twenty-three -Ares-
twenty-three
-Ares-
I adjust the cuffs of my tailored suit, studying everyone present here tonight. Across from me, Brynn sips her water, her designer black dress wrapping perfectly around her, making things difficult for me as always.
We chose our table perfectly, with a clear sightline to the entrance and close enough to the kitchen for a secondary escape if needed.
I don’t think it will be the case tonight because McAllister doesn’t suspect us, but all these habits have kept me alive for centuries, so I’m not going to dismiss them now.
“He’s usually punctual,” I murmur, checking my watch, the damn thing on my wrist costs more than most people earn in years, but it’s a necessary prop in this theater of affluence. “He should be arriving in the next ten minutes.”
My little curse nods, her fingers tracing the stem of her glass, impatient to see how things play out.
I’m gonna play the friendship card rather than the direct assault since I don’t plan on torturing him in the middle of the restaurant, and his schedule for the next few days brings him only to public places.
However, I’m not sure how long I can keep Ashford in that apartment without McAllister realizing something’s wrong.
Brynn checks the knife strapped to her thigh, same for the small blade nestled between her breasts, which I plan to personally remove later tonight.
I scan the rest of the room, nothing here, but old money families, and the occasional businessman with his wife.
They take their mistresses to another place since this is a very public spot.
The elite of Seattle gorging themselves on tiny portions of overpriced food.
At least it helps them save on liposuction.
The maitre d’ approaches the front entrance, straightening his posture, which tells me someone important has arrived.
I don’t need to fully turn to know it’s McAllister.
I just lean back in my chair, putting on a mask of relaxed pleasure, as if this meeting is nothing but a fortunate coincidence rather than the orchestrated trap I’m setting.
By now, I know McAllister’s dining preferences, his workout routine, and even the brand of toothpaste he orders online.
Knowledge is power in my world. And power is something I’ve cultivated since before civilization existed.
McAllister enters, flanked by two men. Security, of course. Their jacket cuts reveal the subtle bulge of shoulder holsters. The same false smile on my face is mirrored on his as he plays his role of a beloved public servant, nodding and smiling to everyone around.
It takes him a few moments before his gaze passes over our table, then he nods a couple of times again, and then his expression shifts to genuine surprise.
“Ares,” he walks toward us with the confidence of a man who believes himself untouchable. “What a pleasant surprise.”
I rise, extending my hand, doing my best not to break every single bone in his body. Not yet, at least. “Senator, I didn’t expect to see you here.”
“I just returned yesterday from Tokyo,” he replies, his eyes moving toward Brynn, and I have to admit it’s hard not to stare at her. A few loose curls fall over her breasts, framing them for this bastard to look at.
I’m starting to regret her choice of dress. But that’s the point, at least one of us has to get his attention.
I place my hand on the small of her back as she stands, and I don’t want to look possessive, but it kind of slips. “Brynn, this is Senator McAllister,” I make the introductions.
“Charmed,” McAllister says, taking her offered hand and holding it for a moment too long. He’s a fan of war and excitement, and she’s delicate in a way that screams danger.
I almost snarl at his touch, but I cling to my fake smile to keep up with the act I need to put on tonight.
“Join me,” he offers, gesturing to his reserved table near the window. “I was supposed to meet someone tonight, but they just canceled while I was on my way over. So I’m dining alone, and I’d welcome the company.”
Well, the man he was supposed to meet didn’t exactly cancel.
He was a businessman, set on opening up a few electronic stores on the main arteries of the city.
One quick chat and he quickly understood that there is a protection fee for everything, even if he could get into McAllister’s graces.
One that he could bypass by doing me a small favor.
That’s what made him call in sick, and that will make him keep his mouth shut if he wants his life expectancy to be longer than this week.
“We’d be honored,” I reply, signaling our server to transfer our drinks to McAllister’s table.
We settle into our new seats as the senator dismisses his security to a nearby table. Retreating for now, but their eyes remain on us. They’re good professionals, not just hired muscle. But the truth is, I could kill all three of them before they even pulled out their weapons.
I don’t jump in with any kind of business. Just pick up the wine list and try to choose something else to start the evening.
“The Bordeaux here is excellent,” McAllister suggests, tapping his finger on the menu at the four-figure selection.
“I prefer something with more… bite,” I reply, ordering a different vintage, equally expensive, but with a significance that’s lost on him.
The conversation flows, moving from mutual acquaintances, business interests, upcoming charity events, galas, and all kinds of small nothings. Anything else except our real common interest—Kharon.
I need things to flow that way.
“Your recent work with the defense committee must be fascinating,” I comment as our main course arrives. “I imagine you see technologies that won’t reach the public for decades.”
“Much of that classified, unfortunately. You know, I’ve always found your business innovations equally fascinating.” He cuts his steak and stuffs his mouth with a piece of almost raw beef, blood filling his plate. “Security systems, especially. The applications in… the game are quite impressive.”
Brynn’s knee presses against mine under the table. It’s a warning, unnecessary, but appreciated. I’ve understood the threat beneath his praise all too well.
“It’s just entertainment,” I reply with a dismissive wave. “Though thank you for your interest.”
McAllister leans forward, lowering his voice.
“Perhaps we could discuss the game in a private setting. I’m hosting a small private gathering at my mountain cabin this weekend.
Nothing formal, just a few like-minded individuals and their spouses.
It would bring me much pleasure if you could join us, along with Brynn. ”
I don’t jump in to say yes, I just take a sip of wine, letting him wait for my answer. “What’s the occasion?”
“No special occasion. Just a relaxed getaway. But I think you would enjoy the company. People interested in the same… unique experiences you provide.”
The subtext hangs between us; whoever else is involved will be there.
“Have your assistant text me the coordinates. I’ll try to clear my schedule.” I don’t say a quick yes, even though I feel Brynn’s gaze on me.
McAllister’s posture relaxes slightly, and the trap is closing around him, though I’m starting to believe it’s closing around us as well. “Excellent. My assistant will contact you tomorrow with the address and a few security protocols we follow.”
The rest of the evening passes as we return to the same uninteresting conversations.
By the time we part ways outside the restaurant, every single muscle in my body aches from maintaining this civilized facade with a man I want ripped to pieces.
I’m starting to think I’ve broken one of my personal records.
“Looking forward to the weekend,” McAllister repeats as if he’s trying to convince me to get there.
I clasp his hand. “I’m sure it’s gonna be one none of us will forget,” I reply, slightly unable to hide my sarcasm.
I feel stretched to my maximum. My patience extended well beyond any reasonable limit.
I am the God of War after all, it doesn’t sit well with me to act polite with my enemy.
Truth be told, the fact that I didn’t immediately pull out my knife and began hacking him to pieces right there at the dinner table, is what leaves a foul taste in my mouth.
Still, this is much more complicated than just the animalistic calling to kill. I have to see the bigger picture, and I also have to see Brynn’s role in it. She gets to have the kill. I’ve had my share of killing along the way.
But right now, she needs to help me relax. She still has a penance as far as I’m concerned, and tonight, I need to take advantage of that.