Epilogue

Ivy slowly awoke to a dull ache in her left leg, right arm and face. Rising to a sitting position, she was slightly taken aback when she realized she was lying in a comfortable bed, with the smell of mesquite wafting down the hallway she could see through the room’s open doorway. Her back stiffened and her exploration of the room abruptly ended when she heard heavy footfalls heading her way.

Ivy’s eyes widened as she watched a tall man enter the room with her, carrying a tray with a steaming plate of food and a glass filled with a clear liquid. There was no denying it in the light of day; the man was definitely the Blake Snow she had helped as a child. His features were too familiar with the boy’s that day to be mere coincidence. Before she was able to ask any of the questions flowing through her mind, he placed the tray on the bedside table and held out the glass to her.

“I know you killed my Stalker Carlita, but I cannot be upset at you over it, considering Christian had not taught you our ways and rules. If you still wish to follow this path I will teach you properly and offer you a position within my employ.”

He waited until she took a drink and her attention returned to him before continuing. “Blake Snow is dead and gone. My name is Cardell Skull and I own Club Skull, which is my base of operations. If you accept my proposal, you will remember those facts or I will get rid of you permanently. I am far stricter than Christian and demand complete obedience in exchange for protection. I train my Stalkers to excel in everything and all aspects of this trade. This is not a game and I will not stand for a hotshot who thinks she knows everything. What is your decision?”

Ivy didn’t hesitate as she raised her head in defiance and challenge. “I accept your proposal.”

Ivy watched as Cardell nodded then rose. She lowered her head some and her eyes closed slightly as a smirk appeared on her lips. Whether Cardell admitted it or not, this was a game. Vengeance no longer mattered to her, not now that she had finally gotten exactly what she had wanted for so long. No vengeance would come when she proved to Christian just how big of a mistake he had made when he made an enemy of her. When Ivy proved to the world she was the best at this game and no one would ever surpass her.