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I shook my head, trying to focus on the current situation. I wished there’d been a way to keep Jensen alive so we could question her. But there hadn’t seemed another way. She’d said they’d wanted me, but who were they? I shuddered hard at the thought of her kidnapping and killing women so that my own disappearance would look like something else and throw SHADE offtrack.

I drew in a breath. We had to destroy the machine and get Julian out of here before—

The general stepped around the corner, his bulk making the cell feel tiny with all the other people in it. His hands were clasped behind his back and his aura screamed barely controlled rage.

“What in blazes have you done? This is treason, Doctor.”

I stepped toward him, Julian, Hazel, Karma, and Daphne at my back. “No. We stopped the treason going on right under your nose, General. Your underling, Jensen, was the one responsible. She attacked and tried to kill us as well, and we were barely able to subdue her.”

“Where is she?” he barked, glaring all around. “Or is that the convenient ash I saw in the hall?”

My breathing sped up. I was done with him trying to dismiss everything I said. “She’s dead if that’s what you’re asking. It was that or we were. She was a shape shifter, a kitsune with nine tails, and she used her abilities to impersonate others in order to throw off suspicion.”

“We can corroborate that,” Daphne said, and Hazel nodded. Karma roared, still in cat form.

The general’s eyebrows flew upward as he took in the information. Finally, he looked around. “I find it convenient that this happened while I was in conference with the vampire sect leader.” His nostrils flared. “You will not have access to this floor again. Is that understood? I’ll have repairs started immediately.”

Ignoring his orders, I said, “You don’t seem surprised to find Julian here, naked from having been in your machine. And don’t try to deny it. Fazz here helped us out, so we know about your secret torture device.”

If looks could kill, Fazz would have been dead. But the general merely relaxed his shoulders and spoke directly to Julian. “My apologies, Lieutenant. All signs pointed to you. I have no doubt a full investigation will allow you to resume your position and rank as soon as you’ve recovered. Everyone else out.”

Julian leaned on me as he stood. “I could use some clothes, if it’s not too much trouble.”

* * *

Daphne met us in my office with a fresh Gi in Julian’s size. Hazel took Karma home, and Fazz was out of here as fast as his bowlegs could carry him.

“I have to get back to the basement. I have a few things to take care of before the general comes knocking.” Daphne gave me a quick but fierce hug. “Good job.”

“I have a great teacher,” I said, watching her go. When the elevator disappeared, I pulled myself up on the top of my desk, legs dangling close to Julian’s where he sat in one of the leather visitor chairs, sipping a glass of water.

“Are you okay?” I asked.

Julian set the glass down and buried his head in his hands. I waited as he gathered himself together and peered out between his fingers. “It was not pleasant. I wasn’t sure how long…” his voice trailed off.

“It was less than a day,” I said softly, prying his hand from his face and interlacing our fingers. “But I understand it can feel like lifetimes. Did she…torture you?” I had to know if she’d done more than put him there for later.

Averting his gaze, Julian swallowed. But I kept a firm hold of his hand. “I don’t know if what I experienced was purposeful.” His voice broke and so did my heart.

“You mentioned someone named Annette.” I averted my gaze, until Julian tugged on my fingers, causing me to meet his eyes.

He stared at me, dumbfounded. “I said that?”

“You thought I was her.”

“I was confused. It felt like I was in several places at once. I thought I’d dreamed you there.” He pulled away his hand and rubbed it over his face and hair. “She…I…I can’t do this now. I want to, I do, but I need to regain my bearings first.”

“It’s okay.” For now. But I couldn’t shake the worry that what he wanted was time to think of an excuse. It wasn’t fair of me to press, though, especially not because of my own insecurities. Whoever she was had obviously been important to him and he’d been through a lot.

So had I.

“You should go home and rest,” I said, sliding off the desk.

Julian stood, grabbed the back of the chair, and closed his eyes a moment.

“Do you need Doctor Orpheus?” I grabbed his arm for support.

His answer was whisper soft. “What I need is blood, Charlotte.”