The Shadow Demon (Pittsburgh Vampires #31)

CHAPTER ONE

"We need someone outside our network, someone utterly untraceable," Josef stated to the other men in the room. Master Hadden sat at the head of the table with Josef to his right and Killian to his left. Beyond them sat Marek, the Cyprian Knight, along with Zac and Martin, tech specialists.

This was an operation that needed to be kept covert and involve very few.

Everyone here had accepted the risk that went along with stepping outside vampire law.

Killing humans unless directly threatened was against established rules, and even then, the situation could be considered unjust. Vampires held the power, so it was understandable that they needed to be held to account when coming against those of lesser power.

Master Hadden was not condemning the law, but, in this instance, death was the only answer.

There was no time to present, wait, or hope; the time called for action, and it called for immediate action.

Jarod Massey and his top people must be eliminated.

Ed Massey had been a terrible man, but his son Jarod had grown into someone who truly eclipsed the pain and misery of his father.

Ed had a limit, it was a far limit and took ages to reach, but he did have a limit.

Jarod has no limit on what he will do to achieve his ends, no limit whatsoever.

"I've spoken with the associate that I told you about," Killian spoke up.

“And?” Josef prompted.

“He’s available for hire.”

"Tell me about him, Killian." Master Hadden said and leaned back in his chair, assessing, calculating, and deciding.

"His name is Torin Kross, and I worked with him from time to time on assignments that required a level of anonymity and ruthlessness that was beyond me.

" Killian paused, looking around at the people seated at the table.

"He's been called a monster by those he has affected, but he gets the job done.

His failure rate is zero; he's in and out fast and clean. "

“He has no coven affiliations?” Marek asked because connections could be traces. Killian shook his head. “He’s a rogue?” Marek continued.

"He's a free agent." Killian gave a smirk. "He's a half vampire and half Shadow Demon; he's a shadow in the darkness; he's a complete ghost."

“Will he be working alone?” Master Hadden asked.

“Yes.”

"Jarod, his underbosses, and lieutenants must all be eliminated. That's a total of five men, and it cannot lead back to us." The Master emphasized.

"Torin is a professional and the best at what he does." Killian gave another dark smile. "Should I engage him for the task?" Master Hadden nodded, and Killian immediately stood and left the room.

“Half vampire and half Shadow Demon.” Josef shook his head. “I can’t even imagine the things that man has done.” He gave a half smile. “Well, maybe I can.” He corrected with a full smile.

“Free agent.” Master Hadden repeated Killian’s statement. “Whatever that means.”

"It means he requires nothing but his own heart, mind, and ingenuity," Marek spoke up. "I've heard of Torin Kross. He is a dark one, but he is not lost, and Killian is correct in that he is very good at his job. His failure rate is indeed zero."

***

"What the fuck is your name, asshole?" The man was livid, and Shae did not understand why.

He backed up slowly, with his hands out in front of him, hoping someone would come and help de-escalate the client.

The man moved forward and rushed at Shae, who maneuvered behind the massage table, keeping it between them.

"My name is Shae, and I don't know why you're so upset." That did not calm him in the least; in fact, it seemed to incense him.

"I told them I wanted a female. I told them I would not allow a man to touch me so intimately, and then you walk in and start mauling me." He was yelling now, and spittle was spraying from his lips. "Get the fuck away from me and send in a female."

"Okay, okay, take it easy, no one meant any harm here." Shae started to move toward the door just as Margaret, the spa manager, burst into the room.

"What's going on in here, Shae? What did you do to this poor man?" She instantly took his side and gave Shae an accusatory look.

"He had his fucking hands all over me, and he was rough as hell." The man snapped. “It was revolting.”

"Trust me, it was no treat for me either.

I've never seen so much acne and loose skin in my life.

" Shae shot back, unable to curb his sarcasm.

The man leaped at him, then knocked Margaret to the floor as he went for Shae.

He grabbed him as he attempted to get out the door, slamming Shae up against the wall and punching him in the face three times before Margaret and the others could get the man away from him.

Shae crawled under the table and waited for things to calm down.

The police were called, but no charges were made.

Margaret said it would be bad for business, so Shae's bloody nose and split lip were just unfortunate workplace accidents.

