Two Hunters, from different worlds.

Chapter 8

I've never been this agitated in my life... Damn it, my nerves are on edge.

I feel like I'm about to pass out. Sweat clings to my skin, my clothes feel suffocatingly tight. I should've canceled this meeting. I should be with my daughter, with my little Alexia.

Nobody in my district knows about her. My little girl, named after my beloved grandmother-strong, wise, and fearless. She fought for her rights, for all women, while her husbands were at war.

But that's the past. The woman I married-the one I thought I'd build a life with-turned out to be nothing but a selfish, materialistic parasite. She doesn't care about anyone but herself. Money, luxury, and a wealthy lover-that's all that matters to her now.

When we first met, she was full of dreams, hopes as bright as the stars. But the corporate world changes people. It twists them, corrupts them.

She drifted away, not just from me, but from her own family. And I... I stayed in her shadow for far too long. But that wasn't the future I wanted for myself, and it sure as hell wasn't the future I wanted for Alexia.

I'm a cop now, but I won't be just another nameless officer forever. I want to rise. I want my daughter to be proud of me, to grow up safe and happy, knowing her father stood for something.

People see me as a simple guy-big muscles, a love for parties, an eye for women. But that's just one side of the coin. If I need to play that role to get information, I will. If I need to become someone feared, someone respected, then that's exactly what I'll be.

A voice interrupts my thoughts.

"Mr. Race, your boss is ready to receive you."

The secretary's tone is smooth, polite-but there's something about her that unsettles me. The hairs on the back of my neck stand up.

I shouldn't be here.

But I've come this far. No turning back now.

I stand, adjust my suit, and head toward the office door-only for the secretary to block my path with a practiced smile.

"Before you go in, sir, I need you to turn off your phone. You understand, of course... No distractions during such an important conversation."

Her words are polite, but there's an undertone beneath them, something almost... amused.

Reluctantly, I power down my phone and step inside.

The office is darker than I expected. The air feels heavier.

It's a lavish space, meticulously arranged-the kind of place that reeks of wealth and control. A massive desk sits near the window, flanked by sleek black sofas and a coffee table. A thick carpet stretches across the floor, its strange patterns twisting under the dim, golden light of the ceiling lamps.

Everything is perfect. Too perfect. There's not a single speck of dust, not one misplaced object.

And suddenly, I feel like the one thing that doesn't belong here.

"How does the office look to you, Mr. Race?"

The voice sends a chill down my spine.

I hadn't even noticed him.

"Sir... Who are you?" I ask, trying to mask my unease.

The man chuckles. "Your superior. Head of the police districts, etcetera, etcetera. Let's skip the formalities, shall we? Just call me Revon."

Something about the way he speaks makes my stomach twist.

"Alright, Revon... Why am I here?"

His grin widens. "Let's get to the point, then. How would you like this office to be yours? Wouldn't you like to earn a place among the best? Maybe even become a lieutenant?"

I hesitate. The offer is... tempting. It's what I've always wanted. To be respected, to rise through the ranks, to give Alexia a better future.

But why me?

"I don't understand your question, sir."

Revon leans forward, his gaze sharp. "I know you have a daughter. And an ex-wife who bleeds you dry." His tone is casual, as if he's discussing the weather. "You're wasting your talents playing detective. I know a lot about you, Mr. Race."

My heart pounds in my chest.

How the hell does he know all this?

"If I ever become a lieutenant, I-"

Revon laughs. It's a cold, hollow sound.

"Oh, Mr. Race... I'm not offering you a simple promotion. I want you to be more than just a cop. You have instincts, a sharp mind, and an impressive track record. That's why I need you."

He leans back, hands steepled under his chin.

"I want you to be my eyes and ears. An infiltrator. I have enemies, you see, and I need someone to sniff them out for me."

I say nothing.

His words should sound absurd. But the way he speaks, the way he looks at me... I feel trapped, as if invisible chains are locking around me.

Revon studies me for a moment before continuing, his voice as smooth as silk.

"Think about it. Your daughter will grow up in a safe home. You won't have to give another penny to your ex-wife. And you... you'll have power, respect, and influence beyond your wildest dreams. All I ask is that you become my 'trusted friend' in return."

My throat is dry.

This man knows everything about me. He has a grip on my life, my future, my daughter.

For the first time, I feel truly afraid.

His eyes are like frozen glass-cold, empty, and impossibly deep. They hold no warmth, no remorse, only a quiet, calculating malice.

And yet...

This is my chance.

My way up.

I force a smile. "I accept. When do we start?"

Revon's grin stretches wider. "I knew you wouldn't disappoint me. Your first assignment begins tomorrow morning. Enjoy your evening, Mr. Race."

I nod, turning toward the door. Just as I reach for the handle, his voice stops me.

"Oh, and Mr. Race... No one can know about this. Understood?"

I glance over my shoulder, meeting his gaze. "Understood, boss."

As I step out of the office, a thought crosses my mind.

Tonight, I drink.

And maybe... just maybe... I'll see if Chloe's free.

---

Revon's POV

"So, we're just letting him walk away?" my sister pouts, her voice laced with irritation.

"For now," I reply smoothly, my gaze fixed on the city beyond. "Patience, dear sister. Everything is falling into place."

She huffs, crossing her arms. "It's not fair! Your little pet gets to have all the fun while I'm stuck here playing secretary. Ugh, what a dreadful job! I can't even eat anyone!"

I chuckle. "If you're so desperate, I can point you toward some... fresh meat. But be careful. No missteps."

Her eyes gleam with anticipation, but I hold up a hand. "First, we must deal with the witch and her hunter. We need them out of the way before we can truly feast."

My sister grins. "Then let's send our 'trusted friend' on a little hunt. He'll bring the girl to us."

I smirk. "A clever idea. But first, we must eliminate her alien protector. The bad blood will handle that tonight."

My sister's smile widens.

"Our mistress will be so pleased," she purrs.

I turn back to the city, my grin sharpening.

"Yes, dear sister. She will."