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“It doesn’t matter what you discover. No one will believe you. No one.” Then his eyes closed and his chin slumped to his chest.

“They’d better,” Horvan muttered.

Everything was riding on this.

Two of Aelryn’s men lifted Theron from his chair and carried him from the vault. Horvan glanced at Aelryn. “Keep him unconscious until he reaches Leighton Hall. Has Deveraux given you any idea where you can store him until you’re ready to leave?”

Aelryn’s lips twitched. “Apparently, there are dungeons at the Hall. I think that’s a fitting place for a makeshift prison, don’t you?”

Horvan grinned. “Perfect. Does it come with instruments of torture?”

“Alas, they’re all long gone.”

“Pity.” The thought of putting Theron in an Iron Maiden…. He cocked his head. “Does Amazon sell them?”

SAUL STOODin the middle of the hallway, confronted by a line of doors, all of them locked.Sing out, baby. We’re close.

“In here!”

Vic’s voice was faint, coming from the door at the foot of the narrow staircase.

Crank was there in a heartbeat, kicking at the base of it, slamming into it with his shoulder. “Vic, step away from the door!” he yelled before aiming his Sig at the lock.

“That doesn’t work, remember? Only in movies,” Saul yelled as he ran to join him.

Crank gave one more slam into the door, and it broke off its hinges. “Oh fuck. Saul, get in here.”

Saul double-timed it into the room to find Vic bound to a chair. He looked like shit, his skin dry and cracked so badly that it had bled. “Goddamn it. I’ll kill that son of a bitch.” Saul’s voice quavered.

“What’s wrong with him?” Crank crouched next to Vic’s chair.

“He’s been out of the water for too long.” Saul tapped his earpiece. “Bring my bag. Now!” He wrapped his arms around Vic’s neck. “We’ve got you, baby,” he crooned. Then he quickly undid the ropes and stripped off the grubby clothes, his heart quaking at the sight of Vic’s body.

Hold on, baby. You hear me?

A soldier came running into the room, carrying a hefty duffel that he handed to Saul, who ripped it open. He handed Crank a bottle of water, then grabbed another and snapped off the top. Crank, fortunately, followed suit. Then, very carefully, Saul poured the liquid over Vic, making sure it went everywhere.

“Oh, thank the gods,” Vic croaked.

Crank emptied his own bottle over Vic while Saul picked up another. “I don’t understand.”

Saul didn’t take his eyes off Vic. “Aquatic shifters need to be near water all the time. Even if it’s just a shower or bath. They kept him locked up in here, and his body is going into shock. We need to hydrate him, then get him medical help.”

“I’m fine,” Vic croaked. Saul brought the bottle to his cracked lips, and Vic swallowed, although more ended up on him than in him.

“You’re a fucking liar,” Saul snarled. “Your blood is pooling on the floor.” He jerked his head toward Crank. “Tell Horvan to get that fucker Theron out of here or I’ll kill him, even if I have to take out our own guys to get to him.”

“And I’ll be there with you,” Crank vowed.

Saul cupped Vic’s chin. “Will it hurt you if I lift you?”

“Just get me out of here.”

He hoisted Vic into his arms, wincing when his lover gave a shuddering cry. He turned to ask Crank to help, but he was already storming toward the door.

“Where the fuck are you going?”

“To kill that son of a bitch,” Crank snarled, his voice breaking. “He has to die.”