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One moment Quinn stood next to Reese in front of the Keith, and in the next, he lost all sense of time and place.

Everything came back into focus suddenly.

Quinn realized he was on a roof in the dark. Thankfully, Reese had landed next to him. He asked, “Are you okay?”

Her hair flew around her face in the night wind. “I’ll live, but I don’t want to do that again.”

“I believe the Keith sent us through a bolthole. I say that because it felt like an amusement ride that had jumped the tracks. We certainly didn’t have any control over it.”

“Got it. Where are we?” She tucked the filmy, dark-blue shawl around her shoulders against the cool air moving briskly around them.

“Give me a minute.”  He stepped past a heating and air structure mounted on the roof to take in the city. “It appears we’re in downtown Atlanta.” 

“How are we going to find Phoedra from here?”

“This is actually a good place to end up. I have resources available with one telepathic call.” Reaching for her hand, he asked, “Do you still have the medallion?”

“Yes.” She opened her fist to show him.

Quinn took the necklace and hooked it around her neck. He wanted her capable of defending herself.

“What are we going to do, Quinn? How are we going to get Phoedra back from the Medb?”

“I have an idea, but it needs a little work.”

She pulled him around to face her. “I hate that sound in your voice.”

“What sound?”

“The sound of pulling back from me and everyone else to do something all by yourself. I’m here. The Beladors are here. You’ve got a freakin’ dragon.”

“And even with all of that muscle and power, I can’t get to Phoedra in TÅμr Medb without incurring major casualties, even if we could insert while the queen and Cathbad are there. Both were away when our people broke into their tower to rescue Daegan. I feel certain Cathbad and Queen Maeve will have better security in place this time.”

She tightened her grip on his arm. “Just don’t leave me behind.”

He didn’t say a thing.

“Damn you, Quinn. I can’t take being left in the dark on this. I want to know what you have in mind.”

Would she be ready to meet him halfway? “Can you swear to me you won’t vanish into thin air at some point?”

Guilt spread across her face. “I told you I’m going to do my best.”

That sank a rock deep in his gut. He’d thought after they shared such intimacy that he’d get an absolute yes this time.

Who held power over Reese and why wouldn’t she let him help her break that hold?

He wanted time with Reese. He cherished the gift she’d given by sharing her body with him in the Keith’s realm, but he wanted more than sex from this woman.

He wanted her trust.

This connection he felt with Reese ... he couldn’t explain it, only that it was new and special. Something that deserved nurturing. He needed time with this woman to show her that he was not like the person who had hurt her so deeply in the past.

He’d come to realize someone had damaged her emotionally, so badly that she feared getting attached.

She already cared for him. It was obvious.

She just needed to open her eyes and heart to see that he cared for her as well.

No, it was his job to show her he cared.

If his idea for rescuing Phoedra went sideways, he’d never have a chance at more with Reese or his daughter.

But if he died gaining Phoedra’s freedom, he knew she’d always have Reese watching over her as well as his Belador clan. All of that depended on Reese staying alive.

“We’re at a draw,” he said to ease the tense moment, but he was not about to give in all the way. “In answer to your question, I will do my best to keep you informed of my plans. Now, give me a minute to reach out to Evalle.”

Reese tossed him an uncompromising glance and turned away.

Perhaps that was just as well.

He dreaded putting Reese in further danger. When she discovered his plans, she would not be happy with him. First he had to make sure Reese would be safe once he took a step he couldn’t undo.

A step that might destroy his relationship with Daegan.

Regardless, Quinn intended to do his best to protect Daegan and the Beladors right along with those he loved.

He would prefer to include Daegan, but if the dragon king knew what Quinn intended to do he would not stand by and allow it.

That meant not informing Tzader or Evalle either.

Both of them would jump in with Quinn and lose all that they had gained.

No, this was his fight, and his sacrifice, if it ended badly. Phoedra was his responsibility and he was going to give her a chance at life.

Reese was his responsibility, too, even if she fought his attempts to help her at every turn.

After reaching out to Evalle telepathically and determining she could pick them up a short distance away at Woodruff Park, he walked Reese downstairs and onto the sidewalk.

After crossing two streets, they reached the park at an area known as Five Points, due to five roads coming together in one central downtown spot. The digital clock on the iconic Coca-Cola sign blinked with a temperature of sixty-three, and the time, just after two in the morning. Few people moved along the sidewalks this time of night, and exhaust from earlier traffic hung in the humid air.

If not for the dire situation, he could imagine strolling along the quiet sidewalk with Reese after a night on the town.

Normal people lived that way. He should try it sometime.

Reese said, “Gibbons would like this park.”

“Who is that?”

“My mutt. He loves to play Frisbee.”

“Then you should take him to Piedmont Park on a nice day. That’s where everyone in the city goes.”

“Uhm hmm.” She walked along, silent now.

He hated when she shut down. His beautiful perpetual ball of energy was normally ready to take action and give her opinion, whether he asked for it or not.

He wouldn’t want her any other way.

