“Before you do that, there’s something else you need to know.”
A warm chuckle sounded down the line. “I should have known this wasn’t just a courtesy call.”
I smiled. He really did know me. “The werewolves’ alpha was there last night as well.”
“He was enthralled.”
“Good guess.”
“It’s not a guess. That’s how he operates. He enslaves others to his will and forces them to do things that break their soul. His daughter, for all that she was much weaker, was just like him. If he has the alpha, he has the pack too.”
“Would he have to be present for his enthrallment to take effect?”
If so, we might have a very different sort of problem on our hands since his agents knew where I lived.
“Not necessarily. His Luigseach. They can act as conduits for him. Of course, the enthrallment isn’t as powerful as if he does it in person, but it doesn’t matter in most cases.” Jerry’s tone turned thoughtful. “I always thought the alpha too strong to fall for something like this. There must have been circumstances that made him mentally vulnerable.”
“Where would they take the pack?” I asked, choosing not to focus on that last statement. Some things were too awful to contemplate.
“You, in particular, shouldn’t involve yourself with this,” Jerry said very carefully.
Ah. That’s right. He was one of the few to put together that I was a magic breaker.
“I don’t think I have much of a choice. The Lucies were practically on my doorstep last night.”
I doubted they’d back off until they got what they wanted either.
A weary sigh came down the line. “I’m glad I fired you. You always were getting yourself into unnecessary trouble.”
“That’s not an answer.”
“Vegas,” he said, giving in. “If they didn’t kill them immediately, they’d head to Vegas.”
“Why there?”
I didn’t have anything against the city, but it didn’t exactly scream Fae.
“It’s home to the closest barrow with a pathway to the Summer Lands. I’m guessing that’s where they’ll take the barrow lord for punishment. The wolves will likely be thrown into the arena as fodder for the fights they use to entertain guests.”
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Connor drift into the hallway, his expression intent as he listened.
“For old time’s sake, listen to your former boss, kid. Stay out of this. No good will come from bringing yourself to the attention of the high king or his agents.”
“Don’t worry. I’m not planning on doing anything stupid.”
“You never do,” Jerry said on another sigh before hanging up.
“He’s right, you know,” Connor murmured. “We got them the information. We could just send them on their way.”
“You think they have a chance alone?”
The look on his face was answer enough.
I nodded and stepped around him, heading toward my kitchen to deliver the news. Though I had a feeling I didn’t really need to.
Connor trailed behind me as I moved through the house. I didn’t get further than the living room where I found the wolves sprawled on the couch Ahrun and Deborah had sat on last night.
I gave Connor a sidelong look. “What happened to taking them to the kitchen?”
