Bloodbath (Order of the Unseen #4)

Chapter One

Damien

“ T hey’re back,” I announce, taking my seat at the head of the table.

Tension keeps the air heavy, the dark room illuminated only by flickering candles. All eyes are on me, trying to anticipate my next move.

“We’re all aware that the displaying of a pig’s head on a doorstep is the first step in the Hallowed Divine’s ritual. This always takes place exactly one month before a full moon.”

“How did they find out about her?” Asher asks.

Apollo chimes in. “It must be from someone they have on the inside.”

“That’s definitely possible,” Jensen states from his position at my side.

“It was displayed on the doorstep at the sorority house, right?” Killian questions, scooting closer to the large wooden table. “How do we know for certain that Quinn is the target?”

“Coincidence?” Sam wonders.

I sigh. “Doubt it. That would be one hell of a coincidence. Besides, none of the other girls have ties to the Order like Quinn does.”

“And her ties to those evil bastards, too. Let’s not forget about that,” Jensen scoffs.

“She’s clearly the target.” Micah lets out a sharp breath, running a shaky hand through his hair as he moves toward us. “It’s too uncalculated for the Hallowed Divine to target one of her friends without knowing about her.”

Suddenly the room is filled with chatter, every member talking amongst themselves about their opinions on the matter.

“Enough.” My voice echoes against the walls. “We need to be even more cautious. I want her watched around the clock. If you spot them anywhere, near or far, kill on sight. I don’t care who’s watching. If you see them, you put a fucking bullet in their skull, gut them, whatever. You take them out. No hesitation.”

“Damien,” Killian cuts in. “Let’s not get reckless here—”

“It’s not up for debate.”

“Kill on sight,” Asher echoes warily.

Jensen places his hand on my shoulder and lowers his face beside my ear, speaking softly. “Don’t we want to keep them alive? We could use them. Try to make them talk.”

“I second that,” Micah agrees, crowding my space. “We need to locate where they’re hiding out. That’s vital.”

Shrugging them away, I pinch the bridge of my nose between my fingers, trying to figure out the best approach.

Fuck. I hate that they’re right.

I hate that my worst nightmare is coming true.

But most of all, I hate how I’m losing control so quickly. I’ve been losing sight of the bigger picture here. In their reality, this whole situation is much larger than Quinn, and although the Order has always been the most important part of my life, that’s not the case anymore.

My little Quinn has secured that spot, surpassing everything else.

In their eyes, she’s just a directive.

But in mine, she is the moon… the stars… sunlight… and oxygen all in one. I find shelter, warmth, and serenity in her arms. She is my turning point. My home.

My obsession.

Hell, she is everything .

Living without her is not an option.