Havoc’s voice dropped into my mind, and when Triss raised a brow, I realized she’d figured it out.I’ll come back when I’m ready.
Well, things have changed here. The Watcher has a game plan for taking out the Isobitch. And so does the council.
My pulse accelerated as he continued.I’m not getting involved in this fucking craziness. Soon as you bring Fang back, I’m outta here.
It shouldn’t have surprised me, but it hurt like hell. All I said was,Fine, then.
Stupid council is sending the Sabres and Dragon Legion against Brock’s palace. Like that will end well,He hesitated, and then said,The Watcher wants me to tell you to get your ass back here. She has a nutzoid scheme that revolves around you. I think you should tell her where she can go.
My gut twisted. Did I want to see this through to the end?Unless they have another Jumper, I’m the only option.
You’re too fucking smart to go along with this. It’s a one-way ticket to the other side. Nothing can stand against Isobel.He almost snarled the words.
I straightened in my seat. A part of me still wanted to run and never look back. But Isobel was at the heart of all my pain.Isobel needs to go down.
Run, run now.He sounded almost desperate.I’ll meet you someplace to pick up Fang. Don’t come back here.
I’m not running,I said, as surprised as he was.
So you’re coming back here?Havoc growled.
I gritted my teeth.I will return when Fang has finished her milk.
She drinks milk?
Some pet owner you are.
A growl rolled through my mind, and he was gone. I met Triss’s sympathetic gaze.
“I take it the Dragon’s a bit abrasive,” she said.
“He’s a grade-one asshole,” I affirmed. “But I understand him.” And I did. Including why he was leaving.
I just couldn’t do it myself.
I sighed. “I get Havoc. Marcus—he is harder.”
Her lips twitched, just a little. “The best ones always are.”
* * *
I Jumped back to the same place beneath the trees.
The only one there was Havoc, leaning against a massive buttress root, his copper gaze rivaling the morning sunlight filtering through the leaves overhead. It was disconcerting seeing myself arrive through his eyes.
He was waiting for Fang so he could leave this place in his dust. When my heart constricted, I decided he could wait a little longer. Fang didn’t seem to object when, instead of walking toward the red Dragon, I walked into the treehouse.
His growl reverberated through my mind as I vanished from sight, but he didn’t follow me. I climbed the stairs until I found Cara in the library. She wasn’t alone, but I was surprised by who she was with.
Bess stood with her. Rafael leaned against the shelves in the corner, and my pulse leaped when his eyes skittered to mine. I squelched my feelings, smiling at Vali and Kiko instead, who both sat at the table.
Across from them were Tareal and Lora.
The Hitzu twins were sitting with their entire bodies pressed together from hip to shoulder. I noticed that their tails were entwined as well.
Any sign of cockiness had vanished—instead, they appeared distraught. Lora even looked as though she’d been crying. I didn’t even know Hitzus could cry.
My gaze traveled from them to the Watchers. Who both stared at me.
