That Artemis?” I repeated, gripping the phone tight.
dia confirmed. “Adrian got a message from your kidnapper–Victor, apparently. He told Adrian to meet him in Port A booked a night about three hours ago. They’re probably already there by now.”
Artemia. No Adrien and Ryder
I turned to Beck, keeping my voice low. “Is this Port Artemis?”
He gave a short nod. “You’re in the eastern district. Industrial side. Mostly old warehouses and cabins like this one.”
That lined up. “Lydia,” I said into the phone, “I’m okay. I managed to escape, sort of. I’m with someone who helped me–for now. I don’t trutt completely, but he’s not hurting me.”
“I heard voices. Male voices,” she said, concern rising. “Are you sure you’re safe?”
Him
I forced calm into my tone. “For the moment. But we need to wam Adrian. The man who kidnapped me is setting Adrian up. If he walks into this without backup, it could be a trap.”
“The man who kidnapped you is named Victor.” Lydia explained. “Skye, He used to be a regular patrol warrior in the Stormhust Pack.
“Is this and to Maxwell?” I asked.
“I don’t know,” Lydia said. “Maxwell claims he has nothing to do with it. But you know how that goes. Still, we don’t have proof. Can you send me your
I glanced at Beck, who was watching me with n
narrowed eyes. “Can you give me the a
address of this
in place?”
He rattled off something that sounded like a numbered lot in an abandoned shipping zone. I repeated it into the phone.
“I’m on my way,” Lydia said immediately.
“No,” I cut in. “Don’t come You and Garrett just stay at the hotel. No need to do anything else.”
Lydia hesitated. “Are you sure?”
“I’m sure,” I said. “Just make sure he gets this address.”
We hung up. I stared down at the screen, fingers trembling, and opened a message to Adrian.
I’m in Port Artemis. East district. Lot 54. It’s an old cabin near the shipping yard. Don’t trust Victor. It’s a trap. Pirase come.
I hit send. That was
was all I could do now.
The silence that followed was thick. The three rogues were back at the table, pretending not to watch me. I found a spot near the wall, sank down, and tried to make myself small. I didn’t sleep. I couldn’t. Every time I closed my eyes, I felt their eyes on me. I wrapped my arms around my knees, bracing myself.
Time passed. An hour? Two? 1 didn’t know. Light began to seep through the cracks in the boarded windows. My eyes were gritty. My limbs ached. I felt like I’d been wrung out and left to dry. Then the phone buzzed.
stated it up and answered before the second ring. “Adrian?”
His wore broke “Thank God. Are you okay? Are you hurt
Tears sprang to any eyes the moment I heard him. I’m okay. Just tired. I’m so sorry. 1 tried to escape sooner. 1-”
1/2
Chapter 182
everything you edsid. You’ra pilve. That’s all
si béarm, tight with enotler | could picture him–jow clenched, pacing, probably blaming himself.
Way, he said. “To close his hold on. Stay where you are. Please, Skye, just hang in a little longer.”
He paused. “Vols sound scared “
I was,” I admitted. “But now that I’ve heard your voice…” I took a shaky breath. “I’m not.”
“l be there soon,” he said again. “Just hold on
When the line went dead, I clutched the phone to my chest and tried to breathe through the tightness in my throat.
About twenty minutes later, tires crunched outside. Doors slammed. The rogues glanced at each other, tente but quiet. Heck stood, walking window.
over to the
“It’s your guy.” he muttered. “Looks like the prince showed up after all.”
I was on my feet before I even knew I’d moved. Beck didn’t try to stop me as I pushed past him and swung the door open.
Adrian was already running toward me. His eyes locked onto mine and everything else disappeared. He was breathless, palle with worry, but still the strongest thing I’d ever seen.
When he reached me. arms wrapped around me like they were meant to be there, I buried my face in his chest, breathing in the scent of him. Clean linem, cedar, and something I could never name but always recognized as home.
His hand cradled the back of my head. “I’ve got you,” he murmured. “You’re safe now. No one’s going to
to touch you
i again.”
I clung to him like I’d drown if I let go. For a long moment, neither of us said a word. I just let myself feel it. His heartbeat against mine. The warmth of his am. The way he held me like I mattered more than anything else,
“You came,” I whispered.
“I’m going to tear Victor into pieces!
I didn’t realize I was crying until his thumb brushed away the tears on my
cheek.
Behind him, I noticed another figure walking toward us. Striking blond hair that gleamed in the morning light.
My heart stuttered.
“Leon?”
I stared, stunned
He’d come too,
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