Mounting Danger

Chapter 3- Contract

I was going to do whatever the Hunters asked of me. The choice was clear in my mind.

But the men hadn't shown up for weeks. Every day I waited patiently for them to burst through the doors with outstretched arms and a giant halo but all I got was Jared's ugly face. And it was the same routine every time. He'd pester me relentlessly about the Hunters, and I'd respond with the same refrain—I didn't have a clue.

I was beginning to think they had changed their mind about me until they showed up out of nowhere on a Friday night. I was on stage mid-performance when my eyes caught sight of the unmistakable black mask on Ryder's face. Before the song was over I was down the pole and heading backstage. The closer I walked to the makeshift cubicles we had, the smell of perfume mixed with stale smoke invaded my nostrils.

But nothing could bring down my mood when I was about to make a large lumpsome of cash. I loosed my ponytail as I entered my small space. Jared would be pissed until he realized the reason for my small defiance. Then, it'd be swept under the rug and covered with sparkles.

As if on cue, Jared walked in with a happy smile on his busted face. "If it isn't my favorite dancer," he placed an arm around me. I shrugged it off.

"Where's Diamond? I remember quite thoroughly you said she was your favorite last week." I retorted. My tone wasn't sharp enough to be considered offensive but it was enough for Jared to know I wasn't in the mood for small talk.

His smile wavered, a twitch of nervousness betraying his welcoming facade. "Gotta keep Diamond happy, you know? But we all know who's really the most popular dancer here."

I shrugged, throwing on the blazer Kayle gave to me. "Actually that's still Diamond. I'm just popular with the people who count." I didn't care for the popularity either, I was in this for the quick money.

Jared's eyes seemed to light up at the implication of the Hunters."Yes, our very generous spenders. Speaking of, don't have them waiting too long. You know the drill."

"Yep." I popped the p.  Once I sealed the deal with the Hunters, I'd be free from Jared's gritty grip. Depending on the payout, I might just ditch this gritty life altogether and consider going back to school.

I spritzed my perfume and looked at myself in the mirror. Would Kayle would be surprised I had his blazer on?

The answer was evident the second I walked onto the stage. Kayle who's eyebrows were knit together tightly unraveled at the sight of me. It wasn't a big reaction but I knew it was a reaction. For some reason, that made me smile on the inside.

I was about to climb the rod centered on the stage when Damon gestured with his finger for me to come down. "Let's forget the dance tonight, Selene," he declared, his voice carrying a hint of stress. Judging by the expressions on the faces of the other men, the entire group appeared to be wound up about something.

"Aww, the dance was my favorite part." Ryder pouted. Seconds later his mouth shifted into a thin line. What was wrong with him tonight? He was usually the most happy go lucky one of the men.

I stole glances at him as I got seated at the table. The only space available was directly across from Damon who was quietly watching me with a blank stare. Even from my seat, his authoritative presence seeped across the room. He clasped his large hands together. "I assume you've made up your mind."

"I'm in."

"I knew you loved us." Ryder chimed in. I gave him a somewhat skeptical look.

"She doesn't like us, idiot." Kayle's flat voice rang from the next to me. "She wants the money."