Page 75 of Ruthless Reign

Think, Hardin. Where would she go?

I doubted she came all this way just to make it to class on time for morning so it had to be either Kate and Toby’s apartment or Death Before Decaf. The cafe was on the way. I made a sharp right, blowing through a stop sign. The engine of Dad’s truck snarled as I sped toward the Row.

I tried her again on my phone, calling twice when she didn’t answer the first time.

Fuck sakes.

I tried Toby. Nothing.

Kate. No luck.

Of course, there was a third option. Another place she could be. One where I wouldn’t find her so easily.

She could be with him.

My Hawk could’ve gone to our enemy. To Séamas’ son.

To Aodhán.

How long has she been talking to him? At least since the night of the Primal Ethos show in Lodi. I remembered seeing the name on her phone, but like an idiot I fucking forgot.

And then there was the worst possibility of all: could she be working with them? Could she be the rat?

It felt like a betrayal just to think it. Made my stomach twist and heat flare up my back with the kind of rage that begged for release.

Could I do what needed to be done if she…

I couldn’t finish the thought.

No.

I gritted my teeth, hands tightening on the wheel. I didn’t think I could.

It would have to be someone else.

And then I’d fucking kill them.

The front right tire bumped up onto the curb as I hit the brakes and threw the car into park, leaving the driver door open as I stalked into Death Before Decaf.

It was still quiet this early, but the students filling the seats nearest the window scattered, abandoning books and computers as I stormed to the front counter.

“Kate,” I growled and she turned, dropping a takeout latte with a squeal as she laid eyes on me. It erupted as it hit the floor, splattering her pants and apron with scalding milk.

“Fuck,” she hissed. “Hardin, what the—is that blood all over your shirt?”

“Where is Becca?”

Kate’s blue eyes crinkled. “What do you mean ‘where is she?’” the pitch of her voice heightened with worry. “She’s supposed to be with you.”

Not here. Fuck.

“Where’s Toby?”

Maybe he knew something.

Kate shook her head. “He was supposed to be in fifteen minutes ago.”

She must’ve seen something shift in my face because her jaw clenched. “He’s late sometimes, though. I don’t think?—”

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