Page 98 of Bad Wolf's Nanny

Lola turned her back on the sound, pressing her palms against her eyes as the first sob escaped. She gave herself five seconds, no more.

Then she stood tall.

She straightened the hem of her skirt, smoothed her hair, and lifted her chin.

And walked upstairs.

The main hall was dim and acrid with smoke. The lights overhead flickered weakly, and the air was laced with the ghost of fire and explosives. Two of Red Teeth’s alphas lounged by the door, muttering to each other. The one with the scar jumped to his feet as she walked in, his eyes flashing. The other watched her like a predator.

Lola didn’t falter.

“I want to speak to your leader,” she said calmly, “now.”

Scar-mouth laughed, “You got something to say to the boss, sweetheart? You think he’s got time to listen toyou?”

“I think he’ll want to hear what I have to offer,” Lola replied coldly.

The one with the predator stare leaned in. “And what’s that?”

“Information,” she said. “I’m not a member of the Iron Walkers. I’m not pack. I have no loyalty to them. And I have information I can give to you in exchange for my safety.”

They exchanged glances.

“Importantinformation,” Lola said, willing her hands not to tremble, “information about Felix and the other alphas. I’m sure your leader will want to hear what I have to say. It could mean the difference between your victory and defeat.”

She set her jaw, silently screaming at them with every bone in her body to take the bait.

A moment later, one of them disappeared through a side door.

Lola waited, barely breathing, her heart hammering like it wanted to crack through her ribs.

Finally, the alpha returned and jerked his head. “He’ll see you. Amused, mostly. Don’t bore him.”

They led her down a narrow corridor, through another steel door. It opened into the lounge room that once held quiet warmth and celebration. Now it reeked of blood and gunpowder.

Red Teeth stood by the far window, masked in bone and draped in shadow.

The mask looked like a predator’s jaw, molded from some beast she didn’t want to imagine. It covered half his face, but she could still see his mouth, thin, bloodless lips twisted in something that was not quite a smile.

He was taller than the other alphas. Bigger. His presence stole the air from the room.

She swallowed her fear. “I have information that I think you’ll find very useful.”

Red Teeth turned slowly, silent.

“And who are you?”

“Someone who can help you,” she said, “you’ve got us trapped in here, but you’ve overlooked something. Something important. Something that will give Felix the edge when he attacks.”

His head tilted, considering, “And what could you possibly know, little girl?”

Lola’s spine straightened, “I’ve been working with the Iron Walkers. I’m privy to information that you don’t have. And I’ll give it to you, in exchange for my safety.”

He took a slow step forward. The scent of ash and rot came off him like a cloak.

“You’re bold.”

“I’m practical.”