Page 111 of Red Fury

“You’re working with the Red?” Reed’s shock is evident, and she doesn’t sound happy about it.

“He saved my life,” I explain. “And his input has been invaluable. I wouldn’t have the information about the nuclear weapons if not for him.”

“Are you just using him?” she asks pointedly.

“Of course,” I lie smoothly. “It’s a mutually beneficial relationship. I’d still be a captive of that mobster if not for the Red. He’s come in handy.”

“And you would still be able to neutralize the male if it becomes necessary?” I can almost feel her eyes narrow on me all the way from Draig Island.

Crap!

“Of course.” I give her the expected answer. Not the one that screams inside my head.

No!

No!

No!

No!

I could never hurt Fury. Let alone kill him. Not after everything we’ve been through. Not after the way he risked everything to save me. Not after the way he looked at me when he was deep inside me.

“The mission comes first,” I add, even though the words feel wrong.

“Good,” Reed says. “I’m warning you against becoming too attached to him, Shadow. Against trusting him too much. By all means, use him, work with him to gain the intelligence we need. Especially when it comes to this potential nuclear threat. It’s all acceptable, but only up to a point. You must always remember that Reds will always put Reds first. It’s how it has always beenand how it will always be. They hate us and with good reason. Do you understand?”

“I understand,” I tell her, but in reality, I’m more confused than ever. Everything I thought I knew about Reds, about the conflict between our people, feels muddled now. Fury doesn’t feel like the enemy. He feels like…him…like Fury.

“Keep your wits about you,” Reed continues. “There will be another flight scheduled for later today. I’ll send you the details as soon as I have them. Be ready to move at short notice. No one has ever been this late for their vaccination before, Shadow. There are going to be consequences.”

My stomach drops. I’d almost forgotten about the vaccination requirement in all the chaos.

“I can only stay one night this time,” I tell her quickly. “I need to get back to the Mainland as soon as possible. It’s critical that I figure out the rest of the password to Harrison’s computer. I need whatever information is on there. The nuclear weapons, they—”

“This is a huge problem.” She sighs. “You might be jailed, Shadow. I don’t know what the ramifications will be. They are actively looking for you. Remember that these are Mainland Officials…humans who don’t even know about your mission. We don’t have much say in the matter. I’ll do what I can to protect you and to make your return to the Mainland happen,” Reed adds. “The Council and I will put our heads together. I’m sure we can come up with something. We must. Especially considering this nuclear threat.” She sounds flustered, which is a first. “Just get your ass back here.”

The line goes dead.

I stare at my phone for a moment, processing everything she said.

Craaaaap!

I make a noise of frustration as I walk back to the SUV. Fury is behind the wheel; he starts the engine as I approach. I climb into the passenger seat and buckle my seatbelt.

“And? How did it go?” I ask. “Do you still have a job?”

His hands tighten on the steering wheel. “I’ve been ordered to return home immediately.” The anger in his voice is barely contained.

“Really? Isn’t that a bit harsh?”

“I’d say.” His jaw is tight. He looks at me, and his eyes are blazing.

I swallow thickly. “What are you going to do? You can’t go back. Not now.”

He pulls in a couple of deep breaths, putting the SUV in drive. “I don’t know. It’s a shitshow.” He pushes out a heavy breath. “I can’t disobey another direct order. Apparently, they have another operative lined up and ready to go. I was given the position by an ‘agency.’ The same ‘agency’ will replace me. The new male will be able to slot in within a day or two. Steel is saying he can pick up where I left off, which is bullshit. The powers that be are making a mistake pulling me now. It’s a fuck-up, to say the least. I need to be here. I haven’t gone rogue.”

Rogue.