“Smooth,” Cat laughs before sobering. “The Aristocrats are still pushing for the highest bidder. That may be because the product is ready to go, or they’re stalling for more money.”
“What about attacks on the family? Have there been any more shootouts?”
“It’s been quiet,” Sloan says, “which is almost worse.”
“There you are.” Kurt is standing at the end of the row of vines, not quite blocking my path, though slipping past him would mean brushing up against him, and this is getting all kinds of uncomfortable. “Come on, Dad called, they want you over at the compound.”
It could be for something nice, right? Invited to the Harris ancestral home?
“Be right there!” I shout with a big, fake smile. “I’ve got to go,” I tell the girls. “Collin’s looking for me.”
“Before ya go,” Cat says hastily, “have ya spoken to Kai recently? He’s colder and much more irritating than usual, which means he’s not doing well.”
That lump in my throat turns into a boulder. “I haven’t. He hasn’t called me either.”
“The two of ya! For all our sakes, call your husband before he becomes unbearable.”
“Luna! Move your ass!” Looks like Kurt’s effort at being pleasant has expired.
“I’ve got to go. I’ll call… I’ll call tomorrow, okay?”
“That’s a promise,” Sloan says, “and we’re holding you to it.”
Hurrying toward the end of the row, I try to bypass Kurt, but the dickhead doesn’t move, forcing me to squeeze past him. I can feel his breath on the back of my neck. This creep is supposed to be my uncle?
“Let’s go,” he says shortly, “you never want to keep them waiting.”
“Them?” I ask, “I thought you were taking me to see your dad?”
“You’re meeting with the Council,” he says, “hurry up.”
Chapter Thirty-Six
In which Kai is ahead of the game and Luna is not getting the wine tasting she was promised.
Kai…
“Hey, Kai. We’ve got movement. Luna’s uncle just put her in his car, they’re heading in the direction of the Harris compound.”
I’ve worked with Roger many times over the years. He’s ex Special Forces, and there’s no one I’d trust more with my wife’s safety.
“Other concerns?” I ask. I’ve been tracking Luna’s calls and texts since she arrived in California, and other than speaking with my sister and cousins, it’s been a quiet period.
“My man inside the compound says there’s an unusual burst of energy, more guards coming in. It looks like they’re getting ready for guests, more than just your wife.”
“I know who it is.” I’ve been grinding my teeth so hard that it’s a miracle I haven’t cracked a molar. “One of our hackers picked up the transmissions between Armstrong and Malcolm Harris.”
“Well, shit.” There’s a deep sigh, and I know Roger’s running through his options. “I can have twenty men on site within two hours. If I had more notice, I could have an army here, but…”
“Twenty men is grand; your eyes on the compound are our most valuable advantage. I’m already in the air and aboutthree hours away. I’m bringing twenty-five of my own people.” Looking around the crowded jet, I see expressions ranging from determined to decisively pissed off. My family wants Luna back almost as much as I do. “I’m guessing I’ll be gettin’ a call from Malcolm Harris any moment, demanding to trade Luna for me.”
Gary snorts. “He will then turn around and offer you both up to- what did you call them? The Aristocrats?”
“He’ll break his word if he dinna let Luna go. Ya know how violating an agreement goes over in my world. He will, I’m betting, then give Armstrong her location so the son of a bitch can snatch her up.”
“Well, none of this will happen,” he says, “we have the element of surprise. Harris won’t expect you here until ten hours after he makes the call.”
“All this said, if ya see an opening…” I grit my teeth. “Ya take her, aye? Ya get my wife out of there by any means necessary.”
