Total pages in book: 138
Estimated words: 127461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 637(@200wpm)___ 510(@250wpm)___ 425(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 127461 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 637(@200wpm)___ 510(@250wpm)___ 425(@300wpm)
“Like Jeremiah. That’s why you were concerned he was a plant.”
“How do you know he isn’t?”
Gorya knew, but he didn’t know how to explain to her his gut reaction to traitors. He lifted the gauze from the wound. She was still bleeding. He wanted to snarl at the doctor. Why was it taking so damn long?
“I know he isn’t, baby, but I’ll make certain you know it too before we’re finished. I’ll want to see this tree of yours. Drake is going to have to be protected. He’s leader of the lair in New Orleans. If he has three traitors in his lair and doesn’t know it, it’s imperative we warn him immediately. But you have to be absolutely certain.”
“I’ve got proof.” Her lashes fluttered. “I’m feeling sick. So is Wraith.”
“Doc is on his way, Maya. Gedeon just texted. He’s about four minutes out. Try to rest.”
“Don’t leave me alone with him.” Her eyes closed, but her fingers crushed the sheets in her fists.
“I won’t.”
“And I need my weapons close.”
“They’ll be right where you can reach them, but Rogue and I won’t leave your side. I’ve given you my word, Maya. We’re in this together. The two of us.”
“I let them see me, Gorya. No one has ever seen what I’m capable of.”
Her voice was a soft murmur, but there was alarm in it. She knew she was gifted, and she would be hunted if others knew about those gifts.
“I will protect you with my life.” It was a vow.
10
Drake Donovan was young to be head of an international security company. His name alone commanded respect throughout the world of shifters and humans alike. Along with running a huge security company responsible for bringing home kidnap victims from all parts of the world, he was leader of the lair in New Orleans.
Donovan was built like a shifter, with ropes of powerful muscles, chest dense and muscular, shoulders wide. His hair was thick and blond, and his facial features were carved in strong lines. He had the fluid movements of the leopard and wore the mantle of authority easily. Drake wasn’t a man to lead by throwing his weight around. He was quiet, but when he spoke, he did so in a way that had everyone listening to him—even Gorya.
They sat around the large conference table with Donovan and Jake Bannaconni, a shifter businessman with shrewd gold eyes with flecks of green that could take over quickly if he became angry. He was a billionaire and brilliant in everything he did, especially finding oil and taking apart companies and putting them back together. The two men were accompanied by Jeremiah Wheating.
Gorya greeted the newcomers. “Thanks for coming on such short notice. I realize my message must have sounded cryptic, but I couldn’t take any chances. I have disturbing news and I couldn’t take chances it would get out. I know this room is secure and those in it are one hundred percent loyal to Drake and his cause.”
Maya sat in the shadows in the corner of the room, her smaller figure nearly disappearing, but he knew the men were acutely aware of her. They were respectful. Gorya hadn’t drawn attention to her, so other than glancing her way once, the men didn’t comment or look again, waiting until he introduced her. He was grateful for that sign of respect. She would always be uncomfortable around other men, although she didn’t show it.
Timur had positioned himself in front of her, partially blocking the others’ view of her. He wanted to point that out to her, but didn’t, hoping she would see it on her own and realize his cousin was taking his screwup seriously. He regarded her as family now and was determined to make amends. It was hard not to admire Timur. The life he’d led had shaped him into a very protective, dominant alpha, but when he made mistakes, he owned them.
“My woman has been tracking criminals for quite some time, and her investigations have run into ours. She has uncovered far more than we have, including traitors in our lairs. Jeremiah, you were invited to this meeting for a specific reason, but I’m going to give you a warning, and I need you to listen carefully. While we know and trust you, she doesn’t. She has had to conceal her identity her entire life. My family is one of the worst offenders, but the fact that you come from Panama condemns you as well. She will have to determine for herself that you are no threat to her. If you are asked questions, answer honestly and without your usual attempt at charm or sarcasm. If, for any reason, and that includes being disrespectful to her, I have to tell you to leave, you will no longer be included in this circle and will not be privileged to any information. Is that understood?” Gorya willed the man to understand he meant what he said.