Page 69 of Trapped By the Blood Ruby

Laurent swore. He tipped his drink back, draining it before setting it on the table. “And this Dr. Kennedy is some sort of artifact expert?”

“According to rumors, yes. She even hunts them down.”

He grunted. “Well then, I think I need to call in a favor.”

It was late but not too late for most supernaturals. He picked up the phone and made the call, listening to the phone ring. “Bastian Croft,” came the grumbling voice on the other end.

“Croft,” he said, “I need a favor.”

“Well well fucking well. Never thought I’d see the day, Laurent. Never in a million years.” Laurent scoffed. “What could I possibly do that your blood-spawn ilk cannot?”

Marco snorted, clearly eavesdropping.

“You know I wouldn’t be calling if it weren’t important.”

“Hmm…” There was a pause. “Is this about the Red Allure flooding the market?”

Laurent hummed in confirmation. It shouldn’t have surprised him. Bastian Croft was good—almost too good.

“Thought so,” Bastian grumbled. “What do you expect me to do about it? I hunt high profile people, Laurent. Don’t give a shit about drug dealers.”

“I’m looking for information on an object. It’s not something I want to discuss on the phone.”

“I don’t deal in objects⁠—“

“No, but I hear your mate does.”

A low, possessive growl filled the receiver. “You’ve got some fucking nerve, Laurent.”

The line went dead. He swore under his breath and immediately redialed. Bastian picked up, but remained silent.

“I’m desperate, Bastian.”

“No.”

“Bastian—“

“No.”

“Name your price.”

He heard a female voice on the other end, too quiet to make out. There was a long hesitation and then, “I want five million⁠—“

“Done.” His jaw ticked.

“And my girl stays here⁠—“

“Your girl is part of the deal. I want this situation sorted. If she’s your source, she comes. I’ll have my jet pick you up in the morning⁠—“

“Not happening, Laurent. Got shit going on over here. Can’t be out for another two weeks.”

“Two—?! I’m paying you five million⁠—“

“Take it or leave it, Laurent. I’ll text you the date and time. You can send your jet.”

“Too much can happen in that time frame. Half my family could be gone.”

“Then you had better start making more.”