Morning had come as I laid on a floral couch that matched the tacky amalgamation of decor that formed a living room. Greta had once again made small talk as she sat in her reading chair by the window of her condo. I tuned her out and nodded along to her chatter.

God, I saw the spare key hanging on the rack back at Cassie's place and thought; This would be better than sleeping on the dusty floor of my condo. Whatever, I got some more info out of her and got a semi-decent night's sleep here.

I looked at my phone screen and the message Samara had sent me last night.

|Samara:

-Good news, she reached out. Let you know in the morning what the situation is. ALSO we have a little chat tomorrow.

|Vincent:

-It'll be fine, talk later!

I stared at the screen for the hundredth time, praying that Samara would text me an update. A notification appeared at the top of my screen. My eyes focused on it.

|Instant:

-Action needed on your account to receive an order! Please click on the link below!

Finally, I can get back to my room back at Alina's place, cause this couch looks like the seventies and a kaleidoscope hate fucked to spawn this floral abomination.

"Hey Greta, something come up. I have to go." I had interrupted her and ended a conversation that the world could live without. "Don't worry, I should be back soon with some help, then we can scare Harold off!"

I swiped the key tagged with Greta's name and unit number with one hand, while I opened the notification on my phone with the other. I reached the door and exited back into the hallway. Despite Greta's ability to pass through it, the false barrier between us put me at ease as I sighed in relief and looked at my screen.

|Instant:

-Please take a photo, then mark within the photograph where you would like your orders to be delivered.

Easy enough.

Stepping back inside my condo, I stood in the entrance hallway as I focused my phone on the corner of the living room next to the bedroom hallway. My phone snapped the photo as a flash went off. With my photo taken, I added an X onto the picture and pressed continue.

|Instant:

-Establishing connection...

A check mark appeared on the screen when a new message appeared.

-In confirming this location, the customer agrees that utilization of our Instant Arrive service is not liable for any injuries caused from negligent or deliberate placement of the drop zone for all items ordered and sent through our service.

Yeah, yeah. Can't blame Instant if I buy an anvil and try to live out some fucked up looney tunes fantasies of mine.

I clicked the agreement and watched as an ordinary cardboard box appeared in the space. Opening it revealed an ornate black ring box. The pristine package contrasted with the decrepit space around it.

Ok, let's get home, but what door should I link this to?

I ventured towards the bedrooms when my phone beeped three times.

|Samara:

-I had the one you need to get home sent there while the rest are waiting in your room. Sammy has the other one prepped for you.

-Pack for your day before you come to the office!

-See you soon!

Well... She's got a whole lecture planned for me. Let's not anger her further by leaving her on read.

|Vincent:

-Be there soon!

A heart reaction appeared on my message as I reached the hallway. To the side of the bedroom door were my backpack and sleeping bag I had left behind when I made the choice to crash at Greta's place.

That fugly couch still beats the floor.

"Guess I can set up on one of my bedroom doors." I said to myself as I entered the bedroom and looked at my two options. "Let's do the closet for this key." As I closed in on the door, I opened the box to reveal a round black stone with a hole going through it and chain fed through the rock.

Wonder what door Sammy put it on back home?

A light thud sounded as I shut the door. I took in a breath, then brought my thumb to my mouth and bit the tip. I watched as the crimson drop formed, then tilted my hand towards the stone. The blood dripped and when it dripped onto the rock, the blood droplet stopped moving. Defying gravity, the blood ebbed towards the hole of the stone. A soft hum then hit my ears, and I placed the chain on the closet doorknob.

"And nowww." I dragged the word out and went silent when a click came from the door. I smiled and opened the closet door. Instead of the small space, I had found Alexander cowering in an entire bedroom was before me. Stepping through the doorway, I shut the door and heard the stone on this side rattle against the door.

I looked around at my room, the shades of dark gray with black and silver accents that made up the design and style I had picked out. Making it to the foot of the bed, I threw my arms out to the side and fell forward into my bed. My body sank into the mattress and I inhaled the scent of the clean fabric of my sheets.

Finally, something that doesn't smell like dust or old lady.

I turned onto my back and stared at the ceiling fan and watched the blades move as I enjoyed the brief moment of comfort.

I got about thirty seconds to get up and get ready before Samara yells at me. Nice while it lasted...

I sighed and sat up on the bed when I saw a black box and pulled it near. Lifting the lid, I saw an assortment of shaped black stones with five pairs in total. Without hesitation, I grabbed three of the pairs of keys and made my way to the closet.

Alright, I'm scoping out Castle Mill today, gonna hope I can find a pleasant spot to dump Harold's corpse while I'm there. Maybe even find a wayward soul in need of moving onwards to heaven or damning to hell as well.

