Liam’s jaw worked. “Nathan, give it to her.”
My friend sauntered into view. “Someone should have named you trouble.”
I didn’t respond to his provocation, my gaze dropping to the gun he held in his hand.
He offered it to me with a flourish. “Here you go. I know how you like your little toys.”
I took the weapon from him, examining it closely. It wasn’t one of mine.
Nathan handed me two boxes of ammo. “This one holds iron bullets. And this one silver.” He winked at me. “Just in case there’s a reason you need to switch it up.”
“Thanks.” I looked up at Liam. “You said guns were pointless against spooks.”
“I haven’t changed my mind about that, but you’ve shown me they can be useful in the right circumstances.” He straightened, preparing to remove his hand from the elevator doors. “Down and back. No straying.”
I nodded. “Down and back.”
Liam lips tightened, but he didn’t say anything further. His hand dropped to his side as he let the elevator doors slip closed.
A second before they could, Anton slid through, turning sideways so he didn’t brush against them.
I eyed him askance. “What happened to not wanting to go?”
“I gave it another thought. The most interesting things always happen to you.”
“Liar,” I muttered, facing the doors.
He was here out of concern for Liam. To give Liam peace of mind that I had someone watching my back.
Beyond Caroline that was.
“Why did he send you when he could just come himself?” Caroline asked.
“Because he and the rest have to scout the location for the duel.”
“Where will that be?” I asked.
Since Thomas had issued the challenge, Vitus would determine the time and place. Most likely one that was most advantageous to him.
“Guess.”
It took only a moment of consideration to arrive at a likely possibility.
“You don’t mean—”
Anton bared his teeth, looking a touch feral. “That’s exactly what I’m talking about.”
Caroline’s face showed confusion as she flicked a glance between the two of us. “Someone clue me in.”
“The pits where your alpha almost murdered our dear Aileen. That’s where Vitus has decided to have the fight,” Anton explained.
Caroline blanched. “How is that possible?”
“Technically, the barrow hasn’t declared an allegiance to either vampire and since its attached to the Playground it’s stillconsidered neutral ground. That makes it an acceptable venue for the duel,” Anton explained evenly.
Except as everyone in this elevator knew, things were never that simple. I’d been lured into that barrow. The only one who had a grudge against me was Vitus. There may not have been any evidence of his culpability, but it didn’t take a genius to see that he was involved.
“Are you sure you should be here and not with them?” I asked Anton.
