“Link is waiting for you in the foyer.”Azure’s words interrupting Gage’s thoughts.“I’ll be expecting to hear from Nox in the next couple of days.”
Katy would be trapped in Azure’s home for a couple of days, and Gage didn’t know exactly what the Snake King was up to.These two days were going to feel like an eternity.Gage had specifically told the damn reptile not to trust him.He couldn’t now suddenly develop a curiosity about Azure’s plans without raising some serious alarm bells of suspicion.
Gage turned on his heel and headed for the door.As he strode down the long, dim corridors with their old, elegant carpet and shimmering candelabras adorning the walls, he pulled out his phone and sent a quick text to Otto.
Gage: I have to leave town for a couple of days.Keep her safe.If you are able, find out why Azure wants animi females that are mated, or going to be mated, to powerful Damarians.
He waited and three dots appeared as the lizard responded.How did a lizard text?Gage didn’t have the slightest idea.
Otto: I do as Master says.
Gage: Good.Thank you, Otto.Delete these texts.
He took his own advice, erasing the texts before slipping the phone back into his pocket as he entered the foyer and saw Link.
“Good to see you, Gage.”
“Don’t lie.”Gage kept walking right past the Shaman to the door and out into the midday sun.“I got things to do.Pack plane is waiting.”
“Convenient,” Link called from behind him.
Gage didn’t respond.He just slipped into the driver's side of the rented SUV and waited long enough for Link to climb in before peeling away from the curb and away from the female who had the potential to ruin his life if something happened to her.Not to mention the potential to ruin many others.Because if something did happen to Katy, Gage would bring the Kingdom of Venom to the ground.The streets of New Orleans would run red, and he would bathe in the blood of his prey.
“I didn’t know you smiled.”Link’s voice sounded a little shaky.“Maybe … maybe you shouldn’t.”
Gage just chuckled and let his wolf’s imagination run wild on all the things he’d let his beast do if any harm came to Katy… Katy… Damn, he didn’t know her last name.How had he not gotten her last name?
He kept one hand on the steering wheel and pulled his phone out with the other.
Gage: What’s Katy’s last name?
Dots appeared, then disappeared.Then appeared again and then disappeared.What the hell?Finally, they appeared again.
Otto: You first.
He couldn’t help it.Gage’s lips turned up, and heat unfurled inside of him.The vixen had gotten the phone from Otto.That could be a problem.But his wolf approved of her dominant nature.It would make for a very fun bedmate.
Gage: Surnames were not given to my breed of Damarians.
Otto’s phone: That’s sad for you.You should call someone and complain.
Gage: I’ll get right on that.
He glanced up to the road and back to the phone.Back and forth, making sure not to kill them or someone else.Thankfully, he had quick reflexes and extremely good eyesight.Texting and driving wasn’t exactly a challenge for him.
Gage: And your last name?
He really didn’t like repeating himself.
Otto’s phone: Dire.Katy Dire.
Gage stared at the words, his brain reading them over and over.
“Gage,” Link said.Then louder.“Gage, whoa!”The other man grabbed the steering wheel and pushed it.
Gage jerked his head up and realized that he’d allowed them to veer to the right, nearly hitting a sidewalk.“Sorry,” Gage muttered as he glanced once more at the phone.He saw she’d sent another text.
Otto’s phone: And yes, I realize that doesn’t mean I’m a dire wolf.Otto said you’re the last of your kind.Way to go, you.Sticking it out and not being a quitter.