Opening the door, I saw face masks ranging from basic 3 ply to advanced respirators, sorted and bundled changes of clothing, snacks, bottled water, and cleanup kits all neatly organized and ready for me to load into one of the many cheap backpacks on the closet floor.

Hmm, dirty old factory that was built before lead and asbestos became a no go, def want the strong masks for this, better go with the 6800. Two changes of clothes are probably a good idea. If I don't end up covered in blood, then it'll be dust and cobwebs.

I grabbed on the clothes dangling by hangers and slid them out of the way. Pulling the cord that hid behind them made the back light of my closet come on to reveal my assortment of weapons and tools for hunting.

Okay... could have good or neutral souls at the factory. Let's grab a handful of soul cubes for them, medium-sized container of ghost goo. I think a baseball bat would be enough to handle some ghosts worth about six souls.

I loaded the backpack up and then carried the metal bat out with me. I set the backpack on the bed and then stuck the bat in enough to secure before zipping it up and leaving the handle half of the bat sticking out.

I hopefully won't get too many stares walking into the woods on the edge of the condominium complex. Once I'm in the forest, there shouldn't be too many people around. The mill is a few miles in, so witnesses shouldn't be a problem.

With my bag set, I threw it over my shoulders and walked back into the closet. On the back wall was another key in the shape of a cube with golden indentations carved into it. I pressed on my thumb until another drop of blood seeped out and landed on the cube. The gold etchings turned crimson as the blood ran over the key and the stone let out a hum. I shut the closet door, then hung it on the knob. A click followed, and I took a breath.

Ok, let's get this over with.

I opened the door to see my bedroom had vanished, and in its place was a lobby. The oak floors reflected the sunlight that came through the glass windows with gold trim that made up the wall to the left to show a bird's-eye view of the city outside.

"Take a seat. I'll be with you in a moment." The voice, despite sounding polite and warm, sent a chill down my spine. I glanced to the right when I saw the top of her head. Today she had chosen a platinum blonde color that contrasted with her cool, dark olive skin. Her hand rose and went along the shaved side of her hairstyle as she fixed the loose pale locks that had fallen out of place. Despite the computer monitors blocking her line of sight, I could feel her stare.

Right, she's got to speak all prim and proper while we're on the boss's property.  

"Yes Miss," I said, then relaxed. Following her request, I made my way to the central area of the room where an arrangement of chairs with off white fabrics and golden throw pillows formed a U shape around a central glass table that reflected the chandelier above it. The decor and lighting were a set of rings that looked to be floating with balls of light that cast shadows on the ceiling above. 

"So," Samara said as her chair wheeled and she rose and looked at me through her frameless gold glasses. "Where should I start on this one?" Her heels clacked against the wood floors as she strolled towards me. Her every move was dignified, like the clothes she wore. In her hand was a book bound in dark leather that contrasted with the whites and golds painted on her nails.

"I just want to say you look wonderful, as always." My compliment did nothing to sway her as she took a seat across from me, set the book on the central table, then crossed her legs. Her russet eyes felt as if they were boring through me.

"Well, of course." Her tone was calm, like it always was while she was in the office. "The job was to de-haunt a condo. Imagine my surprise when I check in on you and see everything you did outside of that." My mouth opened to raise an objection when she raised a manicured finger and her lips perked into a smile. "The ghost was fine. You did a wonderful job hunting him and making the deal with Greta was well done." Her smile vanished. "It was what you agreed to help Cassie with that has me concerned." Samara watched me. It was my turn to speak.

"So yes, it wasn't in the plan..." I fell silent as I struggled to think of how to word my answer when Samara brow raised to hint I should continue. Prepared or not. "But! I think I've done a great job turning the old lady's request into something way more profitable for me." I paused again, but didn't need a hint from Samara to continue. "Also, I got Sammy to help me so-" Samara cleared her throat.

"Oh, it's not just him, Eunie found out because you asked Sammy for help while they were livestreaming together. She called me, when I filled her in on what you did. Eunie demanded I included her on the deal. Someone besides myself can see how in over your head you are." Samara's face tightened. "How do you expect to win a fight against a pack of werewolves? Of the lot of us, you've hit the fewest milestones of your contract." She asked, as the reality of her words set in.

Anything short of a perfect response is gonna get shot down by her. I can do this, I'm not weak!

"It's not all about physical strength! I just need to gather some intel about this pack and I can figure something out! You know I am a conniving and charming bastard and can adapt in a heartbeat!" My hands balled into fists. "You saw how I handled Cassie once I figured out she wasn't human and how I kept Sean and Marissa in check and I didn't even compel either of them!" Samara remained unaffected by my retort. "Besides, I can just death reset myself and hit my next level up. I know I'm due for something cool with the next one." Instead of an answer, she leaned towards the table, then pushed the book on the table towards me. 