The fact that he might not see her again after this gnawed his insides. When he thought about how she’d helped him save Kizira’s body from Queen Maeve weeks ago, then rushed to rescue Phoedra now, he struggled for the words he owed her.

In the end, he said, “Thank you, Reese, for everything. You have been amazing through all of this and you’ll never know how much I appreciate your being Phoedra’s friend.”

She cursed and flashed him her signature you’re-gonna-get-an-earful glare. “That sounds like a goodbye talk. Really, Quinn?”

He should have known better than to think he could keep this simple. “No, but things are going to get complicated quickly. With so many people around once Evalle picks us up, we won’t have a chance to talk privately. I’m not saying goodbye, but I am making sure that if anything happens to me that you know how much I appreciate all you’ve done for Phoedra and for me. I also want you to know that you’re important to me, but if something goes awry while gaining Phoedra’s freedom, I hope you’ll continue to watch over her so she isn’t alone.”

Quinn realized he’d walked two steps alone.

He turned to find out why Reese had stopped.

She was a vision, standing there with the dark, gauzy wrap poofed out around her and waves of coppery-brown hair flowing to her shoulders. Perfect full lips were set in an unhappy shape as she considered him, and fire filled those dazzling eyes that saw too much.

He should thank her for the breathtaking image burned into his mind. He would take it to his death.

“Don’t make me hurt you, Quinn.”

What a woman, full of piss and vinegar.

He should never have allowed himself the freedom to make love with her when he had no idea what tomorrow would bring, but he refused to regret one second of feeling her next to him and loving her for those hours.

Damn his soul, he wanted her again. He had a feeling that wouldn’t change even if he had a lifetime to test it.

She paced forward and gripped his lapels, which was becoming her go-to action when he annoyed her. Probably her way of evening the difference in height between them when she wanted to get a point across.  

She tugged him down until their noses almost touched, hesitating a half-beat before she kissed him.

His world flipped all over the place when they touched. He drove his hands into her hair, pulling her deeper into the kiss. Heat burned everywhere they touched and his body demanded he take her up on her offer.

When she released him, she warned, “If you go off on your own without me to back you up, I will make you sorry you were born.”

No half measure with her. “That’s a hard offer to resist.”

“You are so infuriating.”

“I know the feeling,” he chided, smiling at her.

An old Land Cruiser pulled up with the passenger window down. “Hey, you two. Want to ride?” Evalle called out.

Reese jumped back, but Quinn caught her to him, warning, “Please do what I ask for any hope of us seeing each other again.”

Her fire melted under that request. “Damn you, Quinn. You better not get yourself killed.”

“I’ll do my best to fulfill that directive.”

“You’re hot even when you sound like you have a stick up your backside.”

“Dollar waiting on a dime, guys,” Evalle called out, giving Quinn a narrowed look that promised an interrogation.

Kickass women might just be his downfall.

At Evalle and Storm’s building, he, Reese, and Evalle met in the conference room.

Quinn waited for the ladies to take seats, then started the conversation. “First, I want you to know that we can speak freely around Reese. She’s earned my trust and is the reason I even know where Phoedra is at the moment.”

Evalle cut her gaze at Reese first then to Quinn and asked, “Where is she?”

“The Medb have her, but someone I believe is working with Veronika actually brokered the initial kidnapping.”

Sitting back with a hand over her eyes, Evalle groaned. “We failed.”

“Not necessarily,” Quinn said. “I’ll explain more on that in a moment. First, what’s going on with the Beladors?”

“Daegan is running teams around the clock to track down families,” Evalle said, placing her hands on the table in front of her. “I’m here only because I was on the way by our building to drop off my bike and pick up Storm’s truck. Storm’s tracking a troll who he thinks has kidnapped a human teen belonging to a Belador. Storm wanted a way to transport any victims because we sometimes find other humans and can’t keep calling Daegan to teleport everyone. Tristan is blown out from teleporting warriors to different locations to save time.”

Hearing how stretched Daegan and the Beladors were with looking for families that had been taken, Quinn silently acknowledged he was on his own with his plan. “I’m sorry I haven’t been here to help, but—”

“No one expects you to be here, Quinn. Not until Phoedra is safe.”

“Thank you. But I do think now that Reese and I are here, we can help.”

Evalle gave him thumbs up. “Awesome.”

Reese sent him a sharp look, but didn’t start arguing. That was a refreshing change.

“Where does VIPER stand on all this right now?” Quinn asked.

Scoffing first, Evalle said, “After Sen blew off helping Beladors and Daegan declared the rule of cosaint, we’ve had very little contact with VIPER. Daegan got really pissed when he found out Veronika had escaped. By the way, she’s still on the loose. As soon as warriors come off VIPER duty, Daegan puts them to either protecting their families or helping hunt down the missing teenagers. Due to that, VIPER brought in a load of bounty hunters, which hasn’t turned out to be as simple as having Belador warriors.”

“That’s not surprising,” Quinn commented.

