Page 180 of Psycho Pack

"And what exactly constitutes 'wrong' in this scenario?" Valek asks, examining his nails with feigned disinterest. "Because I have a feeling our definitions might differ slightly."

"If anyone touches Ivy, they die," Whiskey says flatly.

"If anyone evenlooksat her wrong, they die," Plague adds.

"If anyone breathes in her direction—" Whiskey starts again.

"We get it," Thane interrupts, though I catch the ghost of a smile on his lips. "But try to keep the bloodshed to a minimum until we have what we need. The goal is to snatch the Council bastard for leverage, not start a war. At least, not yet."

The 'yet' hangs in the air between us.

I glance out the window again as the train begins to slow. The ruins have given way to rebuilt sections of a compact city in the middle of nowhere. Gaudy and ostentatious compared to Surhiira's elegant beauty, but impressive in their own way. Neon signs pierce the dark, advertising pleasures and vices of all kinds.

We're getting close now.

Close to the belly of the beast.

And somehow, we have to slay it from the inside out.

"Are we ready?" Thane asks us all.

"Oh, we're ready," Whiskey says with a dangerous grin. "Question is, are they ready for us?"

Looking around at my pack, I can't help but smile.

No.

I don't think they're ready for us at all.

Chapter

Thirty-One

THANE

Iwatch as my pack files off the train, each of them moving with practiced grace despite their unfamiliar finery. The station is bustling with people, even at this hour, but they part around us like water around stones. We command attention without trying.

Exactly what we need.

Even if it sets my teeth on edge.

Ivy looks stunning in her midnight blue gown, drawing appreciative glances that make my hands itch for weapons. Plague and Whiskey flank her protectively while Valek drifts ahead, playing the part of an entitled aristocrat with unsettling ease.

But it's Wraith I need right now.

"A moment," I murmur to him as the others move toward the station exit. He turns those intense blue eyes on me, questioning.

Once the others are out of earshot, I face him fully. "If things go wrong in there," I say quietly, "your only job is to get Ivy out. No heroics. No revenge. Just grab her and run."

His brow furrows beneath his dark hair.

I meet his gaze steadily. "I've already talked with the others about this, but I wanted to make sure we had a one-on-one conversation. I trust you the most. You're my brother," I say roughly. "And I know you'll do whatever it takes to keep her safe."

Wraith is still for a long moment, his massive frame tense beneath the fine black suit. Finally, his hands move.

Always.

"I know you will." I hesitate before squeezing his shoulder. It's not really in my nature to be physically affectionate, but as we near the precipice of either victory or total destruction, it feels right. He blinks at me in surprise. "And, brother… keep yourself alive too. She needs you."

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