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“I don’t like this,” Vlad grumbled.

Neither did I. “Put an extra team on the house and send Aleksey to all the locations to see if there’s anything unusual going on.”

“Sure thing, Damyr. I’ll go with him.”

I shook my head. “No. You have plans. Let’s keep to business as usual for now. I don’t know who this guy is, but he knows enough that he chose Charlie to manipulate. Means he’s got eyes on us somehow.”

“Understood. Continue as normal.” Vlad tucked his hands into his pockets and rocked back on his heels. “And our guest?”

I pursed my lips. “I will deal with him.”

“You can’t kill him, Damyr.”

“I’m not going to kill him,” I said, a burst of rage burning in my gut.

“Okay,” Vlad replied softly, his hands held out placatingly. “Just don’t do anything stupid. Well,morestupid than moving him into your mansion with his fucking cat.”

“Not a fan of cats?” I asked, amused by the pinched frown over Vlad’s eyes.

“No,” he snarled. “They hiss and throw up furballs.”

I snorted. The thought of Vlad, who was built like a brick shithouse, running from a tiny cat was ridiculous. “I’m sure the cat will grow on you.”

Vlad growled. “I don’t fucking think so.”

“Alright, be off with you. Tell Aleksey to let me know if anything crops up.”

“Yes, Boss.” Vlad nodded his head sharply and then left my office, his large frame making no sound.

I stared at the black screen. Who could this possibly be? I racked my brain but beyond the usual culprits, I couldn’t think of anyone who had the power to pull off this kind of stunt. The three ruling families had always had a good alliance and we ran this city relatively peacefully, keeping our trades outside the city walls. There were always threats to our rule, but they were low level and sporadic at best. This felt calculated. Purposeful.

Personal.

I dug my phone out and fired a message to the Council.

ME

I have a problem. Need to meet.

MARCELLE

Need someone to help you hide the human?

Fucking Lavaeux. How did that guy always know everything? Fucking shifters and their network of secrets.

ME

Don’t know what you’re talking about.

DARA

Stop teasing the poor boy. The Julian. 11pm.

MARCELLE

Fine. Your time to buy the drinks, Damyr.

ME