Page 9 of Primal

Her all-black outfit is performance-fabric perfection—high-neck compression top, leggings that could survive a warzone—except for the half-zipped collar, the open V exposing a hint of cleavage and a faint red mark beneath her jawline, the kind that might be from a rough night or something kinkier.

“Who’s the new guy?”

“Huh?” She sees what I’m staring at and grins. “Oh, just someone from work. We’ve grabbed drinks a few times. Nothing serious.”

I squint at her dog tag. “How come you’re number one?”

“Returning player?” She shrugs. “Who cares?”

A single clap snaps through the noise. Of course, the hostess has to make an entrance.

Boots first. Thick-soled, probably Doc Martens. The rest of her follows—leather harness digging into her shoulders, antlers strapped to her head.

I take a sip of my radioactive punch. “Subtle,” I mutter, but my eyes stick to her anyway.

“Welcome, prey.” Her voice is whiskey-warm. “I’m sure you’ve all memorized the ground rules, but just in case, here’s a reminder. One, scream all you want. Two, if things get too intense and you wanna tap out, use your own chosen safe word. Three—” She pauses as a brunette in a corset raises her hand—Prey #19. “Yes, Jessica, you can keep your inhaler.”

The crowd titters. Kristy leans in. “That’s Jessica Langley. She ghosted my cousin after one bad date. Karma’s coming for her tonight.”

Lana sips her drink. “Pretty sure karma doesn’t wear a gimp mask, but okay.”

I scan the room. Most of them are a cluster of nervous giggles. Except for one. Sharp-faced brunette in tactical gear, arms crossed.

When our eyes meet, she smirks. “You’re either the wolf in this story or the dumbest fucking rabbit.” Her gaze drops to my skirt. “Place your bets, gringuita.”

“¿Por qué no los dos?” I deadpan.

Kristy chokes on her drink.

The brunette—#18, according to her tag—barks a laugh. “At least you’ll die hot.”

The antlered woman gestures to a staffer with a black bucket. “Alright, ladies. Time for your mandatory digital detox. By participating, you waive all rights to refunds, whining, and surviving with your dignity intact. Our NDAs are binding in this life and the next.”

I roll my eyes, thumbing my phone on one last time. Two notifications:

MOM

Well, the cops made us take down the pentagram but said the flaming hedge has artistic merit. Your dad’s crying happy tears into the hydrangeas. Stay safe!

IT GUY

Happy Halloween. Watch for tree roots.

Same words Kade murmured against my ear last night. I switch my phone off and drop it into the void, already half-full of glittery cases.

The staffer gives me an approving nod before moving down the line.

The antlered woman beams. “Thank you for your cooperation. What a lovely group we’ve got this year. Snacks and ‘liquid courage’ are set up by the firepit. You’ve got an hour before the game starts—use it wisely.”

Kristy immediately hooks her arm through mine. “Translation: Hydrate and pee now, because you’ll be pissing yourself later.”

“Speak for yourself. I plan to be caught within five minutes.” Lana winks before heading to the restroom.

The tactical-gear brunette rolls her eyes then clocks me watching her. Her smirk returns. “Guess we’re doing introductions. I’m Mia. You?”

“Sidney. And this is my friend, Gale.”

Kristy bites back a laugh.