The Stark Shadow

The Haunt

- Collins -

After entering the ballroom full of guests, Steve was whisked away by some dignitaries I didn't recognize. He flashed me an apologetic smile as he was dragged away, leaving me on my own. I scanned the room as I made my way to the bar, and my gaze fell on Pierce and the man he was talking to. The two men looked over in my direction, giving me a curt nod before returning to their conversation.

"Can I get you anything?" the bartender asked, snapping me out of my thoughts.

"Whiskey on the rocks, please," I replied as I sat myself on the barstool.

"Right away," he turned away to grab a glass. He placed a sphere of ice and proceeded to pour the honey golden liquid into the glass. "Here you go, miss," the bartender said, placing it in front of me.

"Thank you." I sipped the drink and closed my eyes, letting the feeling of calm wash over me. It was going to be a long night and I needed to settle my nerves that were already frayed.

"Tony Stark sure knows how to throw a party, doesn't he?"

I turned in my seat and was face to face with a pair of piercing gray eyes staring back at me with a menacing smirk. It was the man Pierce was talking to, but that wasn't the reason the familiarity took me by surprise. I choked into my glass, the alcohol burning my throat.

"Here," the man said, offering me a napkin.

I dabbed away the whiskey trickling down my chin and took another sip. "I'm surprised you're still alive."

The man gestured to the bartender for a drink then turned his attention back to me. "Still healing," he said as he rolled his right shoulder. "No thanks to you."

His gaze was deep and haunting. It was one that I haven't been able to forget for weeks. The very face that plagued my sleepless nights stood in front of me.

"Richard Ames," the man introduced himself as he held out his hand.

"I don't make it a habit of introducing myself to people who have tried to kill me, Mr. Ames," I scoffed, finishing my drink.

"I'm just a man hired to do a job."

"And clearly you aren't very good at it, are you? Again, send my regards to your boss and just so you know, if you ever cross my path again," I pressed my thumb into his right shoulder as he winced in pain. "I do not intend to miss."

Some time later...

"Now for the moment everyone's been waiting for," Tony's voice boomed as he walked into the middle of the room full of people. He always loved being the center of attention growing up and obviously that hasn't changed, but it's come at a heavy cost and he fought everyday to pay. Tony's little announcement caught the attention of the room as murmurs spread while eyes stared at him in anticipation.

"That was dramatic," I muttered under my breath as I grabbed a glass of champagne off of a passing tray. I stood by the windows facing the balcony, blending into the background of the room.

"I'm sure you're all aware of the rumors that have been circulating about my dad's other genius kid. While I would love to take credit for being the only brain behind Stark Industries, we all already know that that's not true. Collins Carbonell has been my right hand since she started. Pepper often calls her when she's had her fill of dealing with me." The crowd laughed at Tony's little joke and he waved his hands down quieting everyone down. "Now, before anyone assumes that Collins got her job by sleeping her way to the top, that is in fact very incorrect and gross."

I choked on my champagne. Where the hell is he going with this speech?

"What many of you may not know is, Collins Carbonell, lead researcher for Stark Industries was in fact born Collins Carbonell Stark."

Time froze. In an instant, what little anonymity I had left was gone as eyes focused on me and shock and whispers spread across the room. I forced a smile and gave the crowd a small wave.

"Years of keeping Collins out of the public eye in order to keep her safe has not worked out the way I had intended. After she was attacked, we both knew something had to change. So, as much as this is an introduction, this is also a warning. I will do everything to protect my family," he said to the crowd.

Out of the corner of my eye I saw Steve standing by the wall with his arms crossed, his blue eyes fixed on me as he nodded along with Tony's promise to protect me. I shot him a thankful smile and started to walk over to him before Tony's voice beckoned me over.

"Ladies and gentlemen, Collins Stark."

Applause echoed in the room as I made my way to where Tony stood. I smiled at the people around me as they greeted and cheered. Tony handed me a glass of champagne and I had to remind myself not to down the entire glass in front of everyone.

"Thank you for that riveting speech and glowing introduction," I said as I rolled my eyes at him. "Yes, I am in fact Collins Stark, daughter of Howard and Maria Stark, and sister to the most egotistical genius to have ever graced the earth." I raised my glass to Tony who was clutching his chest pretending to be heartbroken. I smiled at his dramatics before I continued. "It's true, there have been multiple occasions where our lives were put in danger. Tony's efforts were never made in vain, our enemies were just more prepared." My eyes darted to where Pierce and Mr. Ames stood, their eyes peering over their drinks at me. "But mark my words," I said to the crowd as my gaze never left theirs. "We will not be making that mistake again."