Tre walked past her and stared at the charts on the wall. There must have been twenty different ones correlating with twenty different women. Jesus.
He turned back and pointed at the wall. “Where are these women, Alex? What did you do to them?”
“What did I do to them?” she screamed incredulously. “I didn’t do anything to them, you ass, other than study their DNA through blood bank donations and medical histories from those who donated at their physicians’ offices.” Her face flushed with her obvious anger. “What do you Coteri do to them when you get hold of them, Tre? Torture? Rape? Murder? I’ve heard the horror stories about what your kind do all my life. My entire career has been focused on research and testing to advance the viability of my race, using donated blood and consenting females, unlike the Coteri and your precious king!”
Tre noticed a small twinge in Alex’s features during her tirade, as if she now might question her beliefs. But as her words sunk in, Tre knew his face contorted into complete confusion. “What the hell are you talking about, Alex? The Coteri don’t take women against their will and try to impregnate them. And we sure as hell don’t brand them, slit their throats, bleed them dry and dump their bodies in ditches like your people do.” He advanced toward her with purpose. “We’ve discovered countless innocent human victims over the past year, in several different cities, mutilated and discarded like trash. Why the hell do you think I’m in this God-forsaken city?”
Tre watched as Alex’s eyes went wide and the color drained from her face before she began to shake her head in denial. Fuck it. He took hold of her arm and led her out of the study and into the living room. He plopped her onto the couch and pulled out his cell phone.
After a couple of texts, her front door flew open and Seth walked in. Tre watched as Alex’s gaze landed on Seth and she drew back into the couch in obvious terror.
“So this is her. Your phantom fuck-buddy.” Seth’s deep voice resonated with disgust.
Tre immediately slapped the back of Seth’s head, sending him forward a couple of steps. “Shut the fuck up, dickhead. Just get out your irons. I don’t want her getting away from us when we leave. I want her secure and ready for questioning. Understood?”
Seth reached into his jacket and pulled out his wrist irons. “Come on, honey. Time for some fun.” His lips pulled into a tight sneer and Tre watched as Alex pulled away from the other man’s touch.
Tre slapped Seth’s head again, harder this time.
“What the fuck, Tre?” Seth complained as he rubbed the knot forming on the back of his head.
Tre rounded on him. “Don’t talk to her that way, Seth. In fact, don’t talk to her at all. Just get the irons on. We need to get out of here.”
“Well, shit.” Seth muttered as he popped the bars off the cuffs and motioned for Alex to hold out her arms. She complied without argument and was soon sitting in the back of a black SUV next to Tre. He stared at her profile and noted her look of utter exhaustion and defeat. She didn’t move, stared straight ahead as if in a daze, and he still didn’t like how pale she was. He didn’t know exactly what he was going to do with her but one thing was certain, he was going to get the location of those women out of her and no one but him was going to put a hand on her until he did.
Chapter Six
Nic slowly came back to consciousness but kept her eyes closed. She tried to concentrate on the sounds and smells around her. She felt the hard floor beneath her body and the rough ropes around her bare wrists. The sounds of nature surrounded her. The warble of the marsh wren, the bellow of frogs, the buzzing of mosquitos. She was in the bayou somewhere. She smelled the molded soil in the air, its bitter scent familiar, as she wondered what the hell she was doing there.
Suddenly, memories flooded her mind. She had been working late in her bakery when three enormous men had come in. They hadn’t spoken, just tried to grab her and take her away. She’d fought, clawing, scratching, kicking and biting, just trying to break free, but they’d overpowered her easily. A hard hit to her ribs had had her doubling over. The pain had been intense but she’d kept fighting, knowing that if they got her out of the shop she was done for. One of the thugs had struck her face, hard enough that she’d tasted blood, before she’d felt the slice of a blade across the back of her shoulder. The last thing she remembered was looking into cold gray eyes before a sharp pain had connected with the back of her head and everything had gone black.
As she sat in the dark room, she shrugged experimentally and pain immediately burst through her.
