Chapter 21 · The Dead Man's Invite

"You’re insane. You know that, right?" Evelyn’s voice was shaking, but she was still trying to push me away. I didn’t budge. I had her pinned against the cold brick of the alleyway, my forearm pressing just enough into her shoulder to let her know I wasn't asking.

"Insane is staying in that house until your father sells you to the highest bidder," I snapped. I could feel her heart hammering against my chest—fast, erratic, like a trapped bird. "Marcus sent the invite. He wants us there. That’s our way out."

Evelyn stopped struggling and looked up at me. Her eyes were wide, flickering between fear and a sudden, sharp curiosity. "Marcus doesn't invite people to dinner, Kane. He invites them to slaughterhouses. You’re asking me to walk right into the teeth of the wolf."

"I'm the one who's been chewed up and spat out by that wolf already," I whispered, leaning in. My breath hit her cheek, and for a second, the air between us felt thick, heavy with something that wasn't just anger. "I know how he thinks. He’s bored.