Page 24 of Poison Sun

Not after Viktor pushed me in front of that train.

Rage courses through me at the memory of those headlights coming straight at me. Of how Viktor tricked me, tried to kill me, and ran off to join Lucas and the downtown vampires.

If we find Lucas, then we’ll find Viktor.

And then, with the help of the Guardians, they’ll both be dead.

“We only have one shot at this,” I say. “And Lucas asked for me. So, he’ll get me.”

A breeze stirs around us again, followed by a blast of emotions through the duskberry bond.

Damien’s angry.

Not just angry.

He’s as enraged as I was at the memory of Viktor throwing me in front of that train. Maybe even more so.

Maria steps forward and speaks before Damien has a chance. “We’ll set up surveillance around Washington Square Park. Use our connections to track any unusual activity. And we’ll prepare contingencies for every possible scenario.” She turns back to me, her eyes full of promise. “You won’t be alone out there.”

Jax gives Damien a challenging smile. “You brought the star touched here to show us the power you have on your side,” he says. “Now you think her incapable of helping us out where it can count?”

“I have a name,” I remind him. “Amber.”

“Another precious jewel.” Autumn rolls her eyes.

I clutch my fists by my sides, glowering at her. “At least jewels shine bright, unlike some seasons that just leave you cold and wanting,” I shoot back, and I swear the wood floor vibrates under my feet after I speak.

“Enough,” Maria breaks in, although she remains fixated on Damien. “Jax is correct—you came here with Amber to present a case for why our two groups should work together against a vampire who’s been breaking supernatural law. She’s a large part of why we agreed to your proposal. Don’t allow your feelings for her to lessen our strength.”

The words I said to Damien that night in the lobby flash through my mind.

Viktor decided I was an emotional weakness for you.

Then, there were Lucas’s taunts in Central Park about Damien growing soft.

His expression, when I look back over at him, is anything but soft.

“Fine,” he says. “But we do this carefully. With a plan I approve.”

Maria nods without missing a beat. “We have all day to get it in place,” she says. “Ideally, we’d go tonight. But given Amber’s newfound… ability as a shadow soul beacon, it will have to be daytime tomorrow.”

Conflict wars across Damien’s face.

He refuses to look at me. He doesn’t re-open the bond, either.

My heart drops at the realization that whatever warmth was rekindling between us has frozen over once more.

“Tomorrow works,” he finally says to Maria. “The sooner we take Lucas out, the safer we’ll be.”

Decision made, the rest of the day passes in a blur of activity and tension. Plans are laid, routes are mapped, and contingencies are put in place.

The sun sets late in the city in July—around eight thirty—but we head out around seven, to make sure we’re rested before the big day tomorrow.

“One more thing,” Jax says to Damien as we make our way out. “How are Abigail and Xavier doing?”

The smugness in his tone makes it clear he’s not asking out of concern for Abigail and Xavier. He’s goading Damien—prying for something.

“They’re doing well.” Damien’s response is measured, giving nothing away.

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