Page 69 of Feral King

Maybe she’s not as ill-suited to this world as I thought.

All the same, I don’t want her to be a part of it. She deserves safety, peace of mind.

“The council is in twelve days,” Ethan says. “Whatever we find, we need it before then.”

“Understood. Keep me updated. And Ethan—tonight was an exception. No fieldwork. Get some rest.”

“I’m fine. More important things going on than my shoulder.”

“It wasn’t a suggestion. You want to help, you can. But from home.”

He chuckles. “Got it. Enjoy NOLA.”

I hang up. The highway rolls out ahead of us, straight and dark, the headlights of the sedan cutting a narrow corridor through the Louisiana night. The suburbs thicken around us as we draw closer to the city.

Lyra’s parents live in Gentilly. I’m not all that familiar with New Orleans, but I’ve heard of Gentilly—it’s a humble, working-class neighborhood.

“Julian,” she says after several moments of silence.

“Yes.”

“Thanks for coming with me.”

“You don’t need to thank me.”

“I know I don’t need to. But I’m doing it anyway.” She looks at me with a blended expression of exhaustion, worry, and perhaps… trust.

I don’t deserve it.

Remy turns into the neighborhood. Oak trees, shotgun houses, and porch lights open up around us.

Twelve days until the council. Three suspects and no proof.

I watch Lyra’s face and make a silent vow to myself.

Whatever it costs, whatever it takes—no one gets near her again.

CHAPTER 25

JULIAN

We’re three blocks away from her parent’s home when Lyra’s phone buzzes.

She reads the text, an expression of worry forming on her face.

“Hospital,” she says. “Dad’s going into pre-op tonight. Two hours.”

Shit.

“Remy, change of plans.” I lean forward, then glance over at Lyra. “What hospital?”

“Ochsner Medical,” she says, citing the address while she texts. I notice her hands are shaking. “Mom says the surgeon decided not to wait, that Dad’s numbers dropped again.”

I reach over and place my hand on hers, giving it a gentle squeeze. She squeezes back.

Remy gets us there quickly. She’s eager to get out, practically opening the door before we’ve even parked.

She gets out as soon as Remy pulls to a stop, grabbing her bag and rushing toward the entrance. I tip Remy, then follow.