As if on cue, the door opened and she heard boots clumping across the floor toward her. “Come on, honey. Time to wake up. “
Nic felt the toe of a boot push against her sore ribs and she couldn’t hold back the moan of pain. She rolled over and looked up at the giant standing above her. He had light brown hair, giant hands, those familiar slate-gray eyes, and a distorted tattoo she couldn’t quite make out on the bulging biceps of his right arm. He had some scarring down the left side of his neck that looked painful. He was the biggest man she had ever seen and she had always thought Tre was a giant. She knew she was in deep shit. Keep it together, Nic. She said the mantra over and over in her head, knowing she needed to keep her wits if she was to have a chance in hell of making her way out of this mess.
The giant man reached down, pulled her up by her arms and threw her unceremoniously over his shoulder as if she weighed no more than a doll. Her face smacked into his sweat-soaked shirt and she thought she would puke at the sudden movement. He swung her around and headed out of the room and into the hot Louisiana air.
Nic looked at her surroundings. Cypress trees and moss everywhere. She could smell the stagnant water and knew they were in the middle of the southern marshes. Great. No one would find her here.
His arm encased her legs and, since they were also tied together like her arms, kicking out would be of no use. Nic would play the good girl until she could figure out what the hell was going on and how she could get out of there. Caro had taught her how to survive in nature and she knew if she could get the ropes off her legs and get to the trees, they wouldn’t be able to find her after that. But just where the hell was this giant of a man taking her?
* * * * *
Dev softly closed the door to his third-floor bedroom before walking across the hall to his private study. It had taken hours but Thea was finally asleep, tucked safely into his bed. He had spent the evening holding her, stroking her in comfort, until she’d finally cried herself out and given in to her exhaustion. It had taken all his strength not to give in to her earlier pleas and take her as she’d asked, to provide her comfort and a connection when he knew she felt lost and alone. He’d wanted her for years and had fought the need for just as long. And although the law that had forbidden him to take her as he wanted was no longer in effect, he wouldn’t allow his needs to come before what he knew was best for Thea. And didn’t that just make him the perfect fucking gentleman?
“Fuck,” Dev growled as he ran his fingers roughly through his hair and entered his study.
“Devereux, language,” Isla quietly scolded from her seated position on the sofa across the room.
Dev couldn’t help his grin at his uninvited guest’s admonishment as he moved to the bar and poured himself a drink, taking a quick swallow before turning back. “Sorry, Isla. I didn’t realize you’d arrived. I’m relieved you decided to come.”
“Don’t impart falsehoods, Devereaux. It’s beneath us both. I know you’re not happy to see me.” Isla replied with a small grin.
Dev chuckled at her bluntness as he moved to join her on the couch and sat at the opposite end, suddenly feeling the toll of the day’s exhausting events reverberate throughout his entire body.
“My apologies, Isla. We’ve been having a hell of a time around here lately, particularly tonight.” His gaze moved to the hall, toward his room, where Thea lay tucked safely away in his bed. He wanted to be wrapped around her right then, protecting her, com
forting her. Instead he lifted the glass to his lips for another sip of the amber liquid just as Isla spoke.
“That is precisely why I’m here, warrior. Tre called. He has the Valta woman in custody. He and Seth are bringing her in now.”
Dev sat up quickly. “Any word on Nicolette?”
Isla shook her head. “Unfortunately, no. Michael returned a short while ago with Jude, understandably angry that he lost her scent in the marsh and was unable to locate any sign of where they might have taken her after they hit the water. However, Tre believes this Valta woman can lead us to Nicolette’s location as well as to several other women he believes are being held.” Isla paused and her brow furrowed.
“What is it, Isla? What aren’t you telling me?” Dev asked, suddenly concerned by her expression.
“All is not as it seems, Devereux. And I fear our Tre is in for a very difficult time. No—all is definitely not as it seems.”
