Beautiful Venom: A Dark Hockey Romance (Vipers Book 1)

The detective in charge of Vi’s case agreed to assign an officer to watch over her hospital room.

After I saw someone on the verge of hurting her—or worse, finishing the murder attempt—Detective Collins found clear evidence of tampering with the hospital’s security system.

Someone disabled the hallway and elevator cameras for that specific time on purpose.

Detective Collins suspects that this was a seasoned hacker’s work.

Unlike the DNA samples the police managed to gather from underneath Violet’s nails, this time, no evidence was left behind.

That unidentified DNA sample is the only clue I have about the attacker.

Detective Collins said that there’s a strong likelihood that the attack happened after an altercation. In the initial blood test, there was propofol in her blood, so she probably fought before she was sedated.

And that makes the case more complex and elusive.

In fact, the Stanton Hospital surveillance camera that showed the man in the van dropping off Vi didn’t capture his face. It was covered by his hoodie when he laid her on the gurney and then jumped back into the van. We only assume he’s a man, judging by his tall height and broad build.

There’s a possibility he’s the attacker, but he did save her by bringing her to the hospital, so that possibility is small. That man is still probably the only witness to what happened.

I asked the police to look into medical professionals or those with access to hospital drugs, because it struck me as weird that whoever sedated Vi went for an anesthetic agent instead of opioids or something more widespread in the market. However, Detective Collins made it clear that I had no place getting involved in the investigation.

Which is why I started my own revenge journey after seeing Violet’s journal. In that journal, I found a few entries where she mentioned someone following her.

In one particular entry, she mentioned a black ring on his index finger with unintelligible symbols she couldn’t see from far away.

Then she wrote ‘them,’ which made me think it’s a group.

But the clear evidence that made me go after the Vipers were these words:

I saw him today. The man who’s been following me. On the local channel in the bar where I work. I never watch sports or pay attention to what’s on TV, but I did today, and he was there on the screen, in his hockey gear, glaring at the camera. Apparently, he plays for the Vipers, a college hockey team from the neighboring rich town.

But even with the clues Vi’s journal gave me, my revenge isn’t going well.

After Kane terrified the hell out of me in that forest three days ago, I’ve stayed away.

For some reason, I thought he would fuck me and then kill me, and no one would be the wiser.

So I’ve redirected my attention to Violet.

Every day, after I finish school and my part-time job at a local grocery store, I go to spend the night by her side.

I take my laptop and study most of the night while watching over her. It’s been almost a week since that potential attack, and I’ve been surviving on three hours of sleep and nasty energy drinks.

Tonight, however, I have to trust the officer to keep her safe.

Because I’m going to a party.

“I can’t believe you’re finally living a little!” Megan hugs me to her side as we saunter up to Drayton’s house in the town center.

Gavin Drayton is the Vipers’ goalie and one of the insiders. He’s also a Vencor member, judging from the serpent necklace I’ve caught a glimpse of a few times.

Following the team’s away-game win, he’s throwing an open-house party for the campus students and townspeople. And while Drayton is part of the system, considering his dad is the town’s mayor, he’s a small fish.

The actual powerful families hold the town and beyond in the palms of their hands, and they’re usually more detached from the townspeople.

The Davenports are pioneers in a centuries-old trade business, and they handle an extensive imports and exports network.

The Armstrongs control energy production and resource management from oil to various alternative sources.noveldrama

The Callahans own the largest pharmaceutical company in the country and other massive medical complexes, including the town’s hospital.

The Osborns are the aces of real estate, construction, and urban development.

They’re benefitting from each other while maintaining a monopoly in their respective fields.

“Thanks for letting me join and for lending me this,” I tell Megan and tug on the tight little black dress.

The stretchy fabric clings to me like a second skin and barely covers my ass. The strapless design shows more cleavage than what I’m usually comfortable with.

But then again, I don’t have party dresses, so I’m thankful to Megan. She even lent me a golden purse and spent about an hour doing my smoky eye makeup that highlights their hazel color and my bold red lipstick.

“Anytime. You look hot as fuck.” She narrows her eyes at my white sneakers. “Would look hotter with heels, though. Too bad we don’t wear the same shoe size.”

Thank God. It’d be embarrassing since I don’t know how to walk in heels.

The Draytons’ house stands proudly in the heart of the town center. A massive colonial-style home that exudes old-money charm with its white columns, dark-green shutters, and perfectly manicured lawn.

As Megan and I step inside, the lively energy envelops my senses.

The walls are adorned with framed certificates, degrees, and old photos showcasing the Draytons’ family history. The soft glow from crystal chandeliers overhead reflects off the polished hardwood floors, their surface so shiny, I can almost see my reflection.

