Page 67 of Peacemaker

I sighed. “All right. I guess that’s all I’m getting.”

“That’s all I know.” But as I turned to walk away, he took my arm. “You need protection. It’s not good for you to come into the city alone. Not now. Call me when you need company. Anytime, for any reason.”

I squeezed his hand. “Thanks, Alejandro.”

“What are you going to do now?” As he walked me to my car, Jade Noel fell in behind us, as silent as a shadow.

“I’m going to start talking to the media,” I replied. “And to the humans. I want to point out that the supernaturals are helping, that they can wrap this city up in protection and peace. The humans just have to let them.”

“All you’re doing is proving to them that you’ll come running when they beckon,” Jade said.

“I’m not bringing the supernaturals here tonight,” I told her. “I’m not bringing my hunters here. If the mayor won’t change his rules, we’re not going to protect him and his city.”

Jade laughed. “He knows you won’t stay in Bay Town while innocent humans are being attacked, Sinclair. We all know that.”

There was that contempt again.

And the sad thing was, she was probably right. Could I stay put while dozens of humans were slaughtered by the very creatures I was meant to kill?

As badly as I might want to, could I deny Crawford when he called for help?

Yeah…no.

Probably not.

“Change won’t happen without some sacrifices,” Jade said. “The humans need to pressure Delaney, and they won’t do that if we rush in to save them every time they’re in trouble.”

“Rifters aren’t just trouble,” I said, fed up. “They’ll rip this city apart and turn every human inside it. Do you want that to happen, Jade?”

I wouldn’t really know what I was going to do until I did it. I wanted freedom for the supernaturals. But I wasn’t sure I could allow innocents to die to get it.

“You’re doing this now?” Al asked me as I got into my car.

“There won’t be a better time.”

He traded a long look with Jade, who sighed and shrugged. “All right.”

“We’ll tag along,” Al said.

“You don’t have to do that.”

“I know, but if we don’t, Rhys will kick my ass.”

Jade climbed into the front with me. “And as I said, I need to be more visible. Two birds, one sledgehammer.”

“Speaking of hammer,” Al said, from the back, “Where’s Amanda today?”

I began calling my men as Al and Jade chatted, and the only one of them who answered was Shane.

“You okay?” he asked.

“Yes. I’m with Al and Jade Noel. We’re going to go tell the humans how awesome the supernats are, and then I’ll be home. We still have to do the hie potion.”

“Might have to do it tomorrow night,” he said. “Some of the ingredients aren’t exactly easy to get.”

“Are you having trouble?” Shane had to get the ashes of a burned human. I imagined him at a funeral home, trying to burgle a crematory.

“Not enough to worry,” he replied. “Just might take a little longer. I’ll see you at home, baby hunter.”