“I don’t either. I’ll be able to fly us out if things go south.”
Abi rolled his eyes. “I’ll be able to fly myself out.”
It was dark enough that Abi could shift into a bat, and no one would be the wiser. Of the two of them, Abi had a better chance of getting out without detection.
“That’s the plan, then.” Nash met his gaze. “Just follow my lead.”
That was another problem. Following anyone’s lead besides Peter’s was problematic. Abi didn’t trust easily, especially not guys who thought Abi was their mate.
But he was starting to trust Nash. He would have to admit that, even if it was only to himself.
They turned down a narrow, paved drive. The trees were so close they nearly touched the sides of the car.
There was a glow ahead, illuminating the surrounding forest. The long driveway opened to a parking lot, complete with yellow linesmarking spaces. The glow came from strategically placed lights around the lot.
The arena seemed massive, considering it was in the middle of nowhere. It wasn’t as large as Southpaw Arena in Duchester, where their football team played. It was probably only a quarter of the size. Still, it was intimidating.
The building was drab, made of concrete blocks with little fanfare. The cars in the lot seemed out of place. Limousines and Benzes with a few other fancier brands thrown in.
Other drivers sat behind the wheel. They’d wait all night until their passengers decided it was time to leave.
There was a door with a man in a suit standing outside. He looked like the bouncer type—large all over, with muscles on top of muscles, and a stoic expression no one could crack. The doorman let someone inside after they handed him the invitation. Nash had one just like it tucked away in his suit jacket somewhere. The coordinators spread the event over two days. They called it bi-annual, according to the invite. Twice a year seemed far too often in Abi’s opinion. It should happen zero times a year. By the time they were through, it would.
Abi squeezed Nash’s hand when Cat pulled the car around the lot. When he got Nash’s attention, he pointed at the side of the building where men and women filed out of a cargo van. They wore loose-fitting gray clothing and had chains on their legs, shackled together like convicts. The chains clinked on the pavement as they moved. Their shoulders slumped as they shuffled through an open door, disappearing inside the building.
Nash’s expression hardened. “They must keep them somewhere close to that door.”
“I’ll find out exactly where and let Peter know.” Peter could send in their rescue team.
“Not before we get Mallor’s attention.” Nash watched the slaves as they shuffled inside as he spoke. “They’ll all get rescued—every one of them. I promise. But we can’t forget about the slaves who aren’t here.”
“Roger that.” Abi agreed. They needed to stick to the plan. “Will Mallor recognize you?”
“After forty-seven years, I hope not.” Nash didn’t appear to be a day over thirty-five, but looks deceived where paranormals were concerned.
“There is a serious age gap between us. You know that, right?” Abi didn’t want Nash exploring the ghosts of his past sooner than he needed to. Only one of them could be a nervous wreck, and Abi had already taken up that spot. Lightening the mood was in order.
It seemed to work because Nash gave Abi a little smile. “I won’t hold your age against you, baby.”
Abi chuckled. “Right. Thanks.”
They were out of the car and handing the doorman their invitation before Abi knew it. His nerves kicked in again, but Nash pulled him to his side. He’d never initiated an unnecessary touch before, so Abi knew it was timeto put on a show.
Abi turned into Nash, smiling up at him as though Nash hung the moon just for Abi. He patted his chest. “I’m so excited, Daddy.”
The guard raised his eyebrows but otherwise didn’t react. He opened the door to the arena, allowing them entry.
“Too much,” Nash mumbled under his breath.
“I don’t know how to act,” Abi growled out.
Nash met his gaze with a smile and then wrapped his arm around Abi. “You’re doing great. I’ll give you a signal when we need to dial it up.”
Abi relaxed a little, but he still felt strung too tight. Surely people could tell. “What sort of signal?”
“You’ll know. I’ll make it obvious.” Nash nodded to someone who made eye contact with him as they passed.
The inside of the arena was a large, open space with an elevated, caged boxing ring at its center. Chairs surrounded the ring.