The scent of freshly cut grass mixes with the smoky aroma of barbecue from the food stations set up on the lawn and visible through the large French doors. Laughter and chatter rise from the crowd of townsfolk and university students, creating a hum of excitement. The air is thick with the smell of expensive perfume, beer, and grilled meat, making my stomach churn as we navigate through clusters of people.

Bass-heavy music pumps through the speakers, vibrating the wooden floors, the subtle rhythm beating under my sneakers. The faint clink of champagne glasses being toasted echoes from a nearby gathering of local politicians and the university’s elite, mingling in small groups.

Megan snatches two glasses from a well-groomed waiter and winks at him before she offers me one. “I fucking love rich people’s parties.”

I accept the flute of champagne but don’t drink it. Since the creep who rented his attic room to Violet and I tried to drug us with his ‘homemade’ wine, I never consume anything that’s not sealed.

My gaze flits over the crowd, trying to locate the hockey players. I see Drayton with his dad and the Vipers’ management crew, but the rest don’t appear to be nearby.

“Nice dress,” a tall, slender girl tells Megan as she sashays to us with two other stunningly beautiful girls.

Her blond locks cover her shoulders, and her sparkling silver dress catches the gleam of the chandeliers.

“Thanks.” Megan smiles, but it’s tight.

“I hope you didn’t pay much for it at the thrift shop. I donated it to charity last year.” Blondie motions at me. “That one, too. I wore them better, but it’s nice to see they found a new home.”

Megan’s face twists as if she ate something foul and she tries to pull on my hand, but I remain in place and plaster a smile. “Thanks for your charity. You’re such a good person.”

Her smile stiffens and nearly falls before she forces a wider one. Her friends, however, don’t hide their shock, their eyes throwing daggers in my direction.

“Please keep donating so we can wear nice things,” I add with a blinding smile.

“What’s your shoe size? I’ll send you heels so you can dress appropriately.”

“Thanks, but I can’t handle heels. Heard they hurt and I’m not a fan of pain.”

Megan squeezes my arm, and I think that’s her cue for me to cut it out.

“Funny.” The blond leans over and whispers in my ear, “Because you let Kane use you like a worthless rug. You looked like you were in pain, but maybe that’s a whore’s kink?”

My hand trembles around the flute of champagne and I stare at her with wide eyes.

She was there? I look at her again, but she’s not wearing the ring or the necklace. Is she part of Vencor? How…?

It’s her turn to smile as she pats my hair and murmurs, “You’re a worthless, penniless piece of trash, but I’m willing to consider you charity. That’s all you’ll ever be. Don’t look up. Don’t covet what’s not yours. Stay away from what’s mine before I squash you beneath my diamond heels.”

And then she walks away in a cloud of flowery perfume, followed by her two minions.

“Bitch,” Megan mutters under her breath.

“Who is she?”

“Isabella Drayton. Gavin’s twin sister. She comes from old money and thinks she has a monopoly over the team players, especially Kane. She’s a snotty princess, so just forget about her.”

But I can’t.

Not after I know she watched the initiation video.

Just…how many people watched that damn video?

My skin prickles as I sense eyes observing me, and I can almost hear whispers of recognition and judgment lingering in the corners of the room. The air ignites with subtle oppression and heats the blood in my veins.

I should stop thinking about that video and the man attached to it. This isn’t about me. It’s about Violet’s justice.

Soft fingers stroke my arm as Megan smiles at me. “You handled her well. Why are you so pale, D?”

“I’m fine.” I force a smile.

“Is it because of the dress?” She stares down. “I told you I get them from everywhere…”

“No, I’m really thankful you even lent it to me. Don’t ever be ashamed of not having money, especially because of her words. You’re kind and stylish as hell, even more than she is. Besides, you’re a better person than she’ll ever be, Meg.”

She grins and gives me a quick hug.

Sometimes, she reminds me of Vi. Vi’s a bit more in touch with her emotions, although Megan does love hooking up, unlike my sister, who I think is scared of it. Probably because of all the creeps.

Megan meets some of her friends and I stand with them for a while until I spot some hockey players going outside.

So I use a trip to the bathroom as an excuse and head out.

Fairy lights twinkle against the deepening twilight, casting a warm, festive glow over the gathering crowd. The sound of laughter and chatter mixes with the steady hum of the nearby fountain, adding a sense of surreal detachment from the underlying tensions this town reeks of.

I subtly watch every single person while pretending to marvel at the garden.

That’s when I spot Ryder Price, the Vipers’ defenseman, walking away from the buffet table. I catch a glimpse of his black serpent necklace, which means he’s a Vencor member.