Dev stood and stalked back to the bar to refill his now-empty glass. “What the hell does that mean, Isla? Do you know something about Nicolette? I know how close she and Tre have become. Is that it? Do you believe she’s dead?” Even as he said the words his chest tightened in dread. He couldn’t imagine the pain and anguish Thea would endure if her sister was truly lost to her.
Isla stood and moved over to Dev, placing a tender touch on his forearm. “Ease yourself, warrior. I know nothing of Nicolette’s fate.” Isla tilted her head and scrutinized Dev with her light-green eyes. “You love the human, don’t you?” she asked softly.
Dev stepped back. “Of course not! She’s the sister of one of my employees. I hardly know the girl, but I certainly don’t want to see her harmed, especially by the Valta.”
Isla took a step toward him again. “It isn’t Nicolette of whom I speak but her sister. That is who you love.”
Dev stormed to his desk and lowered himself into the chair before meeting her gaze. “Stay out of my head, Isla. Trust me—it’s not a place you want to be right now.”
A loud commotion on the lower level halted their conversation. Seth entered the study and moved to stand in front of Dev’s desk. “General, we have Tre’s Valta fuck-buddy. She’s in irons and Tre is securing her in his quarters for now. He’ll be in to give you his report shortly.”
Dev cleared his throat and looked beyond Seth’s shoulder to the other side of the room. Seth followed his gaze and visibly flushed in discomfort as his eyes landed on one of the king’s most trusted advisors. “Shit,” Seth murmured under his breath. “My apologies for my language, Isla. I didn’t realize you were here.” He bowed his head in respect.
Isla didn’t acknowledge the apology as she stepped forward to address Dev once again. “I shall leave you to meet with your men, Devereux, but I’m very anxious to meet and speak with this Valta female.”
Isla turned and walked to the door, but before leaving she turned. “Just remember what I said, Devereux. All is not as it seems, and the presumption of guilt without proof of malice or transgressions is not only imprudent but irresponsible.” It was then that she turned her hard stare on Seth, who became visibly discomfited by her obvious chastisement. Without another word, Dev watched Isla leave the study to return to her room.
Seth slowly took a seat in front of the desk. “Damn, but that woman scares the ever-livin’ shit out of me.”
Dev leaned back in his chair and rubbed his hand over his face before responding. “Don’t I know it, kid.”
* * * * *
Tre led Alex into his room, his hand still gently gripping her arm. She hadn’t said a word since they’d left her home and he was beginning to worry about the chill he felt on her soft flesh. He locked the door and turned her to release her from the wrist irons. “Can I trust you enough to remove the irons, Alex?” Tre asked softly by her ear. She didn’t acknowledge the question and remained immobile. Tre sighed as he removed one of the wrist cuffs and led her to the cushioned chair by the bed. He wasn’t trusting enough yet to remove the other cuff, as the iron against her skin would prevent her from shifting or using her mind-meld talents. He had to find out what she knew about Nic without fear of her frying his fucking brains first. “Take a seat, Alex. We’ve got a lot to talk about.”
Tre watched as Alex lowered herself robotically into the large chair, which almost swallowed her. Her eyes were still fixed and glazed, almost as if she were in shock. Shit. It was obvious she had been through some sort of trauma given the bruising on her neck, and that had been before he’d found her having a meltdown in her home. Her beautiful face was devoid of all color and her lips trembled slightly. She was obviously now scared to death of him and what she believed he would do to her. He shouldn’t care, damn it. She was Valta. She was involved in Nic’s disappearance and God only knew what else involving the other victims they’d found. And did she really believe all that insane shit she’d touted about the Coteri? It was either a devious ploy to deflect him into believing she had no culpability in all this, or she truly believed everything she’d said, in which case she had obviously been brainwashed or was just plain nuts.
Tre rubbed his temples, trying to relieve the massive headache he felt coming on, trying to figure this shit out, and sighed in frustration. One thing was for certain—he knew it was pointless to try to get any information out of her in her current state. Time for a different tactic.
