She turns to me, her eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to figure me out. “Are you Blade?” she asks, her voice a little bolder than I expected, though I can hear the uncertainty beneath it.
That makes me laugh, a low, amused sound that I can see catches her off guard. I point to my raven mask, the black feathers catching the dim light of the room. “Not quite,” I say,my voice laced with the kind of charm and confidence I know she’s drawn to. “The name’s Raven.”
She looks at me for a moment, her eyes searching mine through the mask, as if trying to decide if I’m telling the truth. But I can see the doubt slip away as she realizes I’m not the one she’s been waiting for. Still, she doesn’t pull back. If anything, she seems even more intrigued.
“I’m not Blade,” I continue, leaning in just a little closer, my voice dropping lower, more intimate. “But I can promise you this—I’m very much looking forward to getting to know you better.” I let the words hang between us, the implication clear. I can see the way her breath catches, the way her lips part slightly, as if she’s not sure how to respond.
There’s desire in my voice, and I know she hears it. But it’s not just about seduction—it’s about control, about showing her that while she might be searching for Blade, she’s going to find so much more. She’s here, she’s curious, and I can feel the spark of interest growing between us.
I place my hand on the small of her back, feeling the tension slowly drain from her shoulders as she relaxes, just a little. I can tell she’s still unsure, still trying to piece together the night ahead, but that’s part of the fun—watching her navigate the unknown, knowing we’re guiding her every step.
“Relax,” I breathe, my lips close to her ear, so only she can hear. “Tonight’s about letting go. Enjoy it.”
I feel her breath hitch slightly, and I know I’ve got her attention. But before she can fully settle into the moment, I lean in closer, letting my voice drop to a whisper, laced with playful challenge. “Why don’t you see if you can find Shadow… before Blade finds you?”
I pull back just enough to see the flicker of surprise in her eyes, followed by a spark of intrigue. I can tell she’s trying to figure out what that means, trying to decide if it’s a game shewants to play. But I know the answer already—she’s curious, drawn in by the mystery, by the thrill of the chase.
She looks at me, a question forming on her lips, but I just smile, giving her a slight nudge toward the crowd. “Go on,” I say, my voice low and encouraging. “See if you can find him. I’ll be watching. We all will be.”
With that, I step back, giving her space to move, to explore, to see if she’s up for the challenge. I know she’ll take the bait—it’s too tempting not to. The idea of finding Shadow before Blade catches up with her, of being hunted while she’s still trying to figure out the rules… it’s exactly the sort of thrill she came here for.
I watch as she hesitates for only a moment, then starts to move through the crowd, her eyes scanning the room with renewed purpose. A satisfied grin spreads across my face as I watch her go. This night is only just beginning, and I can’t wait to see how she handles what’s coming next.
20
From my vantage point in the shadows, I have a clear view of her interaction with Raven. The way she tenses at his initial approach, the subtle shift in her posture as she relaxes under his charm—it’s all as expected. Raven has a knack for drawing people in, making them feel safe while keeping them on edge, and Red is no exception. I can’t help but feel a slight pang of envy that he’s the first to speak to her, but I also know my role in this game. Patience has always been my strength, and tonight, that patience will pay off.
As their conversation continues, I watch her closely, studying the way she responds to his suggestion to find me before Blade finds her. There’s a flicker of determination in her eyes, a spark of curiosity that intrigues me. But when she finally moves through the crowd, searching, she passes right by me without even realizing it. She’s close—so close—but she has no idea I’m right here, watching her every move.
The thrill of the chase stirs something deep within me, and I follow her, staying just out of sight, my movements careful, deliberate. I can see the slighttension in her shoulders, the way her eyes dart around the room, sensing that someone is watching her, stalking her. She’s aware, but not fully. She knows she’s being hunted, but she doesn’t know by whom.
She weaves her way through the party, her movements hesitant as she tries to keep her composure. I can see the uncertainty in her step, the way she’s trying to be brave, to keep up the appearance of control. But I know better. I can see through the facade, and it only makes the game more enticing.
She heads toward a dark corner of the warehouse, near the bathrooms, where the shadows are thicker, the noise of the party muted. It’s the perfect spot—secluded, a place where she might think she can catch her breath, reassess her situation. But she doesn’t realize she’s walked right into my territory.
I slip through the shadows, moving silently, until I’m behind her. She senses me at the last moment, her body tensing as she turns, but it’s too late. I’m already there, close enough to touch, to corner her like the prey she is. The thrill of it sends a surge of excitement through me, the power, the control, the tension thick in the air between us.
“Looking for someone?” I ask, my voice low and teasing, as I step into the dim light, allowing her to see me at last. Her eyes widen, and I can see the flicker of fear mixed with something else—something darker, more primal. “You must be Shadow,” she whispers, her voice trembling slightly, trying to sound brave.
I let a slow smile spread across my face, taking in the way she reacts to my presence. “That’s right,” I say, stepping closer, backing her further into the corner. “But you’re not ready to meet Blade yet.”
She straightens, trying to hold her ground, trying toconvince herself as much as me. “I am ready,” she insists, but I can see the doubt in her eyes, hear the uncertainty in her voice. Even she doesn’t fully believe it, and that only makes this more interesting.
I tilt my head, studying her, enjoying the way she’s struggling to maintain control. “Are you turned on yet?” I ask, my voice a soft, dangerous whisper that hangs in the air between us. Her hesitation is telling, the way her breath catches, the slight parting of her lips.
She’s conflicted, unsure, but she finally nods, a barely audible “yes” slipping past her lips.
“Good,” I murmur, my hand coming up to brush a loose strand of hair away from her face, my touch light, almost tender, but the intent behind it is anything but. “Because this is only the beginning.” I step back slightly, giving her just enough space to breathe, to think, but not enough to escape. The night is far from over, and she’s only just begun to understand what she’s gotten herself into.
21
Ipush open the door to the bathroom, my breath coming in short, uneven bursts as I step inside. The cool air hits me, a stark contrast to the heat that’s been building inside me ever since my encounter with Shadow. My hands grip the edge of the sink, trying to steady myself, trying to calm the frantic beating of my heart. But it’s no use. The adrenaline, the arousal—it’s all too much, swirling together in a way that makes it impossible to think straight.
I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, my face flushed, my eyes wide behind the silver mask. It’s not just the mask that’s making me hot—it’s everything. The anticipation, the danger, the way Shadow had cornered me, his words still echoing in my mind.Are you turned on yet?God, I am, more than I’ve been in a long time, and that thought only makes my pulse race faster.
I take a deep breath, then another, trying to cool the fire that’s threatening to consume me. But it’s no use. I’m too far gone, too caught up in the thrill of what’s happening, what’s still to come. I splash a bit of water on my wrists, hoping itwill help, but as I step back into the party, the heat is still there, lingering just beneath the surface.
The music is louder now, the pulse of it matching the beat of my heart as I move through the crowd. I scan the room, trying to get my bearings, but my eyes are immediately drawn to the bar. Shadow is there, leaning casually against the counter, talking to Raven. But it’s the way he’s watching me, his eyes tracking my every move, that sends another shiver down my spine.
