Page 98 of Touched

We move toward the cold, stainless-steel tables, each holding a silent, frigid witness to the night's chaos. My gaze briefly meets Martinez's, and in her dark eyes, I see a reflection of my own resolve. This isn't just about the warehouse or the smuggling ring; it's about the safety of the entire city, a city teetering on the brink of something dark and dangerous.

They have no fucking idea what’s coming!

Danger untold is within their midst and they’re just sitting ducks!

Dark Fae!

What the hell is next?

Martinez's voice brings me back. "Look for anything unusual. Tattoos, marks, anything that might give us a lead on who they were working for. The Trahans weren't acting alone. They were mere pawns on a much bigger chess board. We need to find out who's behind this."

No fucking kidding!

Keeping that thought to myself, I nod, not trusting what might come out of my mouth next.

This is a fucking waste of time!

Though, I can’t tell them that.

Squaring my shoulders, I channel my irritation into a focused determination. Standing beside Martinez, I attempt to assist her in examining the bodies for clues. I question the futility of this task, yet I know the importance of contributing to the collective effort. Plus, we might actually uncover something useful.

Doubtful…

But what do I fucking know?

I’m flying blind here. And I do not like it.

As we carefully inspect each body, my mind wanders unbidden to the cabin, where I hope Aeris remains safe. The strength of our Kindred bond is so new to us both. I don’t know if I can reach her mind over this distance. A part of me wonders if she can feel my concern. If my silent call for her safety reaches her.

"We should keep an eye on the Port," I suggest, my voice steady despite the turmoil inside. "Whoever they were smuggling for will want to check the damage. Maybe try to salvage something."

I would rather they kept their fucking distance. Humans can’t fight Gifted.

But I know that won’t fly.

I don’t have any real reason to keep my colleagues away from that place.

But how the hell am I supposed to keep them and Aeris safe?

Especially from an unknown enemy.

My only consolation is the humans can’t see the Gifted. Maybe that alone will be enough to keep those I serve with safe… for now, anyway.

Martinez nods, her expression grave. "I'll get a team on it. You’ll accompany them. But be careful, LeBlanc. We're stepping into unknown territory here."

No shit!

Martinez's warning still resonates with me as I step out of the coroner's office. The night air, thick with heat, wraps around me like a heavy cloak. The city is alive with its usual nocturnal rhythm and seems blissfully unaware of the creeping shadows at its fringes. In the midst of this chaotic shit-show, my thoughts again linger unwaveringly on Aeris, my beacon in these dark times.

How the hell did I get so lucky?

I'm barely a few steps away when I feel a firm hand on my shoulder. Turning, I see Lieutenant Antoine, his expression grim.

"LeBlanc, a word?" he asks. Though his tone indicates that this is more than a casual request. He’s not asking me. He’s telling me.

Nodding, I refrain from letting loose an exasperated sigh.

We step aside, into a recessed doorway of a closed business, away from the prying ears and hustle and bustle of the busy street. Lieutenant Antoine’s light-colored gaze is piercing.

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