard sounds through my cell.

"I’m hoping she’s alive and just using a new alias. See what you can do to track her down.”

"Got it!"

"The other one, I don’t have a name for. I’ll send you the phone number I have. Hack his phone; see what you can find out. I need a name and an address."

"Damn girl, ya like ta gimme a challenge.” I hear the laughter in his voice.

"Only because I know you’re up to it. How long do you need?”

"Give me forty-eight hours, but I’ll try for twenty-four.”

That’s why he’s my go-to guy. ”Thanks, speak soon."

After disconnecting the call, I send the Agent’s number to my hacker, then prepare for the unpleasant bit. The Alpha.

Alexa: We need to talk. It’s important.

Darius: I’m not interested in your little investigation.

Alexa: You’re pissed. So what else is new? I’m trying to save your life here. Again. You’re welcome, by the way!

Now he’s got me riled up.

Alexa: Do you think I want this damn mate bond? Spoiler. I don’t! I had a job to do. If you can’t understand that, my first impression about you being a prick still stands. I’ve no plans to stick around after the SEB is off your back. But I won’t let an innocent die, not even an asshole like you. So either suck it up and help me, or don’t, at your peril!

My outrage stirs my wolf. After we save him, we kick his ass.

I burst out laughing, glad we’re on the same page. Deal!

For a while, I stare at my phone with narrowed eyes as though it’s my cell’s fault the Alpha is insufferable. Eventually, he responds.

Darius: What do you need?

Alexa: Meet me at the creek in one hour.