Shewas the one who ownedhim.
And once again, he’d let her slip away.
Chapter Twenty
The meeting was brief but grim. Gabriel had been asked to deliver a message from Malcolm, who’d been staying in the city since their argument and still wasn’t speaking directly to Dorian. Three dead humans had just been discovered in the service alley behind Bloodbath, beaten and exsanguinated, clearly the work of vampires.
They hadn’t even attempted to hide the bodies.
Malcolm believed it was a message from Duchanes—retaliation for the police raid against his nightclub.
Dorian agreed, the news darkening his already oil-black mood.
Vampires attacking humans in Manhattan. Grays attacking upstate. Demons plotting against them all.
They were living in a powder keg, holding their collective breath to see which of the many matches would strike first.
It was time for Dorian to make his move.
After wishing his brother goodnight, he locked himself in his bedroom, ignoring the depressing sight of his empty bed, and called Cole.
Despite the late hour, the wolf answered on the first ring.
“What’re we in for, Red?” he asked.
“I need someone who can bullshit his way through a conversation about art. Someone who can pose as an eccentric but wealthy collector.”
“I’m listening.”
“Aiden and I can set up the meeting, but I can’t meet the dealer face-to-face. He’ll recognize me at once and immediately suspect foul play.”
“Who’s the dealer?”
“A high-ranking Rogozin demon by the name of Vincent Estas.”
Cole hissed into the phone. “Fucking demons.”
“My sentiments exactly. I don’t suppose you know anyone who might play the part?”
“Yeah, you know what?” he asked, and Dorian could already hear the grin in his voice. “I got theperfectguy in mind. Artsy, rugged,devastatinglyhandsome. A wolfish charm, some might say.”
“Yes, I’m sure they might.”
“When do we roll?”
“Soon—I’ll let you know. But Cole, you can’t wear flannel. You realize that, right?”
“Believe it or not, Red, I do own a suit.” Cole laughed. “It’s older ’n shit, but still fits like a glove. Powder blue too.Realnice.”
Dorian sighed. “Send me your measurements, wolf. I’m calling my tailor at once.”
Chapter Twenty-One
Fuck.That.Guy.
By the time Charley and Sasha returned to the city the next morning, Charley was onfirewith determination.
She had a new assignment. No, not one from her asshole boss. One she’d given herself. One she couldn’t wait to accomplish.
