Chapter Text
CHAPTER 1
The plan was simple when Meeks described it. They go to this stupid dance, find their target, and assassinate them. Easy as cake.
Well, that all got thrown off track when the invitation came in. The theme for this weekends ball? A masquerade. Masks were a requirement, not recommended. And to add on top of it? The attendance would be large. Not all of them could go without raising suspicion.
They spent a few days trying to decide who would be the best to send. They needed someone charismatic and charming who could lie through their teeth no problem, but someone quiet and observant who could manage the kill.
Charlie and Todd.
As outgoing as Charlie was, he wasn't nearly as precise as Todd, who has only been apart of their crew for a couple months. He was silent as ever, but his eyes held history. He can slip a poison into a drink without drawing attention to himself. He could hold a sniper with steady hands and not hesitate once to take a killing shot. He was good.
So for the month leading up to the ball, the two prepared. Charlie practiced ballroom dancing, clearly hoping for a romantic fling, while Todd studied up on their target.
All they knew was that their target went by The Wolf. A codename, not uncommon among the rich folk or the mafia, yet frustrating nonetheless. The Wolf was a man born into wealth, his father being a well known CEO of a big company called Arcane that was merely a cover up for the mafia he ruled. The ball Todd and Charlie would be attending is a party held once a week as a display of wealth and power. Obnoxious and tasteless, if you asked Todd.
The Wolf did not get his hands dirty to public knowledge. Any affairs or complications were handled by hired assassins. A good thing to note. The Wolf may not know when an assassin is targeting him, making Todd's job easier.
The issue? No one knows who The Wolf is. No real name, no looks, nothing. It was impossible to be this invisible yet have such a high profile.
An already tedious task was made worse by the simple involvement of a masquerade ball.
The night of the dance, Meeks and Cameron were very strict towards Charlie and Todd as they got ready.
"You need to focus." Cameron reminded Charlie with a harsh tone as he combed his hair, wearing a crisp black tuxedo with a simple red tie. A plain black eye mask similar to one you'd see a superhero wear sat on the dresser underneath the mirror Charlie was looking into.
"Don't initiate the kill until you are absolutely sure." Meeks reminded, watching Todd straighten his navy blue tie that rested on top of his black waistcoat and white undershirt. He decided against a suit jacket, not wanting to get too stuffy.
"Are you listening to me, Todd?" Meeks asked, a slightly stern tone to his voice.
Todd hummed, nodding his head in response. "I am." He murmured, short but truthful. A man of few words, Charlie once called him.
He picked up his own mask, colored a chestnut brown with faint white flecks underneath the eyes, detailed with curved and branch like antlers stemming from the top. A rather plain mask if it weren't for the deer features.
He felt Charlie swing an arm around his shoulders, pulling him in. "A deer mask, huh? Trying to look all innocent, Anderson?" He teased.
Todd didn't respond to Charlie's words. He was thinking about their mission. About how difficult this may be for them, finding a target with no name or face in a sea of masked people. About how risky it may be killing someone among hundreds of others without getting caught. They were trained for this. Todd traced the white freckles of the mask before putting it on over his eyes.
The time was now.
"Tickets?" The man at the front of the large mansion asked with a monotone, no-nonsense voice, raising a brow at Todd and Charlie.
They provided the tickets that were sent to them in the mail, watching as the guard checked how authentic the tickets were before waving them inside the mahogany doors.
Inside was as glamorous as one would expect. Golden lighting and crystal chandeliers that cast shimmers of blue and purple across the space like sunlight through stained glass. Guests all decorated and elegant dressed and clean cut suits sporting masks to conceal identity as they chatted with others while sipping from champagne flutes or wine glasses. It reeked of money and power, a taste that always made Todd feel sick.
There were two golden staircases that led to an upper balcony space that outlined the circumference of the ballroom, a place to overlook the party without interacting with the guests much. A perfect place for guests to mingle... or for a host to watch.
Todd turned to Charlie, getting his attention before glancing up to the balcony space. Once he saw Charlie nod in approval, motioning to his ear to tell him to keep in touch, Todd swiftly walked around the edge of the ballroom, avoiding the dance floor as he neared the stairs. He took careful steps, glancing at people as they passed by but staying focused. A man like The Wolf would be hard to find, but he's rich. Todd can at least hope he's arrogant enough to have an obvious look to him that will tell anyone who he is.