She gave him the rest of the day off, but that was rich considering he works on commission.

"Go home, you can't face clients looking like that.

" She harped and left him standing in the front entryway.

He grabbed his jacket and headed out. His apartment was only a few blocks away, and it might be wise to lie down for a while.

That man was grossly out of shape, but he had a firm punch.

Shae could feel the swelling beginning around his eye and his cheekbone.

He really needed to learn to keep his mouth shut. He glanced at his reflection in a shop window and winced at what he saw. Margaret wouldn’t let him work if his face was all messed up. Maybe some ice and some concealer would take care of it.

His apartment was located downtown on top of a vintage clothing store. He had to be extra quiet during store hours, but the reduced rent made it worth it, and he had access to some interesting outfits. He just wished he cared more about clothes.

He grabbed a bag of frozen peas and lay out on his couch just as his phone began to ring. "Hey." He says. It was his coworker Lauren with whom he had become somewhat friends since he started working at the spa.

“Get better by the weekend.” She blurted.

“Why?” The word came out more as a groan when he snagged his split lip on the frozen bag of peas.

"There's a job at the Massey estate for which Margaret is filling spots. She's going to need several massage therapists for the day." Shae instantly started laughing and released the expectant breath he'd been holding. "Why are you laughing? Lauren asked, a little peeved at his dismissal.

"I'm the last person Margaret is going to invite to some posh spa party.

No one gets punched in the face as much as I do, and she is not going to risk me saying or doing something that will make her look bad.

" He paused and thought briefly about the potential money to be made, but it was beyond him.

He wasn't going to a party at the Massey estate.

The very thought had him laughing again.

"I heard what happened this afternoon. That client has always been a lot to handle. It wasn't your fault, Shae." Lauren tried to ease his upset, but this wasn't the first time a client had issues with him.

It was a struggle for Shae to monitor his mouth, and his observations were not always appreciated.

He never meant to insult, but sometimes it just came out wrong.

He also tended to be rougher than other therapists; he wasn't trying to hurt anyone, just giving his best. But, like his observation, his best was not always appreciated.

He was loved by the construction workers and the grandmothers who preferred deep muscle restoration.

"I think she's scrambling for enough staff, so you might be asked." Lauren persisted, so Shae just went along with her. "Be well and ready by the weekend."

“I will.” He says.

"How is your face? I'm sorry I didn't ask sooner." She sounded contrite, and it sounded genuine.

"Bruising around my eye, but not too bad, and my lip is still bleeding, but I heal fast, so I should be good by the weekend."

“If not, I can help you cover it up. I’m pretty good with concealers.”

"Thanks, I'll let you know." Shae was pretty sure Margaret wasn't going to include him on the staff for the Massey spa day. But Lauren had such a rosy outlook on life, he hated to be overly negative with her.

"It'll be great, and we'll have such fun and make massive tips.

" She continued in her delusion, but Shae remained as supportive as his toxic honesty would allow.

Following his call with Lauren, he got up, made himself some soup and tea, and settled on the couch in front of his television for the rest of the evening.

***

“The luxury retreat is organized, and all is ready for a nice and relaxing experience.” Williams, Jarod Massey’s assistant, reported and waited for a follow-up.

“I want a private massage at the end of the day, and I want to be completely unbothered until that time. Do you understand me?” He was very clear.

"Yes, sir. The workers being brought in will be kept from the main house, as will the staff that is being recognized for their efforts on the Lowlands development project." Williams told him.

“They are being recognized for far more than their efforts.” Massey laughed and took a drag on his fat cigar. He only smoked them because his father used to and he liked the power that it implied.

“Mr. Owens has also requested a late-night massage.” Williams kept a straight face, but Massey barked a laugh.

"Of course he did, Owens, asking for the prettiest to come to his room, I assume."

“Yes, but also he wants her to be a very good masseuse as well.” Williams couldn’t hide his smile this time.

"Yep, he wants the whole package. Me, I just want the package." Massey slapped his desk and dismissed his assistant. The spa day, as it was being dubbed, was not his idea, but it brought together a group of people who would otherwise be difficult to pull together, so it served the purpose.