Page 245 of Psycho Pack

Nikolai's gaze sweeps over our group, lingering briefly on each face before settling back on me. "Because I find myself intrigued. The most wanted criminals in the Outer Reaches, reaching out through old channels—compromised ones, at that—and playing at being someone they're not..." He spreads his hands. "It reeks of desperation. How could I resist discovering what could possibly be worth such elaborate theater?"

"You could have walked into a trap," I point out, unable to keep the edge from my voice.

He laughs, the sound like breaking glass. "Please. As I said before, let's not patronize each other." His eyes glint dangerously behind those red lenses. "Besides, I brought insurance."

As if on cue, several of the "patrons" around the bar shift slightly, their hands drifting toward concealed weapons. I count at least eight that I can see, which means there are probably twice that many I can't.

"We brought our own," Thane says gruffly, nodding to the Surhiiran guards who remain in position, standing perfectly still yet ready to act with deadly grace at the slightest provocation.

"Of course you did," Nikolai says with a laugh that echoes through the suddenly silent establishment. All eyes are on us, undercover mercenaries and normal patrons alike.

Although now, I'm even starting to second guess that beta at the dart board who isn't acting quite as tipsy as she was before.

Perhaps I am losing my edge after all.

"Now then," Nikolai continues, leaning back in his chair. "Why don't we skip the pretense and get to why you're really here? What could the infamous Ghosts want badly enough to risk exposure? I'm sure you know the Council has its ants scouring every corner of the Outer Reaches for you at this point."

I glance at Thane, deferring to him now that my carefully constructed facade has crumbled. He gives a slight nod, and I feel some of the tension ease from my shoulders.

At least I don't have to keep playing a part that apparently wasn't fooling anyone anyway.

ThoughIstill think I gave a flawless performance.

I lean forward, letting my usual flair drop away as I explain our audacious plan. "The Council thinks we're scattered, broken. They've grown complacent in their hunt for us, and tensions in the war have escalated after the Vrissian hit on that supply train from Reinmich. The Council is facing pressures from all sidesnow—not only from the war, but now the fact that their greatest liabilities have escaped. The perfect time to strike would be now."

When I finish speaking, silence hangs heavy in the air.

Then Nikolai gives a harsh laugh, the sound sharp and jarring in the tense atmosphere.

"Suicidal," he says, sobering quickly. "Absolutely suicidal. But I'll give you credit for creativity. And audacity." His smile turns predatory. "Of course, I'm always willing to send men to die for the right price. But this?" He gestures vaguely. "This is throwing them into a meat grinder."

His eyes narrow behind those red lenses. "And I seriously doubt you have anything left to pay me with after hiring these..." He glances dismissively at the Surhiiran guards. "Security contractors moonlighting as guards to make your little ruse more convincing."

Ah.

So he doesn't know everything, then.

"It's not a ruse," Plague says quietly. His voice carries that dangerous edge I've learned to recognize. "And what if your army wasn't the only one?"

Nikolai's head tilts slightly. "Go on."

Thane leans forward, his massive frame making the chair creak beneath him. "Surhiira has agreed to commit their forces.Ifwe can secure additional troops first."

"Interesting." Nikolai drums his fingers on the table. He still thinks it's bullshit, that much is clear, but he's toying with us. Like a cat with a mouse pinned beneath its paw. "But tell me, why would the most notoriously isolationist nation in the world decide to throw their military might behind a bunch of dead men walking? Isolationist to the point it's easy to forget they exist. Exactly how much of a fool do you take me for to think I'd take your word for it?"

The question hangs unanswered for several moments. I find myself glancing at Ivy, gauging her reaction. But the little omega's mask remains firmly in place. The only reason I can see a hint of anger turning the serene hue of those eyes fiery is because I've spent so long gazing into them, I'd know if a single blue-green fleck disappeared.

Nikolai begins to rise. "You know, Iwasgoing to kill you, but you provided my men with such wonderful entertainment, we'll call it even."

"It's the truth," Thane growls.

"Your word as the disgraced scion of the Hargrove line holds less weight than it once did, my friend," Nikolai sneers. "Now if you'd splurged enough to rope a corrupt Surhiiran official into your little charade,thatwould have been?—"

"What about a crown prince?" Plague asks.

Nikolai freezes mid-motion, eyes tracking Plague's every movement dangerously. His hand goes to the golden firearm on his hip that I mistakenly assumed was just for show, and his guards tense as as Plague draws a blade from his jacket.

Not just any blade, but one bearing the royal crest of Surhiira.

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