Page 77 of Clash of Sin and Secret

Thankfully, Zane’s father made a lot of allies in the city during the centuries he ruled the Toronto seat of power.

“Take a left onto Davenport.”

I’m holding my phone out for Nazim to hear the directions and he nods and gets into the turning lane.

The taxi slows behind a Kia van at the next light and we wait until we get the advanced signal to pull through the intersection.

Every red light brings me closer to losing my hold.

Scottie’s alone out there. She’s in the hands of the enemy who slaughtered innocent people and will do the same to her without a second thought.

I couldn’t protect her. What good is the strength of a bear if I couldn’t protect my mate when she needed me?

“Right on Bloor,” Jack says, his tone steady despite the chaos.

I grip the phone tighter, barely hearing the cab driver mutter about morning traffic. Anger simmers inside me like a live wire.She’s a survivor.There’s no doubt about that, but she’s not invincible.

My animal is restless and furious at being so helpless.

“Continue down a few blocks. Over Bloor but before Bay, they pulled off to the right,” Jack continues, voice low andfocused. “They took her into what looks like a coffee shop. Brown sign. Blue writing.”

The taxi slows as we cross Bloor, both of us scanning the signage of the shops on the right. Brown sign. Blue writing….

“There.” Nazim hits his indicator and pulls to a stop at the curb. “That’s it, right?”

I peer out at the bougie coffee shop. It’s the last place I would’ve imagined as the lair of an evil vampire mastermind. It’s public and pretentious and has floor-to-ceiling windows.

They just dragged her through the building to another car waiting in the alley. That thought makes the world around me spin.

“Do you need me to wait a few minutes?”

“Do you mind?”

“Not at all, man. I’ll stick around and drink my tea.”

“Much appreciated. If I can, I’ll give you a signal and let you know if I’m good.” I tap the meter with my phone to pay my fare up to that point, and step out. My knee protests as I straighten to my full height, and I shake it out a little and test how well it bears my weight.

The pain has dulled to an ache and is good enough to take on the next battle. I adjust my jacket and scan the area for any sign of Daeva’s men.

My bear stirs, eager for the hunt, ready for the violence necessary to bring Scottie home.

As I close the distance to the front door, I consider my options. Do I just open the door and walk in? Should I smash the glass windows and let the sun take care of the rest? Does it risk Scottie’s safety if I charge in?

There’s no way to know what the right answer is, so I go with the direct approach, ready for anything.

The door swings open and I’m scanning the interior, moving inside as quickly as I can while assessing the situation. Only, there doesn’t be a situation.

Scottie is sitting at a square table in the center of the empty coffee shop. She’s focused on a wooden box set in front of her and even from the doorway, I can smell the anguish of her tears.

I rush forward, closing the distance. Looking her over, I ease the panic of my bear by confirming that she seems unharmed.

Then I look into the box and curse.

Bending to take her into my arms, I hug her tight to my chest. “Come on, beautiful. Let’s get you home.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE

Zane

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