Tre crouched in front of the chair so he was at her eye level. Alex was looking right at him but he knew she wasn’t seeing him. He took one of her hands in his, startled by the icy feel of her skin. He instinctively began to rub her fingers between his in an effort to warm her. “Alex, I’m going to speak with my general for a few minutes. You’re welcome to use my shower to clean up.” He took both her hands in his and stood straight, bringing her up with him. He led her to the connected bathroom and laid out some plush towels before turning on the water for her.
He turned her to face him, holding her shoulders. “Take your shower, Alex. Don’t even attempt to leave this room—it’s secure and I’ve got guards posted outside both the door and windows. I’ll be back shortly and then we’ll talk.”
Alex stood mutely but her gaze finally seemed to connect with his. Tre wanted nothing more than to pull her to him and take her lips in such a way that it was sure to snap her out of this fog. Instead he quickly released her and headed toward the bedroom door, wanting to kick his own ass for his weakness where this female was concerned. He turned before leaving the room, catching Alex moving slowly into the enclosed shower room, where she disappeared but didn’t fully close the door. Fuck. He didn’t want to feel any tenderness toward her. He left quickly before he did something stupid like go to her and make sure she was okay in the shower. He shut the door behind him, giving Marcus instructions to stand guard outside to ensure she didn’t try to leave.
Chapter Seven
As the morning sun seeped through the wooden slats of the blinds, Tre couldn’t help himself—he wove the blue-black strands of Alex’s hair through his fingers. His meeting with Dev the night before had gone on longer than expected but his general had finally agreed with Tre’s plan to extract the information they needed from Alex. After more than an hour, Tre had returned to his room, relieving Marcus from guard duty, and been stunned to find a sleeping Alex burrowed under the covers of his king-size bed. He had sat in the chair positioned next to his bed all night, watching her chest rise and fall with each delicate breath she took. She had been restless throughout the night, thrashing at times as she tossed and turned to the point where several times he had to reach out to calm her in her sleep.
He, on the other hand, hadn’t slept at all. Tre rubbed his hands over his tired face, committed to what was going to happen today. Saving Nic and the others had to be his first priority. His gaze once again took in the sleeping Alex, her long dark hair fanning over his pillows. Her dark lashes were so long that they created crescent-moon shapes over her high cheekbones. She was stunning and she looked vulnerable in sleep. He reac
hed out to stroke the silky strands of her midnight hair again, knowing it might be the last time he had the chance to do so.
He shook his head. She couldn’t be the evil she was professing as her heritage. He didn’t sense anything of the sort from her. All he could feel at that moment was the burning need in his chest to pull back the comforter, climb in behind her and hold her tight against him. Feel her warmth once again. Relive the night they had spent together months ago. Forget all that had happened—forget what she was and had most likely done and just drown himself in her and never let her go.
But as she shifted under the sheets, reality slammed into him. He spotted her wrist and the redness that had remained from the iron shackles that had restrained her the night before. The night he had found her destroying evidence of the Valta breeding trials. Destroying precious documents that could have revealed the names, dates and locations of the human women abducted against their will. And possibly the location where Nic was being held right now, having God only knew what done to her.
Tre dropped her soft hair from his grasp and leaned back in the chair. It was time to get his head out of his ass where this female—this Valta—was concerned. He had to get answers, and fast. Nic’s life depended on it. Sitting here watching his fantasy sleep when he should be grilling her for intel was so not what he should be doing. He reached over and grasped Alex’s shoulder and shook her. “Alex. Get up. Time to go, now.”
Alex jumped at the contact and ended up crouched against the headboard in full defense mode. “Don’t touch me.”
Her eyes were wild but at least they now seemed clear and focused. Tre raised his hands and sat back. “Alex, if I wanted to hurt you, you’d be bleeding right now. It’s time to move you. Get dressed and don’t do anything to make me regret removing one of your restraints. You’re still in one piece for one reason and one reason only. Don’t give me any shit on this. Just cooperate and you’ll be fine.”
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