Page 34 of Unmasked

CHAPTER 10

Penelope

Packers.

Training.

Preparing for Katia.

Memorizing my lines for the ritual.

My head was spinning, and I wasn’t even allowing myself to think of King Lawrence or what would await me in Scotland when I left in three days.

I found the last two days I was fatigued, even falling asleep through my studies. I’d been going so hard for so long, the hard work was catching up with me. My body ached. My head was fuzzy, and I couldn’t focus.

Was I getting sick?

Flying to Scotland with the king while I was under the weather was not something I looked forward to. Then again, there seemed to be a pattern of illness with me when we met. Maybe he would see me as too sickly and move on. Or tell me not to come at all. That would be ideal.

“Jeremy and Scott from team two are in the SUV waiting. They got in at the store and rode back with me. They’re hiding in the back. As far as we know, no one was watching. It’s almost time.”

“Thank you, Able. I’m ready.”

I stood, blinking through the slight dizziness that had me pausing.

“What was that?” Able stepped forward, placing out his hands as if he were getting ready to catch me. “Are you okay?”

“I’m fine. I’m just off. Probably the onset of a cold or flu. I swear, this happens during every big decision or occasion. I’m cursed. Every Christmas. Every birthday… fever. But I’m fine. Really. It’ll pass.”

“Are you sure? We can delay luring Katia out until tomorrow.”

“No way. This ends tonight. Once she sees I’m leaving alone, she’ll follow. She won’t be able to resist. We have to take advantage of her weakness and get her while we can.”

Able paused but gave a nod. “We’ll meet you there. Be careful, Intended. Don’t let your guard down for a moment. Jeremy and Scott are the best. They’ll be there if you need them.”

“I’ll be fine. I’ll see you at The Order.”

I took the keys from his hand, heading to the door. I didn’t drive. Not that I didn’t know how—I did. I just never had the opportunity. I was excited, if not slightly terrified that my first time on the road somewhat alone would be luring an assassin to a secret society of monsters.

Was this my life?

Swinging open the door, I took in the quiet street. Some windows were lit up, masked with curtains, while some townhomes were completely dark.

I quickly jogged to the SUV that was parked in front, intimidated by its large size.

I could do this.

I knew how to do this.

Queen.

I could slit throats but not drive a vehicle the size of a small bus? I would not think about that.

I opened the door, climbing in and locking it behind me. I started the SUV, adjusting the seat so I could reach the pedals. The headlights were automatic, and I didn’t speak as I pulled out, onto the road. It wasn’t until I was turning onto the next block that I talked.

“Are we okay back there?”

A moment passed.