Even so . . . she knew the problems would arrive. Soon.
Zane tugged down his combat vest and ignored the itch between his shoulder blades. “I’m ready.”
Dage nodded from behind the control window. “All set.”
Zane slid his finger across his smartphone, and Nicholas Veis popped up. “Nick. I saw you called earlier.” In truth, Zane had ignored the call so the king could control the frequency.
Nick nodded, no expression crossing his face. “Yes. Status?”
Zane forced a smile. “I’m sure you’ve heard my status. I have my mother and brothers locked down in a safe location. Suri can’t fucking touch me.”
Nick nodded. “Sounds like a dumbass move.”
Dumbass. Their code word for “all hell has broken loose.”
Zane rubbed his chin. “I know, but getting my family to safety has always been my priority.” He kept his tone genial and serious for those listening in. But a quick nod hopefully conveyed he’d received Nick’s distress call and knew all about Simone Brightston being taken.
“What’s your plan now?” Nick asked.
Zane shrugged, trying to appear unconcerned. “I thought maybe I’d just sit out the rest of the war and let it end. Want to meet up in Cabo for drinks and barmaids?”
Nick’s smile seemed forced. “Mexico is too warm for a full-bred demon, you know. Let’s go somewhere cooler and relax.”
So Simone was being kept close by. Zane chuckled. “Fair enough. When shall we meet?”
“Actually, how about you meet me at the Idaho compound and we work to end the war.” Nick leaned closer to the camera on his end. “Suri wants the same thing we do—let’s just get it done and then go on our way.”
Zane feigned a frown. “Suri wants my head on a platter now that I have my family safe.”
“No. I talked to him and can guarantee your safety. As you know, he needs your skills in battle now more than ever. Come home, and we’ll plan together.” Nick would’ve been convincing had Zane not known the truth.
“Are you sure?” Zane pretended to waffle.
“Absolutely.” Nick glanced down and then back up. “Meet me in an hour. You have my word you’ll be safe.”
Zane nodded. “I’ll be there.” He clicked off. Slowly, he stood and waited for the king to enter the room. “I have to go. Suri will kill Nick and Simone if I don’t.”
Dage nodded. “I know, but you’re not going alone.”
Talen and Conn stepped into the room, both dressed for war.
Zane straightened his shoulders. “I’m not taking you.” God. All he needed was Realm vampires in the way.
“Too bad.” Talen shoved an arm through Zane’s. “Don’t fucking put me into a tree.”
Conn clasped Dage’s arm. “We’ll meet you thirty yards to the north of Suri’s Idaho headquarters. Let’s do this.” They disappeared.
Shit. Zane shook his head. The damn Kayrs family. How the hell had they found Suri’s headquarters? Drawing deep through his feet, he made peace with the universe and began to bend her laws.
He had to get there before the king did.
Zane maneuvered through time and space, acutely aware of the massive vampire riding his wave. Talen weighed a freakin’ ton, and Zane had to actually fight the laws of physics to transport him.
Finally, they landed flat on their backs on snowy, muddy pine needles.
Talen groaned and rolled over. “Nice finesse.”
Zane jumped to his feet. “Not my fault you’re heavier than a truck.” He stretched his back and rolled his neck, feeling like he’d been through a meat grinder. His hands trembled, so he shoved them in his pockets.
