Page 119 of Seduce Me in Shadow

Mathias leans back, predatory grace in every movement. “A woman with backbone… I haven’t known many human females. Perhaps I should remedy that.”

Sydney’s coy downward glance is perfect. “Is that a yes?”

“Amusing and lovely. But I smell a man on you. A wizard.” Mathias’s reply chills my blood.

My heart shudders to a stop. Can he identify me as her lover? Shit. I didn’t think of that. Does he know she’s been with someone aligned against him?

She glances at Shock, who shrugs. “She fancies my brother. They’ve been nearly inseparable for days.”

Mathias’s gaze dissects Sydney. “Ah, that’s where he’s been. And he convinced you to bring the book to me?”

“It’s my book and my choice,” Sydney counters. “But Shock actually suggested I give it to you. I just have a few questions.”

Every muscle in my body tenses as Mathias weighs her words. He’s deciding whether he believes her. He’s deciding her fate.

Sydney adjusts her bag on her knees, angling the hidden camera. My brave, foolish girl is courting death, because she’sdetermined to get her story, and it’s tearing me apart. I have to get her out without compromising the mission.

“I understand the book has awesome power?”

“Indeed. An object so important to magickind hasn’t been seen in centuries. It will give me the means to provide equality to the Deprived.”

“A commendable goal, but how will the Doomsday Diary help you achieve it? Will you be able to control, say, an entire class of magickind if you chose?”

“The book is shrouded in mystery, and it deserves respect. I must study it carefully. So to answer you now would be premature and rash.”

“Of course,” Sydney counters. “But give me an idea of the things you anticipate being able to do with this diary.”

“Forgive me if I decline to answer your question. Because Shock looks quite protective and you’re Zain’s current amour. I’d prefer not to be…impolite.” The wizard sends her a tight smile. “The book, please.”

Mathias’s tone makes it clear the wizard is done indulging Sydney. She needs to get the hell out.

Fear burns my veins as I mouth to Bram.Now?

He shakes his head.

Fuck all. This is killing me. I clutch my gun so tight that my knuckles turn white. When it comes to work, Sydney doesn’t understand the word “stop.” If she pushes Mathias further, what happened to Anka and Aquarius will look like a picnic.

“In a moment,” Sydney promises. “I’m dying to know… What about your background makes you willing to lead the Deprived out of their oppression and poverty? It’s such an admirable cause, and a favorable story about the inspiration behind your dedication might help rally others to assist.”

With a brow raised, Mathias leans forward and speaks softly. “The time for reporting magickind’s news in your human rag hasended. My presence is still something of a surprise. I prefer to keep it that way. No more questions. The book. Now.”

Give it to him before he kills you and get out!I scream mentally, willing Sydney to heed me.

She frowns. “You understand why I’m reluctant to turn over what is, by your own admission, an awesome weapon without more information.”

“I’m a busy man. By your own admission, my cause is an admirable one, and my attention is better spent on the war and the matter of equality.”

Sydney purses her lips. “Indeed. But I have heard troubling rumors about your treatment of witches. Can you comment?”

“Give him the book, damn it,” Shock snarls, snatching it and shoving it at Mathias. “You came to do that, and now you have. Let’s go.”

Sydney manages to look flustered and irritated. “I wasn’t done asking questions. What about?—”

“Yes, you were,” Shock warns. “Stand up and get out.”

I hope like hell that Sydney heeds him. If she walks out of this warehouse alive, she has no idea the tirade I plan to unleash on her.

“What about Auropha MacKinnett, Anka MacTavish, and others?”

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