The Tail of a Wolff (UNDER MAJOR EDITING)

2. Reaper

Tallis' POV

I've known Charlie for as long as I can remember. We attended the same private schools together, but separated after high school. He was always popular, everyone liked him. I guess that worked for him because he is - extremely - connected in America, in the underworld and every where else. He's gotten himself into trouble every now and then, but with that many contacts, its no surprise he got out of deadly situations unscathed.

When Charlie mentioned Reaper, I couldn't believe it. I mean yes... he is connected but getting a hold of Reaper is not possible. I guess I underestimated my best mate because here I am, at a rendezvous set by Reaper.

To say that I am nervous, would be an understatement. Reaper is known to make his victims cower in fear before he even enters the room. They say his interrogations don't take that long because his methods are absolutely brutal. No one knows what he does or how he does them because his victims never live to tell the tale. If you happen to cross paths with him you better pray he keeps his signature mask on. Anyone who sees his face is a dead man still walking.

I was told to walk through Meadow forest and keep walking North. The forest is as quiet as it could be for someone wondering through it at 4am. Various tree branches block my way, I bend down and duck away from time to time. I see them through the moonlight which, thankfully, emits a soft glow that guides me along my path.

Owww!

I freeze in my tracks when I hear a howl in the distance, coming from a far distance behind me. I listen for it any oncoming predators. I only hear the shrill vibration of the crickets, but I don't that as reassurance, so I speed up the pace a little. The sound of my boots crunching against the leaves and sticks assures me, but I still have to be on high alert.

I have no idea why Reaper would want to meet in the middle of a jungle. Was it to intimidate me? Well it didn't work, the wild doesn't scare me. My dad and I used to go hunting at varying times of day or night. The only person that's keeping me from ending this whole thing is my sister.

Wynter is at one of our safe houses less than an hour outside of LA, so that's my destination. We use "Stella's Gas Station" as a front, beneath it is an underground base sufficient for us to lay low. All the base's supplies and food are restocked once the gas station's orders have arrived.

My sister means the world to me. After our father died, I had to take care of her and Stella. We were never the same after that. 

The difference between us is that after a year, she used Pop's death as motivation to live better and be stronger, but... I couldn't do it. I did the exact opposite, I poured myself into alcohol and drugs until I couldn't remember my own name.

That all changed when - 16 year old - Wynter sucker punched me right in the face and sprained my nose. Drunk me was so pissed that I tried to punch her, missed and fell face first into the floor. She stood over me as I held my, now, broken nose and said, "We all bleed red Ally, but what you're doing is beyond. You're disappointing me... and dad" After she left, I got back to my senses and took control of my life.

"Tallis Hurley" a deep, gruff voice calls out from behind me.

Goosebumps rise along the back of my arms and neck when I realize that I'm not alone, not anymore.

I turn around so fast that I loose my stance as I trip over a fallen branch, the duffle bag that was over my shoulder falls to the floor with a loud thud in the quiet forest. For a second, all I can hear is my own heartbeat as I quickly regain my posture.

The pounding in my chest slows as I see a shadow among the trees. It's too dark to see much but all I can tell is a shadow of a man. He seems to lean against a Willow tree, black clothing, with no intentions of seeming friendly.