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“Kahn detests you!”

“But he’s smitten with you and I’m part of the package.”

Kahn texted her again. Randa, come back.

Did you seriously tell Isaacs to draw Saxon’s attention? Seriously???

Are you with ISAACS?

Yes! In the city garden.

Get away from him! He’s bait for Saxon.

Apparently so and none of you told me about it! Aren’t you worried about his safety?

No.

Unbelievable.

Randa shoved her phone into her purse and moved forward to resolutely grab Isaacs’ arm. “Let’s go.”

“You’re overreacting. I’ve got this handled.” He let her hurry him along through the rainfall, though. Isaacs didn’t take very much seriously, but he tended to fall into line when Randa laid down the law.

Her phone rang, undoubtedly Kahn calling to complain at her. She ignored it, because she didn’t have time to yell at him. “Come on, Isaacs. We’ll get you someplace protected and far away.”

“How about Acapulco? I’ve been wanting to visit. Sunny weather. Plenty of drinks. We can even swim with dolphins, like a real-life diorama of Gion’s birthday cake.”

“I made him a penguin cake, not a…”

Wham!

A huge Phase jumped right onto the path in front of them. Randa’s lips parted in horror, as she recognized Saxon’s distinctive mohawk. In the same instant, two of his most loyal and bloodthirsty henchmen appeared behind her. They grabbed Isaacs by the arms, preventing him from jumping away, and dragged him towards Sax.

Shit!

Randa had the space to jump. No one was holding her. Maybe she could even run, while they were distracted. ...But she couldn’t leave Isaacs. She had to stay and help him.

“Isaacs.” Saxon drawled out in a taunting, satisfied voice. “And my whore of a sister-in-law, as well. And not a Light Phase in sight. This must be my lucky night.”

“There you are.” Isaacs sounded bored and a little put-out, even as the henchmen manhandled him. “It took you long enough to find me, Sax. I’ve been standing in this lousy weather for an hour.”

“Shut up!” Saxon took a menacing step forward. “You’ve been poking the bear, showing that video of me in the armory and making me a laughingstock. Well, now the bear’s awake and it’s hungry for shit like you.”

Isaacs frowned. “Back up. Who is the bear and why is it hungry for shit?”

One of Saxon’s goons gave a startled laugh, then quickly shut his mouth again when the other guy glowered at him.

Sax sought deference. Always. Isaacs’ mocking would set him off like a bomb. Randa knew it, even before Saxon lunged for Isaacs. He wrenched him away from the henchmen, grabbing him by the shirtfront.

“Stop!” Randa rushed forward and tried to pull Isaacs back, while the henchmen laughed. “Leave him alone!”

“Stay out of this, bitch. I’ll get to you next.” Saxon snapped. “You wanted my attention. You hired the Light Phases to find me. Well, now I’m here! Once I’m done killing him, I’ll show you what fucking a real man is like.”

“Such a charmer.” Isaacs drawled, as if he didn’t even notice his feet were dangling off the ground.

Randa looked around for a weapon and spotted a short metal signpost sticking in the soil. It was identifying the various flowers. That would do. She yanked it out of the dirt and swung it at Saxon’s arm. The henchman intercepted her, before she could make contact. The henchman on the left shoved her back, still laughing. He was twice her size, so she hit the walkway with a grunt.

“You’re going to give me the respect I deserve!” Saxon roared down at her. “I’m the worthiest, most powerful Air Phase. I should have been Parald’s top general!”