Unmasking Darkness (The Hollow’s Hunt #1)

Chapter 1 Dominic

DOMINIC

Istride through Purgatory’s dimly lit hallway, appreciating the low hum of chatter and desire that fills the club tonight. Adjusting my cufflinks, I make my way toward the VIP lounge, my territory within Xavier’s domain.

The door to Xavier’s office stands slightly ajar as I pass. I’m about to continue when a woman’s voice carries through the gap.

“Yes. Cora.”

I freeze mid-step.

“She’s the mayor’s daughter. Smart, capable. She’d be perfect for the Hunt.”

Xavier’s voice follows, but I’m no longer listening to their exchange. My mind races with possibilities, a plan forming instantly.

Mayor Pike. The self-righteous bastard who single-handedly blocked my waterfront development last year. The project that would have transformed that decrepit district into luxury condominiums. The deal that would have earned me millions.

I lean against the wall, thoughts crystallizing into purpose. Xavier owes me a favor after I handled that zoning issue for his new club location. The Hunt would be perfect—three days with the mayor’s precious daughter at my mercy.

Their conversation continues inside the office, but I’ve heard enough. I straighten my tie and continue down the hallway, the beginnings of satisfaction curling my lips into a smile.

Xavier’s final words drift after me as I turn the corner.

“Get some rest, Ms. Sullivan. You’ll need it for what’s coming in three days.”

A pause.

“And your friend won’t be coming.”

We’ll see about that.

I lean against the wall around the corner, scrolling through emails on my phone while waiting for the woman to leave. Patience isn’t typically my virtue, but for this opportunity, I’ll make an exception.

Finally, the click of heels signals her departure. I count to ten before pushing off the wall and striding toward Xavier’s office. No knocking—not for me. I simply push the door open and walk in like I own the place.

Xavier looks up from his desk, that dangerous edge in his eyes softening slightly when he recognizes me. Not many men can enter his space unannounced without consequences. I’m one of the exceptions.

“Interrupting something important?” I ask, knowing damn well I am.

“Nothing that can’t wait.” He leans back in his chair. “What brings you by, Dominic?”

I settle into the leather chair across from him without invitation. “I believe you owe me something, X.”

A flash of irritation crosses his face. Xavier Blackwood doesn’t like being reminded of his debts. “Do I?”

“Don’t play ignorant. It doesn’t suit you.” I adjust my cufflinks. “The downtown zoning board. Three months ago. Your new club location would still be tied up in red tape if I hadn’t intervened.”

He gives the slightest nod. “I remember. What do you want?”

“I want an invitation to the Hunt for Cora Pike.”

His eyebrow raises. “The mayor’s daughter?”

“The very one.” I keep my expression. “I want her in the Hunt.”

Xavier studies me for a long moment. “You know we don’t typically invite more than five prey, and there are already five who agreed to participate.”

“And yet I overheard you discussing her potential inclusion with Ms. Sullivan.” I smile coldly. “Besides, exceptions can be made. You make the rules.”

“You have a personal interest in this.” It’s not a question.

I lean forward. “Her father cost me millions on the waterfront development. Consider this... karmic balance.”

Xavier’s jaw works as he considers my request, tension visible in the slight clench of his teeth.

There’s something in his eyes I didn’t expect—hesitation.

It’s unusual for a man like Xavier Blackwood, who typically revels in plots of vengeance.

The notorious Red Mask, reluctant about adding the mayor’s daughter to his twisted game?

Interesting.

“This could complicate things,” he finally says, tapping his fingers against his desk. “The mayor isn’t someone we typically target directly.”

I study his expression, noting the subtle shift in his demeanor when he glances at the door where Mira Sullivan just exited. Ah. Perhaps Ms. Sullivan has softened the edge of Ravenwood’s most dangerous man. How... inconvenient.

“Since when do you worry about complications?” I lean back, maintaining my composed exterior despite my growing impatience. “I seem to recall you orchestrating far riskier scenarios for your own amusement.”

Xavier’s eyes narrow. “This isn’t about risk assessment, Dominic. It’s about timing.”

“The timing is perfect,” I counter. “Three days until the Hunt. Plenty of time to include one more participant.”

He falls silent, considering. I can almost see the calculations running behind those cold eyes—weighing the favor he owes me against whatever reservations are holding him back.

Finally, he gives a curt nod. “Fine. Agreed.”

The words are clipped, but they’re all I need.

“I can’t deny you,” Xavier continues, his voice lowering. “You’re calling in a legitimate favor.” He straightens in his chair, reasserting his authority even in acquiescence. “But tread carefully. This is still my Hunt, my rules.”

I incline my head in acknowledgment. Even in Ravenwood, there’s a code among men like us. Xavier may run this town from the shadows, but he respects the rules of debt and payment. It’s one of the reasons we’ve maintained our professional relationship for so long.

“I understand completely,” I reply, satisfaction warming my chest. “I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

I step out of Xavier’s office, victory fresh in my veins. The mayor’s daughter will be mine for three days. Every slight her father inflicted, every public denouncement of my business practices—all of it will be paid back in full when I have his precious Cora begging for mercy.

The main corridor of Purgatory pulses with heavy bass. I adjust my tie, mind already racing with plans for the Hunt, when a blur of movement catches my peripheral vision.

She’s moving fast, determination in every step. Before I can sidestep completely, she nearly collides with me—a whirlwind of chestnut waves and righteous anger. I pivot smoothly, avoiding the impact by inches.

Her eyes meet mine for the briefest moment.

Cora Pike. In the flesh.

Recognition hits me instantly. I’ve seen her on society pages, in campaign photos beside her father, at charity galas where she smiles that perfect, practiced smile.

But photos don’t capture the fire in those green eyes or the way she carries herself—chin high, shoulders back, entitlement in every step.

She barely registers my presence; her gaze is fixed beyond me toward the bar where Mira Sullivan stands. Without a word or apology, she storms past, the scent of expensive perfume lingering in her wake.

I turn, watching her march toward her friend. The tailored blazer hugs her figure perfectly, expensive jeans clinging to curves that suggest the mayor’s daughter isn’t all business and politics.

Something dark and hungry unfurls inside me.

Breaking her will be exquisite. Not just for revenge, but for the sheer pleasure of watching that confidence crumble, replacing that fire with submission.

And when it’s over, when the Hunt concludes with the traditional feast, I’ll watch Mayor Pike’s face as he realizes what’s happened to his princess.

The mayor never misses the final feast—his presence a testament to the power the Blackwoods hold, even over Ravenwood’s supposed leader. How delicious it will be to see his reaction when he understands exactly who has claimed his daughter.