Page 2 of Of Flames and Crows

Budimir Volkov was one of the key generals working for the main syndicate theBlack Devilswere affiliated with. Since he mostly acted in the shadows, not many people knew he was the man in charge of keeping the European human trafficking rings their Bratva was famed for under strict control. Vlad clenched his jaw.

Both Ilya and Yuliy still bore scars from the one time they had fought Volkov, back when they were still in St. Petersburg and working alongside the man. Despite having entered his sixties and becoming a grandfather twice over, Volkov remained as ruthless as he had been thirty years ago.

As far as the world was aware, the man was the benevolent CEO of a humanitarian organization dedicated to ending famine in Africa.

The irony was not lost on Vlad.

Something else connected him to Volkov. Something dark and twisted. Vlad’s gaze bore into Cortes’s face.

Does he know? Is that why he’s requesting this introduction?

“I won’t insult your intelligence by asking you how you found out about Volkov,” he told Cortes coldly. “Still, you must know that what you’re demanding is quite the tall ask.”

Cortes smiled thinly. “But not impossible it seems, from your words.”

Vlad resisted the urge to wipe Cortes’s slightly superior look off his face with a blast of magic. He knew the reason the guy vexed him so was because they were very much alike. Had he been in Cortes’s shoes, he would have demanded something similarly ridiculous in recompense for the cartel’s failed deal withOniks.

“I hear Volkov will be in Prague this weekend.” Cortes uncrossed his legs and rose. “That should give you plenty of time to make the necessary arrangements.”

Vlad ground his teeth at Cortes’s confident expression.This asshole is seriously starting to piss me off.

Tarangsnarled when he picked up on his anger.

“See you in two days.” Cortes headed for the door and waved a lazy hand over his shoulder. “We’ll pick you up on the way to the airport.”

Gomez jumped to his feet and accompanied him. The mobster flashed a grateful look at Vlad. He almost walked into Cortes when the latter stopped abruptly on the threshold of the office.

Cortes turned and eyed Vlad with a calculating expression. “I was debating whether to reveal this information to you or not. Seeing as how we may soon become business partners, let’s just call this one a favor that need not be returned.”

Vlad didn’t bother to hide his bitterness. “How generous of you.”

“You might not think so once you hear what I have to say,” Cortes said drily. “The person Volkov is going to visit in Prague is his grandson. I believe that boy is a distant…relative of yours?”

Gomez startled. Ilya’s face tightened.

Vlad’s fingers curled into fists.Fuck. This bastard knows!

If Cortes picked up on his ire, he evidently decided to ignore it. “Volkov’s grandson goes to the same international school as my nephew, believe it or not. I’ve heard some strange rumors concerning the crowd his best friend has been hanging out with lately.” The Colombian grimaced. “It seems some of them may have become involved with a cult.”

Vlad straightened.Wait. Does he mean—?!

Cortes’s next words confirmed his worst fears.

“It might be wise to inform Volkov of this ahead of our meeting. Because this cult? It’s the kind whose members can transform into demons, just like Sobol did.” Cortes glanced toward the fireplace. “I better leave before your familiar decides to eat me.”

CHAPTER2

The inner doorto the autopsy lab opened just as Mae finished washing her hands at the metal sink. Steve Hodge, the director of pathology services at Grandview General, came in. He was in full personal protective gear, bar gloves and a face shield, and wore a troubled expression.

“Hi, Mae. Do you mind taking a look at something before you leave?”

Mae peeked at the digital clock on the wall. It was past 6:30 p.m. She was due to attend a meeting at the New York coven headquarters in less than thirty minutes.

Hodge noticed her glance.

His face fell. “I’m sorry. Do you have plans?”

Mae hesitated. “I do, but they can wait.”

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