Evalle nodded and continued. “I spoke to one of the warriors who just came off duty at VIPER and he said Sen may not admit it, but VIPER is in trouble. Trolls who are not involved with the kidnappings are filing complaints over attacks. Medb witches and warlocks are filing complaints of being persecuted. Everyone is a victim and everyone is a potential suspect. Oh! And we were almost exposed to humans twice in the last three hours, but Sen managed to fix it.”

“That wanker Sen deserves the bloody headache he’s suffering, but I am glad he did something right. Having our world exposed to humans would be an unimaginable crisis.” Everything Quinn had heard so far reinforced his plan, which he hoped would also aid the Beladors. “Time is clearly of the essence. I don’t wish to hold you up so I’ll get to the point. I have an idea for how to get Phoedra back.”

“Yes.” Evalle fist pumped.

Reese didn’t weigh in. Suspicion peeked out of her eyes.

“I am going to speak with the Tribunal to—”

“No!” echoed in the room from Evalle and Reese shouting.

“Hear me out,” he snapped at his grumbling audience. “I believe from all you’re telling me that the Tribunal would be open to negotiation. If they aid us in getting Phoedra back then we’ll help them recapture Veronika.”

“Huh. That would do it if the Tribunal could pull off their part,” Evalle mused. “How are we going to capture Veronika, though? Daegan took Adrianna to Treoir to prevent Veronika being able to access her and so that Adrianna could work with Garwyli. That also helps protect Beladors and Phoedra from that wacko.”

“I will offer only our assistance in trade, not guarantee that we will be the ones to capture Veronika,” Quinn clarified. “She is too powerful for anyone to boast of a single-handed capture. We stand to lose lives just by being involved with confronting her, though.” 

“True, but when Daegan finds out Veronika’s role in Phoedra being captured and the Medb now having her, he’ll definitely be all in. He’s serious about keeping Phoedra away from both groups.”

“I realize that, but I don’t think we should interfere with what he’s doing right now. I’ll have more to tell him once I go to the Tribunal.”  Quinn hoped once he entered, he’d be able to leave again and with an agreement. This would test his negotiating skills. He explained, “We must assure two things no matter what, Evalle. One is that Phoedra is freed safely, and two is that we protect our dragon king at all costs. He is the future. Without him, it will be a dark future for the Beladors.”

She stood. “Agreed. What else?”

“I would like to ask Reese to use her remote viewing gift to aid in locating the missing children.”

Reese rose. “No. I want to go with you as backup.”

“The Tribunal will not allow you to join me, and even if they would, VIPER doesn’t know you exist. Show your face there and you’ll be subject to their rule. I won’t allow you to put yourself in that position.”

Evalle added, “He’s right, Reese. And if he trusts you, then I do. We need any help we can get. We’ve lost twelve children as of earlier tonight. It could be more by now. The Medb have managed to hit at the heart of the Beladors.”

Clearly torn and disappointed, Reese nodded. “I’m going to need some clothes.”

Giving Reese a long perusal, Evalle said, “I wondered about the party outfits.”

Quinn said, “Trust me when I tell you that neither of us chose these clothes or wished to have been where they were foisted upon us, but that’s how we found a lead on Phoedra.”

“Ah! That sounds like a good story when we finally get a chance to breathe and catch up over wine.”  Evalle had recently tried wine for the first time, thanks to Storm, and only because she trusted him enough to let her guard down. She walked to the door, telling Reese, “Come up to the fourth level when you’re ready. I’ll find something you can wear even if we have to roll up sleeves and cuffs.”

“I’ll be there in a moment,” Reese replied.

Once Evalle’s footsteps thumped away up the steps, Reese walked over to Quinn. “Foisted? Where do you get these words?”

“Me? You never fail to surprise me with the things you say.”

“We all have our gifts, Quinn. Mine is being annoying.”

“Something I do love about you,” he admitted.

Her eyes softened, pushing away the cockiness. She said, “This plan of yours is what you call doing your best not to leave me?”

“I said I’d do my best to keep you informed, which I have. I have only one move in all this and it must happen quickly. Please help the Beladors. They are a loyal lot who will not forget any aid. It would gain you ally status for as long as you never cross them.”

“One of these days, you’re going to have to stop taking care of everyone else, Quinn, and do something for you.”

He had stolen a moment for himself back in the Keith’s realm. “I’m doing it right now. I’m a selfish bastard who wants you and Phoedra to be safe, and I won’t accept anything less.” He leaned down and kissed her sweetly. “Remember what I asked you to do.”

She tugged on his tux lapels, but gently this time. “Don’t make me have to tell Phoedra that both of her parents are dead.”

He could not make that promise, so he kissed her again and walked out. He was still the Belador Maistir of North America, which gave him the authority to contact Sen.

Once he was two blocks from Evalle’s home, Quinn sent out a telepathic call to the liaison. He’d risk using telepathy to locate Sen immediately.

Power slapped the air when Sen arrived in person, snarling, “What the fuck do you want, Belador?”

“A Tribunal meeting.”

“This is your lucky day. VIPER is pissed and the Tribunal is in a rare mood. I can’t wait to drop your tuxedoed ass in there.”

Quinn kept his eyes open, prepared to watch as Atlanta spun out of view for the last time.