Page 65 of The Runaway Mate

Shit.

“You want me to go in there, suss it out?” Wally asked.

I looked at the restaurant door. The sign above it announcing that it was Reynold’s Sushi and Meat Bar was slick and understated. It was crafted in matte black lettering against a brushed steel backdrop. Its modern, clean lines seemed to promise an experience as refined as the font itself.

“No, it’s too dangerous. We regroup back at the house and come up with a new plan.”

Just then, the walkie-talkie crackled. “Hey, are you listening in to Brock? His phone’s ringing.”

I picked up the earpiece that would let me listen in on what Brock was saying and popped it in my ear just as Brock answered.

“Yeah?”

There was a muffled voice on the other end. I couldn’t make out what they were saying.

“Sure thing. She’s here.”

Who was there? I hadn’t seen any women on their own enter the diner since we’d arrived. Did he mean a waitress?

“Of course, man. She’s all yours. Just like we agreed.”

Maybe he was talking about a car?

“You’ve got five minutes. Then I’m leaving.”

I got on the radio. “Sof, how trustworthy is Maria-Anne? Is there a chance we’ve been set up?”

Silence. I frowned, radioing Sofia again, but she didn’t respond.

Chills shot down my spine.

“Come in, Sofia! Jase? Do you copy?”

Nothing.

Fuck!

I threw the door open and jumped out. I had to get to Sofia and Jase.

“Mai!” Wally yelled at me. “Get back in the car.”

I had taken two steps away from the car when another voice stopped me.

“Ah, there you are.”

I spun around, my legs suddenly shaking.

Behind me, Seth stood next to my car. He looked the same as I remembered, his wavy blond hair falling around his face, and his familiar grin sent fear coursing through my body.

Before I could say anything, he opened the driver’s door, punched Wally in the head, and dragged him out of the car.

I leaped, aiming straight for Seth. He lunged under me, a glint of something black and metal in his hand. Pain buzzed through my arm, and my vision swam. I hit the ground hard as the world around me blurred, and then everything went dark.

Chapter forty-one

Ryan

Ididn’t recognize any of the new werewolves, but from the growl that escaped from Michael’s throat, I was guessing some of these were his missing enforcers.

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