Bloodshed (Order of the Unseen, #1)(17)

But to others, it was put on a pedestal, labeled as the best fetish club in the city of Boston.

There were whipping stations, stocked with whips and canes of all sizes. There were two cages, one just about the size of a coffin and the other similar to a dog crate. There was also a hot-wax station, and an area used for needle and fire play.

If only everyone in this club knew what took place beneath this first level.

“What’s their ETA?” I asked Jensen over the music, taking in the sight of two women walking past me in their sexy, black lingerie, their gaze fixated on all my tattoos, and the muscles bulging beneath my shirt.

“About ten minutes, give or take,” he answered.

Bringing our glasses together with a loud clink, we tossed back the whiskey.

“We should head down now,” Micah suggested. “Most members are already here.”

Following him down a long, bright hallway, we pushed through a set of large, metal doors, which muffled out the music. Grabbing my society mask from my back pocket, I turned to my boys, watching as they did the same. I secured it over my face, pushing back my hair before adjusting the strap behind my head.

Eventually, we arrived at the set of elevators in the far back of the club. We briefly glanced up at the camera, knowing that someone was watching behind the monitor. Jensen swiped his access card, and within a few seconds, the door of the elevator opened with a ding.

Most members of the Order were already in their seats once we stepped off at the lower level. Everyone was dressed in all black, along with menacing skulls concealing their identity. Although, if you were one of us, then you were able to tell all members apart from the small differences in detail.

Peter stood at the head of the long, black table in the center of the room. Everyone seemed to be on guard tonight. There was a lot of tension in the dense, hot, and sticky air. Those with higher status got to claim their seats at the table, which meant the rest of us stood close behind, creating an oval of dark figures around them.

All around the table, candles flickered, and the chandelier above our heads illuminated the wooden surface dimly.

“As some of you may already suspect,” Peter began, resting his palms against the table. “We still have no eyes on the Hallowed Divine. It’s as if they’ve all up and vanished into thin air,” he informed us, his tone filled with authority. “The past three months have been devoid of activity. Neither a trace nor a sign of their return.” There was a slight change in his demeanor as he took his seat. Leaning forward, he appeared at ease, yet his stiff shoulders and tightly-clenched fists hinted otherwise. Unexpectedly, he looked my way. “Step forward, Damien.”

I obeyed without question.

“Jensen, and Micah, as well,” he instructed.

They obeyed without question.

“Ever since the night of your initiation, the three of you have been extremely valuable to the Order,” Peter said, grabbing the manila folder from the table before pushing out his seat. He stepped around the corner and stood before us, meeting each of our attentive gazes. “Based on your skills, I believe you three are the best candidates for the job.” As I accepted the folder from his grasp, my eyes remained fixed on his. “It is vital that you keep her safe, Damien.”

“Yes, Sir.”

He watched me intently for a moment before shifting his gaze to the folder in my grasp. I slipped my hand inside and pulled out the first thing I could.

A photo of a girl.

A beautiful girl.

My heart pounded, and there was a dull ringing in my ears.

Quinn Rowland was written in black sharpie across the top of the photo.

Rowland.

I knew that name.

We all did.

And now, the three of us had been ordered to protect her.

The raging fire in my soul immediately became tamed. I suddenly felt comfort. Like I finally had a purpose. This was a feeling I wasn’t used to.

“If the Hallowed Divine were to find out about her,” he began, his voice low, before becoming silent. “Her life is at stake. Do you understand, Damien?”

My gaze locked with his. We shared an intense stare for a moment. He knew I understood, just from the look in my eyes.

“Yes, sir,” I firmly stated. “We will do everything in our power to ensure her safety.”

“In Felicity’s name,” we all chanted.

He shifted his attention toward Jensen, then Micah. “Whatever it takes,” he specified in a haunting tone, chilling my bones.

“Yes, sir,” we answered in unison.

Whatever it takes.

“Unity above all,” he remarked, placing a strong hand on Jensen’s and Micah’s shoulders, with me locked in between them.

“Unity above all,” we chanted.

Taking the lead, Peter made his way toward the altar, and we trailed closely behind. All the members stepped out of our way, creating a path. He took his position up on the raised platform, while the three of us stood motionless before him, ready to pledge our oath of loyalty.

“It’s time,” he declared.





CHAPTER SEVEN





DAMIEN





It was the day I saw Quinn in person for the first time that my obsession truly began. Immediately, I became hooked. At first glance, I was captivated by her beauty. She was the most stunning woman I had ever seen in my life.