Page 35 of Unmasked

“All good, Intended.”

I let out a shaky breath. My stare eased up to the rearview mirror, and I took in the lights in the distance behind me. Was it Katia? Able? Team two?

My mind raced as I went the few blocks to the parking garage. There was no trying to lose anyone or hide where I was going. Sweat coated my clammy palms, and nausea had me convulsively swallowing as I wound through to the far back. My breaths were even deeper through the sickness and stress as I put it in park and unbuckled.

“I think I’m just going to sit here for a moment. I… Is it hot in here? I know it’s cool outside, but I’m sweating.” I pulled at the collar of the long sleeve I wore. My eyes jerked up to the rearview at the silence. “Jeremy? … Scott?”

An odd gasp sounded, and I spun, seeing Katia bound over the back seat. She held a knife coated in blood. I didn’t think. I couldn’t as I threw open the door and jumped out. I raced for the door, pushing my speed faster than ever.

Footsteps pounded behind me, and I threw open the entrance to The Order, going through the small room that led to the hall. Fingers scraped against my shirt as I pulled the second door open. I burst through, increasing to a speed I didn’t even know I was capable of. I rounded the corner feeling arms grab me, but it wasn’t her. Vaughn spun me to the side, turning just as Katia burst around the corner, right into his waiting grasp. Her legs flew up in front of her at the force, but she didn’t move as Vaughn locked around her throat, squeezing with so much force her face turned purple. Guards closed in from all angles and Katia’s eyes widened as she took it in.

“Welcome to The Order.”

Lord Oxley stepped in, stabbing a syringe into her arm. Katia went wild trying to break free, but within seconds, her body went limp. Vaughn swept her up, handing her to The Reeve.

“Put her in cuffs—hands and feet. Keep her door locked at all times. No one is to go into that room but me.”

“Yes, Unavowed.”

Vaughn turned to me, concern registering as he cupped my face.

“You’re pale. Are you okay? Did she hurt you?”

My head shook. “She was already in the SUV. I don’t know how. She… I think she killed Jeremy and Scott. She had a knife. There was blood.”

Able and the two teams burst around the corner.

“Thank God.” He let out a deep exhale as he tried to catch his breath. “We saw you both running in. I don’t know how she got inside the SUV. I… I had it locked.”

“Jeremy and Scott?”

Able’s head bowed a little at Vaughn’s question. “Dead, Unavowed.”

“Have them taken care of. My Intended is looking a little pale. I’m going to have Lord Oxley look over her.”

“I’m fine, really.”

“She’s not.”

My gaze snapped to Able, and my lips tightened.

“What do you mean?”

Able put his attention on Vaughn.

“She hasn’t acted normal the last two days. She’s been quiet. I thought before she got in the car that she might fall or pass out. She assured me this is common for her under stress. She gets sick, although, I detected no fever.”

Vaughn’s hand immediately came out to feel.

“I have no fever,” I assured. “I’ve been putting in a lot of hours. It’s catching up, that’s all. I’ll be fine after I get in a good night’s rest.”

“Lord Oxley.”

At Vaughn’s wave, a groan left me.

“I said I’m fine. If anything, it’s a virus or cold. It’ll pass. Now, I have to go get ready for the ritual.”

“You have time.” Vaughn leaned in, lowering his voice to Lord Oxley. “My chambers. I want you to look over my Intended.”