Page 95 of Crimson Moon Falling

“In what way?”

“Some would say I’ve been in the right place at the right time.”

He put his hands behind his back. “The Shifter Registration Law Subcommittee needs leverage against your mate. He’s been an agitator and a fly in the ointment with his fierce opposition and financial resources.”

Langston spoke for the first time, his jowls wobbling. “You also seriously injured one of my agents, Ms. Blackthorne. If he dies–”

Wilson cut him off. “Why did Alpha Segerson mate you, and why is Commander Marlowe so enamored with you? Something about you intrigues him. What is it?”

My implant kept my face neutral. “I have no idea.”

“Your father was an outlier Resonant. What’s your mother’s designation?”

The room felt suddenly smaller, and Parker’s words echoed in my head. “I wonder if you have some of your mother’s Inamorata traits.”

“Marlowe is fixated on me because I got away. That’s all.”

“Your mother is an Inamorata.” He said it like it was a dirty word. “Are you a Polymorph, Ms. Blackthorne?”

My heart hammered against my ribs. I was a Polymorph, but not for the reason he was thinking. The implant sent another cold hum across my system, trying to regulate my emotions, but fear leaked through, hot and sharp.

“I’ve never exhibited Inamorata traits. We can’t help how we were born, but you can help being a racist.”

He raised an eyebrow. “I’m not a racist or a bigot, Ms. Blackthorne. But I am a realist, and Normals like me would be hunted and exterminated if we didn’t ruthlessly protect our interests against you people. Segerson needs to back off and let the legislation pass, and I want Marlowe neutralized.” He tilted his head. “You went back to Mary Mountain for more than just a missing park ranger, didn’t you?”

If he found out I could Spool, I was dead. “If I was really a threat, do you think I’d be strapped to this bed right now? And Marlowe could’ve taken me a dozen times by now if he wanted to.”

“Fair points.” His smartwatch vibrated, and he looked down at it. “I have a few matters to attend to. Then we’ll continue this conversation.” At the door, he looked back at me. “Rest. You’re going to need it.”

The door hissed shut behind them, and I lay back and stared at the blinking camera. Slowly, I flexed my fingers inside the rubber mittens, then sent a tiny electrical current down my arm. A faint buzz sounded as energy hit the grounding wires, but nothing else happened. Okay, that was fine. I would figure this out, and Conall and Parker would come for me.

But god, I hated being strapped down to a bed again.

Chapter 29

Conall

As he finished reading an email from Drew, Conall’s phone rang, Owen’s name coming up on his screen.

“How’d the checkup go?”

“I’m sorry.” Owen’s usual arrogance was gone.

“What happened? Where’s Riley?” he stood slowly.

“They took her.”

Fear gripped him by the throat. “Who took her?”

“Two pissed-off ogres and a cat shifter. Freda says they’re part of Langston’s FBCI kill squad. They knocked Freda out in the waiting room.”

“Owen, do you know where Riley is?” His wolf flooded his vision, turning everything to shades of blue and yellow.

“No. She sent an ogre through a fucking window with a bolt of electricity, and I don’t know if he’s still alive. Riley told me to get Feeny out, then dove through the broken window. When I got back with the authorities, she was gone.”

Conall closed his eyes. The bond felt too distant. “Where are you now?”

“Outside the pediatrician’s office. Feeny’s with me, and thanks to Riley, she’s fine. Freda’s in the hospital. Conall, I’m sorry—”