“This isn’t a good time.”
“Something just arrived in my store for you.”
“What? What are you talking about? Arrived? Did someone bring something in?”
“No, Mr. Flynn. This item appeared where before there was nothing. I think you’d better take a look. I’m sending a picture now.”
Jason heard the chirp of a text coming in. One look and he doubled over. “No. No. No.”
“It smells of dragon,” Ryker said.
“What is it?” Silas asked. “Show me.”
Jason held up his phone, his hand trembling so hard he was surprised his brother could make out the picture. But the item was unmistakable. A ponytail of caramel-colored hair lay across the counter at Lost Things, labeled with a simple note.For Jason Flynn.
ChapterTwenty-Three
“Nickelova took Selene.” Jason couldn’t breathe. This was a living nightmare, the worst possible scenario. He suspected Nickie would come back forhim. It never once occurred to him that she might target Selene.
Silas grabbed the phone out of Jason’s hand. “Who is this guy Ryker? How do we know he’s not helping Nickelova?”
“He’s a business associate.” Jason’s voice trembled with a mixture of anger and fear. “Look, Nickie wants me to follow her clues. She’s always wanted that. She won’t free Selene unless I go to her.” Jason strode toward Rivergate.
“You’ll be walking right into her trap!” Grabbing his elbow, Silas whirled him around. “She’s expecting you to do something rash. She’s using Selene as bait.”
Jason bit his lip. “And I can’t keep her dangling from the hook.”
“You’ll have to shift again tonight. You’ll be vulnerable,” Silas said.
“I’ll also be at my strongest.”
“Until you’re not you anymore. The wolf is unpredictable. You could get Selene killed.”
“I’ll take my chances.”
“Wait until after the shift, Jason,” Silas said. “Nickelova won’t hurt Selene because she needs the hold over you. It’ll give us time to prepare.”
“I am not going to leave Selene in the clutches of that madwoman a moment longer than I have to.”
“You can’t do this alone.”
“I can’t wait for the others.” Jason shook his head and pulled his elbow from Silas’s grip.
“Just… give me until tonight.” Silas strode quickly, side by side with Jason. “Let me talk to Gerty and Grateful. I’ll put together a team.”
Jason ground his teeth.
“Promise me you’ll wait. Just until tonight. Until we have a plan.” Silas was asking for his trust. His brother had earned that much. And his logic was sound.
Jason nodded. “What other choice do I have?”
Silas paused and pulled Jason into a hug. “We’re going to get her back, brother.”
“Right.” Jason parted ways with Silas, heading for the parking lot while his brother took off toward Rivergate Manor. Thank the goddess his brother hadn’t given him a direct alpha command. He hated to lie, but when it came to Selene, Jason was singularly focused. “Sorry, brother, but I made this mess—now I intend to clean it up.”
* * *
“Doyou have anything in this hoarder’s dream of a shop that can kill a dragon fae?” Jason asked Ryker. Selene’s ponytail was draped across his hands, her soft hair a gauntlet thrown at his feet. At least there was no blood. Nickelova could have left her entire head. No, this invitation was also a promise she was still alive, although he assumed that assurance had a time limit.