At the balcony area, Todd walked easily with a practiced faux sense of belonging. Truth is, he despised the rich and all the power they craved. The rich held a greed so potent it should make everyone turn up their nose in disgust. Instead, the poor grovel and beg for just an ounce of their wealth and control, craving to be in the shoes of the rich.
Todd bowed his head slightly, knowing exactly where the small microphone was clipped inside his clothing. "Up on the balcony. Where are you?" He whispered, turning his head to gaze down on the ballroom.
Charlie's voice crackled in his left ear. "Drink table. Hot babe to my right."
Todd's eyes drifted to the table covered with an array of drinks, spotting Charlie filling a glass of water while looking to said "hot babe" on his right. He couldn't help but smile, shaking his head in amusement at his friend's antics.
"Anything good up there yet?" Charlie asked, and Todd could see him turn to look up at the balcony area.
Todd feigned relaxation, leaning against the banister to avoid any suspicion as he murmured his response, "Not yet, but I just got up here. We still have time."
With that, Todd straightened up, fixing the cuffs of his sleeves as he turned to continue walking around the perimeter of the balcony. Not many were up here, and it all seemed to be workers of the big company, masked faces Todd only barely remembered from articles. Unimportant individuals at the moment.
He must've been unfocused or distracted, because he hadn't noticed anyone walking in front of him. With a solid but painless collide, he bumped into someone in front of him.
Todd grunted slightly and tried not to glare at who he ran into. Before he could say anything, he felt his breathing stop. The person he ran into wore a mask with animal features much like his own. Instead of a deer...
A wolf.
Grey in color with white tufts that matched the scruffy coat of an elegant wolf, the cut out for the eyes angular and sharp. The man's eyes, however, were soft. A light hazel that did not match the cruelty a wolf could inflict.
Besides the mask, the man's suit was crisp and clean. A simple black color similar to Charlie's, yet accented with subtle gold stitching and a pocket watch. His red tie holding silver threads woven throughout. To fully pull it together, the crest of Arcane was neatly printed on the chest pocket like a badge of honor.
He wasn't just anyone.
He was The Wolf.
"My apologies." The man spoke as he straightened himself up, an almost sheepish smile tugging at those perfectly curved lips. "I wasn't quite paying attention, was I?" He hummed, humor yet genuine apology in his tone.
Todd was almost too shocked to speak, but was quick to compose himself. He cleared his throat, fixing his tie. "It's fine." He mumbled, clipped and controlled.
The man held out his hand, that smile still on his face. "You look new. What's your name?" He asked casually.
Todd shook his hand, but he wasn't a fool. "Walt." He replied. He never gave anyone besides his crew his real name. He always had some alias prepared for times like this.
The Wolf, however, raised a brow, skeptical already. "Walt, huh?" A slight smirk tugged at his lips. "I don't suppose you write poetry, hm?"
Todd blinked, surprised once more. He was more intelligent than he seemed. He scoffed lightly and shook his head, but averted his gaze. He should have planned better.
"Alright, keep your secrets." The Wolf hummed, shoving his hands into his pockets. "You can call me Wolfie for now. Maybe I can get your real name out of you eventually." He said, tilting his head to the side.
Todd hated how easily charming Wolfie was. It was clear he was the target, The Wolf he was here to kill. Yet there was something so... unique about him. Something that didn't fit the mafia world.
"Maybe." Todd sighed, gazing out over the balcony. His eyes locked on Charlie's form in the distance, chatting with another man. "The night is still young." He said, slightly clearer.
He saw Charlie perk up, his head turning to look up at the balcony. He couldn't see his expression well, but he knew what it would be. Thrilled surprise just barely being masked.
The night is still young. That was the phrase they agreed to say once one of them found The Wolf. Then, a light crackle in Todd's ear.
"See if he has any good information about the company." Charlie said. "We can use it to take them down."
Todd took a mental note of Charlie's words, but didn't respond. Wolfie, as he called himself, moved to lean against the balcony, hands holding himself up. He was so effortlessly coordinated and perfect.