I feign studying the food and I grab the fork he used to eat some cake and even licked clean before he left it on the plate. Then I hunch down, making a show of tying my shoelaces. After I ensure no one is paying attention, I cover up with a table’s drape, retrieve the DNA kit I bought, and take a swab of the fork, seal it in a bag, and shove it in my purse.

I let the fork drop to the grass and stand up.

One down.

I shadow the other players, spying their necklaces. Though the only Senior members on the Vipers are the trio, Kane, Jude, and Preston. And while I spotted Preston with a girl on his lap and Jude with his coach, I haven’t seen Kane.

Which is a blessing, really.

For some reason, I can’t focus when he’s around. And after our last encounter, a chill runs through me at the mere thought of him.

I manage to collect Declan Novak’s DNA sample after he sneaks off to smoke and then throws down his half-finished cigarette when a teammate calls him.

Declan Novak, Ryder Price, and…that’s about it. I haven’t seen the other players who have necklaces. And I definitely don’t want to risk it with Jude and Preston. Yet.

Hold on.

I’m in Gavin Drayton’s house. Sneaking into his room is the easiest way to collect his sample. Maybe I can even get my hands on his sister’s?

If she could see that video, she’s probably part of Vencor.

After a once-over of the crowd, I go back inside and upstairs.

Though it’s not as busy as downstairs, there are quite a few people in the lounge, which makes it easier to blend in.

The music’s volume goes down, and the chatter is more prominent, bustling and mixing in a fake social cloud. I wonder if anyone is listening to what the other person is saying or if they just talk over each other.

Since I’m not sure where Gavin’s and Isabella’s rooms are, I pretend to study the ugly paintings on the walls. Though maybe they’re ugly because I’m uneducated and can only see chaotic lines in unmatching colors.

Now and again, I open a door or peek through an ajar one to see what’s going on.

Sex. Making out. Screams of “Fuck off!”

Yikes.

The things I traumatize myself with for justice.

I wander off down a quieter hallway, needing to bleach my mind of all the scenes I just witnessed.

I hear a few unintelligible voices.

My heartbeat picks up, and after I make sure the hall is empty, I tiptoe to the room where the noise is coming from.

“…is a loose end that needs tying up.”

My eyes widen. That’s Isabella’s voice. No one else sounds as haughty as she does.

“You’re letting it get under your skin. That’s unlike you.”

My heart thunders behind my rib cage and I flatten myself against the wall, wishing I could somehow disappear.

Kane.

That was definitely Kane.

I draw circles on my thumb, hoping, praying that my heart rate will slow the hell down.

“That’s where you’re wrong. This is exactly like her. She’s jealous, vicious, and resembles a snake better than her necklace.”

Preston.

When did he get here? I swear he was about to fuck that girl who was rubbing herself all over him less than fifteen minutes ago.

“I’m not asking for permission. I’ll go against the Osborns and Serena if needed.” Isabella again.

“Be reasonable,” a third masculine voice says. I want to say it’s Gavin, but I’m not sure.

“That’s like asking a shark not to bite.” There’s vague amusement in Preston’s voice.

“Izzy’s right.” A girl’s voice. “Let us do this our way.”

“Truly, I don’t mind. The crazier the better. Just give me time to prepare my popcorn,” Preston says. “Davenport?”

Though I’m not sure what the hell they’re talking about, I’m certain it’s about Vencor, and I find myself leaning closer with bated breath to hear Kane’s reply.

I suspected it before, but now I’m positive he has some leadership role. Not only as the head of the Vipers, but also their little group.

He’s the right path to follow, if only I weren’t so terrified of him.

A strong hand lands on top of my head. “What do you think you’re doing?”

I slowly look back and my gaze clashes with Jude’s glacial one. His eyes are so dark, there’s barely any light in them. He’s so tall and wide, he dwarfs the hallway and sends a shiver down my spine.

It might be because Jude was always the scariest—before I was introduced to Kane’s true colors—but I feel like he might actually crush my skull between his fingers just to spill my brains out.

He sure glares at me as if he wants to put me six feet under.

“I was looking for the ladies’ room,” I say as calmly as possible, proud of how confident I sound, considering the circumstances.

His upper lip lifts in either a snarl or a look of disgust—I’m not sure which—but he pushes the door open and shoves me inside.

I lose my footing and land on my knees on the decorative Persian carpet, but I manage to keep my purse on my shoulder.

“Found this one eavesdropping outside.” Jude strolls across the room and I instantly feel several pairs of eyes zeroing in on me.

Glaring.

Narrowing.

