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“Someone must have snuck him the poison.” Whether he took it willingly or not was another matter.

Colin stared at the blank television screen, his tone pensive. “You thinking we have a mole inside Claymore?”

Was it possible one of the males in their ranks had dishonored the oath they’d pledged to Victor? Absolutely. Some of the warriors were there because Victor paid them. Others because they owed him a debt. A select few, like Jericho, were there because they supported the clan leader's efforts to maintain order.

“Perhaps.”

“Shit.” Colin smacked the arm of the sofa. “That’s all we need. For the right price, just about anyone could turn traitor. Guarantee you, Zion’s got money to burn with what he’s making on black ice.”

Jericho massaged Titan’s silky head, his mind filled with dark thoughts.

“So, uh, how are things here at The Pound?” Colin looked around as though he was searching for somethingor someone.

“Alex is sleeping.”

Colin slumped, picking at the frayed seam on his jeans.

Jericho snorted. “You’re disappointed?”

“Hey, man, I’ve never met a faerie before.” Colin scratched his chin, frowning. “At least, I don’t think I have. Do you think they could make me forget something like that?”

Yes. That and more. “Alex isn’t a circus sideshow.”

“Aw, come on now,” Colin said, sounding affronted. “I didn’t mean it that way.”

Silence stretched between them. Colin’s probing gaze heated the side of Jericho’s face. “What?” he snapped.

Colin snickered. “You look like shit.”

Jericho cast him a dark glare. “Meaning?”

“Just figured you’d look different, glowing with health, brimming with vitality. Haven’t you fed from her yet?”

Not since the night he’d claimed her. His body coiled tight, and he pressed his lips together.

“You’re kidding me?” Colin’s brows shot into his hairline. “You have a beautiful faerie bonded to you as your Chosen, and you haven’t fed from her?”

Jericho patted Titan’s head and rose to his feet. “It’s getting late. Think it’s time you were on your way.”

Colin stood as well. “Do you know how many vampires would love to get their hands on a faerie?” He flung his arms out. “What are you waiting for? I mean, I realize she was Liam’s and all, but she’s yours now. He gave her to you.”

Jericho pinched the bridge of his nose. “Having Alex as my Chosen isn’t a gift but a burden. I swore to Liam I would protect her, and that’s what I’m going to do. Hell, I think he might have actually been in love with her.”

“Is it that surprising?”

“Liam isn’t one for tender emotions. He knows better than to waste his affections on a faerie. They’re heartless, selfish creatures whose only purpose is to use and destroy everyone they touch. I’ve yet to meet one who could be trusted.” Even as he’d said the words, they didn’t ring true where Alex was concerned.

“Maybe Alex is different.”

Jericho hitched a shoulder. “Regardless, when Liam recovers, we’ll sort everything out.”

“You meanifhe recovers.” Colin snorted. “What will you do if Liam doesn’t wake up?”

Jericho’s throat tightened, the thought too much to bear. “I’m not sure.” He swallowed hard. “All I know is, the sooner I’m rid of her, the better.”

Nine

Alex shovedher aching body off the mattress and sat up, squinting at the sunlight streaming through the windows. Her bleary gaze traveled the room. Like the rest of the firehouse, the bedroom she’d been given was simple and uncluttered—and pleasantly devoid of any pointy implements of death.