Todd walked to stand beside him, hands neatly folded behind him. "So, you really are The Wolf?" He asked, tone innocently curious.
Wolfie chuckled and looked to Todd with a grin. "Why don't we play a game?" He asked instead. "20 Questions. It's a simple game. Have you ever played it, Walt?" Wolfie's gaze was steady, yet calculating. Todd needed to keep playing it safe.
"That game where you try to guess what the other person is thinking?" Todd scoffed.
Wolfie only smiled. "Traditionally, yes, but I play it differently." He explained with a shrug. "We ask each other ten questions each. To learn about each other."
Todd couldn't believe it. Wolfie was being so easily vulnerable with a stranger. Maybe he wasn't the most socially knowledgeable.
"You don't know me." Todd reminded.
"I'd like to." Wolfie replied, gentle eyes fixed on the assassin beside him, hiding under an innocent facade with that deer mask.
"Fine." Todd agreed, finally leaning against the balcony just like Wolfie. "So that's my first question; are you The Wolf?"
Wolfie sighed, almost disappointed. "I am. I suppose my disguise was a bit on the nose, yeah?" He added, that same smile coming back.
He waved his hand to a waiter passing by, who stopped to offer the two some of the wine on the platter.
Wolfie grabbed one glass then looked to Todd, raising a brow. Todd hesitated, but nodded. He needed to blend in as much as possible. He was just any other elite attending an Arcane party. He took a wine glass as well.
Wolfie, maybe because of habit, held his glass up in a toast that Todd reluctantly copied before both took a casual sip from their glass.
Wolfie sighed, pleased. "I love a good wine. Don't you?"
"Is that your question?" Todd asked, to which Wolfie shook his head.
Wolfie looked out at the ballroom, watching pairs dance together in a fast waltz. Todd spotted Charlie talking to a man almost flirtatiously before turning to a woman and giving her the same treatment, clearly eager to dance with anyone.
"How come I've never seen you around before?" Wolfie asked, glancing at Todd. Even behind a mask, it was almost like his face still had so much expression.
"How do you know I've never attended before?" Todd countered, looking at the wine in his glass instead of Wolfie's eyes.
Wolfie only smiled at that. "You didn't answer my question."
Todd sighed, contemplating an answer. No matter what he said, he has to keep his story straight. "I'm not a fan of parties. Too crowded." He said. Simple and close to the truth, but nothing that gives anything away.
Wolfie nodded, sipping from his glass once more. "Fair. I'm not the biggest fan myself. I normally stay up here." He stated. "My father insists on attending. Says it's good for the business."
The business was a cover up, Todd knew that. Arcane was barely a real business, merely a display to the public so they wouldn't fear the mafia underneath it. He needed to find a way to get information without revealing that he wasn't an ally.
"How many families are a part of Arcane?" Todd asked carefully, his words calculated perfectly like a trap ready to go off. For all Wolfie knew, he could only see Arcane as a company. Or maybe see it for what it truly was.
Wolfie's eyes widened at that, and he quickly looked around to make sure they were alone. He put a hand on Todd's arm as he leaned in closer. "How do you know that Arcane is...." His words trailed off, and he could tell that he already revealed to much. He sighed, muttering something in a different language under his breath as he stood up straight. His jaw was tighter now.
"There are three of us. The Pitts family, the Overstreet's, and the Perry's." Wolfie stated, his voice lowered. A sensitive subject he was blindly giving to a man who wanted to see him dead.
Todd was praying that Charlie was listening in to this. Even if he wasn't, he could at least replay the audio. Thank god they invested in recording devices. This was good information they needed.
"Your turn." Todd said casually. He felt in control now. He didn't fit the expectations The Wolf had for him. A good way to knock him off balance.
Wolfie let out a sound that was a mix between an irritated scoff and amused laugh. He hadn't realized what he was getting himself into.
"Alright. How did you hear about The Arcane?" Wolfie questioned, dropping the small talk now. Todd felt a weird thrill go up his spine.
"Big talk among the streets. I put two and two together." Todd said. This went from challenging to easy in an instant.
Wolfie raised a brow. "You hate parties, yet you're here, and you somehow know about The Arcane." He murmured, as if thinking out loud.
Todd was about to ask his next question when a waiter came up to Wolfie, tapping his shoulder before whispering something in his ear. Wolfie almost rolled his eyes but nodded.
