In essence, they become the animal they are.”
In that moment, Dellan wanted to leap through the screen and tear the man apart. Inside him, his tiger issued a menacing roar.
“One of these mates wouldn’t be a certain Rael Parton, would it?” The man’s eyes gleamed.
Rael gazed at Dellan with panicked eyes.
Despite Horvan’s outward calm, Dellan felt the sudden flush of fear that rippled through him. Horvan said nothing, remaining very still.
“Your silence is telling. I was informed of the interest he took in Dellan when he came here. During both his visits. Anson’s secretary remarked on the apparent affinity between them. And in case you’re wondering, we made a point of checking out all recent visitors to the office. What made it all the more likely Rael was involved was that we tried to trace him, but failed. He seems to have dropped off the face of the earth.” His lips twisted into a cruel smile. “I don’t believe in coincidence. Dellan was in that cage for a year, and in that time no one blinked. Rael shows up, and suddenly Dellan is on the news, and we are under the spotlight.” He gave Horvan an inquiring glance. “So, is that all of you? Or are there more? I can’t wait to meet you all.”
“Disconnect,” Rael urged Horvan in a whisper.
“Don’t bother,” the man advised. “We’ll find you in due course, but for the moment we have other, more pressing matters to deal with.” He smiled. “Your calling now has turned out to be quite fortuitous.”
“What do you mean?” Horvan asked quietly.
“I was here for a simple business meeting, but now I know Dellan is alive and well and obviously human again—albeit out of my control for the time being—certain individuals have become surplus to requirements.” His gaze shifted to the right.
“What? What do you mean?” a voice cried out.
“That’s Anson,” Rael whispered. Dellan’s throat had seized.
“You told me I could keep him.” The genuine note of fear in Anson’s voice sent Dellan’s pulse rocketing.
The man arched his eyebrows. “That was before I realized how blinded you’ve become. You’ve let your… thirst for all this overwhelm you. You told us you could handle any situation that arose, yet here we are.”
“It wasn’t my fault they broke in here and grabbed him.”
“Perhaps not, but your lax security measures certainly aided them. However, that doesn’t matter. You’re no longer an asset to us—you’re a liability. One who has outlived his usefulness.” He gave a nod.
Before Horvan could say another word, a bloodcurdling scream rang out, followed by the unmistakable growl of an animal. Dellan couldn’t move, frozen to the spot as the room filled with the sound of fabric tearing and something much, much worse. Dellan didn’t have to see to know what was happening. And through it all, the man on the screen watched, smiling.
They’re tearing him apart. Holy fuck, Horvan, they’re tearing him apart!
Then the man froze as a shot rang out and the growling stopped. He frowned. “I knew I should have searched him when I arrived. That was remiss of me. Still, he’s tied up a loose end. Pity. Gorillas make such efficient killers.” He shook his head. “All he’s done is provide himself with a slow death while he bleeds out.”
Anson’s screams died into a gurgle, and Dellan shuddered.
At last the noises faded away, and the man returned his attention to Horvan. “Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ll take my leave before the authorities arrive.” He locked gazes with Horvan. “I’ll be seeing you soon. All of you.”
The call disconnected.
The room was silent. Dellan sagged into the empty chair next to Horvan, sick to his stomach. Rael’s face was white, as were Crank’s and Roadkill’s. Horvan simply stared at the screen.
Hashtag was the first to speak. “I think….” The words came out as a croak, and he cleared his throat. “I think we just got the proof we need that this is way bigger than Anson wanting control of the company.” He gazed around the table. “Does anyone here think Anson is still alive?”
Silence.
“Is that it?” Dellan demanded. “You’re going to leave it there?”
“What do you suggest we do?” Hashtag seemed perplexed.
Dellan gaped at him. “We have to call someone.”
Crank stared at him. “Are you fucking kidding me? What the fuck would we say?”
Dellan glared. “We can tell them Anson and I were having a Skype call, he got up from the laptop, and he was attacked. We didn’t see who else was there, and the call