“At the very least, he allowed it to happen.” Cadoc clenches his jaw. We can’t trust anyone outside of our circle.”
“Don’t forget there’s some demented asshole out there sending us shadow creatures.”
It clicks. “One of Fenrir’s children.”
“What?” Bo’s gaze fixes on mine.
“The Volva said it was one of the children, someone like me. Maybe they’re trying to get rid of the competition.”
Fell’s eyes spark with understanding. “You?”
I nod.
“That’s not going to happen,” Bo’s gravelly voice slices through the tension in the room.
“How are they tracking you, though?” Kirk places a bandage on my wound.
“I don’t know.”
“You were fine until you came back here.” Cadoc rubs his temples. “The connection is obvious.”
I lick my dry lips. “What are we going to do?”
Cadoc walks over to the towel warmer and pulls out a fluffy white towel. Bending down he wraps it around me and scoops me up into his arms. “We’re going to get you into bed so you can rest, and we’re going to—.”
“No.” I wrap my arms around his neck. “I don’t want to be alone.”
“We’ll all join you,” Fell promises.
I thank whoever had the forethought to give me the bed that makes a California King look small.
Terror rises inside me. “What if they come after us again?”
Cadoc kisses my forehead. “I called in a few friends to guard the perimeter.”
Panic hits. My brain races. “You said we can’t trust anyone.”
He shushes me. “They’re mercenaries. Money is their master and I’ve compensated them well.”
How does he know mercenaries?
“Everyone has secrets, Brat.”
He kisses my nose. I bury my face in his neck, allowing the world around me to fade away.
The hushes tones of the others are a comfort as Cadoc climbs the stairs.
“It’s going to be okay, Brat. We’ve all been knocked on our ass before. You’re going to come back even stronger. I’ll make sure of it.”
When he sets me on the bed, I burrow under the blankets, too tired to get dressed. The others make themselves comfortable around the room.
Bo sits on the edge of my bed. “I know someone who might be able to figure out how they’re trailing you.”
“Let me guess, you know a guy?” I temper my sarcasm with a half-smile.
“A woman actually,” amusement laces his words.
“Of course.” I snicker weakly. Right now, I can’t keep up with our petty games.
“She’ll help us for the right price,” Bo continues.
“Good thing you’re loaded then, huh?” I lift an eyebrow.
Bo’s dark eyes smolder. “Yes, but that’s not the currency she deals in. She requires an exchange of a different kind.”
“What does that mean?” Cadoc inserts himself into the conversation, instantly alert.
“It depends. She’s an eccentric sort.”
“What the hell are you getting us into, Jensen?” Fell’s sounds as drained as I feel.
“It’s always good trouble with Calista. I’m going to shower and set up an appointment with her for tomorrow.”
“Are you sure she’s safe?” Cadoc stares at Bo.
“I’d never put our Princess in danger. If anyone wrings her neck it’s going to be me.”
There’s heat in those words that turn up my internal temperature.