I raise my head and, sure enough, Kane is sitting on a large brown sofa, his arm stretched across the back. He’s dressed in a black jacket, pleated slacks, and sneakers. Only the white shirt offers a break from the dark-lord aura.

Isabella sits beside him, her arm draped in his, and her malicious eyes nearly drill a hole in my face. Her two friends stand behind her like dutiful guards, while Preston sits on the edge of the sofa. Gavin is lounging in a chair and Jude goes to stand by his side.

Seven pairs of eyes.

They all watch me closely. The room’s dim lighting casts a shadow of threatening intent on their features.

My skin tightens, heat erupting between my heart and rib cage.

All of a sudden, I’m transported to the initiation night when I was surrounded by five cloaked Members. The same Members who probably saw the sex I had with the man sitting in the middle.

“What the fuck are you doing here?” Isabella’s friend, the one with silver highlights, asks.

I start to get up, trying and failing not to tremble. “I was looking for the restroom. It was a mistake⁠—”

Before I can stand, Gavin jumps up and pushes me back down so hard, I gasp.

He shoves his shoe against my back, flattening me against the green-patterned beige carpet. “Haven’t you heard? There are some mistakes you pay for with your life.”

My lips part, but I don’t dare make a sound. Not even when I feel the sole of his shoe digging a hole in my back where the edge of my dress meets my skin. Or when my breasts hurt from being squashed into the floor.

I look up at Kane, and I don’t know why.

He’s never been on my side, and he’s made that clear countless times.

If anything, I should fear him the most.

There’s an icy calculating look as he looks down at me, as if I’m a bug he’s considering whether or not to squash.

“Now.” Preston smiles, but it’s dripping with malice. “Don’t go scaring Dalton. I still haven’t fucked her yet.”

“How about you do it here and now?” Isabella says with a viper-like grin as she strokes Kane’s arm. “Wouldn’t be her first time whoring around for the world to see.”

“I’m happy to join in,” Gavin says in a deep voice. “I wonder what made her so appetizing that Davenport refused to share.”

My eyes sting and I feel like anything I say will be a choked sob, so I bite my lip and remain silent.

It’s not like they’ll listen to my protests. I have to save my energy to be able to fight and escape.

Kane rises, forcing Isabella to get her claws off of him.

He doesn’t look at me as he calmly but decisively places a hand on Gavin’s shoulder and pushes him away.

I inhale large gulps of air and stumble to a standing position, hugging my purse close to my chest.

But before I can make another move, Gavin grabs my arm and smiles. “Come on, Kane. You got to use the bitch. Time to share.”

My arm hurts from his forceful touch, and the more I pull away, the harder he squeezes. I think he’ll break it, but then his hand disappears.

Kane snatches Gavin’s arm and twists it against his back as he stands behind him. With the height difference, he towers over him as he speaks low, close to his face. “What I use is mine and mine alone. I don’t share my toys. Are we clear?”

“Fuck! Let go. You’ll break my arm.”

“After that, it’s your dick’s turn.”

“Davenport.” Preston slides to his side. “He’s our goalie.”

“Our goalie would know his fucking place, now, wouldn’t he?”

His words are calm. So calm, they’re chilling.

Isabella’s face twists in an ugly expression as she rushes to her brother. “Kane, let him go! Why are you hurting Gav for this bitch? She’s not even⁠—”

“Shut your mouth, Isabella.” His words are deep and final.

Forget Isabella, even I flinch, hoping to find a hole I can crawl into.

“Out,” he orders, throwing Gavin at Preston. “All of you out. Now.”

Isabella’s friends run out of there as if their asses are on fire. Gavin, Jude, and Preston are next.

Isabella is the one who lingers behind, her face red and her breathing choppy.

He merely looks at her with his signature composed expression that could crumble mountains. “Waiting for an escort?”

“You can’t be serious!” She points a finger in my direction. “She’s an outsider. This bitch is a fucking outsider!”

“Call her a bitch again and I’ll cut out your tongue.”

I flinch. Again. As if I’ve been hit by lightning.

Isabella trembles all over, her legs barely holding her upright, but she stomps out of the room after stabbing me with one final glare.

Everyone, and I mean every single one who left, looked at Kane as if he were an alien before they exited.

The room is charged despite their absence. Hell, it’s even more stifling than when they were all here.

My survival instinct kicks in and I slowly inch toward the door. The sooner I get out of here, the better.

I didn’t sign up for dealing with this side of Kane tonight. No matter what this side is.

The moment I open the door, a hand slams it shut from behind and an oppressive warmth covers my back as Kane’s deep voice fills my ears. “Where do you think you’re going?”