“What does he want?” Romeo asked.
“He’s not said. Just sent me the image and a text.” I shoved my phone at Belladonna, who glanced at the message.
“Judas wants you to panic. He’s going to get off on the reaction you give him. So don’t. Don’t react and keep everything locked down. Judas will make a mistake.”
“Come here. If you bring anyone, I’ll shred Phoenix’s mind and lock her back in her nightmare. You know what Phoenix fears.”
I read the threat and ground my teeth. My phone pinged again as Judas sent the address. I frowned as I instantly recognised it. That little bastard.
“What’s Phoe’s worst fear?” Romeo asked.
“That she never escaped her ex, and this is all a dream. Phoe has nightmares that she’s in a coma, and all this is imagination. My wife is terrified to wake up and learn she’s still married to him.”
“That sucks,” Nun said, sucker in her mouth.
“Yeah.” I rubbed a hand over my neck. This wasn’t the first time somebody had targeted Phoe. But this instance filled me with fear. The guy was fuckin’ crazy and would destroy Phoe even if he left her alive. Phoe didn’t deserve to be locked into a living nightmare.
“You’re going to that address?” Bogeyman asked.
“What do you think?” I retorted, standing.
“We’ll come,” Belladonna said.
“No. Judas is watching for you. Give me twenty minutes and then follow. Phoe is the priority. Hear me? Phoe—not me. Get her safe and then deal with Judas.”
“What if he attacks you? You won’t be able to withstand Judas if he’s close,” Belladonna argued.
“Then you do what you can. If I don’t make it, stop him.” I held Belladonna’s eyes, and she nodded reluctantly.
“I’ve not lost anyone yet,” Belladonna murmured.
“Then let’s hope your winning streak holds. Twenty minutes,” I said and didn’t bother waiting for a reply and hit my hog.
Judas
Michaelson was coming. I sensed him. His brain was still closed, but I knew his presence. It was right Michaelson came here, where everything began. Phoenix made a small noise, and I turned and checked her over. She had strong mental shields, but they weren’t a match for my power. Not up close. I walked around the clubhouse. The place was cleaner than I’d thought. I’d expected beer bottles and underwear thrown about.
Since taking Phoenix and bringing her here, I’d had a poke through. Everything was neat and tidy, and it didn’t make sense. I hadn’t even found any stashes of drugs. Not that I would use them.
“Who are you?” Phoenix murmured as she opened her eyes and stared.
“Don’t you know? You should recognise the victims of your husband.”
“That doesn’t tell me who you are,” Phoenix retorted.
Angrily at her ignorance, I leaned down and slapped her hard.
“Watch your mouth when you address me. I’m a man, show respect!”
Disbelief formed in Phoenix, and I saw it. I punched her this time and watched her head snap back with the force of it.
“I’m the person who’s going to make Michaelson suffer. He has to pay for his crimes,” I snarled.
“What crimes?”
I hit Phoenix again, and her lip split open. “The murders he carried out. Michaelson has so much blood on his hands, they should be stained red permanently.”
“Who did you lose?” Phoenix whispered.