He looked to Todd almost apologetically. "Father had some plans come up. I have to do the welcoming speech." He sighed with a weary smile. "Meet me at the drinks table." He said before walking away with calm steps.
At this moment, Todd could feel it in his bones that this wouldn't be a simple mission. Killing Wolfie would be losing vital information.
Calm chatters and murmurs filtered through the crowd gathered in the center of the room as they faced a small pedestal where the conductor for the orchestra had been standing moments ago. Now they awaited for the host to announce the night's activities.
Todd had emptied the rest of the wine before ditching the cup to a passing waiter before squeezing in to stand beside Charlie, who was grinning ear to ear.
"Anything good?" He asked the second Todd was next to him, keeping his voice in a slight whisper.
Todd sighed, running a hand through his hair. "Very, but it's a lot to unpack. Listen, I think he's more—"
Charlie ignored Todd, too caught up in his own excitement. "Great. You just gotta make the kill and we're out of here."
"Charlie—"
Before Todd could tell Charlie what he thought, Wolfie was at that pedestal, announcing a huge speech about how thankful he is, how wonderful this night will be, blah blah blah...
Todd tuned it out, his heart racing with a different kind of anticipation that wasn't just about the thrill of the kill.
Todd should've guessed that Wolfie would've been busy after his speech. It has been far too long now since the announcement ended and Todd has been nursing a cocktail by the drinks table the entire time.
He should've slipped a poison into Wolfie's wine. He could've sent a bullet through his skull during his speech, make a big scene for the news to hear. Or he could've slit open his throat, end him quickly.
"Hope I didn't bore you." That sweet voice said from Todd's left, making the assassin almost flinch.
Wolfie chuckled, warm and sweet, but his gaze was apologetic. "I should've checked on you sooner. It's just—"
"You're a busy man." Todd answered with a nod, finishing off the rest of his cocktail.
Wolfie just hummed, knowing there was no other way to justify his absence. "I don't suppose you'd like to finish our game?" He offered, almost like a peaceful offering.
"The party is almost over." Todd murmured. He finally looked at Wolfie and noticed a shift in his demeanor. He looked almost vulnerable now. A different look to see on a strong man like him, especially after hearing Todd's intense understanding of the hidden life he lived.
"Just a few rounds." Wolfie replied, his eyes softer now.
Todd sighed, but nodded. He asked the question he had planned earlier. "What family are you apart of?"
Wolfie's smile dampened into something more bittersweet, as if he already expected this. "I'm the son of Thomas Perry." He confirmed with an air of disgust or maybe regret laced underneath his words.
His eyes was fixed on the crowd dancing in the center of the room, a look of longing in his gaze. But with whatever was on his mind, he didn't say it.
Instead, he looked to Todd. "Walt isn't your real name, is it?" He questioned, a smile on his lips instead of anger.
Todd shook his head. "It's not." He almost debated using a fake name, but... "It's Todd."
Wolfie only smiled more. "Todd." He repeated, testing the name carefully, then nodded. "Are you a fan of Walt Whitman, then?"
Todd fought down a smile, refusing to show an ounce of emotion to the man he's supposed to kill. "I am." He confirmed, then asked his next question. "What is your name?"
Wolfie sighed softly, looking away. "Neil. Neil Perry."
Todd held his breath. The way he said it... It was too real, too vulnerable to be a fake name. This meant everything. Suddenly, another noise in his ear.
"Todd, we gotta go. Police on site. We'll find another time." Charlie's voice spat sharply in Todd's ear. Just another rule of theirs. Don't be on site with police when planning to strike.
"I have to go." Todd said suddenly, already moving to the door. Thankfully it wasn't fair.
But Neil grabbed his wrist. "Wait."
Todd froze, looking back at Neil with a confused look. Neil seemed conflicted, a frown on his lips now.
"Will I ever see you again?" He asked, soft and vulnerable.
For some reason, that made Todd's breath hitch. The Wolf—Neil—was wondering if they'd ever meet again. Genuinely asking, not just being polite.
Todd let out a breath as he spoke. "Maybe in another life." He said before disappearing through the crowd.
Maybe in another life where I don't have to kill you.