Liam groaned and sat up, his hand going to his side. He blinked, staring down at his unblemished but gore-smeared skin, then at his bloody shirt with the bullet rip, and back to Nik. “How…what did you do?”
Nik lifted a hand, stopping him. He pulled out his cell from his pocket and made a call. “Tagg, have one here for you. Attempted murder of a minor, and the death of one Olivia Montgomery.”
“Be there in a moment.” The call dropped.
“You have no idea who’re you’re dealing with,” Enzo barked, fighting his restraints.
With a cold stare at the scourge, Nik glanced back and met Shadow’s furious gaze.
Chapter 26
Rage stormedthrough Shadow at hearing Nik’s words. She picked up her brother’s fallen cap, knowing she would never forget the feeling of gut-deep terror sweeping through her and had her rushing outside to see her brother get shot.
“Are you all right?” she asked him.
Blue eyes looked her over, his brow creasing. He shoved back his overlong brown hair and nodded. “I guess I am.”
“Liam…it’s me,” she whispered, unable to hold the words back. “Shadow.”
His eyes widened, and she knew why, because no one but he had called her Shadow before she went missing.
“Gemma?”
Tears fell. “Y-yes.” She sniffed and pulled him into a hug, arms tightening around his surprisingly strong body.
“Gemma’sdead,” Enzo snarled. “The bitch’s an imposter!”
Hearing the cruel voice that haunted her dreams, Shadow handed Liam his cap and slowly pushed to her feet. “Is it true what you said to Tagg?” she asked Nik. “He’s responsible for Olivia’s death?”
Nik rose to his feet. Nodded. “Yeah. Last night I visited the penthouse. Seems he got a little scared of my spectral serpent form and spit it all out.” Shadow had no idea what Nik had done, didn’t care, rage flooding her, hot and deadly. “Release him.”
Nik strode over, snatched the gun from the ground, then touched the twine and snapped the thing with his mind. He remained close, just in case Shadow needed help.
The moment Enzo was free, he launched himself at Shadow. “I’m going to make you wish you’d stayed dead, bitch. Don’t think thisbeggar—” He sneered at Nik. “Who took me unaware will protect you—”
Shadow spun around and let free a flying kick, the icepick heel of her boot nailing him across the face, slicing open his cheek. He staggered back in shock. Blood gushed. He swiped his face and stared in disbelief at his gore-covered fingers.
“I wouldn’t talk big without your goons around to protect you, you murderer!”
“Puta!”Enzo lunged, a fist flying.
She ducked, but he caught her on the jaw. Stars exploded in her head, and she stumbled back. A meaty arm grasped her around the neck in a chokehold.
Nik moved. She flashed out a hand, stopping him.He’s mine!
Fuck this—
Nik, stay back!
“Let her go,” Nik snapped, eyes a burning white, ignoring her order. “Or I will kill you.”
Dammit. Shadow shook her head at her furious mate, and that tic on his jaw beat faster when he met her glare.
Footsteps thudded.
Enzo laughed, dragging her back with him toward the mouth of the alley. “Too bad you didn’t think this through. My men are here. I’m gonna enjoy making you pay!”
“Oh, shut up,” Shadow growled, despite the suffocating hold on her neck.