"I suggest you read up on this when able." I peered down at the book and saw the title.

Curse of the Moon: The Complete Werewolf Compendium

"With what you've agreed to, I felt it important you know what you'll be up against and working with." Her last statement left me surprised.

Where's the rest of the lecture? Usually she lays into me way harder.

"Wait, you're not gonna stop me?" I asked when she shook her head.

"You made this choice. I tried to tell you to walk away, but you didn't. Sammy and Eunie have already signed the agreement along with Marissa and her siblings involved. Once you sign, the contract is valid." The warmth in her voice had vanished. She took off her glasses. "But know this, you've been incredibly lucky that this family didn't tear you apart, let alone the pack you'll be fighting. Once you sign this contract, there is no backing out." Her irises took on a golden hue. "The penalty for failing this contract is death. It was the only way Marissa would agree to this deal." 

I froze up at the stipulation.

If I fuck this up, I'm dead...

"Marissa wanted a guarantee you wouldn't mess around with the lives of her family. Who could fault her, especially when you reminded her so vividly last night?" Samara's jab at my choices pierced me. "So will you sign? Or should I advise Marissa you've backed out?" She rose from the chair. "The choice is yours to make." With her piece said, she made her way back towards her desk as I sat there and as I heard a voice that had always haunted me.

"You'll always be too pathetic and weak to do anything." I gritted my teeth as it played out and other whispers. "How can you protect anyone when you couldn't keep your little friend from-" I hissed out a breath when the whispers stopped.

I'm not weak, not anymore! I'll keep them alive and show you, you fucking bitch.

I shot up from the chair and made my way to Samara's desk. As I closed in, her head rose above the monitors on her desk. She watched me as I stood on the opposite side of her desk.

"Alright, I'll send you the contract. With that, I'll cover the key terms and conditions of this contract now." the sounds of keys being hit and her mouse clicking lead to my phone beeping.

|Contracts:

-A new document is awaiting your review and signature.

"You are not to be within six feet of the following members of the Pines family. They are Reegan, Marcella, Cora, Bree, Cassie, Colton, and Marissa herself. With that, either Sean or Nico Pines will accompany you and Sammy, when not resting within the agreed upon exempted spaces. I have set defined spaces as yours and Sammy's room within Alina's house along with your new condo, though you can allow them in there if you would like." She said it all and without a pause for breath.

"Got it," I said, when she resumed.

"Neither side may not bring physical harm upon the other. Any intentional physical harm committed while of a sound mind will cause the contract to become null and the penalty to be dealt out to the violating party." I gave a nod. "While you would not be liable for all harm that could come upon either Sean or Nico, you will be liable if you are deliberately negligent in protecting them, to summarize that; you must come to their aid should anyone try to harm them."

Ok, so I have to intervene if something attacks them.

"The current time frame allowed for this contract is until the alpha of the Pines family, Marcella Pines and her husband Reegan Pines, return to their home, while a definitive time is not set. Our estimates give you roughly thirty hours to complete this job. Should you fail, the penalty of the contract will activate; i.e. your death." With the terms read, her eyes went back to her screens. "Questions on the terms?"

"Do I get to pick which werewolf is with me?" Hope lingered in my words. She shook her head.

"No. We already decided that Sean will be with you, and Nico is with Sammy. As for Eunie, she will be with me as I meet with Marissa later today to get more information on the Gaudin family and what we can expect pending completion of this agreement. Once that is done, Eunie will assist as needed between the four of you." She watched me for questions. My silence resulted in her focus going back to her screens. "I suggest you work on building a better relationship with Sean, as he's quite angered at the thought of being paired with you." She said, not wavering from her screens.

Can't say I blame him, but let's hope some forced proximity will help me fix that.

I pulled up the app and went to the notification. Once I went to the pending section, I saw the agreement.

Pines Family/Vincent Balcom Agreement

Clicking into the document, I scrolled to the signature section. When the box came into view, I signed with no hesitation.

Well, it's done.

|Contracts: 

- A  new contract is now active. 

"Alright, now that you've signed off, you're good to head over to Sean and Cassie's condo. Sammy should already be there, along with Sean and Nico." With my objective set, I gave a last nod to Samara.

"Thanks Samara, and don't worry, it'll be fine." I said, when her head raised and she stared at my smiling face, her lips tightened together for a moment before she spoke.

"You better not be lying." Her focus left me. "Well, get going then. You don't have a lot of time to fuck around." She said, breaking her office decorum.

"I got this!" I said, reassuring her then turned and headed back towards the door I entered through.

Time to get this job done and kill Harold. Dragging Sean around is gonna be interesting at the least.