Page 40 of The Monster’s Weakness

He should have known there wouldn’t be room for small talk, but that suited Caleb as small talk had never been his strong suit.

“The hit is done,” Caleb said.

“I know.”

“Then why are you still around?”

Kassian shrugged. “I didn’t realize I had to tell you all of my business or my secrets.” He let out a tut. “Since when do I have to check in with you?”

“Since my woman’s life is at stake.”

Kassian let out a low whistle.

Caleb had never liked Kassian. He considered him an asshole. A piece of shit. There was a lot about him he didn’t like, and right now he considered him one of the single most annoying men he’d ever had the displeasure of meeting. He’d never been good at playing with others. It was why being around Bastian and Evander was a bit of a shock to him, as he rarely felt the need to kill them. They were good men.

Kassian was ... different. He and Kasian were very similar.

“Your woman.” Kassian tutted. “You’re getting sloppy in your old age, Caleb.”

He finished his glass of bourbon and focused his attention on Kassian. “Look at me, Kassian,” he said. “You need to understand that Gemma is mine. You’re here in the city to have some fun, then fine. We’re good. You come near her ... well, you’ve heard the rumors about me. I will show you exactly why all those rumors exist. I am extending this offer as a courtesy for Bastian, for our profession. She’s mine, and I will protect her at all costs.”

With that, he was done. He threw down some bills, then got to his feet and left the bar. The smile on Kassian’s face had dropped.

Caleb was not joking around. This was serious because it was about his woman’s life. She didn’t need the stress, and he was not going to allow her to suffer a single day.

Caleb made his way out to the car, and as he opened the door, he reached for his gun.

“I stopped hunting Gemma the moment I heard the news,” Kassian said. “I have no interest in killing someone unless I am guaranteed payment.”

He looked across the street to see Kassian standing right next to his car, which he wasn’t surprised about. That was one of the traits he and Kassian shared. Their ability to move without being detected. He was not afraid.

“Why are you in the city?”

“Personal reasons. Nothing to do with you or your woman. Enjoy your life, Caleb.” Kassian took several steps away, a bus passed, and Caleb smiled as Kassian had disappeared.

That was it. Contract done. Over.

Caleb climbed into his car, pulled out his cell phone, and called Bastian. After a few moments, Bastian finally picked up.

“Do I have to declare you as a person I couldn’t give a shit about?” Bastian asked. “In the last few weeks, you’ve called me more times than in the decades I’ve known you.”

This made Caleb smile. “We all know you love me, really. I just wanted to say thank you, and also, that paperwork you wanted is under your desk.” With that, he hung up.

Bastian was looking for some information on the hit that had been taken out on him, and Caleb, being the ghost, was able to supply that information with ease. He didn’t like owing any debts. Bastian had helped him, and he reciprocated in kind. That was done. It was over. Now, he could move on with his life.

He had thought about walking away from Gemma. Setting her up, so she would never have to worry about her medical expenses. He’d provide her with a home and knew she would find someone to love her.

But that was the problem. He didn’t want anyone else to have her. She belonged to him. And he was going to be selfish, especially when it came to her.

****

One Month Later

Caleb was being vague. Gemma looked out across the expanse of the city. They were in Las Vegas, and she couldn’t help but admire the dazzling lights, the water fountains, and the different kind of beauty of the bustling gambling city.

She wasn’t interested in gambling, and Caleb said they were not there to play on the slot machines, or to do any of that. He hadn’t exactly told her what they were doing.

She wore the dress he’d purchased for her, which was a beautiful cream dress, with thin straps. It was so hot outside that it stole her breath. The past month had been a bit of a whirlwind. Caleb had taken an extended vacation, and they’d gone traveling around the whole of America, until they landed here. They had gone to see some of the most wonderful sights. Since it had been a month, she couldn’t help but wonder if he was filling her with memories that would then mean he was going to leave.