Page 44 of Moonlight & Mayhem

“No,” she whispered.

Outside, the woman continued. “It isn’t poison in the traditional sense. It is an old compound created from wolfsbane, silver ash, blood, and ritual binding.”

Chrome’s voice drifted from the upper landing. “Sounds fucking delightful.” Chris said something Mayhem couldn’t hear, probably threatening him.

The woman continued. “Night root attaches itself to the wolf first. Then the blood. Then the bond.” Mayhem’s wolf snarled, and Moon’s hand tightened around his.

“How do you stop it?” Tempest asked.

Mayhem knew the answer before she gave it. “You don’t.”

Moon flinched, and Mayhem’s temper exploded. “Bullshit.” He stepped toward the door, and Moon caught his arm.

“Howler,” Moon shouted for his help. His Prez moved in front of him.

“Easy,” Howler soothed.

“Don’t tell me easy,” Mayhem spat.

“Then stop acting stupid,” Howler insisted.

“She just said—” Mayhem started.

“I heard her,” Howler interjected. Mayhem glared at him, but Howler didn’t move. That was why he was Prez. Few wolves could get away with standing in Mayhem’s path when his wolf was this close to the surface, and Howler was one. Moon was apparently another.

Tempest pressed the intercom again. “If it can’t be stopped, why are you here?”

“It can be transferred,” the woman said.

Mayhem went cold as Moon whispered, “Into me.”

“No.” The word tore out of him, and the woman laughed softly.

“Yes, Mayhem, into her,” she said.

Mayhem saw red. “How the fuck does she know who I am?”

Howler’s expression darkened. “She knows too much.”

Moon stepped toward the intercom, and Mayhem caught her arm. “I need to talk to her.”

“You can do it from here,” he said. Tempest looked at Moon and then nodded.

Mayhem stared at her. “Seriously?”

“Moon deserves answers,” Tempest said.

“Not outside. She can get her answers from right here,” Mayhem challenged.

“I didn’t say outside.” Tempest nodded to the intercom, and Moon walked over, pushing the button with a shaking hand. Mayhem moved behind her, standing just close enough that his chest touched her back. His wolf settled immediately as Moon inhaled.

“Who are you?” she asked the woman.

“I’m someone who knew your mother,” the woman said.

“What was her name?” Moon asked.

The reply came instantly. “Selene Vale.” Moon staggered, but Mayhem caught her.